Friends, I've been on a bit of an emotional roller coaster lately so I've been a little quiet here. In the last two weeks we very nearly bought a house that was in foreclosure - but was beat out by an investor who paid cash for it. I loved that house ... it had a gorgeous custom kitchen and it sat on a small lake. In my heart, I had already moved in. So I really grieved the loss. Then, my daughter's friend's father died in a boating accident on Monday evening. And I grieved heavily for her and her family. The poor girl - her name is Maddie and she is in the 4th grade - wound up with a burst appendix and had to have surgery on Thursday evening. She did come through the surgery fine. But please pray for the Drake family.
This is the time of year (May) when I lost my mom when I was a teenager. Also, about this time last year we lost my father-in-law, whom I adored. So Maddie's loss hooked into my own losses and I grieved them all over again.
Also, Vickie from Nigeria posted yesterday to tell us that her 14 year-old son died May 29 after a short illness. Please read her precious post if you have time, and definitely pray for her and her family. Loss is hard and it is tempting to blame God in these circumstances rather than to turn to Him. But He is the Father of Compassion and the God of All Comfort, and He can be trusted.
In John 14:8 Jesus declares, "I will not leave you comfortless."
We'll start reading next woman of the Bible in a day or so.
Rachel, I'm so sorry to hear all that you have been through. You are in my prayers as well as the others (your daughter, her friend and her family, your Mom, etc.) I read Vicki's post yesterday about her son and have put a post on my blog I thought just for her but I see there may be others who need it also. It is taken from a card that I used when doing a card ministry. I think we both used the same verse. Hope you will vist and read the post.
ReplyDeleteThis group has certainly bonded, you should read some of their blogs if you have the time. There was a lot ministry going on. Praise God. It has been such a blessing to me especially since I have been out of church for most of this past year recovering from back surgery.
God bless you and your family and others that you are ministering to,
AliceE.
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteDo understand the situation you are in. I pray for God's peace and comfort to you,for Maddie's and Vicki's families. God Bless you.
I understand your grief, Rachel. My mother died when I was 8, just a few days before Christmas. Every day I miss her, but it makes Christmas time a bittersweet time.
ReplyDeleteJesus said, "Come to me, all who have a heavy burden, and I'll give you rest." I know from experience that grief is a heavy burden, and I know that Jesus can help with carrying it.
Vickie, the Drake family, Rachel, and the many others who are grieving, I pray that you find rest and comfort in the Lord.
♥Susan
Rachel
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know what is going on. I feel for the family and will pray for them. I lost my Mom in 2006. Recently there have been several deaths of people we know and I attended a funeral right before Mothers day. It stirred a lot of emotions up. So I wrote in my Blog (Titled "Wish you were here" if you want.) Then another friend lost her Mom 2 weeks ago. I've noticed that the distance of time does help, but it does still sting our emotions. I don't physically know you in person, but your heart and spirit comes through you posts to us women. The Bible says we know them by their fruit. I know you must be a very sweet loving caring person. You have brought all of us women here to help each other and learn.
I will keep you and the Drakes and Vicki in my prayers.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be affraid.
Be Blessed,
Lynn
Rachel and Vickie ~ my you feel the Lord arms around you like you have never felt before! I will be praying!
ReplyDeleteIn Christ's love ~
Rachel, I knew something must be up...you never go for that long without posting. I am lifting you and those you mentioned in prayer right now. God Bless you, Rachel.
ReplyDeletePrayers and Blessings,
Rebecca
Rachel, I always feel like I am a month behind on all my reading, so I rarely read the latest post first!
ReplyDeleteI am glad I did. I pray for spiritual boldness and comfort in those surrounding you, your family and the Drake family.
May the prayers be lifted up so that God's love reigns down!
Diana, San Antonio, TX
Dear Rachel: My heart and my prayers are going out for you. He is the lifter of your head. May His peace and faithfulness and provision be so evident to you during this time. Also will be praying for the Drake Family and for our sister in the Lord far away. Thanks for sharing and trusting us with your heart.
ReplyDeleteRachel,
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you, the Drakes and w/ Vicki.
I, too, lost my mother when I was a teenager...just four days after my 17th birthday. But I do not grieve as the world grieves. I know she's w/ the Lord and we will be together again one day for eternity.
Blessings to you all, my sisters.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you, the Drakes, and Vicki. May the God of All Comfort minister to each of you at your point of need.
Blessings to All,
Plant Lady
Oh sweet Rachel...
ReplyDeleteI am praying.
Can't wait to give you a hug in just a few weeks.
Love you sister!
