Weekly Word for May 27 - June 3, 2005

Weekly Word - May 27, 2005

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven - - - A time to give birth, and a time to die; - - -
(Ecclesiastes 3: 1 & 2)

As we started to pack up Mike’s things, getting them ready to move to the new house, we found some old things that Mike had been keeping. Picking through the stuff, a lot of it looked like junk - and I had a large trash bag just waiting for it all! But I figured I would ask, and showing the stuff to Mike, I waited . . . “You can throw them all away, all except this one” he said, as he grabbed an old army patch from my hands. “It was grandpa’s” he said, holding the patch in his hands. It had the face of a horse on it, and was the symbol for the cavalry. It is a memory of a time long since gone by - a memory of a young man fighting for his country. It was my father’s - the man who now uses a walker to try to get around - - - the man who is now nearing the end of his life . . .

A time to plant, and time to uproot what is planted . . .

This coming week-end is “Memorial Day” in our country. It is a day to remember those who have died before us - - - a day to remember soldiers and heroes from wars gone by. It is a day to remember times we have long forgotten . . .

A time to weep, and a time to laugh; - - - A time to mourn, and a time to dance.

“Memorial Day” - the day itself brings back memories, of parades and family - of times of laughter and also some tears. When I was a little girl it meant a day off from school and getting ready for the parade. We would all “line up” at the American Legion which was in the southern part of town. And then - the parade would start! The police cars would flash, and the bands would play, and we would walk - - - all the way past the center of town - stopping at each cemetery - until we finally reached the very last cemetery - North Cemetery. It was here that the trumpeter would play “taps”, and a wreath was laid at the monument for soldiers who had died in a war. We were just little children walking with our scout groups - and yet when that special time came - and the trumpet would start playing it‘s sad melody - - - all were quiet! We would stand there watching those men and women in uniform, looking both proud and sad, as they marched together - to lay down that wreath.

At the time, I didn’t understand it. I didn’t understand about war - or death - or what it meant to lose someone you loved . . .

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and They staff, they comfort me.
(Psalm 23: 4)

“Memorial Day” - as I got older and had children of my own, this day became a time of family - and watching the parade with the kids. We would have a cook-out each year at my in-laws’ house, with all the family there. All of his sisters and their children would be there - running in and out of the house - until that first siren sounded and the band could be heard coming down the road. Then we would all line up on the street, watching as the bands played, soldiers marched, and firemen in their trucks threw candy as they drove by. The older people in the crowd would take off their hats, and place their hands over their heart - as the flag and soldiers marched by. And then we would clap - for the men and women who had fought for us, so many years ago. But soon the parade was over, and the children headed for the house - and backyard where the food was cooking on the grill. Laughter filled the air, and I wondered if the children even understood what this day meant . . .

But some years were different. They were the years when it would rain. We all still met at the house, laughing and talking as we waited inside. Our umbrellas were ready, as the kids would play on the floor and watch tv. And then we would hear the siren. Standing with our umbrellas, outside on the lawn, we would watch as the police car slowly went by. Then came the bus - with the men and women dressed in their uniforms - waving out the windows. We would wave back, and then head back into the house. That was it! Two minutes standing in the rain - watching as the men and women headed to the cemetery - to honor their friends who had died before them . . .

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day;
(2 Timothy 4: 7 & 8)

“Memorial Day” - as I remember back to those days, I realize that some of those people who had been there on those days - are now gone. Gram passed away when Mike and Jen were only 10 and 14. They loved their Gramma, as she loved to spoil them! She had a whole drawer in the kitchen, full of candy and treats, just for them! She loved playing cards and bingo with them, always letting them win! Now - she is one of those to be “remembered”. Jonathan is also gone. He was their oldest cousin - handsome and laughing - playing baseball and kickball with the rest. His life - is now just a memory . . .

