More prayers needed, and apparently my amazon purchasing habits appear strange to others.....

Hello friends,

First I know many of you are already aware of this, but I still find it interesting.  A couple of weeks ago I received an email from Amazon.  They had noticed that my shipping patterns fit the profile of people that re-sell their books.  I emailed them back immediately with a rather lengthy explanation of what I am doing, and why I am doing it; as well as an invitation to visit my blog.  I told them that it would take a real creep to re-sell books and make a profit off of topics such as loss, God, and cancer.  (Of course I have sent out books on some other topics too, but most of them fit into these 3 categories. ) I quickly got a response stating that my Prime membership was no longer under review.  Perhaps they found my activity odd- I most certainly have been called odd a time or two that's for sure.  But, all I am doing is following where I believe the Holy Spirit is leading me. At the end of times, what will matter?  Will I regret not having a perfect home, perfect car, perfect wardrobe all for the simple sake of helping others in times of trouble?  I think not.  Would I regret spending my resources all on material possessions that I thought would provide me with peace and happiness only to leave me yearning for something more out of my few dollars?  Absolutely!  So onward I go.
Here is a list of the people that I have sent books out to since my last post--

A young man of a friend who is suffering from what appears to be sensory issues on top of other potential attention related deficits.  My friend is his step-mother.  His biological mother does NOT believe he needs any form of intervention; so this poor kid is stuck within his own body and mind that are preventing him from maximizing his potential.  I pray for enlightenment and understanding of his biological mother so this child can get the help and intervention that he so obviously needs.

Another friend of mine whose sister in law is battling an aggressive and quick spreading form of cancer.  She has young children and a husband, and her days are beginning to look rather few and bleak.  I pray for the Lord to provide them all with strength, peace, faith, courage, and love.  I simply can not begin to imagine being forcefully thrust into such a scary and uncertain situation.

A new found friend's, friend.  This woman lost her long time companion of 16 years, who had faithfully stuck by her side for many years.  A dog who provided love not ONLY to her family, but hours of priceless hope to others (including children) serving as a therapy dog. Sadie, who was deaf partially blind and arthritic had accidentally gotten out of her home, wandered very far away and couldn't find her way back. I strongly believe there is a special place in heaven for our earthly companions, and have no doubt that her and here owner will see each other at the rainbow bridge.

A high school friend whose cousin's best friend died in a car accident. I guess I never really gave it much thought or notice how many people find their way to heaven through motor vehicle accidents.  I am cognitively aware of all of the numbers, but people are not just numbers.  They represent so much more to the ones who are here with us on earth; they represent unconditional love, friendship, laughter, and so very much more.  I pray that all of those saddened by such a quick and painful loss- feel the prayers and love from countless others around the country and world.

Another young man who made his way up to heaven during a car accident.  He was the brother of a very close friend of someone I know from high school.  Again, his young and vibrant life was gone in an instant when the car he was driving was hit by a semi.  We celebrate that HE did not suffer, however for those left behind- being unwillingly thrust into the darkness of unexpected loss; is a journey no one wants to take. 

A true friend of mine who has been so very ill as of late.  She has had numerous procedures with her liver, and been on medications which ultimately left her with a form of anemia.  This woman is one of the kindest, and thoughtful people I know.  Someone whose very soul is aligned with mine is this broad universe.  Someone that has introduced me at a very personal and up close level, to the world of traumatic brain injury.  I pray that her days in the hospital battling her own illnesses are over.  I pray that her body is healed and she can continue to do what she is most passionate about, bringing joy and caring to countless others through unexpected acts of love and hope.

I ask for prayers for my own mother as well, as she continues her difficult journey of healing.  She has suffered much in the past few months since my father passed away.  She got ill on the way back to ND, and has been battling illness ever since.  My mom is a strong woman, a true servant of God in every manner.  She has not been to church or sang in the choir since becoming ill at the end of December; and this lets me know more than anything how very sick she has become.  My ever vivacious, energetic, and youthful mom has succumb to illness.  I pray that the Lord restores her health and happiness so she can continue to glorify his name through her unending acts of love and friendship.  I love her so very much, as do so many others.

