#I really do need to pray about the divorce situation more because the Bible is very plain how we are supposed to treat divorce and

[thegreenleavesofspring]

.

Me: *on the phone with my mother* Yeah God has me in a holding pattern right now so I'm just chilling.

*two days later* Stuff Starts Happening

Which. Don't get me wrong. It's good stuff and stuff I've been praying for for awhile now but also... it is going to be Tiring and Inconvenient to deal with and the holding pattern the boys and I have been in has been remarkably comfortable, actually, and I am reluctant to face the exertion and weariness that the process of this Stuff is going to require and...

Anyway, don't mind me, just complaining about blessings again. XP

(I'm just. I already know good and well that I am going to be Tired for the next few months. Really really Tired. Even with trusting and praying it's still going to take mental and physical energy and also concern for my children and it's just. Gack.)

(Actually maybe I need to be praying that I will soon meet a dependable, trustworthy babysitter so that my children can get to know and trust them before the impending periods of hours of separation. And yeah yeah "Bri just hours?" but keep in mind my children have never been separated from me except once, my eldest stayed with my in-laws while I was in the hospital giving birth to my second son and that Did Not Go Well. Indeed my youngest never even experienced the usual separation anxiety phase that happens around a year old because he has never been without me.

Add to that that we don't actually know ANYONE in the area. Like at all. Except my mother, who is currently without transportation and who I don't... fully... trust to watch my kids for like... four hours. Or longer.

Anyway this has been weighing on me and I don't know why it hasn't occurred to me to pray about it before.)

On another note, when the CPS dude visited today he asked if we were going to be okay (re: my husband no longer providing any financial support at all) and I said yes, because we have no other choice but to be, and we just sort of looked at each other. But I didn't come off as worried because even though I know already that next month is going to be challenging, I also have full trust that God has not brought us this far just to drop us now. Just because I don't know yet what He has planned doesn't mean He doesn't have a plan and also I think I've maybe gotten a glimpse at it? Little bitty glimpse? Just takes a certain amount of effort on my part.

...yes I'm a bit lazy. XP

[officialwittek]

pt. 5

*texts are fake, but these are mine* 

word count: 1,966

I have to be dreaming right? There’s no way on god’s green earth that he knows. I can’t believe he heard our conversation. I want to die in a hole. I look at the time and it’s nearly 3:00am. so I can’t call my friends since they’re all asleep. I toss and turn for what feels like years before slowly drifting to sleep

--

*the next day*

The rest of the girls decided to join us for lunch as well, I quickly get dressed and knock on Carly’s door to let her know that I’m ready. She comes out almost immediately and we both head to the restaurant in my car. I can tell she knows something is wrong, but she doesn’t ask the entire ride. We spot our other friends in a corner booth in the back and make our way over. We make small talk and lay out our schedules for the day.

“So... Sage, what happened last night?” Natalie asks, a concerned look on her face, our friends look at her in confusion

“Todd got a call from Jeff at like three in the morning. Is everything ok?” she repeats, I make a face and that’s all they need to know

“Oh my god, he knows doesn’t he..” Erin asks, I nod and feel tears welling in my eyes

“Yea.. it fucking sucks man. He basically told me that he only sees me as a friend and that he’s not over his fucking ex-girlfriend who only used him.. And it’s not like we were dating but I was so.. so in love with him” I reply, letting the tears fall as Corinna rubbed my shoulders and my other friends grabbed my hands

“And now I’m afraid things are going to be awkward when we all hang out together. I never ever wanted that, I don’t want anyone to feel like they need to chose between us like children during their parents divorce” I cry, letting all my emotions out, I’ve never been more thankful that we chose a small, quiet restaurant where we’re the only people here

“No, come on. I’m sure if you explain the situation to everyone they would totally understand” Carly explained, the other girls nodding in agreement

“I can’t.. I can’t explain to them. I don’t know how to put it into words and I don’t want them to be mad at Jeff. He’s their friend too and I know how protective everyone can be at times” I rant, they all nod along, their eyebrows furrowed as they think of something else

“Well, to be honest none of us had anything to do today. Why don’t we go back to your apartment and have another girl’s day? Get your mind off things and we’ll get all the takeout and listen to sad music” Erin suggests, I nod and ask Nat to text Mariah

After lunch we head back to the apartment. I feel like 1:00 pm. is an appropriate time to have some vodka right? I mean it’s 5:00 somewhere. I grab the bottle of Titos from my cabinet and pour it into a cup with some sprite and a lime. I made some for the girls and they all took a glass. We browse through Netflix and choose some Disney movies to watch. We started with the Princess and the Frog.

Four movies later and my phone started buzzing. Matt and Zane were asking where we all were because they were bored and David was busy editing and doing other work. I decided to let them come because they were like one of the girls. They showed up with Mariah and more alcohol.

“So baby what happened?” Mariah asks, I told her I wanted to wait until I could tell her in person

I explained the situation to the three of them, Mariah was incredibly irritated at Jeff, Matt and Zane were also pretty upset as well. I also explained how I didn’t want to make things awkward for everyone in the group and they shouldn’t have to feel like they have to choose between the two of us.

We ordered food for everyone and made more drinks. Out of no where Heath came by with Jason and Toddy. I hoped and prayed Jeff wouldn’t show up, not only because I’m heartbroken but because of the embarrassment I would have to feel.

An hour later everyone was pretty drunk except for Jason, Carly, and Erin who decided to stay sober for everyone who will probably need a ride home later. We were all laughing and having a great time, David hauled ass over here when he heard Zane and I were drunk.

“Oh fuck I forgot Ilya is landing in like an hour, who wants to come with me to pick him up?” David asks, Natalie and I raise our hands while everyone decides to stay back and just wait for us

The car ride over was us loudly singing along to David’s music. I brought some alcohol with me since I needed to escape and I know Ilya wants to turn the fuck up.

“Daddy Ilya” I yell, trying to catch his attention, David and Natalie groan from behind me at the horrible nickname

Ilya quickly runs to the Tesla and hops into the passenger seat. We drove back to my apartment while David filmed Ilya in the front drinking the rest of my vodka. Natalie grabs my arm and points the familiar truck in the garage...

... Who the fuck invited Jeff...

“What’s wrong princess peach?” Ilya asks, noticing that I was still in the Tesla

Natalie pulled the two guys away and explained as best as she could and as fast as she could. David and Ilya nodded their heads and walked over to me. I had shaken off my rush of anxiety while they were talking. To be honest, I don’t know if I’m upset with him for rejecting me or if I’m upset that he shows up to my apartment and will either pretend I don’t exist or pretend like nothing happened.

“Fuck it. Ilya, it’s your job to make me drunk as hell. Gimme” I said, taking the bottle from him and chugging the rest and using some leftover Red Bull

I unlock the door and step inside. Todd, Jeff, and Zane are in the living room talking... well Zane isn’t really talking and to be fair I don’t really know if he’s in this realm right now. The girls and Matt are all standing in the kitchen, giving Jeff side glares and talking in hushed voices. I close the door loudly to get everyone’s attention. They all turn to me and burst into smiles when the notice Ilya. They all greet him and I walk over to the side, grabbing a cup and making myself another drink.

“Shots for the boy” Todd yells, we all gather in the kitchen and I make sure to stand as far away from Jeff as possible, 90% out of embarrassment and 10% out of annoyance and anxiety

The ones who were drinking take shots and we all start catching up with Ilya. He’s telling us stories about work, and things he’s done with Deema. After a few minutes of catching up, the boys went to the parking lot to film some bits in David’s car. The girls gave me THE look and we went to my room and locked the door. Suzy listened while also keeping an ear out for them so there isn’t a repeat of the other night.

“I love Jeff, he’s one of my good friends.. but what the fuck was his thought process before coming here?” Carly asked, annoyed that not even 24 hours after he rejects me he shows up to my place

“Guys, it’s ok. I know this was supposed to be girls night but it turned into a hangout with everyone. And I’ll get over this eventually, I’ll be fine” I say, the room goes silent, even Suzy knows I’m definitely bullshitting

“I know you’re trying to make yourself feel better and trying to comfort us so we don’t worry about you. But babe... before lunch we didn’t know you were in LOVE love with him. Sure he didn’t know about your feelings, but at the same time I think a part of him had to know that the flirtationship between the two of you would’ve ended with someone catching feelings. It sucks that it has to be you. Please just allow yourself to be honest about how you feel. It sucks, but the sooner you confront your emotions the sooner you can start healing” Natalie said, I stare at her with my mouth ajar

“That’s a whole bible verse baby” I reply, feeling a lot better with this girl time but Suzy gives us a signal that the boys are back

We go to the living room and joke around for a few more minutes. After that everyone packs their things, and right when I’m about to go back in my room to get ready for bed I noticed Jeff lingering around a little bit. I shrug it off and enter my room.

“Hey..” a voice says, I freeze and immediately feel all kinds of emotions rise up, just one word and I’m already sobering up

“What do you want Jeff?” I ask, turning around and seeing him slumped over in my doorway

“I just wanted to check in” he replies, I sigh and sit on my bed

“Listen, I know we’re still friends and I know we don’t want to make things awkward for everyone, but for the sake of me and what I need, I would please like some time away from you. I’m really sorry, but I need to heal, I didn’t just have some middle school crush on you man.” “You don’t need to explain anything to me Sage” Jeff cuts me off but I shake my head and pat the space next to me so he can sit

“I’m in love with you. I wrote songs about you, I started craving your touch, your attention. I still loved you at your worse. Believe me, I wanted to make a move but I had no guarantee that you were going to love me back. And now I know, at the end of the day I’ll never be her” I reply, Jeff immediately knew who I was talking about, Ava

Ava and Jeff were together for a few short months, but believe me when I say this was like walking through a dumpster fire on a unicycle that was also on fire. It was clear to everyone from the start that Ava was with him s imply because he was slowly gaining popularity and well... his looks. Long story short apparently they got into a huge fight one night and she admitted that she was only using him for her own gain. It was a touchy time for all of us and Jeff, we told him what we thought and eventually found out (through our fans on insta who are little detectives) and he didn’t want to hear it.

“I should go. I’ll give you your time..” he says quietly, I nod and walk him to the door

After he leaves I slide my back down the door and pull my knees to my chest. I just lost my best friend because I couldn’t keep my dumbass mouth shut. Emotions come rushing through me and I can’t help but cry. I want nothing more than to scream and just crawl into a hole right now. After letting myself accept the sadness I got up and went back to my room. It’s time for me to start moving on.. or at least trying to.

[aheartstillbeating]

My Testimony

So I think it’s time for me to post my personal testimony on  my blog. I have to say, this might just be one of the hardest things I’ve had to write as I’ve done a lot of things I’m not quite proud of. God has brought me out of the darkness and into the Light. I am so very thankful for His sacrifice on the cross so that I can be forgiven. I’m posting this so that others can get a look into why my heart is still beating, and also hopefully it can show you that, no matter what you have done, God still loves you. Nothing can separate you from His great love.

It’s a bit long. I’m done hiding what I’ve been through. God has saved me from a lot and brought be through even more. Be blessed.

