Who would like to share a request or praise today?
And as always on Wednesdays, please remember The Gambia.
Psalm 9
¹I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
2 I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High.
3 When mine enemies are turned back, they shall fall and perish at thy presence.
4 For thou hast maintained my right and my cause; thou satest in the throne judging right.
5 Thou hast rebuked the heathen, thou hast destroyed the wicked, thou hast put out their name for ever and ever.
6 O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them.
7 But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment.
8 And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.
9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
10 And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
11 Sing praises to the Lord, which dwelleth in Zion: declare among the people his doings.
12 When he maketh inquisition for blood, he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
13 Have mercy upon me, O Lord; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me, thou that liftest me up from the gates of death:
14 That I may shew forth all thy praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion: I will rejoice in thy salvation.
15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.
16 The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah.
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. For the needy shall not always be forgotten: the expectation of the poor shall not perish for ever.
19 Arise, O Lord; let not man prevail: let the heathen be judged in thy sight.
20 Put them in fear, O Lord: that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah.
Prayers requested for my mom. She is so angry at my sister and her husband for their plans to stay in Rwanda for the next four years. She is 77 years old and feels abandoned. My sister has tried to reassure her that if she or my father become ill, they will come home to help. Both of them are currently in good health, physically and mentally. But, my mom is angry–offering my sister’s portion of sterling silver to me, as well as other things she originally planned on leaving to her— it’s like she’s a child having a temper tantrum. She’s been unable to sleep much since my sister told her the news almost a week ago. She’s not used to not getting her way. My father has indulged her whims for many years and she’s something of a control freak. Still, despite her selfish response, I feel sorry for her b/c she’s old, they are lonely and worried about Linda & Tim’s safety. I also feel sorry for my sister b/c she feels so guilty about their decision to stay in Africa b/c of my mom’s response. Most parents, especially those claiming to be Christians, would be so proud of their children choosing to be missionaries. Mom actually said it made her want to vomit when she read of all the projects Linda is hoping to complete over the next four years (like an orphanage for about 200 kids who live on the streets), saying it makes her sick that Linda thinks she’s the next Mother Theresa while shirking her responsibility to family. I can’t comprehend the way her mind works — I’ve never known anyone who would consider a comparison to Mother Theresa to be a negative thing! So, please pray….
This morning I praise You because of who you are. You are the only One who is able to see the whole picture of individuals and families. You know what makes them tick. You know the insecurities and motives behind undesirable words and actions. For that reason I ask that You would work on reforming the conclusions Annms’s mother has formed in her mind regarding her future needs. I ask that You would give her strength of chsractdr and mind to see that there are needs grester than her own in this big world You made. I ask that You will correct her fauty thinking that crestes such stress among amily members. I pray that Annms’s parents will continue to have good health and will find involvement in helping others so their becomes less focus on their own needs. Help her to remove they root of bitterness that has been her recent foundation. May she be reestablished upon the solid rock of Jesus and his love. I ask for thd mission sork in Rwanda to go forward and know success both as a help to physical life and slso to spiritual life. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Michelle: Yes, there is a large element of fear — she is very worried about their physical safety and the safety of two of her grandkids who are in boarding school in Kenya. But, she is so angry she is saying hurtful things — like she doesn’t care if she ever sees them again and doesn’t want her (my sister) to come to her funeral. I know she’s just angry, but words can really hurt.
Janice: Thanks, once again, for the beautiful prayer.
Annms, you know that as an alcoholic your mother is damaged, hurt. Hurt people; hurt people. Perhaps if you and your sister can realize this the hurt won’t sting as much. It really is one of those, “consider the source” issues. She isn’t getting her way and she is lashing out. Instead of displaying her fear in a loving way, she is displaying it in a hurtful way.
I agree with Kim. It is difficult to remember it is the alcohol speaking and to just love as much as you can (and beyond with God’s help). Are you sure she has no issues that have not been overlooked? Sometimes there is forgetfulness or other things that the person has been hiding. My sympathy to you, Ann, and your sister. And my prayers.
BG is here. She is not happy. She refuses to interact with us. The new job will alow me to take the two of us back to Christian counceling. The two men in our life will not go. Mr P might but ex-husband/father will not. Never has, never will.
Oh, 6 Arrows, that is a really tough situation you’re in. I will pray for wisdom & insight for you, & also for your husband.
In the meantime, I know there are at least a couple (recipe?) books out there about how to try to “sneak” veggies into your kids’ food, like blending up broccoli or some other green to include in spaghetti sauce, or using spinach leaves instead of lettuce on burgers & sandwiches. (Of course, that assumes one puts lettuce on their sandwiches in the first place. Growing up, we never did.) I’m guessing you could find similar tips online.
Is there any room for compromise with your husband & kids? Something like, “Okay, I’ll let them eat this stuff, but first they should have a fruit or a green smoothie.” (Just an example.)
Oh how I can commiserate. I know you have children older than mine but I am so regretful that I didn’t stick to my guns. You should pack up and go to Mumsee’s for a while. They will start eating. I just wasn’t there long enough for it to work on mine. Perhaps you could feed the children and the husband at different times? It is one thing for me to cater to just one but I would pull my hair out catering to 6 different demands.