Rachel, I feel there is a host of ladies that are lifting you up to the throne room of God. May you sense His comfort, power, strength. . and peace!
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that Vickie is reading this post. We lost a teenage son and I understand the heartache and grief. The following poem was given to us and it meant so much.
"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said,
For you to love - while he lives
And mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years
Or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?
He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,
And should this stay be brief
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.
I've looked this world over
In search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd
Life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
Nor count the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to
Take him back again?"
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run,
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that come
And try to understand.
by Edgar Guest
Rachel, thanks for all that you do for so many. May the Lord bless you abundantly!
Mary
I too, am sorry to hear about your heartaches! I will be praying for you and for your daughter to be used as a shining light in her friend's world right now. I will also continue to lift up all my sisters here who ask for prayer.
ReplyDeleteI do intend on completing the study questions on the sinful woman. Like I posted before... I am dragging my feet on this one. But, I'm not giving up.
Blessings to you all!
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI have been waiting eagerly for your next post. I LOVE the study. I have really been on an emotional roller coaster myself. My best friend lost her dad, and my parents (my dad is a pastor) has had unfair critisism over preaching the Gospel and not"watering" it down to make it more tolerable. Emotions are not something we can put our faith in. They are up and down. But our God is ALWAYS on the throne, interceding for us. He loves us and wants what is best for us. My heart hurts for you and for Vicki and for the Drake family. But....."when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be......
Love,
Kelly
Rachel. I'm going to be lifting you up in prayer this week. I pray that you will feel God's comfort and strength this week.
ReplyDeleteKim, Tifton, Ga
One more thing....God is using you to minister to other people. Satan DOES NOT LIKE THAT AT ALL!!!!He will attack you to try to cause you to doubt in God. My prayers will be with you that God will give you the grace you need to defeat the Evil One.
ReplyDeletePraying for every women in this study,
Kelly
I'm so sorry for the losses, Vicki and Rachel. May God's peace be your covering. Vickie - you show such strength, that could only come from our Heavenly Father. You are obviously in a close relationship with Him. May God continue to give you His strength and peace.
ReplyDeleteRachel, I've done that too, where it felt like something was mine before I had it. It was years ago with a job opportunity I had when I was a single mom. It was down to two people, myself and someone else, but the other person got it. I was so devestated as I thought this job was so perfect for me. I cried out to God and searched His word. He gave me a wonderful verse about accomplishing His purpose in my life, and that His word would not return to Him void, but it would accomplish the purpose in which He sent it (in Isaiah somewhere). It was exactly what I needed to hear. I think it was just a few weeks later that I did get "the perfect job". I knew it was God who sent it and I was very blessed through it. Maybe the house was meant for you though, I don't know. I just remember feeling the same, and remember how God came through for me. God bless and protect you. Praying for you!
Connie, Canada
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteGlad you are back with us. I'm praying for you for I know you must be exhausted. I'm sure you are doing your best to minister to Maddie and her family as well as dealing with your own daughters feelings. My Daddy passed away December 19, 1971 when I was 13. We buried him on Christmas Eve morning. After I had children of my own I would always over-do Christmas. I was always trying to make it so special for my boys. But I still felt empty. One year I even got really depressed and I didn't even know it. The wife of our children's church pastor came to minister to me one day and she brought up the fact that this was the time of year that my Dad had passed away. I was so thankful for her because at least now I knew why I was so emotional during the Christmas season. It's been over 30 years and it is still a painful time of year for me but that's a good thing because it makes me focus more on the true reason for the season. Poor, little Maddie. My heart goes out to her. I also had a ruptured appendix at the age of 11 so I kind of feel a bond with her. Maddie and her family will be in my prayers. Thank you again for this Bible Study for because of your obedience, a small town girl in Southeast Missouri is praying for a sister in Nigeria who is grieving the loss of a precious child. Rachel, take all the time you need. We can be patient. After all, hasn't that been in many of our studies. How to be patient and wait on God? We will be patient and wait for you.
Take care of yourself.
Love in Christ,
Dana
P.S. Don't give up on your dream home. God works miracles EVERY DAY.
The last few years of my mother's life she suffered from dimentia. One day she asked where her mom and dad were and why they didn't come to see her. When I explained to her that they had both passed away and were waiting for her in heaven she had the saddest look on her face and said, You mean I'm an orphan? Even at 85 she felt like and orphan. I didn't really understand that feeling until she passed away and I too felt like an orphan. Praise the Lord that we have a heavenly Father that loves us more than anyone can and has promised us a heavenly home! I know that the pain of lossing a love one is pretty intense and I will be praying for all of you that have suffered that loss.