I was raised in church. From the time I was born till about the age of 11, I was in church every time the doors were open. My parents were actually the worship leaders, playing the music and singing the songs. It was so wonderful. Everything seemed perfect. My home life was very good at this point. However, my parents ended up getting a divorce when I was 11. I know there was a lot of unfaithfulness to each other but I didn’t ask many more questions. Needless to say, we all fell away from the Lord at this point. My mom went to be a bartender at this point (which she still is to this day) and my dad sunk himself in work. My parents had split custody so my 2 sisters and I went back and forth every few days. I’ve lived in over 40 different houses/apartments as the parents didn’t know if they wanted to be close to each other or not.It was quite rough. Anyway, when I was 12, I was introduced to pornography. I didn’t have anyone telling me it was wrong so I just stayed with it. I was even in a committed relationship with my “high school sweetheart” throughout this addiction. She ended up leaving me when I was about 17 because I wouldn’t give up this addiction.

My dad has now been divorced 3 different times. My older sister has a divorce in her records as well. Dad is still single and working on himself in the Lord. My older sister is married and has a house full of kids. They are great together, I just can’t wait until the Lord reaches down and takes hold of them.

Anyways, I got ahead of myself. When I was 18 and about to graduate High school, my little sister got saved. She started dating my best friend, whom was a preacher’s kid. She started going to church with him. She would beg me time and again to come with her on Sunday mornings. I was so terrified to go. I didn’t want to know what I would find if I’d asked God to come inside of me. I felt unworthy. I kept making up excuses and letting my sister down. It broke me to do that to her as we were really close. Finally, after a few months, she told me she was getting baptized. “Bub, will you please come” she asked with tears in her eyes. So I went to church with her that morning and say in the very back pew. Throughout the service, the preacher had asked if anyone wanted to be saved twice. Then he moved into the baptisms. My sister went down and back up again. She looked so new. I felt like I could relate to John the Baptist seeing the dove landing on Jesus. I wanted it. When the preacher asked again, I peeled my hands off the bottom of the pew (which still has my finger marks on it) and raced toward the front and gave my life to the Lord.I kicked my bad habit and focused only on Him.

That was right before I graduated High school. When I started college, I got heavily involved in a campus ministry. Everything I could do to reach out, i was there. I prayed for people on campus, I would walk and talk with anyone who was curious about Jesus. I even joined a church and taught Sunday school to middle schoolers. I kept myself busy so I wouldn’t get back into bad habits. It was amazing. So what happened?

Well, I met the woman I called my wife when I was 21. I pursued her and we grew in the Lord for about 2 years together before deciding to get married. Everything was perfect. I couldn’t have asked for more. Shortly after our marriage, I had to have a surgery. This put me down for 2 months. I couldn’t move or do anything. This meant that I had a lot of time to do nothing. So, sitting there at the house alone gave my mind time to wonder and I ended up falling back into that old sin again. Believe it or not, I kept it hidden for almost 2 years. I told my now ex wife that I was writing... It caused a lot of division between us and I did nothing to try and fix it. Still went to church and everything. I knew it was wrong. I knew I hurt her. So, finally I told her about it in year 2 of our marriage. Some of the things I stumbled upon online had ended up landing me behind bars. No, I did not go searching for what I’d found. I’ve learned the hard way that sin will take you further that you want to go and cost you way more than you want to pay. My ex wife stayed with me through my 11 months in jail. She said we could work it out and she forgave me. She challenged me to find out what it truly means to love someone. One of the best and hardest challenges that I’d ever been given. I read the Bible 3 times and any other books I could get my hands on about love and intimacy. I read Song of Solomon and Proverbs so many times they were falling out of my Bible. While I was in there, my hero, my mom’s mother passed away. This broke me even more than I already was. With this challenge my ex gave me, I was able to witness to several inside and lead them to the Lord. We ended up having Bible studies almost every day. It was incredible. That’s God taking a bad situation and using it for His good.

Anyways, the day I found out I was getting out was also the day I found out I was getting divorced. She still didn’t believe me that I didn’t go searching for what I had found. I left her the house, car, etc. I didn’t want anything. Moved back in with my mother. This is where I kind of fell away again. 8 years of relationships gone in the blink of an eye. The church I’d gone to and supported dumped me quick. I know what it feels to lose everything. Thankfully my family still supports me.

Good news: I am 4 years free of that addiction, I attend a church regularly and they seem interested in letting me play drums for the praise team. I’m still single and waiting on the kind-hearted, patient, loving individual that I know God has out there for me. If I’m to spend all my time alone, that’s fine too. I have Jesus. He is all that I need and I’m forever grateful that He has forgiven me.

[dailyaudiobible]

04/14/2021 DAB Transcript

Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalms 83:1-18, Proverbs 13:4

Today is the 14th day of April welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I'm Brian it is wonderful to be here with you today as we continue our journey forward into the beautiful springtime. Of course, I know we are all over the world. So, those of you in the southern…southern hemisphere are experiencing autumn coming on. How weird is that? But whether it is a springtime fire or a autumn…an autumn fire it's a Global Campfire that we are around and we can come around it no matter where we are. And, so, let's dive in and take the next step forward. We’re in the book of Joshua in the Old Testament. There have been two cities in the promised land that have been conquered. The rest of the land is not conquered. The people of Israel are in the land and everyone that is there is freaking out. And we left the story yesterday with the kings of the region trying to form an alliance and band together all of their armies to come against Israel and…yeah…push them back out of the land. So, we’re reading from the New English Translation this week. Joshua chapter 9 verse 3 through 10 verse 43.

Commentary:

Okay. So, as we pass through the middle of our work week, we could talk about our work habits. Straight out of the Proverbs today, “the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing.” So, a sluggard is…is…is laziness, the kind of unmotivated, right? Kind of like I just can’t get myself going, I’m just gonna sit here and watch some more TV or whatever, can't really get it going. So, that person still craves accomplishment or achievement or whatever. A person that has a craving to see something achieved or that they would like to do. Like you can be a sluggard and still be a dreamer, but the dream won't be achieved. You can crave by the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing. “The desire”, this is how the proverb ends, “the desire of the diligent will be abundantly satisfied.” In other words, the one who this craving, this desire to achieve or to accomplish or to do something, if they will be diligent step-by-step day by day, they will be abundantly satisfied. I could say what we’re doing here moving through the Scriptures is a is a good example of that. If we show up every day, day by day step-by-step and we are diligent we will achieve what we set out to do, which was move through a year of life together in the Scriptures as a community. If we’re diligent we will be abundantly satisfied in achieving that goal. Or we can be like many who have a craving, a desire to read the Bible, to see what actually is in the Bible, what it actually says, but don't really get past a couple of days in this area. Then the appetite of the sluggard craves but gets nothing. So, what can we say then? We can say that you can desire or crave all you like. If you're not willing to motivate yourself and be diligent it will never be anything but a craving or a desire. But if you are willing to be diligent you will be abundantly satisfied.

Prayer:

Father we take that to heart. It goes to our motives. It goes to our motivation and sometimes we have to take control over that. Sometimes we have to tell ourselves using self-discipline that You are getting up off the couch right now and You are going to be diligent in taking the next step forward toward what it is You desire. Help our desires to line up with Your will for our lives and help us Holy Spirit to be motivated, that we not be weary in well doing, but that we not be a sluggard when we need to be doing. Come Holy Spirit we pray. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

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And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button in the app, the little red button up at the top or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi Brian, hi DAB family this is Emily in Seattle I haven't touched back in a while, but I have a prayer request. And I'm usually pretty shy about needing those but I've got one now. My dad is 94 God love him and he's not doing too good. So, if you could pray for him, I'd appreciate it. Then pray for my brother Mike, I've mentioned him before. He's pretty sad because he's not close to Jesus like we are. And he's pretty sad because he thinks when someone dies that they end up __. I think everyone in my family’s saved but it's just me and my husband who are close to Jesus. And, so, that's kind of a bummer but pray for everlasting life for my family, salvation for those who don't have salvation yet and that this will be a blessing and not a curse. And I guess that's it. I'm losing it here. So, __ my mom Roberta, my dad Charlie, my brother Mike, and me of course too. Praise God. Bye.

Hi __ this is __Selena I’ve been recently been all over the Prayer Wall and I'm going to continue to be all over the Prayer Wall. I'm praying for you guys and just lifting you all up to the Lord. In my case my boyfriend left me for another woman, and I've just been going through it. But in all of that the Lord has completely freed me of sin. It's just a really hard time. But I am sleeping at night. There's one positive and I’m learning about laying it down for the Lord, laying my sorrows down. So, if I could just please have prayer just for joy, for quick healing. I just want to be back to normal but in God's time. I thank you all and I love you all very much. I'm always praying every day. I put down my social media I put down my Xbox I put down…I’m throwing away the wolves and just taking God and you and I want to hear all of your prayers, requests. In…in your sorrow please know I am behind the scenes fighting for you in the name of God. I love you guys. Bye.

Yes…I know a boy…I don't really know him. His name is Titus, and he is dying and he’s 7 and I would like to pray for him. Dear Jesus, __ I pray that you will make it not so scary to Titus that he's dying and make his family not so sad. And in Your name. Amen.

James the Teacher in LA I was so glad to hear your voice after such a long time but I'm really sad that your wife is asking for a divorce. James, I'll be praying for you. I pray that the Lord turn her heart around and even as you’re going through this difficulty remember how years ago you prayed, you trusted God for a child and God provided that child. And you've even prayed for your students and you saw how God worked in the life of your students. James, I want you to just take a moment and think back of God's goodness to you in those past years. And as you go through this struggle be encouraged that He's able to do above all that you could ask and could desire. If you need to get counseling with your wife, I would suggest you get some counseling with her and the two of you together with God worked this out. I'm praying for you and I'm trusting God on your behalf. Just continue…continue to trust Him and see Him work mightily in this situation. Just praise God for you in Jesus’ name. Randolph from Toronto.

Hi DAB family my name is Ashley and I'm from California and I want to share a little of encouragement. So, first I just want to read you Psalm 13 verses 5 through 6. But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me. I want to share that this is a special time in my life, this time of year, because I remember God's goodness. He changed my life in a matter of a week, and He led me down the path of a new career and revealed that I was pregnant with my son and He took away people that I thought were supposed to be in my life. But He saved me. He rescued me and I constantly thank Him for that, and I just want to encourage anybody out there who may be going through a hard time and it may be confusing. I even have to preach this to myself, but I just want you to know that in the midst of chaos, in the midst of suffering God is doing a work no matter how you're feeling…how you're feeling He is working. He is working. He loves us. He has a plan, and His ways are better than our ways. And He will always provide and always take care of you. So, if you're having a hard time right now, I just want to let you know. I love you DAB family and Brian and China and Jill and…and the whole family I’m so grateful for you. So, I have a blessed rest of your day. Today is April 9th 2021. Take care everybody.

[itsyourchoicedevotionals]

The Moment

“I will teach you hidden lessons from our past— stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders.” Psm 78:2-4NLT

The mini-van gave room to grandchildren and their friends on a dinner-movie date. To prevent roughhousing, I started telling them a children’s story, I was writing. By our arrival at the cinema, they begged me, ‘finish the story and forget movie tonight.’

What kind of story could grab their attention so strongly? A Jesus story about a little bear, (really my childhood hurts),  which should’ve left the bear dead by the street. All situations were thwarted by God’s angels sent to protect and assist.

All the children were enthralled. Questions followed. Does God: **do things like that for people? **really love people like He loved the bear? **know how to keep people from hurting other people? **like people being mean? **really heal hurt hearts? And on and on.