Remembering - - - honoring those who have gone before us. So many times we don’t want to think about it - about death. But we all have times when we must say “goodbye” to those we love. It is part of living - part of “life”.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; . . .
(2 Timothy 4: 6 & 7)

Since those days, when I was just a little girl wondering about Memorial Day and what it all meant, I have had many who have touched my life - and then gone to be with the Lord. Learning how to live - as well as how to say goodbye - has been an amazing thing!

A number of years ago, I was online at one of the sites that I visit quite often. It was a website for a country singer that I love. There was a section on the site for people to post about things other than the singer. It was here that people would talk about their lives or things they liked to do - just sharing ordinary thoughts and feelings. Then one day I noticed a post with the title What is a good song to pick for a funeral? As I read the title - I didn’t think I wanted to read it. My first thought was that it was a joke or something stupid! But I kept seeing the title - and a few days later - I finally decided I would read it. When I did - - - I found myself drawn to a young mother - and her struggles to say - goodbye . . .

The post was written by a young mother who was battling cancer. She told the story of her sickness - and the fact that the doctors didn’t think she would live too much longer. She had two small children, the youngest of which was only a baby. As she wrote, she told of her wishes for her children - - - her hopes and dreams for them - - - and her wishes that they would remember her. As I read, I realized that this post had been a conversation between two people - the mom and another young woman from our group. This other young lady had the courage and strength to write all night with this mom. As I continued to read - I found myself stopping when the tears blurred the screen - as I knew that it wouldn’t be too long - before she died. She had so many questions - so many wonderments - but she also knew that it was time for her to go . . .

For I am already being poured out . . . And the time of my departure has come . . .

As I finished reading - there were so many emotions going on inside. I wondered about the mom - and admired the young woman helping her that night. I hoped for her children - and also for the husband that she talked about so lovingly, the man who wrote to us a few days later - when she had finally passed away . . .

And He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; . . . And there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain . . .
(Revelations 21: 4)

Remembering - honoring those who’s lives have passed on. Honoring those who have taught us how to “live” until we say goodbye . . .

Norma was dieing, and we knew that was the truth. But as her body was getting sicker - who she was, her soul and spirit, was becoming more alive. We talked about everything - her son, her husband, all that she felt and wondered. She had faith and trust - and I was the one who was afraid. On that last day, even though she was in a coma, I wanted to talk to her. I asked her husband if we could be alone, and he said yes. As I sat there, I knew she was there - I could see it and feel it. As I sat holding her hand, I started to cry “What am I going to do without you?” And then I looked into her eyes - and I knew she was ready. She was ready to walk through that door - to be with Him - where there is no pain - and she would live - forever . . .

With Thy counsel - Thou wilt guide me, And afterward receive me to glory.
(Psalm 73:24)

“Memorial Day” - it is a time to honor the soldiers and heroes, and those who have been loved. Who is a hero? Those who have chosen to love - to give of themselves to another - to open their hearts and choose to give of their own life - to another person. That young mother was a hero - Norma was a hero - Ted’s grandfather and my grandmother were heroes. We all are heroes to those that we choose to love and care for, to give our hearts and our lives to. When we choose to love - and choose life - “death” is just a temporary goodbye - until the day - we meet again . . .

“For neither can they die any more, for they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.” “Now He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; for all live to Him.”
(Luke 20: 36 - 38)

As we celebrate “Memorial Day” and honor the lives of those we have loved, I pray that you too choose to open your heart - to love and to care. It is then, that you become a hero in another’s life!

God bless you in the coming week ahead!

In His Love,
Debbie & Ted Ayers

Weekly Word for May 20 - 27, 2005

Weekly Word - May 20, 2005

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature - because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees . . .”
(1 Samuel 16: 7a)

The other day, I ran into a woman who I have known for quite a number of years. She has been an acquaintance, that I would see here and there - once in a while. I always liked her! I liked who she seemed to be, and what seemed to be in her heart. She had gone through a divorce about the same time that I did, and I knew that she had worked very hard to take care of her children while being a single mom. Her own struggles seemed to be somewhat like mine - - - and I felt like I understood her just a little bit.