So in other words, we’re not operating very well together as a family. Meal time is just one part of the equation, and opportunity to learn to work in harmony together as a whole family is lacking.
Wandering Views 
Prayers requested for my mom. She is so angry at my sister and her husband for their plans to stay in Rwanda for the next four years. She is 77 years old and feels abandoned. My sister has tried to reassure her that if she or my father become ill, they will come home to help. Both of them are currently in good health, physically and mentally. But, my mom is angry–offering my sister’s portion of sterling silver to me, as well as other things she originally planned on leaving to her— it’s like she’s a child having a temper tantrum. She’s been unable to sleep much since my sister told her the news almost a week ago. She’s not used to not getting her way. My father has indulged her whims for many years and she’s something of a control freak. Still, despite her selfish response, I feel sorry for her b/c she’s old, they are lonely and worried about Linda & Tim’s safety. I also feel sorry for my sister b/c she feels so guilty about their decision to stay in Africa b/c of my mom’s response. Most parents, especially those claiming to be Christians, would be so proud of their children choosing to be missionaries. Mom actually said it made her want to vomit when she read of all the projects Linda is hoping to complete over the next four years (like an orphanage for about 200 kids who live on the streets), saying it makes her sick that Linda thinks she’s the next Mother Theresa while shirking her responsibility to family. I can’t comprehend the way her mind works — I’ve never known anyone who would consider a comparison to Mother Theresa to be a negative thing! So, please pray….
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Heavenly Father,
This morning I praise You because of who you are. You are the only One who is able to see the whole picture of individuals and families. You know what makes them tick. You know the insecurities and motives behind undesirable words and actions. For that reason I ask that You would work on reforming the conclusions Annms’s mother has formed in her mind regarding her future needs. I ask that You would give her strength of chsractdr and mind to see that there are needs grester than her own in this big world You made. I ask that You will correct her fauty thinking that crestes such stress among amily members. I pray that Annms’s parents will continue to have good health and will find involvement in helping others so their becomes less focus on their own needs. Help her to remove they root of bitterness that has been her recent foundation. May she be reestablished upon the solid rock of Jesus and his love. I ask for thd mission sork in Rwanda to go forward and know success both as a help to physical life and slso to spiritual life. In Jesus’ name, Amen
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Sorry for all the typos God can read through typos with no problem!
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Is there fear in her response, Ann? She may be terrified not only of what might happen to her and your dad, but also to your sister and her family.
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Michelle: Yes, there is a large element of fear — she is very worried about their physical safety and the safety of two of her grandkids who are in boarding school in Kenya. But, she is so angry she is saying hurtful things — like she doesn’t care if she ever sees them again and doesn’t want her (my sister) to come to her funeral. I know she’s just angry, but words can really hurt.
Janice: Thanks, once again, for the beautiful prayer.
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Ann, I’m so sorry about the challenges with your mom. I’m praying for all of you.
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Annms, you know that as an alcoholic your mother is damaged, hurt. Hurt people; hurt people. Perhaps if you and your sister can realize this the hurt won’t sting as much. It really is one of those, “consider the source” issues. She isn’t getting her way and she is lashing out. Instead of displaying her fear in a loving way, she is displaying it in a hurtful way.
LikeLike
I agree with Kim. It is difficult to remember it is the alcohol speaking and to just love as much as you can (and beyond with God’s help). Are you sure she has no issues that have not been overlooked? Sometimes there is forgetfulness or other things that the person has been hiding. My sympathy to you, Ann, and your sister. And my prayers.
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BG is here. She is not happy. She refuses to interact with us. The new job will alow me to take the two of us back to Christian counceling. The two men in our life will not go. Mr P might but ex-husband/father will not. Never has, never will.
LikeLike
Oh, 6 Arrows, that is a really tough situation you’re in. I will pray for wisdom & insight for you, & also for your husband.
In the meantime, I know there are at least a couple (recipe?) books out there about how to try to “sneak” veggies into your kids’ food, like blending up broccoli or some other green to include in spaghetti sauce, or using spinach leaves instead of lettuce on burgers & sandwiches. (Of course, that assumes one puts lettuce on their sandwiches in the first place. Growing up, we never did.) I’m guessing you could find similar tips online.
Is there any room for compromise with your husband & kids? Something like, “Okay, I’ll let them eat this stuff, but first they should have a fruit or a green smoothie.” (Just an example.)
LikeLike
Oh how I can commiserate. I know you have children older than mine but I am so regretful that I didn’t stick to my guns. You should pack up and go to Mumsee’s for a while. They will start eating. I just wasn’t there long enough for it to work on mine. Perhaps you could feed the children and the husband at different times? It is one thing for me to cater to just one but I would pull my hair out catering to 6 different demands.
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Oh and the therapist suggested that BG start cooking at least one meal a week since she is so picky
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So in other words, we’re not operating very well together as a family. Meal time is just one part of the equation, and opportunity to learn to work in harmony together as a whole family is lacking.
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Bad case of insomnia tonight. I went to bed over 2 1/2 hours ago, and I’ve slept maybe 10 minutes.
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6arrows, that is so hard. Kids need to adjust, not the mom. They need to be thankful for what you have provided.
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