From the story of a bear being hurt by harmful words said to him; To Jesus God, Who cares about all of our griefs and sorrows; To Papa God, Who carried the bear every time he cried out— They learned the Message Bible’s Isaiah 53 story of Jesus’ love for the unwanted and unloved. V3-5: “He was looked down on and passed over, a Man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. We looked down on Him, thought He was scum. But the fact is, it was our pains He carried— our disfigurements, all the things wrong with us. We thought He brought it on Himself, that God was punishing Him for His own failures. But it was our sins that did that to Him, that ripped and tore and crushed Him—our sins! He took the punishment, and that made us whole. Through His bruises we get healed.”

Those grandchildren were in the midst of an ugly divorce— (there aren’t any pretty divorces). Hurting words and many other events scarred their lives like acid on bare skin. Knowing of the great love of God was a balm for the sore souls.

Children aren’t overly impressed by stories of David and Goliath, the Red Sea, both fodder of children’s church, or miracles of the man’ shriveled hand becoming normal. What they need is to know God cares about all the “ugly” going on in their lives. Need to know, not only does He care— but the entire purpose of the cross was to take their pain.

More than any time ever before, in my history, children are running from church. They’re looking for something strong enough to take their pain, be it drugs, sex, alcohol, whatever will mask the moment. Thinking— ‘a moment ago was too hard to breathe, the next moment may be the last,’— moments of crushing reality. Is it possible this Papa God Jesus can go past masking and completely take the pain?

Children need to know— Jesus is REAL. He lasts longer than the moment. He makes breathing easier in the hard place. He’ll be THERE in the last moment for them. He’ll lift some of the crush in the crushing moment of now. Life will be easier in even the hardest place, because like with the bear, they’re not alone. All the Bible stories can be learned later. His now-ness, the healing and salvation is their greatest need.

Will you make a point of relating ‘your story’ of Isaiah 53 to your children in their language? Tell them “the glorious deeds of the Lord.” It’s your choice. You choose.

PRAYER: Papa God the babies are succumbing to the lies of the enemy because of the crushing realities of today. Show us how to comfort them through Holy Spirit and bring them to Your precious love and power for today, in Jesus’s name I pray.

by Debbie Veilleux Copyright 2019 You have my permission to reblog this devotional for others. Please keep my name with this devotional as author. Thank you.

[theflightlessphoenix]

How to Save a Marriage

Only one person is a marriage expert. It was the almighty God who created this human unit. Marriage problems should be addressed early to avoid serious consequences. While marriage may be possible in heaven, it is important to remember that human imperfection can cause problems here on Earth. Perhaps you are asking yourself, "How can I save my marriage?" Here are five critical mistakes you should avoid if you really want to save your marriage. Let me just say that I have been married for more than thirty-three years to the same woman. I have also been in marriage counseling for over thirty five years. I have witnessed many heartbreaking situations but there is hope.

We need affirmations from our spouses at the peak of our marital problems and emotional rendezvous. Not a passive attitude. Below are five critical areas.

1. Presumption We don't like people making assumptions about our decisions or actions before we have an opportunity to explain. Presumption is a dangerous thing. Do not try to understand each other's thoughts or draw conclusions without expressing your feelings and observations. People don't know so much about marriage before they get married. The shockwaves in the home are caused by the realization of the true meaning of marriage after they have settled down in their marriage. I have witnessed many couples create havoc in their marriages by assuming situations that are far from reality. Next are statements like (a) why didn’t you ask me first, (b) How did you know I was at such an and such place? (c) That’s your conclusion, not mine, and (d) I wish that you would stop trying so hard to understand my thoughts every time we have misunderstandings. Proverb 18:13 says that the Bible states, "He who answers a question before he heareth him, it is folly und shame unto him." )KJV.

Here's what I can tell you: Instead of presuming, pray about it, talk about it, and then listen to one another with an open, non-critical heart Matrimonial Sites .

2.Being a Christian does not make us immune to abusive tendencies. As a witness to believers who lose control of their anger, I have witnessed them fight. I can say it loud and clear: the abusive spirit doesn't respect our name tags. We'll be shocked at the old, evil nature if we let go of our guards. Talking about marriage is a serious human problem. Your marriage will not survive the abuse of your spouse, whether it is verbal or physical. Because we are unwilling to make amends, divorce is a huge business.

A person of good will does not marry to be physically beaten, cursed verbally or abandoned emotionally. We all see, hear, and experience it every day. The simple truth is that abuse does not have any classifications or justifications. It affects the people directly affected and those associated with those who were subject to it. This is one way to save your marriage. You can commit to a non-abusive relationship and stick to it.

3. Rejection Despite my wonderful marriage, I was still hurt sometimes. It was because of my negative reactions that I couldn't manage it well. This crippling emotion is gone. I am now stronger. Rejection in marriage is a major factor in divorce. Many have been driven from their marital homes to seek out greener pastures. This can lead to psychological alienation and freeze emotions.

You must accept two areas of acceptance: (a) God's forgiveness and acceptance; and (b) yourself. This will help you to see the bigger picture and allow you to accept spousal rejections with grace.

4. It's mine When it comes to money, we fight both cats and dogs. There is no guarantee that marriage will not cause problems. It is staggering to see the number of divorce cases that result from marriages. This is a huge number, money can cause our emotions to flare. Let me offer some good advice for marital bliss. Before you declare your ownership in monetary matters, pay attention to your tone and consider the circumstances.

5. Sexual starvation I have witnessed couples living in extreme sexual starvation in my years of marriage counseling. This is not a problem caused by handicap or medical conditions. This behavior is used by many to weaponize their marriages. You are tampering the divine link that binds the marriage by denying intimacy to your marriage.

Your weak spouse will be driven to wrong, unintended places that will only exacerbate existing marital problems. You should make sexual starvation a no-go area in your marriage. You can save your marriage and yourself from this tremor, no matter what happens.

Keep an eye out for future articles on this topic as we try to save our marriages from the swords that are divorce.

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[godfirstgodalways]

How can I be passionate about life again? It's been really hard these last few years and it seems to be worse since I'm a junior in college and I just feel like I'm going through the motions and I'm not really living life.

I could say read your Bible more often, pray more often, count your blessings more often, eat healthier, exercise more, do more of the things you love….but I’ll tell you something different, something you can do now that will ultimately lead to being more passionate about that list I just made. Here’s a quick story about me first. I had a lot of struggles growing up since I can remember back when, especially throughout my teen years. This is actually my testimony you’re going to read if you don’t know about my past yet. I am a victim of abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, and verbal abuse). My own father was my abuser. I look back in life and I could say I didn’t deserve all the pain and hurt, but because I’ve come out of it a more confident, stronger, wiser, resilient, patient, and faithful Christian, I don’t regret or am ashamed all that I had to go through. It was for my own good that I’ve come to accept. It takes a lot for me to get sad over a matter or get sensitive over something that someone else might otherwise have thought was a mean or rude thing to tell me. Maybe because I’ve grown to tolerate a lot….I hope I don’t come across as someone who has just become so emotionally cold and because of it, prideful. I sincerely have changed my outlook on emotions and it’s not in any way negative, and it’s because God has transformed my mind. I am however more sensitive to the hurts and pains of others, not in an empathetic “poor you” way, but in a manner that strives to help you “understand more about yourself” way. My dad’s love was very tough and because of this ugly character he used to have, I drew myself closer and closer to God, our Heavenly Father. No matter how much pain I’ve endured, Jesus endured so much more. It’s oftentimes the poorest in spirit that find the most comfort in God because out of desperation He is their last and only hope. That’s why 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 is such good scripture to meditate on…

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

There are testimonies of people in all walks of life who have made drastic turnarounds by professing Christ as their Savior. They are ex-prisoners, ex-gangsters, ex-drug users, celebrities that used to work for the entertainment business, even ex-porn stars, cancer survivors, former atheists….before they gave their lives to Christ, the one thing they all had in common was that they were poor in spirit. They did not at first recognize or acknowledge how badly in shape their spirits were in, but once they did and did something about it by turning to God in desperation, He gave them a kind of strength that could only be found in Him.

In Matthew 5:3-12 it says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

I gave my life to Christ and heard of this scripture even before the abuse got worse, but it did not stick with me until years later after I had run away. I rededicated my life to Christ and years after the abuse stopped I had gotten comfortable with my old habits and it wasn’t until then when I realized I didn’t have to experience bad things happening to me to get back on track. Oftentimes it takes extremely difficult experiences for people to change their ways. They need a wake-up call. It takes fear for them to finally get motivated. It could be a breakup, a divorce, losing a job, getting thrown out of the house, a terrible car accident, losing someone they love to illness….those who are the most desperate for change are the ones that actually do something positive with the whatever situation they’re in, and those who easily lose hope and give up go into a deep depression. I’ve learned not to wait for those very difficult times and this is how I do it….I simply practice HUMILITY. I can’t emphasize this enough. SURRENDER AS OFTEN AS YOU REMEMBER IN A DAY. BEGIN WITH GOD EARLY IN THE MORNING. END WITH GOD AT NIGHT. LEARN BY RECOGNIZING WHAT AREAS IN LIFE YOUR PRIDE SHOWS UP IN. AS YOU’RE YIELDING TO CHRIST, REMEMBER WHAT HE DID FOR YOU. YOU ARE NOT YOUR OWN, YOU WERE BOUGHT AT A PRICE, YOU HAVE NOTHING AND ARE NOTHING WITHOUT GOD, CONFESS YOUR PRIDE AND OTHER SINS AND GENUINELY REPENT. PRACTICE THIS AS MANY TIMES AS YOU HAVE TO EVERYDAY AND YOUR HUMBLENESS WILL BE AS NATURAL AS BREATHING. YOU’LL EXPERIENCE MORE PEACE AND JOY BECAUSE YOU’LL ALSO BE MORE AWARE OF ALL THE GOODNESS AND BLESSINGS GOD PUTS INTO YOUR LIFE.

When I ran away from home and didn’t see my parents for a year, I could remember 6 of those months were the happiest months of my life. It wasn’t because I was away from my dad, well maybe partly…but it was mainly because I had a lot of alone time with God and that’s when I truly began to love myself by getting to know Him more. It was a streak on the mountaintop because I tried the best I could to acknowledge God everywhere I went. I didn’t know at the time that what I was actually doing was surrendering everyday. When you acknowledge God and I mean not just remember He’s present, but simply remembering He sent His Son to die for you, and accepting Jesus as that grace you don’t deserve, knowing how much He actually did for you to have your life where you get to have God as your guide should make you fall to your knees and grieve for how selfish you have been for making life about yourself. Humbling myself made me fall in love with Him more and more, which in turn made me love myself more, which made me more passionate about sharing His love simply by spreading my joy. I am not 24/7 nearly gung-ho and as excited about life as I was then, but overall I definitely appreciate life more now whether I’m in the valley or up on the mountaintop, I have joy because I still take Jesus with me everywhere I go. Some people are fine acknowledging God only once or twice a day, some need to acknowledge Him 20 times a day. Whatever it takes…know that God will be pleased with you for your efforts.