ReplyDeleteRachel, you did not get that house but the Lord has something much better instore for you! - Sylvia
Rachel, know that the prayers of the saints are with you. You are truly a blessing to us. Here are a few passages from "Joy for the Journey"--Promises about resting in God's Peace. May his peace be with all of you...
ReplyDeleteBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ; mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 2
Rest in the Lord today. Be refreshed and restored with the knowledge of His goodness and faithfulness.
Grace, peace and love...
Linda -Columbus OH
Rachel, know that the prayers of the saints are with you. You are truly a blessing to us. Here are a few passages from "Joy for the Journey"--Promises about resting in God's Peace. May his peace be with all of you...
ReplyDeleteBe anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Phil. 4:6-7
Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27
To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ; mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. Jude 2
Rest in the Lord today. Be refreshed and restored with the knowledge of His goodness and faithfulness.
Grace, peace and love...
Linda -Columbus OH
I'll be praying for all of you. May you all be comforted in our Lord.
ReplyDeleteGerri
Rachel and Vicki you are in our prayers. My former church's prayer grapevine has prayer request regarding those who have been involved in car accidents and I read about Steven Curtis Chapmans' child and then I received an email requesting prayer for a child who is in a coma due to almost the same kind of accident(grandpa was backing out the car and didn't see the three year old run behind the car...When I shared this with others they said that they also know of similar stories...
ReplyDeleteThe scripture that comes to mind is that when the enemy comes in like a flood - God raises up a standard...
I don't know what it means to raise up a standard...but I do know that He that is in us is Greater than He that is in the World..what the enemy means for evil God will use for good.
Rachel and Vicki you are in our prayers. My former church's prayer grapevine has prayer request regarding those who have been involved in car accidents and I read about Steven Curtis Chapmans' child and then I received an email requesting prayer for a child who is in a coma due to almost the same kind of accident(grandpa was backing out the car and didn't see the three year old run behind the car...When I shared this with others they said that they also know of similar stories...
ReplyDeleteThe scripture that comes to mind is that when the enemy comes in like a flood - God raises up a standard...
I don't know what it means to raise up a standard...but I do know that He that is in us is Greater than He that is in the World..what the enemy means for evil God will use for good.
Rachel and Vicki you are in our prayers. My former church's prayer grapevine has prayer request regarding those who have been involved in car accidents and I read about Steven Curtis Chapmans' child and then I received an email requesting prayer for a child who is in a coma due to almost the same kind of accident(grandpa was backing out the car and didn't see the three year old run behind the car...When I shared this with others they said that they also know of similar stories...
ReplyDeleteThe scripture that comes to mind is that when the enemy comes in like a flood - God raises up a standard...
I don't know what it means to raise up a standard...but I do know that He that is in us is Greater than He that is in the World..what the enemy means for evil God will use for good.
Hello Rachel -
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you all. I hope that you and your families feel God's loving arms around you.
In Him,
Amy T
Okay, I was in tears reading these posts. Thank you Mary and Alice and so many others. I have not lost a child or a parent yet. I grieve with all of you that have. My prayers are with you and my heart-felt condolences too.
ReplyDeleteYour sister in Christ,
Karen in California
Good morning Ladies,
ReplyDeleteI am Sooooo greatful for the prayers, thank you! I am doing so much better.
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything. He has had his hands on me the entire time, wow he is such a awesome God.
Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about your week. I am praying for you, as well as the other family's. Having had a close family member pass away recently I can for sure feel yours and there pain. Bless you all.
Sharon
Rachel, I am lifting you up in my prayers along with the others that have been mentioned on this blog. It's so good to be able to live across the world and be able to pray for each other.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray for God to bless you and the strength to help this family where it is needed.
Sharron in Louisiana
Rachel and Vicki,
ReplyDeleteI'm so very sorry ladies! I will be praying for your hearts and healing today whenever I think of you!
Much love to you both
Rachel and Vicki - prayers, love and e-hugs for you both.
ReplyDeleteRachel and all the others who have experienced any loss lately..I empathize with every one of you...I remember the loss I felt on 9/11. I remember waking on that morning and what a beautiful day it was, the best of that September. I remember having 5 people I knew alive that morning and by the afternoon they were all dead..I'm sure all of use can remember that day very well..it is the ones, like myself, who knew the hero's that lost their lives for this country.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter's best friend, all of 8 year's old, lost her Father. A woman who had a husband that took care of her and worshiped the ground she walked on, lost also. The streets of NYC were never the same after that and the view we always saw coming down Route 208 in NJ could no longer see the towers in all their glory...We lost a lot and life goes one.