As we talked, I asked her if she had re-married, if she had found someone else. Her disappointment showed, as she told me she hadn’t. “How can I?” she asked. “I work all day, and when I go home I have so much work - - - there just isn’t enough time.” “And who would want a woman my age anyways . . .” she asked.

“Do not look at his appearance . . . For God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
(1 Samuel 16: 7b)

As we continued to talk, I started to hear more about her hurts - about how her husband had betrayed her - leaving her alone and heartbroken. She then told about her church, and how she had turned to them for help and comfort. But they too - - - had betrayed her, siding with her husband and turning against her. As I listened, I really didn’t know what to say. She knew that God hadn’t turned his back on her - she knew that “they” were just people - - - but her heart hurt - - - and she wasn’t sure about trusting anyone . . .

I wanted to give her some hope - to say something really important that would help her - - - but all I could say was that I would be praying - hoping that things would get better. She looked at me, and then she shrugged, saying: “I know that a “church” isn’t perfect - no one is - afterall, as soon as “I” walk in the door . . .” and she laughed and turned away . . .

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man . . . (James 3:2)

When I left my friend, I felt so sad! I knew that she was trying to make a joke about her hurts - about feeling betrayed. But, I also knew that she felt defeated - like she didn’t deserve - anything better . . .

“for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him;”
(1 Chronicles 28: 9)

Many years ago, I had been told about a woman who led a certain ministry. I had heard stories and rumors about her over the years, from a number of different friends. I really didn’t know what to think, until the day one of my friends asked if I would go to a meeting with her.

As I sat there, I saw a woman who was very beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off her, as she stood in front of the room, teaching about the ministry. It was a counseling ministry - and as she spoke, I found myself drawn to every word she said. Watching her, I felt like she was speaking straight to me. It was as if she were sent, straight from God, to offer hope to people who had been terribly wounded in their lives. I couldn’t help it - - - I wanted to be part of her ministry!

Over time, I found myself learning from this woman. I took seminars and also went to counseling with her. She seemed to have a gift that God had given her, to reach out and help others. But as I watched her, I realized that every word she said, everything that she did - was taken as straight from God - by those who worked with her. And somehow, that didn’t seem quite right . . .

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
(2 Corinthians 4: 18)

I wanted to see how this woman was just like me - human, and with faults. I knew that God’s gifts were perfect, but I also knew that “we” were not! As time went on, she became a friend, and then a very close friend. We would get together for coffee, and I started to learn about her life. When this happened, I started to learn about her “flaws”, the things that made her just like everyone else. I saw her as she was - with all her gifts and talents, as well as all her troubles and mistakes. And that’s when I really learned to care about her - - - about the “real” person that she was.

But we have this treasure - in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God - and not from ourselves.
(2 Corinthians 4: 7)

I saw “my friend” as she really was - human and with flaws. In “seeing” her, I had come to care about her even more. We prayed together, talked together, and shared a ministry together. We talked about everything! And then one day, I told her all about wanting to see her as a person - and not as “Godly” and someone who couldn’t be touched. I told her all that I saw - - - and soon - the friendship ended . . .

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;
(2 Corinthians 4: 8 & 9)

The Lord had called my friend to be a minister. But first, he had called her to be - - - herself! He wanted her to be - who He had made her to be - - - someone who needed Him everyday - just like the rest of us . . .

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you . . . .” (Jeremiah 1: 5)

A few weeks ago, Ted and I were talking about our relationship, and about the time when we first started to fall in love. We had both been told by our pastor that the paths we were on - were not the same paths. We knew we loved each other, but wanted to do what was right - to be “good”. So we tried to stay away from each other, to figure out ways to “live” without the other person.

As we continued to talk, Ted then told me how he tried to find things about me, that would make him not care - “flaws” that would make him not “want” me! As he said it, I have to admit, I got a little angry! I knew that I had flaws - - - that I had a terrible temper and wasn’t always nice, that I had a mole on my chin and a scar on my face, that there were things about me - that weren’t “perfect”! They were all things that I didn’t like to look at, about myself. But then he told me that each time he would think about one of my “flaws” - he would love me even more . . .