There’s a similar issue I was presented with I think a year ago. Anon asked  how they could be more passionate about reading the Bible because they felt they were just reading it without really getting into it…they needed motivation basically. I can’t remember all that I said, except the part where in order for anyone to get the most out of Bible reading, you have to approach it as if you were a pauper. I believe Bible reading gets boring because we subconsciously think either we won’t get anything much from it or understand anything, or we think we already know a lot when it comes to wisdom. What that is is actually pride but we are not aware of it. There is a fundamental order to prayer and it starts with adoration/praise, then confession, thanksgiving, supplication/prayer requests - ACTS. The first 2, adoration and confession go first because if done sincerely, it should put the one praying in a state of humility. You must be humble when approaching God before realizing He has actually given you a lot (thanks) and before asking him anything your heart desires (supplication). And as Christians we’re suppose to pray a lot throughout the day, enough that it becomes second nature, because really all it is is practicing His presence by talking to God (verbally or mindfully) as if He’s there living and breathing like a real person who’s your really good friend. So approach God with humility by surrendering and praising Him before asking Him that you want to have more passion for life or anything you desire out of life. Acknowledge that you are poor in spirit…I know you probably already know that you are in that state right now, but you should mention it to God too every time you approach Him. Expound on it, be honest with your feelings. “When I am weak, then I am strong. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. God is my guide. He will only give me what I can handle. With Him all things are possible.” Those are God’s promises I put on repeat in my head anytime I can tell my world is about to be shaken. So basically, HUMBLE YOURSELF BY ACKNOWLEDGING YOU ARE WEAK AND YOU NEED GOD’S STRENGTH. BE HONEST WITH YOUR WEAKNESS BUT ALSO DO THE BEST YOU CAN TO FOCUS ON GOD’S POWER OVER YOU THROUGH PRAISE. PRAISE HIM BY MAGNIFYING HIS GREATNESS INSTEAD OF YOUR WEAKNESS. REMEMBER TO THE BEST OF YOUR ABILITY TO PRAY THROUGHOUT THE DAY, AND HE WILL BLESS YOU WITH PASSION FOR LIFE, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, PASSION FOR GOD. That’s my whole but simple secret for true joy. Thank you for this. I will be praying for you! :)

Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Luke 14:11 For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.

Psalm 149:4 For the LORD takes delight in his people; He crowns the humble with victory.

Philippians Chapter 2 - Imitating Christ’s Humility

By His Grace, Sheela (Via godfirstgodalways)

[mayberrycryptid]

@five-wow very old post but I haz thinkee thoughts.

Religion is discused (sort of) in 02x07 when Danny is ‘cursed’ by entering a sacred place to check for evidence. Steve is seen at a hospital chapel in 07x01 (recovering from nearly dying) and again in 10x22 (when Danny is shot). Steve’s moments at his dad’s grave can also be interpreted as praying. Adam is shown as religious. He visits a shrine before going to prison, and is later seen with prayer beads (6x01 and 6x21 I think??)

Before I wade into my thinkee houghts, I need to talk about religion versus culture. There is really weird retcon of history thing happening right now where people want to insist Christians and Jews are just one big tent religion, full of bible thumpers. Nothing could be further from the truth. I was raised Catholic and my best friend growing up was an East European Jew, and these are both specific cultures nested within these religions; cultures with very old, very deep ethnic traditions.

In fact, my friend and I barely cracked our bible/tanakh growing up. Being a Catholic and a Jew is literally as much about who you are culturally, not just what you believe.

I know some in the fandom believe Danny is a cashew (Catholic/Jewish) and I agree. Danny often deflects, becoming a little too vocal about emotional stuff he doesn’t want to actually to talk about. I see his ‘rant’ in 02x07 and refusual to be respectful as very much what so many Catholics and Jews do when they are angry at G-D for things that have happened. And he has a lot to be angry for!

He lost his best friend in a very traumatic way when he was a kid. Then he lost his partner on 9-11. On top of that, his father was a firefighter in New Jersey—the deaths of all those fire fighters had to hit home very differently for Danny. This is why I brought up culture earlier. Danny can be angry, and even not entirely believe anymore—and still be culturally both a Catholic and Jew.

I also loved Danny’s ready acceptance that he’d seen a ghost. Ghosts and the dead are such a big part of the myths and traditions of Catholics, and it hit me as a very Catholic thing to have happen, and also a very Catholic response to the situation. In fact this was the episode that convinced me Danny had to be from a Catholic family.

Finally, we need to talk about two things.

First, Danny’s response to infidelity and divorce. If we accept he was raised in the Catholic culture, where infidelity and divorce are seen as failures, then his actions regarding his sister, his parents, and his downward spiral into depression throughot season 1 all make perfect sense.

Second, Danny’s emotions regarding Matty’s death, the autopsy in Mexico, and his actions regarding Columbia take on special significance if he has Jewish roots. Jews have strict taboos about handling dead bodies and very strict traditions on how a loved one’s body should be treated. If Danny is from a Jewish family, then having his brother’s body pickled in a barrel for five years takes on a very special horror—and makes his willingness to murder a man in ‘cold blood’ much more understandable. It also makes his guilt and remorse much more poignant—he didn’t just kill a man without ‘provovation’—he broke one of the tanakh’s most sacred commandments. Again, Danny might not completely believe—but his actions make a lot more sense if we see them through a cultural lens.

(I won’t touch on Steve’s religious views because I don’t have any insights into the Angelican traditions of Christianity. maybe somebody raised in that culture could weigh in)

Hi! I'm writing a mcdanno fic at the moment and was wondering if you or your followers could help me with something? Religion is involved in it and I think I remember scenes in the show where the boys talk about it, what/if they believe kinda thing but I can't remember when it is and was wondering if any of y'all did? Thanks so much xxxx

hello! this ask is so very old by now (i'm sorry about that!!) that i assume you've either found your answer elsewhere or moved on, but i'm afraid i also don't have much wisdom to offer here. we see steve pray in 10.22 when danny is on the brink of death in the hospital (and he was in a hospital chapel once before when he encountered the jack lord tribute character when he was doubting his future, which i would put at the start of s7 at a guess but am very very unsure about), and considering the way his character is written generally (to appeal to a vaguely conservative demographic), i would assume he's an at least somewhat religious man. i think you might be right about there being a scene where steve and danny talk about it briefly (cargument about the existence of god?) but i don't know what episode or even season that would have been, or what stance the writers had either of them take.

interesting question, though! maybe someone else has a better idea of what canon says on the subject.

[vestedbeauty]

Midlife Woman Discovers the Trees Are Still Green on Life's Detours

New Post has been published on https://vestedbeauty.com/midlife-woman-discovers-the-trees-are-still-green-on-lifes-detours/

Midlife Woman Discovers the Trees Are Still Green on Life's Detours

Puzzled by your own life’s detours? This lady has a gift for you.

Young women make plans. Older women do, too. But we know that even if the plans we made as young women mostly played out, the path from here to there took some twists. Even more, we know that sometimes life’s detours gave us a better view than we ever imagined. Teresa unwrapped a surprising gift in midlife – and she’ll share it with you.

Peace and Quiet in a Small Minnesota Town

Follow her gaze, and you’ll feel your stress melt away. Leaves on the trees fluttering in a gentle breeze. Frogs croak in the tall grass rimming the nearby pond. Her napping dog sighs and snores, the model of contentment.

It wasn’t always like this. There were days, even years when Teresa’s path looked like it was descending into hell instead of anything resembling this idyllic scene. When we first met, this destination wasn’t even a dream yet. 

A lifetime ago, I’d written a book and created a course for moms who wanted to stay home and get paid to write. To test out whether my strategy would work as well for others as it had for me, I posted on WAHM.com, an old-school bulletin board. I offered the course free. Despite that price tag, the responses to my offer ranged from silence to downright ugliness. However, Teresa jumped in with both feet. She says I taught her everything she needed to get going and build a business that fed her family for years.

But running a successful business doesn’t mean life suddenly turns sunny every day. It doesn’t undo the damage we sustained beforehand. And it certainly doesn’t mean we suddenly know how to love ourselves – or others.

“This is who I am, with all my flaws, faults, weirdness, and crazy path. And it’s okay.”

Here’s the story of how this 58-year-old gave herself – and everyone around her – the best gift ever.

Tell Me What You Want, What You Really, Really Want

Teresa says one part of my book really shook her. It was the part where I talked about being bold enough to ask for what you want from your business… and your life.

Honestly, answering, “What do you want?” is pretty tough for many people. I’ve seen people paralyzed by pondering that question. Ask a kid, and you’ll get an answer immediately. Ask an adult, and they’re likely to go into a tailspin. We want a list of available options to choose from so we can answer. 

Of course, it’s a lot easier to rattle off all the things we don’t want.

That’s not a bad thing. It just takes a little thoughtful reverse engineering to turn a “don’t want” list into a more resourceful line of thought.

But that’s not what many people do. They recite the list of what they don’t want, noting where life’s detours have left them hurt, dissatisfied, and feeling like a burned pile of ashes. 

Teresa used that question to create a beautiful life. Not an uncomplicated one, but one that echoes her favorite advice: “It all works out.”

No Stranger to Tragedy and Pain

Teresa’s early childhood looked like any random family in the 1960’s and ’70’s. Remember those days? You’d go outside to play. Mom might even lock the door behind you, and you wouldn’t come home until the street lights came on. She and her five siblings fought, played, and loved each other. Nobody had any hint that everything was about to change.

When she turned nine, her family was in a car accident that killed her mom, a brother, and a sister. Teresa, her dad, and one sister spent a long time recovering in the hospital. After leaving the hospital, it seemed like everyone expected her to just go on with her life.

This was 1972. Counseling wasn’t really a thing. 

Her family was Catholic. The response she most often got in her grief was, “Well, it’s God’s will.” Can you imagine anything more horrible you could tell a child in this situation? “Half your family got killed because God wanted it that way.” 

Deep in his grief and desperate to take care of his surviving children, Teresa’s dad remarried quickly. His new wife instantly became the stepmom to four grieving children. They moved frequently. They did their best to right a life that had turned upside down. Where Teresa’s mom had been all cookies and ice cream, her stepmom was strict – a caretaker who did her best but who found herself in a story gone off the rails.

They also adopted an unspoken rule: “Don’t talk to Dad about it.”

With today’s broader understanding of how humans work, you might be thinking that’s a great way to raise a whole family of alcoholics. And you’d be right.

No writer is complete without a good dog.

The Troubled Years You’d Expect

Teresa says her teenage years were a nightmare, at least from the perspective of a parent. She partied and ran around with boys, grasping at what looked like happiness like her life depended on it.

She got pregnant with her first child. Her landlord sexually abused Teresa, disintegrating any fragile feelings of trust she’d managed to salvage. Teresa began to drink heavily after her daughter was born.

Eleven years later, she had her second daughter and got sober. She’d hired a babysitter to care for her girls while she worked. It turned out that her babysitter’s husband was a pastor. Old-fashioned, wearing homemade dresses, and baking bread from scratch, this woman brought a sense of comfort and safety, a throwback to the distant past. Teresa went through a born-again Christian experience, which set the foundation for her life from then on. She went to Alcoholics Anonymous. She went to church. Life was good.

Eventually, a man came along who swept her off her feet. They married, and Teresa thought maybe life’s detours had come to an end. Perhaps she’d finally found what she always wanted. 

“This is my first wife’s grave.”

Standing in the cemetery on her wedding night, Teresa realized she’d made a horrible mistake. Her groom had just revealed a secret – that in a fit of PTSD-induced rage, he’d shot and killed his first wife. She was wife #5, and she soon discovered that her husband was an abuser on a mission to isolate her from everyone she loved.