Only the Lord knows when a death or a loved one will be taken...we can cry out to Him and ask why? We just don't have the answer. Since 9/11 2 years to the day I lost my brother-in-law to cancer, and my girlfriend who was killed by her husband. I had to seek help because it was tearing me apart...I just knew that all the Lord wanted was for me to seek Him during this time. Use the tools the Holy Spirit gave us..the one when we don't know where to look or what to say...He is all we need.
I pray that the hurt you feel now will be healed when the time is right. And that God will use all of you who have felt the hurt I've gone through, experience the peace that passes all understanding. He will use you like He did myself..I promise...God Bless you Rachel, Maddie and Vickies Families also.
Love Donna
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI pray GOD's perfect peace over you and your family including the Drake family. May GOD rest his hands upon you all and bring you comfort during these trials. I also read Vickie's post and she is in my prayers as well as you and yours. Surely, this too shall pass. You are HIS precious daughter, there is nothing he will withhold from you. Know that HE will never leave you nor forsake you. May you be lifted up!
In my prayers,
LaTonya/FL
Rachel ~ I did like the way you had your last lesson. I just didn't post about it since it became long and I wrote it on paper. Perhaps many others did the same.
ReplyDeleteMany years ago we found a house that was perfect. We were beat out of it dishonestly by the selling realtor. It was a hard loss. I drove past that house for many years in my coming and goings. At first I had to pray to not be bitter. Then as the years passed I realized that it was really for the best, but still I longed for the unanswered ... well, what if. It took many years to see that Gods hand was truly in it and He knew best. Perhaps someday you will know why or at least sense that it was for the best. I hope that for you.
My prayers are for you and your friends. May God's love comfort them and you. So many tender, sad and hurting hearts.
I wrote a note to Vickie in yesterday's notes, but saw your note today along with all the postings. I sat with my husband at lunch today and as he started to say grace, I said, can I pray? So I thanked the Lord for our food and started to go on, but burst into tears. So many of us carry heavy hearts for the pain that is being shared by this group. Please indulge me as I share one more thing. It was a life experience for me.
Years ago, I had a friend who shared many heavy burdens with me. It began to weigh me down. As I was riding in my car one day I was praying for her. Suddenly my back began to hurt and the pain was the worst ever. I then started to pray and ask God "what is this all about?" It's as if God spoke to me and said. You must not carry the burden of your friend - that is why your back hurts. The burden is too heavy for you. You must lift these prayers up to me and let me carry the burden. I quickly agreed and my back pain went away as quickly as it came. God knows how to get my attention.
My love and hugs to my sisters here. I am praying for you.
JoBeth
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog or should I say God led me to your blog. Anyway, thank you for your transparency and I will be praying for you. We share your grief my husband and I ended up in the deepest most sorrowful valley we have ever experienced... you see our precious 15 year old daughter chose to go home and be with Jesus. As her friends say she is "partying with Jesus." I love knowing that; however, it does not ease our pain and loss. Her name was Rachel Elizabeth. It has been a little over a month now and we haven't even gotten on the roller coaster yet, we are still trudging through this valley. We ARE praising Him in this storm though. She was a beautiful young Christian woman and are comforted knowing we will see her again someday bit for now we hurt. We miss her so. Her brother is in the US Army stationed in North Carolina all alone in his grief. His story is a praise and one that she would be very proud of... he has been running from his faith for a while. Since the death of his sister, he has re-evaluated a lot of things and is preparing his testimony to share with others. He wants to be able to help others that experience a loss due to suicide. Hallelujah!
Again, thank you for your blog and God bless!!!
Georgia
www.easysite.com/fulenwiderfamily, you may meet our precious Rachel and our family there!
To all my sisters-in-Christ... sometimes words aren't enough, but you only need one Word...
ReplyDeleteAll I could whisper was "Jesus"
I was torn in the depths of despair
All I could whisper was Jesus
His name alone was my prayer
All I could murmur was Jesus
He knew all my struggles and pain
He knew my requests all unspoken
While I softly cried out His name
Bound in the depth of His mercy
Held fast in the shade of His care
His sweet gentle name was my refuge
Anchored safe in that harbor of prayer.
-B.G. Alexander
Susan - VA
Daughter, mother, and wife to three treasures in heaven
I am sorry for your lost,Rachel and Vicki..
ReplyDeleteI pray that Jesus comforts you and keep u under his precious wings.
God loves you.We do too
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteWow, what a difficult time you are facing. My heart goes out to you, your family, and the Drake family. I can't imagine the pain that they must be enduring right now. You and the Drake family will be in my prayers. I know that present hurts can easily trigger the past. It is like an old wound that was injured all over again. It is so painful when that same place gets hit.