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, . . . For Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
(2 Corinthians 12: 9 & 10)

In my “flaws”, my weaknesses - Ted loved me even more! He saw me just as I was, a person with needs. And in those needs, Ted and I fit together. I need him - he needs me - and we both need the Lord, everyday!

My friend who had been hurt so badly by her husband and her church - also has needs. I don’t know exactly what they are - but He does! The Lord knows how to heal her broken heart - and give her all the good things she will need - for the rest of her life . . . .

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans - to give you a future and a hope.”
(Jeremiah 29: 11)

“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
(Jeremiah 29: 13)

We all have needs - we all have “flaws” that keep us needy - and reaching out to God. In those needs - we find Him! God doesn’t always take away everything that is imperfect in our lives. But He does offer us The Perfect - Himself - to be with us through it all! He is just waiting - for you to call . . .

“for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him;”

It is my prayer that you will ask Him to be with you - in your hopes and dreams - as well as when you hurt and have failed. He knows what you need - - - for the rest of your life . . .

God bless you in the coming week ahead!

In His Perfect Love,

Debbie & Ted Ayers

Weekly Word for May 13 - 20, 2005

Weekly Word - May 13, 2005

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.
(1 John 4: 7)

It was one of those nights, when no matter how hard you try - sleep just won’t come. Tossing and turning, I was afraid I would wake him. So finally, I quietly slipped out of the bed. As I stood there looking at him, I wrestled with so many feelings. I wanted to wake him up - I wanted to hear his voice - and know that everything would be just fine. But I also wanted him to sleep - knowing how hard he had been working - and seeing the exhaustion on his face that night when he had come home. Silently, I tip-toed out of the room.

Quietly, I walked from room to room - making sure everything was in it’s place. As I walked by the study, I stopped to pet Bear our cat - and then I moved on to the living room. As I sat down on the couch, I thought about turning the lights on - but left the room in shadows - as the light from the fish tank and outside pole somewhat lit the room. As I sat there, I thought about the man asleep in our bed. He was the “love of my life” - my husband - my friend. And friendship was the beginning. As I thought about that - - - I couldn’t help but remember back - - - back to other relationships - other friendships - - - that now - seemed a lifetime ago . . .

But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
(Proverbs 18: 24)

We were so excited, we were now the oldest in our school! We were 5th graders now! And most of us had already turned 10! We thought we were so grown up! We were even going to start changing rooms for certain subjects, and so we thought we were very cool! There were 20 girls and only 5 boys in my class. But one of those boys was my best friend Chris. I knew that other girls were jealous - but he was my friend. We sat side by side in the back of the class - making jokes and laughing behind our teacher’s back! She was one of the meanest teachers in the school, and most of us didn’t like her.

Over the next few months, Chris and I would get into trouble - just horsing around when our work was done. I really liked Chris, and I sometimes pretended he was my boyfriend! Then one day - - - my world changed. Chris and I had been playing with our pencils - stabbing at each other as if they were swords. I wasn’t as fast as he was - and he stabbed me in the wrist. As the teacher angrily walked toward me - yelling the whole way - she grabbed my arm and dragged me to the nurse. The nurse bandaged me up, and I headed back to class. When I got there, the teacher wouldn’t let me sit in my seat! She moved me to the front of the class. In front of everyone - she told the classroom that none of them would want to be my friend - - - after all - - - I was going to be getting braces soon . . .

After that day - Chris never talked to me again. I was so hurt, and wondered why my friend - wasn’t my friend - any more . . .