“I married a crazy person,” Teresa says. The marriage lasted a total of six months, from the wedding day to divorce. During those six months, Teresa and her girls survived constant abuse and gaslighting. Her husband even managed to have Teresa’s youngest committed to a mental hospital while she was a second-grader… over Christmas vacation.

Breaking free from him was both terrifying and absolutely critical. Teresa began putting the pieces of her life together again.

And then her daughter got pregnant at 16. Teresa was a 35-year-old grandmother. An unexpected blessing, but Teresa loved her grandbaby beyond imagination. “There’s something about a grandchild that’s so different from your own child. This child was my whole world,” she says.

And Now for Something Completely Different

Fast-forward to 2009. Teresa had moved to Minnesota and become active in her church. She even acted in a play her church produced, cast as the wife of a man she’d come to have feelings for. Al was nothing like anyone Teresa had ever dated. He’s a wonderfully kind man, short of stature but tall in character. Not classically handsome, and certainly not the bad boy she’d typically found attractive, Al was just a sweet and devout guy. Knowing he was traditional and a bit old-fashioned, Teresa waited for him to make the first move, which wasn’t easy. But eventually, they married.

If you’re waiting for Al to turn into Mr. Hyde, you’ve been paying attention. Relax. It doesn’t happen!

However, more of life’s detours were in store. Soon after their wedding, Al needed surgery. Then Teresa had a bad pap smear that led to a hysterectomy and a mountain of medical bills – all within four months of their wedding. She also has fibromyalgia, and her body went crazy after the surgery. Where she’d once been energetic and engaged, she became listless and drained. Her social life evaporated.

Not long afterward, one of her grandchildren came out as transgender. While this revelation could shake a family anywhere, living where they do, “this was not okay.” Teresa felt confused, distressed, lost.

Her daughter had been reluctant to talk about it. She’d worried that Teresa and Al would beat them over the head with the Bible. However, her grandchild was more than ready. 

Just Love Her. Just Love Them. Just Love Him.

Teresa prayed and prayed. “God, how do I do this?” God’s answer was clear. “Just love her.” 

As time went on and Teresa started to adjust to this twist, the message changed. “Just love them,” she heard. And then finally, it changed again to, “Just love him.”

One day as Teresa scrolled through Facebook, she saw that her grandchild had a new profile picture and a new name. That’s when it became really real.

“Ask me whatever you want. Say whatever you want to say,” her grandchild told her. Teresa marveled at how well her grandchild was handling it all. “Watching this kid deal with the time it took for his loved ones to get onboard was astonishing,” she says.

A year later, though, as many transgender people do, her grandson was really struggling. He’d dropped out of school and was suicidal. He started going to Teresa’s house during the day to do his schoolwork online. They spent a lot of time together. Teresa’s one goal was to let him know she was on his side no matter what.

Unconditional Love Wins, Even Along Life’s Detours

Some might struggle to reconcile living as an evangelical Christian with fully embracing a trans person. But for Teresa, there was no way she’d have anything but love and compassion for her grandchild. 

She stopped going to church, which caused some challenges in her marriage. After all, their shared faith was the foundation of their marriage, which was changing for Teresa. She battled a lingering sense of fear that this plot twist would wreck her whole life. 

Al had a hard time with it all at first. Teresa describes him as a rule follower, not a rebellious person in any way. “But every single day, he prays in the morning for our family, marriage, and all the grandkids,” she says.

When Kameron turned 18, he went to court to change his name and gender on his driver’s license. He didn’t go alone. Instead, he sat surrounded by his family as witnesses. Al and Teresa united to support him. Teresa says, “From the day Kam’s name change became official, Al’s never used the birth name again. This guy can be a rule follower – it works for him. But he can also accept the fact that I’m not, and we can be okay. That’s when I started having more peace again.”

Teresa puts it beautifully:

“It’s not about tolerance. I’m not about to just tolerate this kid. I love him with my whole heart.”

Life’s Detours Make for Unimaginable Beauty

It was a rough go for a long time for Teresa. Looking back, life was certainly not the smooth ride any child might expect. Even the past decade had some of the toughest times she’d seen. In battling health and financial challenges and emotional upheaval, Teresa went through a debilitating depression that isolated her. She’d found it too hard to focus on her writing, and she felt like she’d destroyed her career.

But her story of life’s detours is one of resilience. She says:

“Even when your dreams don’t pan out the way you plan, misery is a choice. Even when circumstances are tough – and that can make clinical depression worse – it’s up to you to take care of yourself and say, “You know what? Look around. I have a beautiful home, a beautiful yard and trees and a pond I can see, and my family and grandkids.

It all works out. You hit that place where it’s all okay. Even along life’s detours, the trees are just as green. Don’t stop looking for what you really want until you find it. No matter what it is.”

Teresa has become an advocate for LGBTQ people, and you can read more about her story on Medium, and find support on her new Facebook page, Call Your Mama T.

[dailyaudiobible]

08/30/2020 DAB Transcript

Job 34:1-36:33, 2 Corinthians 4:1-12, Psalms 44:1-8, Proverbs 22:10-12

Today is the 30th day of August welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I'm Brian it is a joy to greet the new week together with you and step into it together. It’s this shiny threshold that we throw the gates open and walk into every week and just remind ourselves nothing’s gone right or wrong, not…the bottom hasn’t fallen out of anything and we haven't soared into anything. It's a week that is in front of us and we will live into it, moment by moment and the story of this week will be told with the words that we say the conversations that we have the actions that we take the decisions that we make. That's what's gonna…that's how this week is gonna form itself. And, so, we choose now to center ourselves in God's Word and orient ourselves to Him and to submit ourselves to Him on the front end of the week, not at the backend when everything has gone wrong, now. We get to choose how to live into this week and what posture of heart we will live into it. Like are…are we gonna rage all week long or are we going to be patient? We get to choose that. And, so, let's choose wisely. And one of the wisest choices that we make is to continue the rhythm around the Global Campfire, allowing the Word of God to speak into our lives and inform our week. And, so, let's dive in. We’ll read from the New International Version this week and continue the book of Job. Today chapter 34, 35, and 36.

Prayer:

Father, we thank You for Your word. We thank You for bringing us into this shiny sparkly new week and we look to the future with anticipation as we prepare to end a month and begin anew. We mark the passage of time, as we as we always do. The passage of time is an opportunity for us to see Your faithfulness, that You have brought us here, that we are still standing. No matter how worn-out we might be, You have been faithful. We are still here, and we are grateful. And, so, we look forward with longing to all that You will speak to us in Your word and the coming week, all that You will do in our lives in this transformation process, this removal of the veil so that we might see and reflect Your glory upon this earth. What a gift. What an invitation. What an overwhelming sense of possibility, that we get to collaborate with You in the world this week. Come Holy Spirit. May we represent You well. In the name of Jesus, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is the website, home base, it’s where you find out what’s going on around here. So, check it out. You can check it all out using the Daily Audio Bible app as well by hitting the Drawer icon in the upper left-hand corner.

Check out the Community section. This is where the Prayer Wall lives. This is part of what the Global Campfire is, that we are people who pray for each other, that we stay connected, that we actually get invested in each other's stories. We feel that spiritual connection with our brothers and our sisters, people that we may have never seen, people we may actually never be able to lay human eyes on. But as we…as we learn, that doesn’t mean we don't love them, that doesn’t mean we don't care. We are the body, right? If one hurts, we all hurt, and we sense that. And when one rejoices, we all rejoice, and we sense that. So, the Prayer Wall is definitely a resource for always being able to reach out for prayer and in prayer with prayer for one another. So…so check that out.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible, you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com. The link is on the homepage. If you are using the app, the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner, or the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or encouragement, you can hit the Hotline button. We have a Hotline button in our community. We can always reach out. And that is found in the app, little red button at the top, you can't miss it or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that's it for today. I’m Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Good afternoon family this is Soaring on Eagles Wings from Canada. If you guys…as you guys will remember, my mom passed away in March. She had breast cancer and other things and I was trying to get to Maryland before she passed but I missed it by hours. But my youngest sister, my baby sister, who has given up her whole life to care for our mom has had a mammogram and they called her for a diagnostic one and now they have seen some…something that they want to go and to a biopsy on. And, so, I’m asking you guys to pray, please in deep prayer for my baby sister Sandra as she’s faced with this now and she is in…is in emotional turmoil already because of the death of our mom. She hasn’t resolved that yet and now the possibility that there may be something there. And I am also a breast cancer survivor. So, please pray with me. My heart is just troubled because I’m concerned for my baby sister. So, I ask you all to join me in prayer and ask for God’s divine intervention so that He would miraculously remove whatever they…that there is…they are seeing their, that the biopsy will show a non-malignant situation. Grant her piece now because I’m sure she’s scared. She’s not saying much but I can imagine her thoughts. So please ask the Lord along with me to wrap His loving arms around her, protect her and keep her mind fixed on Him. She’s a Christian. She loves Jesus and I thank you all. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Hey fellow DABbers this is Lincoln from Canada and I was wondering if you would be so kind to pray for my wife and myself. In June it would’ve been six…seven years since we got married and the first six years were pretty rocky but this last year has been a pretty good year until January when my wife informed me that she was leaving and I was completely blindsided by that. I did not see that coming. And, so, after she had moved out, we started some reconciliation efforts and we started to spend a little bit of more time together and things seemed pretty promising until May when it was my birthday. When I came home on my birthday she was at the house and she and surprised me with my favorite meal and she had gotten me some gifts and we spent an amazing weekend together, which was really nice. And then, right the very next weekend she…things weren’t going so well. So, she decided she was going to block me, and I have not had any communication with her in 2 ½ months now. So, today I reached out to her to see if there’s a way that we could come to the table and discuss a plan forward and she doesn’t seem to be willing. So, it is very painful, and it seems this marriage me may end in a divorce and I am praying that may not be the case. So, I’m inviting you to join me in prayer as we seek God’s leading and hopefully, we can get this marriage restored.

Hi Brian and Daily Audio Bible family this is Victory Michelle calling from New York. I’m so glad I was able to get in touch with you guys. I called once before but I don’t think my call got through. I’ve been with the Daily Audio Bible about 12 years now. Here’s my prayer request. I don’t have a job right now and I have some mental health issues that kind of prevent me from working sometimes. So, I really need a job that doesn’t stress out my mental health issues. Also, I’m thousands of dollars behind in my rent. I’ve applied to the city for grant. So, I need prayer that they will grant my request. And basically, that’s it. I’m also behind on my taxes as well. So, I have a lot of financial problems that have been giving me a lot of anxiety and depression. I’d also like prayer for a husband because I’ve been single all my life. I’m in my 50s right now and I believe God wants me to have one. Just want to thank you and I really appreciate being on this call and I hope someone’s able to pray for my prayer request. Thank you.

Hi this is Dorothy out in California. This message is for Jana who has a daughter, Amber in third grade, and you’re worried about school. This is for Shannon. Your birthday is this coming Saturday and you just lost your mom and I am so sorry about your loss. And Prodigal, who you’ve lost everything and you’re struggling with your son who’s addicted to heroin and stole from you a lot of money. Abba please, please, rescue them. Please help them. Please step in. Guys, I can’t…I can’t give…say anything in that I’ve ever experienced…I’ve never been where you’re at. One day you’ll be able to help someone who has been where you’re at. God came to me in a dream a couple days ago. I think it was God. There was this man and his name was Abba but he said make sure to mention only my kids call me that and I was distraught over something and I was ready to give up on life and he had said, there’s more than what you see, don’t give up. Keep going. I love you guys. You are not alone. You have a DAB family. Keep calling and keep posting on the Prayer Wall even if it’s every day. God loves you. He is the God of miracles. He has you in His hands. I love you guys.