May the Lord keep you close in his arms during this time.
Tina in Indiana.
I have been following along the whole time but I haven't posted for awhile. I am always looking for your new post though and look
ReplyDeleteforward to them all. My prayers are with you all who are going through disapointments, and hurts and loss. You have had a lot to deal with Rachel. I have never had
a home of my own, but I often drive by houses in our town and wonder if I will ever get to live in a home. It's unlikey, as I am now getting old, 63, but it's been ok. I will go find the post of the
lady who lost her child. Thank you
again for all the hope you all give me.
Laura's mom
Rachel I enjoy the study format Questions helps to process and mediate on the scriptures.
ReplyDeleteRachel: I missed you and everyone else. It's so refreshing to know that you can still be transparent and not always be so "blessed and highly favored" that you can't confront everyday life. I have my own struggles as well as everyday I am finding myself wanting to accept defeat, however I realize that I am not by myself and despite my many flaws, Christ still lives in me. I love you all, I will pray for the Drakes as well as everyone else.
ReplyDeleteHello Everyone, I been out the loop for a minute, due to Graduation and traveling, but I send prayer's up for everyone who has lost a love one, and I pray the peace of God over you and your families.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to all of you suffering loss. Each time we face this undesired event we can only seek the Lord and pray for His comfort, understanding, love as we allow ourselves to release the grieving to Jesus. I continue to pray for each request.
ReplyDeleteTo my dear Sisters in Christ,
ReplyDeleteI feel so overwhelmed at the loses that so many of you are suffering at this time. I, of course, have lifted all of you up in prayer and will continue to do so.
To Vicki & Georgia ~ where do I begin? The loss of a child has to be the most devastating of all losses. I have done some searching on the internet and have found the following sites which may offer you some comfort:
http://www.compassionatefriends.org/, http://www.copefoundation.org/
Prayer for Those Who Have Committed Suicide
Bless, O God of eternal life,all who have died by their own hand. Grant them peace from their inner turmoil and the compassion of your love. Comfort those who mourn their loved ones. Strengthen them to face the questions of pain, the guilt and anger, the irreparable loss. Help us to reach out in love to others who prefer death to the choices of life and to their families who grieve.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Source of the above prayer: Beliefnet prayer circle
The following is from:
http://gigibeads.net/
prayerbeads/prayers/
lossofchild.html
· Make the wind to blow upon my face that I may feel my child's sweet breath.
· Make your hand to touch upon my breast that I may feel my child's warm body.
· Make your lips to whisper in my ear that I may hear the sound of my child's voice.
· Make your eyes to lay upon my sorrow that I may remember my child's face.
· Make your angels to sing for me that I may hear my child's laughter.
· Make your heavens to shine bright above that I may hold onto my child's love.
· Make the sun to lighten up this darkness that I may be at peace.
Most Gracious Lord, I give you thanks for the gift that was given to me through the love of this child. Grant me now, the gift of peace as I lay my child in your loving arms. May I in time come to hold true in my heart the knowledge of union again with my beloved one. In the name of our most precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen
For little Maddie, my heart weeps. That poor little child of God most be so devastated and confused. I know that our Lord is shinning a very special light upon her and her family at this most grievous time.
I have lost both of my parents, my father when I was 27, and my mother when I was 54. When my mother died, I remember telling my brother, who is 14 years
older than I am, “Now, we are orphans.”
The death of a loved one is never easy, even when you are expecting it, and even praying that they will go home to Jesus
just to ease their pain and suffering here on earth.
My heartfelt sympathy and prayers go out to each and every one of you.
And, to Rachel, how can we ever thank you for all that you have done to bring this wonderful group of ladies together in Jesus' love & unity? You are indeed both blessed & anointed. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart.
In God’s love,
Karyl
Bonners Ferry, ID <*////><
.comHi everyone...I have been unable to read all of Rachel's and your comments for almost two months...computer problems and personal issues...anyhow, I have alot of catching up to do and I intend to read everything and every word I missed..so know that even though I was not participating these last couple of months, my heart and prayers were with all my Sisters in Christ. I felt empty because I have gotten so much out of this Bible study over the last few months...but I'm back after four moves and now working fulltime but I'm still here. I extend my condolences for all the losses and unpleasant experiences each and everyone of you has gone through and lift each and everyone of you up in prayer and know this, we are not alone...HE SEES ALL AND HEARS ALL AND IS OUR PROTECTOR AND OUR FATHER AND LOVES US ALL EVEN WHEN WE DON'T LOVE OURSELVES...HE LOVES US! Be Blessed.Jo Ann here in Denver
ReplyDelete