Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prayer. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Prayer request
A friend's brother-in-law was severely injured in an accident a couple of weeks ago. You can read news articles here and here. He has burns over 60% of his body, mostly third degree burns from his ankles to his chest. While he survived the most critical 72-hour window, some infections have been found (on his arm, for example). He has been sedated since his arrival at Chapel Hill (North Carolina) Burn Center. He will likely remain there for six months.
This gentleman's name is Mike McCorquodale, his wife's name is Sondra, and his three little girls are Haley, Kayln, and Riley (ages 1-5).
Please pray for his recovery as well as strength and comfort for his family.
This gentleman's name is Mike McCorquodale, his wife's name is Sondra, and his three little girls are Haley, Kayln, and Riley (ages 1-5).
Please pray for his recovery as well as strength and comfort for his family.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Update on Bill
If you remember, a few days ago I posted a prayer request for a cyber-friend named Bill whose prostate cancer has metastasized up his spine into his shoulders and neck. You folks responded generously with prayers, jokes, anecdotes, funny stories, and other comments designed to lift his spirits.
As of this writing there are well over 100 comments left by you wonderful people.
And oh my goodness, you have no idea how much this meant to him. He emailed me and said, "I saw all of those comments and was totally overwhelmed, and just cried and cried. They meant so much to me, and I don't know how, or where to say something. But, please let them know I am reading every one, though it is taking me some time."
Bill called last night and we talked for three hours. His language skills are fading and this scares the bejeebers out of him, as you can imagine. He often lost the simplest word, and he found it helpful when I was able to fill in a blank for him. The inability to communicate through language -- the most elemental skill for everyone -- is a source of deep frustration for him.
But he can still read, and he's read every single thing you've posted. Bill wanted me to pass on to everyone how much he appreciates your prayers and thoughts. Appreciate doesn't even begin to express the depths to which those comments helped him through some dark hours.
His battle is by no means over. Some readers were generous in sending links to possible treatments (and yes, every single thing that was sent to me, I immediately forwarded to him) but I fear it might be too late. "My brain has been injured by the pain medication, at least according to my docs, but it really scares me which is very embarrassing to me," he writes. "I'm about to start with yet ANOTHER radiating treatment, this time against a thing, a bump thing whose name I knew yesterday! that is growing in the left side of my neck. I am scared that I'm losing more language and words...I may cry on the phone with you. I hope that's OK. I'm a bit scared about it, and that is brand new to me."
Bill did indeed cry a bit on the phone, but frankly not as much as I would were I in his shoes. He gave me permission to post this update and he was fervent in his wish to thank each and every one of you.
By his own admission (especially since he lives alone), Bill needs to get into a nursing home, but he is hampered by the need to sell his condo in order to fund it. He does not want to go on the government dole in order to get into a care facility. I'm asking for additional prayers for him -- for peace of mind, and for a buyer for his condo so he can get the care he needs.
And thank you all for your prayers. I love my readers!
As of this writing there are well over 100 comments left by you wonderful people.
And oh my goodness, you have no idea how much this meant to him. He emailed me and said, "I saw all of those comments and was totally overwhelmed, and just cried and cried. They meant so much to me, and I don't know how, or where to say something. But, please let them know I am reading every one, though it is taking me some time."
Bill called last night and we talked for three hours. His language skills are fading and this scares the bejeebers out of him, as you can imagine. He often lost the simplest word, and he found it helpful when I was able to fill in a blank for him. The inability to communicate through language -- the most elemental skill for everyone -- is a source of deep frustration for him.
But he can still read, and he's read every single thing you've posted. Bill wanted me to pass on to everyone how much he appreciates your prayers and thoughts. Appreciate doesn't even begin to express the depths to which those comments helped him through some dark hours.