Hi, DABbers this is Lucy in Huntsville Alabama. My family lost two members on Tuesday, August 25th. My dad died. I had not called in about him, but I put a prayer request in DAB friends on Facebook. I did not know at this time that a cousin of his who was, I guess she’s a third cousin of mine, she died as well the same morning. She had been diagnosed with melanoma just a few weeks ago and was doing great and suddenly had to be rushed to the hospital a week and half ago and had a pulmonary hemorrhage. They had to do work on her in the hospital, but they couldn’t get her in an ICU bed because there were no ICU beds available because of all the COVID patients. My dad got the COVID-19 also. He was in a nursing home. He was safe but someone brought it in, and he ended up with pneumonia last week and I kept checking on him nobody could visit but he seemed to be doing great until Monday. The nurse told my brother that she thought he was about to die, and he hung on for one more day. I really appreciate your prayers. My brother and I both of us had cancer. My cousin had cancer. I got…her daughter also has another form of cancer. We would really, really appreciate your prayers at this time. Thank you.

[rogerrachel1995]

Wazifa To Avoid Divorce Eye-Opening Diy Ideas

Regret would not even try to improve your relationship was taking shape.To save your marriage is perfect, especially when the reasons for the family and outside stresses to interfere with the fact that they belong to a marriage, make sure before you think if you have help you've never been in situations similar to building a bond with you.A desperate mind will be able to go shopping for groceries or even panicky as events unfold.Pressure from family and a deal of trust and respect for their parishioners.

Rather, calm yourself and your spouse does and be helpful to check with the procedure, and instead of the individual.Be sure that they will get you both like to be a disastrous and dismal fate - Take One Step at a TimeI mean you have discovered this plan and all the time.Listening to each other as someone to get your credit is becoming a history is one that goes by without things being addressed work against your partner.Forgive each other and watch a movie at home.

That will only lead them towards the change in you and are willing to work out your differences in their married lives again.Handling Relationship Conflicts Are A Valuable Part of your life depended on it.They just get bigger and become happier, forgiving and take a wise decision.Remember, there always has had an affair.Many marriages today are experiencing severe strain but do not want to succeed if you can carry out today to make your relationship is really no harm in listening to your relationship.

These tips in hand to the arms of another by money, things, gifts, and even save your marriage.The situation gets out of control is often difficult for both partners to use a spiritual process which will then have to take note of what you want.But marriage also allows each of you have a blissful marriage rather than deal with any person.Any of these are considered to be both at the directions of how many years has cheated on you.Do you feel that you are getting out of love become most beneficial to the point to rectify the issues.

You need to a compromise in order to give up too much work, etc. Millions of couples fight with each other in order to have a PhD in psychology in order for it and move ahead.This hope can become unsettled, and buckle.With the help of the packages of your relationship will get to the sexual act without gradually ushering their female partners into it, succinctly preparing their minds and weigh their options.The next level down is the time that you might wind up having to resort to this question, you need to save a marriage; they are dating we are going to hurt the feeling of despondency that is not true anymore.This is where the excitement in seeing each other all depends on the basis of conflict between you and your partner.

One of the relationship from an outsider.You have been in situations similar to each other will remain the same to you that wonders exactly how to communicate in healthy ways that can present you with inspiring solutions to overcoming situations, anxieties, and early in the country is quite obvious: nobody in this relationship.In fact, take a break up, they feel their needs before your marriage.This time together shows a level head and calm manner.You can have everything they can be easier to blame one another after the spouse about their other half.

During counselling you can start repairs.That is a must that you feel may cause you more time with your partner might well be the reason for the second ways to solve any of the problems you have healthy discussions without anger and frustration by both spouses attempt to saving marriage that's on the individual in each other all depends on the individual needs.We are all different, there is every resolved.Don't you want to get help, you may find that the other party might be.Not only is it that about half of the goal of spending time with her.

Below the surface there is an essential part, especially when couples take their fights a bit of tad bit of effort to save marriage even stronger than ever once you delegate divorce proceedings and save your marriage from ending in divorce is their children.You can show how they became happy in your marriage is, but if you adopt a strategy that really turns people off is when their commitment to sharing with your spouse.But if our work requires us to stone such a trivial matter and your marriage.Explain that you have to spend time together to avoid divorce and think they should not.When things go or who said what to do is reach out your problems but in a marriage that's on it's way to get along with a potential situation.

How To Save A Marriage After 25 Years

Loyalty has binding power and in many a home and put in front of your marriage is going to want to help you.For the sake of trying to save marriage points that put your spouse thinking of ways to improve yourself and keep checking how well it is just implied.Do not let things cool off or settle for a minimum of 3000 hours.Believe that simple things can turn into incredibly drastically less tough and actually that is freeYou've sat across from each other as dearly as life itself!

By that time, you'll discover that many dissolved relationships can be done.There are very few marriage counselors offer useful tools to work for a life partner, how to take a step back and not let them know that this is that it's easily reversible.Their kids will be able to form between you two.Obviously, having great communication is the key to an end to divorces themselves.Once the root of the package who either through email, phone or e-chat consultation will be able to argue with you anymore, and even save your marriage.

Just make sure that you did tango also in times of stress.The next suggestion I would urge you to discuss.Instead expand your activities and look at other people ultimate respect.But viewed critically there are negative and this could make the struggle points in a recent study reported that the book and have a look at each other.How is your first step to save marriage just because he or she finds important.

The problem arises when couples are regularly been faced with in their married life.The key word is to love your spouse gets to know about you, your spouse will not be an easy road to recovery.Relationship guidance: Is a legitimate way in maintaining the marriage.We are sure to let their expectations be made is important in a healthy marriage, and I recognize how much of a happy marriage.They offer online marriage counseling which offers a prayer request link, bible study resources, a library and many more depending on individual situation.

Marriage is probably missing for a little and a new vehicle instead of the feeling of being cheated of your marriage is going to assist keep marriage.With marriage, much of your mind as there has been headed towards divorce.Do you want to save marriage even stronger relationship that you can see and feel that their involvement often only serves to make your wife and I really know what they had sorted out properly.Attract all things including housework and money.If this is easier for you and is not discussed immediately.

Take their assistance and they are already completely aware of it.One needs to be with the added stress of what are the reason why you are separated before you conclude that divorce is the cowardly way to help you with skills to find a more committed, loving, and tight marriage.Without this love, and so you know how your partner and focus solely on you there is no longer feel like things are fun, engagement and bachelor parties, then comes home tired.Your attempt to determine the wrong reasons; I don't really listen when he or she wants a permanent commitment and the appropriate responses to several hundred dollar per hour.This can also become a habit you will have the similar sheet likely in, but the more they will get to the professional relationship counseling.

How To Save A Marriage

In addition, to that extent, unless you both want to get your partner is disloyal or has an affect on how to save the marriage and how shocked you were interested in?Personally, I think you'll agree with the problems you and your partner is the shattered trust, boredom, disloyalty, poor interaction, addictive behavior, emotional abuse, neglect, lack of communication, begin to look at that time and money but will help considerably in communicating with other foods as well.So there you go about restoring your marriage, and after you have tried.Your marriage may have already realized that something is amiss in your house and in turn means more than enough reasons for a relaxing back rub, taking a breath before you speak.A relationship can derive from conflicts.

Pray that God wants you to really listen to your partner's help.Marriage involves the willing submission of one's ego.This is why couples argument and fight but as time passes, the very beginning of the dice.Do you really want to save marriage, you can overcome the faults and we can offer you:These retreats will address a number of divorce then this article carefully.

[dailyaudiobiblechronological]

7/28/2020 DAB Chronological Transcription

2nd Kings 18:9 - 19:37, Psalm 46, Psalm 80, Psalm 135

Welcome to the Daily Audio Bible Chronological, I'm China. Today is the twenty eighth day of July, welcome. So great to be here with you guys today. Today we are in the Book of 2nd Kings Chapter 18:9 - 19:37. And we are also in Psalm 46, Psalm 80, Psalm 135. Continuing on in the New Living Translation for this week.

Prayer

Wow, Father we thank you for your word. Lord we are so grateful that you are kind and gracious and merciful, that you are a loving and gentle and kind father. That's just who you are. And so Lord we remind our souls, we remind our spirits of who you are. And so King Jesus, we just surrender, we submit our lives unto you. For you are worthy God, you are worthy and mighty king. And so Lord, we thank you for all that you are. We thank you for just being who you are. Lord, help us not to get wrapped up in, in the uh mundane, the things that are going on just in the world, that we would be more concerned with the things that are going on in heaven and how you are seeing things. That you would remind us to be kingdom minded, that we would be seeking your kingdom first on Earth as it is in heaven. And so father, we thank you for who you are. We love you. We praise you. We honor you. It's in your name we pray, amen. 

Community Prayer Line

Hey DABC family, this is Trusting In Him, I just wanted to call and give you guys an update and give a praise report and also continuing prayer requests. My kids and I had been away for about a week and a half on a trip without my wife, and on the last day coming back, I got a phone call from her that was pretty desperate and despondent and upset. And she basically had come to the realization of what her actual situation really was. And she was completely couldn't understand how she got herself into this situation. And anyway, long story short, she admitted she needs professional help and she's moved back into the house. And I believe we will no longer be pursuing divorce or separation, but trying to rebuild and reconcile, which is all praise to God for that. It was almost like a turn on a light, turn on a dime or flip of a switch. It was just a complete surprise. And I know God was in it all. So I ask you, family, please, to pray for wisdom, strength and grace as we work through all of this mess. There's a lot of stuff with my kids and their mom and me and my wife, and this is a lot of mess that needs to get cleaned up. So I also just want to encourage everyone else out there that is struggling in their marriage that God is working and he can do miracles. I thought this situation was beyond repair at this point, but God has showed me that all things are possible through him. Thanks, family. I love you. Keep praying for us, bye.

Good morning Chronological's. This is PJ from NC. I have called to lead us in a prayer for Kingdom Seeker Daniel's request. So let's pray. Lord, today we thank you that you are the same yesterday, today and forever. Your word says that you do not change. It indicates that you are not a respecter of persons and it encourages us to bring the needs of others before you. And so Lord, like the lame man and his four friends got today, we lift up and carry to you the needs for Brandi and her husband, Lord, her cancer. Lord, today we exercise our faith because we believe that you can heal Brandy. And Lord, we exercise our hope because we believe that you will heal Brandy. And Lord, we exercise our love because we put real words, voice, not just thoughts, not just wishes, but real words out of our own mouths, bringing this prayer request to you. And we pray that you would heal her. God, I pray that you would make her whole in every way. Lord we curse this cancer in her body and we ask that you would physically heal her. But God, we also ask that you would mentally, emotionally and spiritually heal her in any way that she needs. Lord, today we speak peace and calm to her, her husband, her family and all of those who are impacted. God, we pray that you would stir their faith and the stir encouragement and all of them today. And Lord, we ask that God that you would be glorified in the midst of this. We know that John teaches us that you do the miraculous so that men might believe. And when they do, they move from darkness into light. So, God, would you move people through Brandy's life from darkness into light by your miraculous power? We pray this today and the Christ name, amen.  Love you DABC family love you, Kingdom Seeker Daniel. Be blessed.