Even my close friend, in whom I trusted, . . . Has lifted up his heel against me.
(Psalm 41: 99)

We were in high school, and again my best friend was a boy. His name was Ray, and we were in most of the same classes together. He, along with our friend Pete, would sit with me in study - doing our math homework together. I was in most of the advanced math classes, along with mostly boys. But it was Ray that became my close friend. We talked about everything - boyfriends and girlfriends - our hopes and dreams - everything that teenagers wonder about . . .
Ray and I never dated - as we always seemed to have relationships just when one of us would be free. We talked about it - dating - but never did! So when he started dating another “Debbie” in our senior year - many of our friends thought he was dating me! It wasn’t hard to figure out why they thought that - as Ray would walk down the halls with his arm around my shoulder while we talked. It was a relationship full of trust and friendship. Then one day, he came to study looking very upset. As he sat down, I knew that something was very wrong. “Debbie won’t let me be friends with you anymore” he said. I didn’t believe him at first - but he meant it! He told me how she had heard from friends about us - and she was jealous. From that day on - - - our friendship changed . . .

A joyful heart makes a cheerful face, But when the heart is sad . . . The spirit is broken.
(Proverbs 15: 13)

It was our Senior Dance - and I hadn’t spoken alone with Ray since that day so many months earlier. I watched him dancing with her, and wondered about our friendship. Just then, the band announced that we would have a “Shoe Dance”. Each boy was to put one shoe in the middle of the floor. Then each girl - was to take a shoe - and find that boy. As I picked up a shoe - I wondered who I would be dancing with. Then he was there - - - standing before me . . . And we danced . . .

A friend loves at all times . . .
(Proverbs 17: 17)

I was 16 when I started to work at the local grocery store. He was 20 and seemed to think I was cute. He would “bag” for me as I rang up the groceries for the customers and he seemed to want to go out with me - and so we started to date. But he had a “best friend” - and they would go everywhere together. They had known each other since they were boys - and so whenever he came to visit - Scott came along as well. Scott would smile and stand slightly back - as they stopped to say “hi” - and then headed over to Scott’s house to play pool. I couldn’t help it - I didn’t like Scott - I was jealous!

I wanted time alone - without Scott around. I wanted Scott to disappear so I could see more of him - so I didn’t have to share! And then it happened - - - Scott was gone! A truck hit him as he rode his motorcycle home from college.

I went to the calling hours and funeral with him - watching him and realizing that he had lost his very best friend - who was more like a brother to him. Scott’s family was “his” family. I felt so guilty, as I saw his hurt and grief. As he cried, I held him - wishing I could somehow take his pain . . .

The one who does not love does not know God, . . . for God is love.
(1 John 4: 8)

From that day on - I determined to be his “friend” - and I was! For 21 years I was his “best” friend - all through our marriage. But he wasn’t my friend. I’m not really sure why - but he never had another friend - - - no one ever replaced Scott . . .

Love is from God; and everyone who loves - is born of God - and knows God.
(1 John 4: 7)

Getting up from the couch, I headed back to the bedroom. As I stood there, I looked down at this wonderful man sleeping - - - and I remembered back to the beginning . . .

She was supposed to be my best friend as well as my partner. We had shared so much together. She had listened to all my secrets - my hurts and pain - - - as well as sharing in my hopes and dreams. We worked together - and prayed together. And so it wasn’t a surprise when she shared one of her dreams with me. When she told me about it - she told me that it was from 20 years earlier - and she still remembered every detail. In the dream she saw herself getting ready to perform a wedding. There seemed to be someone lurking about - an “assassin” who wanted to stop her. In the dream, people were coming from all over, as she began to get ready for the big event. And then it happened - she saw him - a big, hulking man who seemed to have no life inside of him. He somehow shot her through the heart, just as she pushed him down. And then she performed the wedding. As she told me the dream - I could see her eyes fill with excitement - and she confided that she felt that the “wedding” was something very big that God wanted her to do - - - and it was going to happen very soon!

“This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.”
(John 15: 12)

It was about this time, when she told me her dream, that the ministry seemed to get very busy. We were seeing so many clients - and having quite a few bible studies. And that’s when Ted came into our lives - - - and changed everything!