His battle is by no means over. Some readers were generous in sending links to possible treatments (and yes, every single thing that was sent to me, I immediately forwarded to him) but I fear it might be too late. "My brain has been injured by the pain medication, at least according to my docs, but it really scares me which is very embarrassing to me," he writes. "I'm about to start with yet ANOTHER radiating treatment, this time against a thing, a bump thing whose name I knew yesterday! that is growing in the left side of my neck. I am scared that I'm losing more language and words...I may cry on the phone with you. I hope that's OK. I'm a bit scared about it, and that is brand new to me."
Bill did indeed cry a bit on the phone, but frankly not as much as I would were I in his shoes. He gave me permission to post this update and he was fervent in his wish to thank each and every one of you.
By his own admission (especially since he lives alone), Bill needs to get into a nursing home, but he is hampered by the need to sell his condo in order to fund it. He does not want to go on the government dole in order to get into a care facility. I'm asking for additional prayers for him -- for peace of mind, and for a buyer for his condo so he can get the care he needs.
And thank you all for your prayers. I love my readers!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Prayer request for Bill
Let me tell you a little story.
About 2 ½ years ago, a few months after I started writing for WorldNetDaily, I wrote a column called Rednecks Vote which was more or less a rant about the snobbery against rural and small-town Americans by the mainstream media and the liberal elites. I found it objectionable when people assume rural folks are too stupid to participate in politics or have intelligent opinions.
I received an email from a gentleman named Bill who related the most extraordinary background. He was raised with wealth and privilege. Private schools, chartered trains (with private train stops), various huge estates… the world of luxury and affluence he described is light-years away from what any of us will ever witness or experience.
But the world of the wealthy elites didn’t appeal to him. When he was a young man, he left most of that behind and instead learned every practical skill he could. He far preferred to work with his hands.
He’s mentored a number of troubled teens over the years, both in person and via the internet. Some he’s watched go astray and then return to the fold. He had a strong Christian conversation a couple decades ago. He obviously has a heart as big as the state in which he lives.
Anyway, Bill and I became cyber friends. Over the years we’ve emailed back and forth, recounting various parts of our histories, cheering each other on, and generally being pals.
He’s inspired a column or two, and I’ve come to admire his rugged independence and fierce admiration for the blue-collar backbone workers of this country. I’ve become very fond of him. Is it possible to love a person you’ve never met? If so, that’s Bill.
Then a couple months ago, quite by accident, he let drop that he has cancer.
Cancer! Alarmed, I requested details so I could be specific in my prayers. He was embarrassed that he let slip his condition and in fact hadn’t realized he had mentioned anything at all – drugs will do that to a person – but then gave a verbal sigh and said maybe God wanted me to know.
So here’s the skinny: Bill has Stage 4 prostate cancer. It has metastasized to both his shoulders and several vertebrae, and he’s receiving radiation in those areas. He writes, “I'm not having a ‘brush’ with death. I'm definitely going to die in about a year. But I look fine, and -- for the most part -- feel fine except for drowsiness, and this damned shoulder.”
Since writing that, his condition has deteriorated. He most certainly doesn't feel "fine" anymore. I don't think he has a year left.
It’s always distressing to face the imminent loss of a friend. But Bill’s condition caught me broadside and I’ve found myself saddened in a way I never thought I’d be – considering I’ve never met him.
But he’s a stalwart soldier, Bill is. Presumably he’s come to terms with whatever God has in store for him, for he continues to be bright and cheerful in his emails.
I asked permission to post a prayer request on my blog. I figure my puny efforts may not be worth much, but multiplied by thousands of readers sending petitions to the Almighty, who knows what might happen? It’s probably too late to pray for recovery, but it’s never too late to pray for a lessening of pain and peace of mind.
But he refused. Gently, but he refused. Strong individualist that he is, he felt awkward accepting such a gesture.
And he fights on. He writes, “I’ve experienced a most amazing increase in my closeness to God such that I’m not afraid. It is precisely the same experience that your friend Cheryl describes in that half hour video you put up in your piece about her – which totally blew me away – that someone else could so clearly, and accurately describe what I had experienced without even knowing me.”