I will continue my waterquest, continue to walk the path that I believe the Holy Spirit has chosen for me.  I hope that all of you will discover your own personal "quest".  Your quest may involve something totally different, but we are ALL here to love and encourage each other- that we may become more like Christ. So do a little bit of "passing it on"- pay for someones coffee at Casey's, open a door for someone struggling with a crying child- do whatever is in YOUR heart to help another.  So many little and rather easy acts of love and kindness, could unexpectedly spur someone else to do the same for a loved one of yours :-)

Positive feedback :-)

It is amazing what can happen if you follow your heart, listen to what the Holy Spirit is encouraging you do.
I sent out several books last week, and have received some very kind words of appreciation through facebook.  People that I don't know- who have fast become friends.  It is incredible what happens when you take a leap of faith you have been led to do.  I now have 3 new friends who have already provided me comfort and support with MY losses.  Truly as the bookmark reads:

If you wish to experience peace, provide peace for another.

If you wish to heal your own sadness or anger, seek to heal the sadness or anger of another.

Wise words from the Dali Lama.  Words that have become my own mantra in the last few months.  Words that have done exactly what they claim.  Through trying to provide others comfort, strength, and hope through their sadness and dark days; I have received prayers and love myself.  A very unexpected consequence.  My goal was to ease other's suffering, by offering them hope; expecting NOTHING in return.  And yet, I have been sent many kind "thank yous" and gracious words myself.  How incredibly BLESSED am I?  Receiving blessing such as these, the most important and priceless gift that one can offer; provides affirmation that I am following the path that I was led to follow.  Of course, I love my family and my profession, and my co-workers -  but ULTIMATELY at the end of times- what will I have to account for?  How I kept my house, how much money did I make, did I drive a fancy car, did I have nice clothes? No- none of these will matter at the feet of the almighty God. What he will ask is did I make a difference in the lives of others, did I try to live my life as a TRUE Christian? Did I try to draw others closer to Him? Was I a willing vessel for his messages of love, hope, and strength to others?  Only on that day when  I kneel at his feet will I truly know if I have walked in the light of His glory.  Till then I will carry on with my quest, trying to provide strangers and friends a like with messages of faith, hope, love, promise, and encouragement.  I only pray that when I fall on my knees before Him, I am worthy of his gracious love and a heavenly home for all eternity.

More comfort and prayers needed....

Good afternoon.  What a glorious sunshiney day today- at least in my part of the world :-)  Although I do NOT update as readily as I perhaps should; I have continued my quest and sent out many books to hopefully ease others' suffering.  Here is a brief summary of some of the people who could use a prayer.

A friend I have known since the pre-school days has lost her father.  She had lost her mother previously, and now she and her sisters grieve the loss of her dad.

A woman in Iowa who has recently re-located in order to achieve a better life for her son who has a TBI.  She has recently lost her sister to cancer, and with the big move- needs some prayers and re-assurance that although times are tough now- smoother sailing lies ahead.

A woman who has been battling brain cancer for two years. She has a rather difficult time with her ex-husband who has went out of his way to make her life- and the life of her teenage daughter MORE difficult.  She is also suffering from medical bills, as there is no longer insurance. Her daughter also needs prayers.  She is yet still a teenager and has been in the position of trying to help her ailing mother while trying to navigate the treacherous waters of the relationship she has with her father.

A woman in Iowa who's grandmother was savagely murdered.  It is so hard to understand why someone would murder a grandmother.  So senseless and very tragic.

I also seek prayers for my own mother.  She has been battling an illness since she returned to ND following my fathers funeral at the end of December.  She is feeling terrible, struggling to find out what the medical cause of her fatigue, shaking, nausea, and other physical signs are indicative of.  She is the rock of our family and the loss of my dad has been very tough on her.  For in the best of circumstances, your ex-spouse is not your enemy- but a friend who knows and understands you like no other.  THIS I know from my personal experience of losing my ex-husband of 16 years.  I miss him AND my dad everyday.

I hope all of you and healthy and happy, and take a minute to pray for others who's lives are in disarray and full of sadness tonight.