He and I talked every day, and sometimes through the night - about everything! We became best friends - and loved each other so much! As he and I grew closer, she and I grew farther apart. I really wasn’t sure why - but I knew she wasn’t happy. We were still praying together each day - and as the day grew closer for Ted and my wedding - we both were very surprised when His Presence seemed to fill the room . . .

“You are My friends, if you do what I command you.”
“No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”
(John 15: 14 & 15)

“For all things . . . I have made known to you” - This was the wedding that God had told my friend about all those years earlier. As we finished praying, she looked at me with tears in her eyes, and I knew that her heart hurt - as I would be leaving - to live my life with him . . .

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.

Carefully, I got back into bed. As I did, he reached out to me - pulling me closer as he continued to sleep. Feeling the warmth of his body, I started to fall asleep. As I did, I knew how much this love was a gift - - - to us both - - - for the rest of our lives. For this love . . . Is from God . . .

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord . . .

I pray that you will know all that God has planned for your own Life. It is always for the very best! God bless you in this coming week ahead!

In His Love,

Debbie & Ted Ayers

Weekly Word for May 6 - 13, 2005

Weekly Word -May 6, 2005

“Ask and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you.” (Mathew 7: 7)

Over the last few weeks, Ted and I have been asked to pray for a few friends who were facing sickness, surgery, or just tough times. It has been an amazing thing, learning to pray - to actually “talk” to God . . .

Pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
(James 5: 16)

My young friend had asked us all to pray. She had written to all her friends, everyone she could think of, hoping that God would hear our prayers - hoping He would help her, when she went for surgery. I understood her fears, remembering back to asking - and hoping - that everyone would pray for me . . .

And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
(1 John 5: 14)

I wanted to have a second baby, but things didn’t seem to be working out quite right. I loved being a mommy, and my little boy was a joy to me. But I wanted another baby - I wanted him to have a brother or a sister. Soon I was seeing doctors and having tests, worrying the whole time if I would ever get pregnant again. So when I did - - - I was overjoyed!

Everything about this pregnancy was different. I was so much sicker with her, and things didn’t seem to be going quite as well. As spring turned into summer, and Mikey turned 4, I tried to do all I could to take care of this new life growing inside of me. But six weeks before she was due, I went into labor. Terrified that I would lose her, I rushed to the hospital. They sent me home, telling me to stay in bed - and I did try! But I l also had a little boy to take care of. And so, three weeks later, she was born.

She seemed perfect, with her tiny hands and feet moving everywhere as they weighed and measured her. She was so beautiful, but so much smaller than Mikey had been. She was just over 6 pounds, and I took her home two days later. But she did have problems - problems that seem to show up with premature babies. Even though she wasn’t too small - - - her inside organs didn’t seem to have developed quite enough. She had trouble eating, and the doctors were monitoring her growth. By the time she was 6 months old, she still didn’t seem to tolerate much more than her formula - and even that would come back up - all the time! So the hospital date was set, and I was terrified . . .

But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
(1 John 3: 17)

The date for her procedure was set, it was the day after I had scheduled a “Tupperware party”! I wanted to cancel the party - all I could think about was my daughter, and what the doctors were going to be doing. But when I spoke to the girl from church, who was going to be doing the party, she convinced me that it would be a “good” thing, it would ease my worries. So as the guests arrived, and my little girl laughed and bounced in her baby chair, I knew the woman was wrong! All I wanted to do was cry, I wanted someone to promise me that my daughter was going to be alright . . .

Rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer . . .
(Romans 12: 12)

As the party continued, my fears and worries were very obvious. Finally, I told them about the procedure being done the next day. I asked each one if they would keep my little daughter in prayer that night. Each made a promise to pray, hugging me and looking at my daughter and son playing on the floor, as they left. I believed them - and I believed in prayer! That night, I never slept - - - as I walked the floors, praying and hoping for the very best . . .