Typical of his generous nature, Bill is asking people to pray for Cheryl rather than him. “She has two kids and a husband who adores her, and need her,” he writes.
Bill admits it’s hard to ask for help. The rugged independence that has marked his life since he was old enough to leave home means sometimes holding out a hand can be difficult.
So I’m asking for him.
Bill needs some help right now. He’s sad and lonely. He's in pain and low in spirits. Being so far away, all I can do is reach out a cyber hand toward him. It seems such a frustratingly small thing to do, but it’s all I have.
It’s taken me months to convince him to let me post this prayer request. Now that he’s reached a stage where he’s letting me, I want to swamp him with love. Hear that? Swamp him.
So post. Everyone, please post something. I’d love to see a thousand comments for him to read. Be upbeat. Be cheerful. Be funny. Bill has a terrific sense of humor, so the odd and quirky and funny would raise his spirits and appeal to his humor.
Please. Pray for Bill.
About 2 ½ years ago, a few months after I started writing for WorldNetDaily, I wrote a column called Rednecks Vote which was more or less a rant about the snobbery against rural and small-town Americans by the mainstream media and the liberal elites. I found it objectionable when people assume rural folks are too stupid to participate in politics or have intelligent opinions.
I received an email from a gentleman named Bill who related the most extraordinary background. He was raised with wealth and privilege. Private schools, chartered trains (with private train stops), various huge estates… the world of luxury and affluence he described is light-years away from what any of us will ever witness or experience.
But the world of the wealthy elites didn’t appeal to him. When he was a young man, he left most of that behind and instead learned every practical skill he could. He far preferred to work with his hands.
He’s mentored a number of troubled teens over the years, both in person and via the internet. Some he’s watched go astray and then return to the fold. He had a strong Christian conversation a couple decades ago. He obviously has a heart as big as the state in which he lives.
Anyway, Bill and I became cyber friends. Over the years we’ve emailed back and forth, recounting various parts of our histories, cheering each other on, and generally being pals.
He’s inspired a column or two, and I’ve come to admire his rugged independence and fierce admiration for the blue-collar backbone workers of this country. I’ve become very fond of him. Is it possible to love a person you’ve never met? If so, that’s Bill.
Then a couple months ago, quite by accident, he let drop that he has cancer.
Cancer! Alarmed, I requested details so I could be specific in my prayers. He was embarrassed that he let slip his condition and in fact hadn’t realized he had mentioned anything at all – drugs will do that to a person – but then gave a verbal sigh and said maybe God wanted me to know.
So here’s the skinny: Bill has Stage 4 prostate cancer. It has metastasized to both his shoulders and several vertebrae, and he’s receiving radiation in those areas. He writes, “I'm not having a ‘brush’ with death. I'm definitely going to die in about a year. But I look fine, and -- for the most part -- feel fine except for drowsiness, and this damned shoulder.”
Since writing that, his condition has deteriorated. He most certainly doesn't feel "fine" anymore. I don't think he has a year left.
It’s always distressing to face the imminent loss of a friend. But Bill’s condition caught me broadside and I’ve found myself saddened in a way I never thought I’d be – considering I’ve never met him.
But he’s a stalwart soldier, Bill is. Presumably he’s come to terms with whatever God has in store for him, for he continues to be bright and cheerful in his emails.
I asked permission to post a prayer request on my blog. I figure my puny efforts may not be worth much, but multiplied by thousands of readers sending petitions to the Almighty, who knows what might happen? It’s probably too late to pray for recovery, but it’s never too late to pray for a lessening of pain and peace of mind.
But he refused. Gently, but he refused. Strong individualist that he is, he felt awkward accepting such a gesture.
And he fights on. He writes, “I’ve experienced a most amazing increase in my closeness to God such that I’m not afraid. It is precisely the same experience that your friend Cheryl describes in that half hour video you put up in your piece about her – which totally blew me away – that someone else could so clearly, and accurately describe what I had experienced without even knowing me.”
Typical of his generous nature, Bill is asking people to pray for Cheryl rather than him. “She has two kids and a husband who adores her, and need her,” he writes.
