Leaves and Things


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.
Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Labels:

http://riverbendramblings.blogspot.com
~Riverbend Ramblings~
The days are long, but the years are short.
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Leaves and Things

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.
Psalm 61:1-4
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. Selah.

Labels:

13 Comments:
Blogger nannykim said...
So true--I thank the Lord for the wonderful and glorious hope we have before us--if it was only this world it would be so sad. Thankfully we have the hope of joy unmeasurable!

Blogger United Studies said...
What an uplifing entry to read! The pictures are beautiful...I envy you seeing that everyday, unlike the cars and concrete we have down here. :-)

Blogger Mrs. Darling said...
Wow you have some wonderful color in your area! Great pics.

Blogger Unknown said...
Beautiful pictures!

And those heartbreaking situations are so sad. I pray that each of them can find much to be grateful for, and thankful for, even in the midst of great heartache and loss.

Blogger Unknown said...
I'll remember your missions conference in prayer. This is such an important time in the hearts of each individual member, a great time to "stretch the envelope" as one pastor friend of ours puts it!
We conclude our missions conference tonight and it has been a TREMENDOUS one! We voted this morning to take on all 3 families that were with us this week. Someone gave a check of $1,000.00 to the youngest couple, the Garcias. Also this week, an individual donated $7200.00 for the building fund of our church's new baby mission church an hour away! God is doing great and mighty things, regardless of what the main stream media portrays day in and day out! LOL

Blogger Paula said...
Pam,
What an encouraging report from your Missions Conference! We are looking forward to a great week. ;)
Blessings,
Mrs. C

Blogger Faith said...
What pretty pics you posted. and I love the verses from Psalm 61....He is truly our Rock to cling to when life is stormy. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend!

Blogger Susan P. said...
I wanted to tell you that it truly touched my heart when I read these words from you, " I hope that the Lord continues to burden my heart to pray for those who are in need." Thank you for such a thought provoking, truthful, and uplifting post.

Blogger Be Inspired Always said...
Beautiful post. Very uplifting and I pray for those people who are going through struggles and heartbreak right now.



Jillian

Blogger Mommy said...
Beautiful pictures. My husband doesn't believe that the South gets color in the Fall. His heart is still in Michigan. :) I'll have to show this to him. Of course he will say that Michigan is prettier; just like he says Michigan's milk tastes better. ;)

We are living in tough times. It is a privledge and blessing to know that God loves and cares about each one of our problems, and we can trust him in any circumstance. Thankfully, these people experiencing these problems have the blessed hope. Still, there is a painful sting when we go through them. Will be in prayer over your friends.

Blogger Mishel said...
The verses from Psalm 61 you posted are among those I've turned to *many* times this past year.

The circumstances you mentioned are indeed huge--and because each of these individuals knows Jesus as their Savior--there is hope. And His grace is *always* sufficient to see us through even the most dire situations.

Thank you for such a hopeful *and* helpful post! Oh--and the pictures are lovely! : )

Blogger ~~Deby said...
......Pray without ceasing.....

Deby
I could not come up with more than that right now

Blogger Jodi said...
Beautiful fall pictures. Isn't it wonderful that we have a Lord that is able to Whom we can carry our burdens? And to know that He delights in our just resting in Him and trusting Him with the outcome of our worries. We are so blessed.

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.