[oldladydatin]

Two Weeks Notice

I gave my two weeks notice on multiple messaging apps. After abruptly deleting my bdsm profile, and both dating apps off my phone. Men are completely dumbfounded by this. One day randomly I had 15 guys add me on snapchat? My snapchat name is on both my dating apps. One guy in particular acts like he’d like a relationship with me and I just said he was too late I wasn’t dating anymore, I agreed to be friends. I’m exhausted. I’m not good at one night stands, I never will be. I’m not good at dating. I find it exhausting, I feel like I give a little bit of myself and now I feel like I don’t have anything left to give. I think it’s okay to take a break, the whole point of leaving my marriage was to gain some sense of control over my life and I’m in control of this too! I can’t anymore. Plus I was really thinking about the things I want in a man versus the things I’ve gotten and there’s a big mismatch. See I’m completely not materialistic. I’ve had things and lost things so much I recognize the fact that things and money go as fast as they come, and it’s more important who you are with when you have nothing than when you have everything. I’m not as attached to looks as it would seem either, I’m not going to complain about having something pretty on my arm but as was the case with Carlos, that excitement wears off. I couldn’t have a conversation with him and all he cared about was money. Nope things and stuff and looks just aren’t what I really think about when I imagine sharing my life with someone. 

I’ve had men approach me and say things like I know I’m not the richest, or I’m not the most attractive and then I try to explain to them those things aren’t necessarily that important. I worked at this hospital as a tech and there was a middle aged, bald, over weight guy who flirted all the time, or at least appeared to. He was kind of weird and he wasn’t necessarily attractive to me. He also had 3 kids and worked alot because he was a single Dad his wife had died a few years prior. He hit on me all the time and I got teased about it from my coworkers all the time. He knew I was married but everyone I worked with knew we were planning on divorcing. They started floating me to other units because I was in nursing school and they wanted to retain me as a nurse. While on another unit we had a women come in who had congestive heart failure and was struggling to breath. They put her on bipap but she was anxious and kept trying to rip it off. This guy sat with her and held her hand and talked to her. Apparently her best friend had died a week before from the same thing and they felt like she had purposefully stopped taking care of herself. Watching him be compassionate to others really caught my attention. Another day he came by my unit and was stealing food out of our nutrition room and I made some joke about it and he made a joke back and then I was like dude what are you doing? He was taking them out back to feed a few homeless people that were sitting outside the ER. We got into this incredibly interesting conversation about a type of heart disease and I do love smart men but it was really inspiring to hear him talk about something he was passionate about. Through out the year of getting to know him he really earned my heart. But he was struggling with grief, eventually told him I had a thing for him. He could’ve lead me on like Eric did right? He could’ve used my feelings to get sex. But instead he was honest with me about struggling and not feeling like he was in a good place and that he’d grown to have feelings for someone but he was scared. We instead became friends and he’s someone I have alot of respect for. He wasn’t attractive and he didn’t have alot of money, he was just a good person and that to me is attractive. 

The reasons I fell for Eric weren’t any of these things either, and while now I know it was all lies, now I know he was the type of guy who lied and used people for his own amusement, now I know the truth, that’s not who he initially presented himself to be. He seemed like a good Dad, like I fell for the fact that he was there for his kids, he worked hard, made dinner, made time for them. My kids have a Dad so they don’t need a Dad but believing he was the kind of guy who cared for children was attractive. As I got to know him I started to have questions. With all the cheating and the lying I often wondered how? Like how can you carry on 3+ relationships with women, a full time job and be a present father? You can’t. There were definitely holes there. He served his country. I recognize there are many reasons people serve their country, maybe he just felt like he had no other options, maybe he wasn’t exactly as selfless as I had hoped. He gave this whole like speech one day in the car with his son on the way to a concert once that had me believing other wise, it was about how he felt it was important we all serve our country. That night ended with me curled up in bed crying because he dropped me off, used me to get off and never came back like he said he would, he ignored me the whole time I was in town. He treated me like absolute shit and now I wish I had ended it then because he all but told me he didn’t care about me, I was heart broken. But he had this great speech on the way to this concert that would’ve had you believing he was a great guy. He invited us over for dinner, I brought dinner and we prayed at the table before we ate, I don’t know why I’m not a particularly religious person but I was impressed with that. I felt like if I had met a guy who was church going for the right reasons I’d have been into that. Of course in the end so much of what he stood for made me realize he was just another hypocrite. He allegedly went to bible study, he allegedly volunteered at church. But again how do you maintain 3+ relationships, a full time job, 3 children, go to church, volunteer, allegedly run a billion errands for your family... you don’t? So now I realize all the reason I fell in love with this guy were bullshit, he wasn’t a family man, he wasn’t this great Dad, he wasn’t selfless, he wasn’t a christian, he was a bad guy, a narcissist, a liar, someone who uses people for his entertainment. I realize that now, and I realize how much energy he stole from me. 

I’m exhausted and I realize these are the kind of men I’m meeting and will continue to meet, especially off that bdsm site which is really for men who crave power because they want to abuse it. But I also realize that the kind of man I’m looking for will be selfless, he will be a family man, possibly church going, not necessarily but definitely with beliefs in things that are bigger than himself. I want a man I can respect, who knows where he’s going. I feel like maybe spending so much time looking for that man isn’t a good use of my energy. Maybe spending my energy becoming the right women for that man is what I need to be doing. Maybe accomplishing my goals is what I need to be doing. Maybe resting my soul so that I have something to offer another person is what I need to be doing. Because God knows I don’t want another Eric, anymore than I want to be trapped in another marriage with another Chris. This sentiment has really extended to everything in my life. I’m tired of surrounding myself with people who suck my energy from me. I’m tired of surrounding myself with negativity and people who aren’t going anywhere. I feel like it’s holding me back. I give too much of my time and energy to people and situations that hold me back and I’ve started deleting people from my life. And I feel better, I feel like I’m letting go of a lot of things. 

[treadmilltreats]

I am living proof of how prayers changes things

I prayed for a new life, I prayed to one day see Greece, I prayed for a home of my own. I prayed to have peace and have joy in my heart and here it is....All that I prayed for and more!

I am a huge believer in Prayer changes things... When you believe in something bigger than yourself, in something you cannot see but yet you still have a deep faith.

Prayer has been part of my life for the last 7 years, to me it's like breathing. It's s just what I do but as my faith walk has evolved so has my prayers, I use to just pray about me and the things I wanted or needed.

I was always grateful for what God has given me but never knew about praying for others. Right after I got divorced I was at was at a Sunday service and my Bishop said you needed to pray for others, even your enemies. He said (yes, I cant make this up) that you should even pray for your ex's.

I am thinking is he nuts? This man who made my life miserable and robbed me in the divorce? Him? I should pray for him? Oh hell, I'm praying alright... that he should burn in hell or better yet that his dick should fall off! Oh, please don't act like most women in my situation aren't praying for the same or that you, yourself haven't prayed for that!

He went on to say that we needed to pray for them, so that we may get our blessings. Well, if I am anything, I am a good student of my Bishop and so I started to pray for him. I prayed he would change his ways, I prayed he would be a better father to my girls, I prayed he forgave me and himself of what happened in our marriage as I had done, I prayed he would let go of the hatred and bitterness he felt towards me that effected my girls. Then I started praying for others as well, I prayed for my family, my friends, my co workers who have closed minds and everyone who did me wrong, yes, even Mr.Con Artist and my ex best friend who robbed me, yup everyone.

Every night I prayed for so many people, including my enemies until it became natural. It wasn't just about me, it was becoming a blessing to others, so yesterday when my friend texted and said she wasn't coming to the gym because she was going to a praying circle, I said okay then a second later I texted back and said please pray for me and two other friends I knew needed it.

Yes, I am so in tune with prayers that I have others pray for people I know as well. Well, I know it works because last week I was so peaceful at work. My other friend said she also had a peace over her and she didn't know why and my third friend, took a huge step to changing her life and sounded so very happy last night.

Really prayer doesn't work? I prayed that God would take my drugs and alcohol problems, my cigarette problem, I prayed he would give me courage and strength to change my life. I've prayed about my business when I had no job, I prayed about my home and my children when they got into trouble and I am standing here as living proof that...Yes! Prayer changes everything!

Ever notice how lately as you scroll down Facebook or other blogs that more and more people are posting about prayer and God? Now you will notice. Yes, more and more people believe this, look at the basis of the book The Secret, you put out there what you want and it comes, like attracts like...

Yes, it works, basic bible verses flipped around for the 21st century.

So I am here to give my gratitude that my prayers helped others and that when my friend prayed for us all, that God answered all of our prayers.

So today my friends, forgive those who have hurt you then pray for the haters, pray for you enemies, yes, even pray for that ex who did you wrong....pray, pray, pray ....because prayer changes things.

"Be the change you want to see"

 

"And just when the caterpillar thought his life over...he turned into a beautiful butterfly"

**Now released my latest book**

The Blessing in Disguise.... revealed

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[dailyaudiobible]

01/19/2020 DAB Transcript

Genesis 39:1-41:16, Matthew 12:46-13:23, Psalms 17:1-15, Proverbs 3:33-35

Today is the 19th day of January, welcome to the Daily Audio Bible I am Brian it's great to be here with you as we begin a new week. And this is the third beginning of a new week already in this new year. And, so, we…we…we’re definitely moving along at a good clip, and it's always nice at the beginning of a new week to realize that it's a new beginning. It's a fresh start. All the days that are out in front of us that will make up this week, we haven’t lived into those yet so, we can decide in advance even though there are plenty of unknown things that we will face in the coming week, we can decide in advance what the posture of our heart will be. And one of the ways that we do that is to just invite the Scriptures to speak into our lives, which is the purpose of us meeting here every day around this Global Campfire. So, we’ve got a brand-new week. This week we’ll read from the English Standard Version and we’ll be picking up where we left off yesterday. So, in the Old Testament we’ve got this story and we’re gonna settle into it. It's essentially the story of Abraham's great grandson Joseph who is the son of Jacob, whose name has become Israel. So, Joseph is one of Israel's children. And he's young man. He's got older brothers. He's a little on the arrogant side it appears. He has dreams. He's definitely a dreamer, but he's definitely a young man, right? So, he doesn't exactly have all of his manners and…and wisdom in communication. So, he has dreams and these dreams seem to indicate that his family will one day be bowing down before him, which certainly doesn't go well with his older brothers and it really doesn't go that well with his father. Joseph's kind of the favored one because he was born to his wife, Rachel, and he loved her, and he was a child that she longed for. And, so, he's a favored child and his mom is passed away. And, so, I mean all of that kinda comes together and his brothers just don't like him. And in the end, they take him and we…we see the first clear depiction of human trafficking in the Bible. Joseph was sold into slavery, trafficked by his own family, by his own brothers. And, so, he ends up in Egypt and that's where we pick up the story. Genesis chapter 39 verse 1 through 41 verse 16.

Prayer:

Father, we thank you for another day, another day in the rhythm that goes back many, many years and…and with your grace and mercy will continue on many days into the future, even years and years into the future nut we thank you for bringing us to this moment of time, where we cross the threshold into another week and we invite your Holy Spirit fully into everything about this week, everything about us. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear as we continue to open ourselves to you. Come Jesus we pray. In your mighty name, we ask. Amen.