Bill admits it’s hard to ask for help. The rugged independence that has marked his life since he was old enough to leave home means sometimes holding out a hand can be difficult.
So I’m asking for him.
Bill needs some help right now. He’s sad and lonely. He's in pain and low in spirits. Being so far away, all I can do is reach out a cyber hand toward him. It seems such a frustratingly small thing to do, but it’s all I have.
It’s taken me months to convince him to let me post this prayer request. Now that he’s reached a stage where he’s letting me, I want to swamp him with love. Hear that? Swamp him.
So post. Everyone, please post something. I’d love to see a thousand comments for him to read. Be upbeat. Be cheerful. Be funny. Bill has a terrific sense of humor, so the odd and quirky and funny would raise his spirits and appeal to his humor.
Please. Pray for Bill.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
"We don't know yet."
See UPDATE and ADDITIONAL UPDATE below.
The girls and I came home late this afternoon from our weekly jaunt into Spokane for Younger Daughter's music lesson. Nearly at the point where we turn off to get to our house, we came upon the scene of an accident.
We saw one truck rolled on its side, but in the chaos of trying to inch past the emergency vehicles, not much else registered. (Older Daughter was trying to get pictures but we went by before she got the hang of the camera.)
Then a couple hours later when I got a choked call from our neighbor, Maid Elizabeth. "Please pray for Zach," she said. "He's down at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow (Idaho)." All she knew was that he was in a car accident.
No, I don't know if it was the same accident I saw. Probably not. But the coincidence was rattling.
Zach "Smith" is 18 years old and as nice a young man as you'll ever meet. The whole "Smith" family is one of those close-knit, truly decent families that you seldom find nowadays. I have no doubt that Zach's accident was truly an accident, not a result of wild or irresponsible driving on his part because he's not a wild or irresponsible kind of fellow.
As of this writing, we don't know his condition or prognosis. But it hurts to think of this giant (6'4") sturdy young man facing unknown injuries down at Gritman.
Please say a prayer for his recovery. I'll post updates as I get them.
____________________________
UPDATE: I didn't sleep well last night, worrying about Zach. So early this morning I emailed a mutual friend to see if she knew Zach's status. She replied right away:
Zach came home last night. He hit a moose and tore the top of his car off and left the car in pieces. His right shoulder and arm are bothering him, but x-rays showed no broken bones. He is very bruised and swollen, but in reality, walked away. Only by the grace of God!
Thank the good Lord above! And thank you all for your prayers. God is good.
____________________________
ADDITIONAL UPDATE: I spoke to Zach's grandmother this morning. Apparently the accident was worse than we thought. The moose shattered the windshield (Zach still has glass in his eyes) and peeled off the roof of the car. Because of Zach's height, he got thiiiis close to being decapitated. Any animal big enough to take the roof off a car is big enough to take a head off of shoulders.
Zach was sleeping when I called, and his grandmother sounded pretty shaken. This family's strong faith is upholding them.
Near-misses are frightening things. And no, the moose didn't make it.
The girls and I came home late this afternoon from our weekly jaunt into Spokane for Younger Daughter's music lesson. Nearly at the point where we turn off to get to our house, we came upon the scene of an accident.
We saw one truck rolled on its side, but in the chaos of trying to inch past the emergency vehicles, not much else registered. (Older Daughter was trying to get pictures but we went by before she got the hang of the camera.)
Then a couple hours later when I got a choked call from our neighbor, Maid Elizabeth. "Please pray for Zach," she said. "He's down at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow (Idaho)." All she knew was that he was in a car accident.
No, I don't know if it was the same accident I saw. Probably not. But the coincidence was rattling.
Zach "Smith" is 18 years old and as nice a young man as you'll ever meet. The whole "Smith" family is one of those close-knit, truly decent families that you seldom find nowadays. I have no doubt that Zach's accident was truly an accident, not a result of wild or irresponsible driving on his part because he's not a wild or irresponsible kind of fellow.