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, . . .
(Romans 15: 4)

A few months ago, my parents were facing some serious medical problems. For over two years, the family had noticed that my mother seemed to be having trouble with her memory. The symptoms seemed to be getting worse, and with my father sick as well, everyone felt that the doctors needed to be contacted. It was decided that “someone” should actually talk to my parents - to my mother - asking her to make an appointment to see the doctor. That someone - was me. As I prepared to confront her, I could feel my fears growing. I wasn’t sure how she would respond, and I knew that this was not going to be easy. So I called my friend, hoping to ask her to pray - hoping she could ease my fears and worries. When I heard her answering machine, my heart fell - but I left a message telling her my worries and hoping that she could pray for me - pray for my parents.

Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, . . .
Always seek after that which is good for one another . . .
Rejoice always; - - - Pray without ceasing; - - - in everything give thanks;
(1 Thessalonians 5: 11, 15 - 18)

I prayed the whole drive to their house. As we sat down, and I started to just talk to them, I told her how worried we were - that we wanted them both to be healthy and strong. As I continued to talk, my mother cried. Gently, I told her our fears, and asked her to make an appointment to see the doctor - hoping she would agree to let me go along. Just then, I heard my cell phone start to ring. As it did, I somehow knew my friend was calling me back. I also knew that she was praying - right then - and I knew that God would help us all . . .

Rejoice always; - - - Pray without ceasing; - - - in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
(1 Thessalonians 5: 16 - 18)

Two weeks ago, a very close friend had surgery. She wouldn’t tell anyone about the surgery - or even that she was sick! But I knew, and I was worried . . . As the day for the surgery grew closer, so many things seemed to be going wrong, and we worried that the surgery would be postponed. My friend had called the night before, and together we had prayed. So when the phone rang the next morning, I wondered if it was her. But it wasn’t, it was her husband. He had promised her he would call - the minute she went into that surgery room. I thanked him for calling, and told him that Ted and I would be praying. After we hung up, I turned to Ted and told him she had gone in - and we said a quick prayer that God would be with her. It wasn’t anything special or difficult - it was just a simple prayer. And then I started breakfast . . .

“your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray then, in this way:”
“Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.”
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,
On Earth as it is in heaven.”
(Mathew 6: 8 - 10)

And then it happened - it was as if Heaven’s power filled the kitchen! We didn’t even know why . . . We only knew that our friend needed prayer - - - and she needed it right then! Putting aside our breakfast - we started to pray. We prayed until we knew that we didn’t need to pray any more. As I looked at Ted, I asked him if he knew what had happened. He told me he didn’t, only that it seemed very important - that maybe her life had been in the balance.

We finished our breakfast and headed to work. But every so often during the day, I would ask God to be with my friend, and then continue working. That evening, her husband called to say that everything went well with the surgery, and the doctor was pleased with how things had gone. I didn’t tell him about the prayer, and silently wondered about it . . .

“And I also say to you . . . I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
(Mathew 16: 19)

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven . . .”

A few days ago, I called my friend. She was still so tired, and the recovery was going very slowly. She had just gotten back from the doctor’s - and I wanted to know what he said.

She hesitated, and then started to tell me what the doctor said. The surgery had turned out to be more difficult than anyone had expected. She had a large tumor, that had surrounded many of her organs. But he was very pleased with the work - and everything had gone perfectly. If she had waited though, she could have died. And then she told me: I nearly died - on that operating table. . .

“For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for calamity - to give you a future and a hope.”
(Jeremiah 29: 11)

Heaven had come down that day in our kitchen - and God’s plans were prayed through. We had prayed for my friend - hoping - for her life . . .

“Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.”
“And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”
(Jeremiah 29: 12 & 13)

Praying - - - talking - asking and searching for God’s help and presence in our lives. It is lifting up our burdens and worries to Him - and believing that He can hear us.

He is waiting for you to call out to Him! He wants to walk with you - and talk with you - - - for the rest of your life . . .

God bless you in the coming week ahead!

In His Love,
Debbie & Ted Ayers