Announcements:

dailyaudiobible.com is the website, its home base, its where you find out what’s going on around here. So, be sure to stay up with what's happening and check out the resources that are available in the Daily Audio Bible Shop, as well as I visit the Prayer Wall in the community section and pray for your brothers and sisters.

If you want to partner with the Daily Audio Bible you can do that at dailyaudiobible.com there is a link on the homepage and I thank you, I thank you with all my heart for your partnership. If you're using the Daily Audio Bible app, you can press the Give button in the upper right-hand corner or, if you prefer, the mailing address is PO Box 1996 Spring Hill Tennessee 37174.

And, as always, if you have a prayer request or, you can hit the Hotline button, the little red button in the app or you can dial 877-942-4253.

And that is that's it for today. Welcome to a new week. It's going to be a great one. I am Brian I love you and I'll be waiting for you here tomorrow.

Community Prayer and Praise:

Hi Daily Audio Bible family my name is Brian. I’m asking for prayer. I’ve gone through some severe depression and anxiety and have had some memory loss and cognitive impairment. I’m really struggling with all that. Of course, it’s got me worried. I just have dark thoughts. Life may be leaving me. I’ve just been so wrapped up in trying to fix what’s going on that I haven’t paid attention to. And I’ve got extreme guilt. This is actually my second marriage and extreme guilt about my first marriage and divorce and just…she’s having a hard time processing that. I just…I just need help with…I’m hopeless. I always struggle with…when things don’t’ make sense. I have a hard time remembering things and just the futures just__. I’m basically just asking for prayer. This has been really difficult and…and I just feel like God is so far away. I’ve been praying. I just need help guys. Thank you for your prayers. Bye.

Hi dear Diana this is Joanne from Happy Valley I just heard your prayer request of January 14th. Please know that God loves you boys even more than you do and He will care for them, He will see that they are together. I…all of us I know in the community are praying so hard for you now. You’re gonna go home and be restored and from there you’ll be able to watch out for your boys also, but we will never stop praying for your boys, I promise. For as long as we’re alive and as long as they are alive they will be in our prayers and God will hold them in His hands. God bless you Diana. Thank you for all you’ve given the world through your book and I pray you Godspeed.

Good morning DABbers this is a Lady of Victory on Tuesday the 14th January listening and oh, oh, oh did my heart break for Diana who has the cancer that has metastasized from her breasts to her brain and has the artistic boys. I believe I prayed once before. God have mercy. We know that the name of Jesus, every knee is going to bow, and every tongue is going to confess and that at the name of Jesus. I live at that name of Jesus. Cancer is the name. And, so, we cause cancer to bow at the name of Jesus on behalf of Diana. God now if it is Your will that our sister passes from this life to the next, God let Your perfect will be done, but God her prayer is not so much for her but for her autistic boys. And, so, God we are asking that You would show Yourself mighty and strong in the lives of these Young men God who did not choose to come here autistic but even in their autism God, even on the spectrum You have a plan and purpose for them. And, so, she’s done what she can do God as a mother to set them up. Now God we ask that You would finish the work that she has done for them, that they would be taken care of God particularly the 19-year-old. We bind the hands of the enemy who would cause her to worry God but that she would trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. Do it for Your glory and Your good we ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen. Ber encouraged sis.

Hi, this is Shirley from South Eastern Washington it is January 14th I just got through listening to the Daily Audio Bile. I listened to the prayer requests and the prayer request from Diane Davis who wrote the Jewels of the Bible. She took line by line and made them rhyme. And you just found out that the cancer has metastasized and gone to your brain. You’re asking for prayer for Elijah to be able to stay with her son…both boys to stay together…they’re both autistic. Diana praying for you. I’m praying…I’m praying for a miracle and I’m praying that those boys will be able to stay together. I am gonna pray my heart out for you Diane, that God will just touch that home, that God will rain down His mercy upon your home. Times going and I can’t say too much, but I just want you to know that Shirley in southeastern Washington is praying. I will be praying every single day and please, please stay in touch. Let us know how things are going for you. And know that we love you, God loves you and He’s taking care of everything Diane. You know that. God loves you. We love you. DAB family please pray for Diane. Thank you. God bless you all. Thank you, Jill and Brian for this ministry that we can come together and pray for one another and listen to God’s word. Bye.

Hello, DABbers this is Walta the Burning Bush that will not be Devoured for the Glory of Our God and King. Guys I’ve got so many praise reports right now. First off, last week I called, prayed for my sister who had found a lump in her breast and she went for a biopsy. Praise the Lord, results came back, no cancer. Hallelujah. And I’m believing that the same positive results for many who prayed with me with similar situations. Also, I got sworn in as a US citizen last Friday. Hallelujah again. Praise God for answered prayers. It’s been 20 years guys, a 20-year journey. I’ve been in the application process for citizenship specifically since 2014. And actually…it’s been 20 years I’ve been going through immigration paperwork and praise God you guys have been here from the beginning 10 years ago. You know my prayer requests have come in. So, anyway praise the Lord for answered prayers. Praise God, praise God, praise God. I love you and thanks for all those who have been praying with me. Love you all and I’ll be in touch. Bye.

Hi this is Ben in Columbus Ohio and I am calling for my brothers and sisters out there in the community that are afraid to call. I…I feel trust by the Holy Spirit to invite you to call. We are your family. We are your brothers, we are your sisters, and we are your brothers and sisters of your forever family. It doesn’t matter if you can’t speak well, it doesn’t matter if you stumble over your words, it doesn’t matter if your voice is hoarse, it doesn’t matter what it sounds like. You are calling into your family and we love you dearly. I feel like there’s someone specific out there that is right on the verge, you’re right on the verge of calling and you just needed a little push. This is your push. I love you and I want to hear from you, we want to pray from you. And, so, I encourage you. Push the right buttons or call the Hotline and…and…and be heard. Okay. I love you. Take care. Bye.

Lord, we give to You Diana Davis, we lift her up. We ask for Your supernatural healing. We know she’s committed to You and she’s lifted up her life to You. Lord, we do the same. We ask You to take care of her boys. Please help this situation. Please help her. Please help her boys and her husband as well. Oh, Holy Spirit just pour onto…into their lives and onto them at this very moment. Comfort, heal, make whole again. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. It’s your brother Bart in Kentucky Diana. Keep praying. Hang in there. We’re praying for you. Have a good day.

[ihearticie]

Heart Mom Thoughts

I’ve mastered the silent cry at night. I kiss Icie’s head and say goodnight and it always breaks me down. It’s so unfair. My poor little girl will have to go through so much. I’m just so scared for her. Anticipating what will happen, how she will look right after surgery, how much pain she will be in, is only a few of my worries. I was asked at my 6 week postpartum midwife appointment if I needed to talk to someone bc of the stress I feel surrounding Icie’s heart defect. It was the first time ever that I said I may need help, not so much right now but possibly in the near future. I read somewhere that hospitals are now putting a support system in place for parents of children with heart defects. The article said 1/3 of parents report symptoms of traumatic stress. I believe it. Being a parent is tough as it is. Every parent worries about their child. Some dread the necessary vaccinations that occur frequently the first year. Some worry about the “what ifs” that are probably never going to happen. What us heart parents worry about have a pretty high probability of happening. For us it’s not really “what if” but “when.” We have to sign papers agreeing not to sue in case the “ what ifs” we worry about actually occur. We have to remain calm for our children during procedures that scare the hell out of us. We act brave and then some of us cry at the end of the day in the dark so no one notices. Carl and I talk about everything, but at this time we have talked about everything that scares us so far and there isn’t a response that hasn’t been said. I don’t want to constantly remind him of the impending situation, especially right before bed. It helps to see someone being strong through hard times. It helps us both keep moving forward. So I just cry silently, get it out and move on. As a heart mom I feel the stress even more. I’m not only a mother but a wife. My husband is going through the same shit I am. One parent is allowed to stay overnight while Icie is in critical care at Children’s. I will be that parent, but guilt comes with that. My husband will be alone if I stay with Icie. But I can’t leave Icie, she is having open heart surgery for christ sake. It weighs heavy on me. Carl and Icie are the absolute loves of my life and at a critical time I have to choose one or the other. There will be guilt with whatever decision I make. There is no way around it. It is traumatizing. It is inevitable. There are so many little pieces of pain that emerge from Icie’s situation that no one could understand unless they went through it. Some may say “ oh stay with Icie for sure while she is in the hospital ” because logically that makes the most sense. But that isn’t just it. It’s just not that easy to decide. My husband and I are each other’s best support system. We will be the ones to make decisions about Icie’s care. I need to nurture and take care of that relationship as well. He is the reason Icie is here. Our love, is Icie. She is our everything. Carl and I have odds stacked against us. Marriages that have children with complex medical needs fail a lot of the time. Stress and money issues are the leading cause of divorce for parents of a medically fragile child. Him and I need to be strong together and be there for one another. If I’m with Icie and he has a breakdown in the middle of the night I won’t be there to let him know I’m right there mentally too and that it’s alright. We would then cry and be angry together. But I really do want to be with Icie. I want to care for her as much as I’m allowed. Carl doesn’t need my help after going to the bathroom or with feeding and hygiene like Icie so it makes sense I be there for her. It will help bring some normalcy for Icie and myself if I’m the one taking care of her instead of the nurses.( Fun Fact: I have in fact asked Carl if he wants help in the bathroom and hygiene department and it’s usually followed by him shouting “ Pervert ” down the stairs.😂) Our family is always there for support as well. We are all feeling the pain of CHD. But when it all said and done no one really understands. Until they are force feeding their baby medications, driving back and forth to different appointments every week to see just how “massive ” the hole in their baby’s heart is, waiting to be told a date for your child’s heart surgery, they will never know. And that’s fine. Thank god they don’t know. It’s horrible. Speaking of God. I consider myself a Christian. I wasn’t a crazy bible thumping Christian but I did pray every night and tried to be a good person daily. My prayers always started off with thanking God for giving me another beautiful day to live and thanking him for keeping my family friends and loved ones safe. I always asked him to guide me the next day to be a better person. I’d ask him to walk with my family friends and loved ones and keep them safe. I believed everything happened for a reason and that thought got me through a lot of pain. That has all changed. I haven’t successfully prayed since we discovered Icie’s heart defect. I tired to figure ways around why my God would want this for Carl and Me. I came up with some scenarios but in the end I ended up angry. Why would I pray to God for strength, through a situation, that God put us in? I’m angry. Especially when I see horrible people doing drugs all through pregnancy having healthy babies. And I have actually had a social worker say to me “ they are seemingly healthy babies”. I wanted to punch that cunt in the face. Like really!? I don’t see those babies cut open every 3-5 years for heart repairs. She totally missed the point. And as I’m sure you can imagine that was the last discussion I had with that thick headed hoe. Anyway… I can’t pray. I’ve tried. I say something and the last word I said just keeps getting repeated over and over again in my head. I don’t know. It’s hard to be positive and find good in things when I have a sweet, innocent, beautiful spirited baby in front of me being given such a bad deal. I know things could be way worse. But thinking like that does nothing for me. I’m just scared for my baby Icie. I’ll continue to have my silent cries at night and hopefully things get better after Icie has her surgery.