As of this writing, we don't know his condition or prognosis. But it hurts to think of this giant (6'4") sturdy young man facing unknown injuries down at Gritman.
Please say a prayer for his recovery. I'll post updates as I get them.
____________________________
UPDATE: I didn't sleep well last night, worrying about Zach. So early this morning I emailed a mutual friend to see if she knew Zach's status. She replied right away:
Zach came home last night. He hit a moose and tore the top of his car off and left the car in pieces. His right shoulder and arm are bothering him, but x-rays showed no broken bones. He is very bruised and swollen, but in reality, walked away. Only by the grace of God!
Thank the good Lord above! And thank you all for your prayers. God is good.
____________________________
ADDITIONAL UPDATE: I spoke to Zach's grandmother this morning. Apparently the accident was worse than we thought. The moose shattered the windshield (Zach still has glass in his eyes) and peeled off the roof of the car. Because of Zach's height, he got thiiiis close to being decapitated. Any animal big enough to take the roof off a car is big enough to take a head off of shoulders.
Zach was sleeping when I called, and his grandmother sounded pretty shaken. This family's strong faith is upholding them.
Near-misses are frightening things. And no, the moose didn't make it.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Violating Federal Case Law
Your Sunday morning thought. This was sent by a reader. I don't know if it's true or if it's an urban myth, but it makes for a good read.
________________________________
This is a statement that was read over the PA system at the football game at Roane County High School in Kingston, Tennessee by school Principal Jody McLeod.
"It has always been the custom at Roane County High School football games, to say a prayer and play the National Anthem, to honor God and Country.
“Due to a recent ruling by the Supreme Court, I am told that saying a prayer is a violation of Federal Case Law. As I understand the law at this time, I can use this public facility to approve of sexual perversion and call it "an alternate life style," and if someone is offended, that's OK.
“I can use it to condone sexual promiscuity by dispensing condoms and calling it "safe sex." If someone is offended, that's OK.
“I can even use this public facility to present the merits of killing an unborn baby as a "viable means of birth control." If someone is offended, no problem...
“I can designate a school day as "Earth Day" and involve students in activities to worship religiously and praise the goddess "Mother Earth" and call it "ecology."
“I can use literature, videos and presentations in the classroom that depicts people with strong, traditional Christian convictions as "simple minded" and "ignorant" and call it "enlightenment.”
“However, if anyone uses this facility to honor GOD and to ask HIM to Bless this event with safety and good sportsmanship, then Federal Case Law is violated.
“This appears to be inconsistent at best, and at worst, diabolical. Apparently, we are to be tolerant of everything and anyone, except GOD and HIS Commandments.
”Nevertheless, as a school principal I frequently ask staff and students to abide by rules with which they do not necessarily agree. For me to do otherwise would be inconsistent at best, and at worst, hypocritical... I suffer from that affliction enough unintentionally. I certainly do not need to add an intentional transgression.
“For this reason, I shall "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's," and refrain from praying at this time.
"However, if you feel inspired to honor, praise and thank GOD and ask HIM in the name of JESUS, to bless this event, please feel free to do so. As far as I know, that's not against the law----yet."
One by one, the people in the stands bowed their heads, held hands with one another and began to pray.
They prayed in the stands. They prayed in the team huddles. They prayed at the concession stand and they prayed in the Announcer's Box.
The only place they didn't pray was in the Supreme Court of the United States of America – the Seat of "Justice" in the "one nation, under GOD."
JESUS said, "If you are ashamed of ME before men, then I will be ashamed of you before MY FATHER."
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Amen!
Sometimes we all need a kick in the pants during our daily hassles....
A friend just sent me this prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day ("who really ought to get a job") is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day That of all the gifts you give us Lord, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world.
A friend just sent me this prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.
Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.
Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day ("who really ought to get a job") is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.
Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.
Heavenly Father, remind us each day That of all the gifts you give us Lord, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.
Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement plan is out of this world.
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