Day 29 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

A recent comment to my blog:

ctober 26, 2012 2:51 PM

I re-read this today and gave it some thought. Perhaps one reason you've not been able to build a community is because you're so closed off. There is no picture in your "About Me" section. We don't know your name, or where you live. It makes it much more difficult to connect if the other person holds others at arms' length.

ReplyDelete

Hello friends,

I received this comment a few days ago.  When it showed up on my cell phone as comments do, it was stunning.  The reason was because I knew she was right.  I have often thought the same thing about this blog myself.  The reason I hold people at arm's length is because a part of me still hopes and prays that one day my girls will come to their senses.  They will wake up and realize what a mess they have made of their lives, and they will decide to change.  And when that happens, I would rather them have the opportunity to do so without everyone else knowing all the mistakes they have made.  I know some people know.  Because they tell us lots of things.  But no one knows everything they do.  Even I don't know everything.  And I hope one day they will deserve a second chance and be able to start a new life.  I realize that I don't have a lot of followers here.  But people do stop by and read what is going on here. Sometimes I'm amazed at the views a day has.  I wonder about it.  Do the viewers also have children they don't know what to do with?  Or are they just checking in to see when I will come to my senses, or lose my mind.  When I don't show up for a few days, do they wonder if I ran away?  I know I worry sometimes about the bloggers I read about, if they are missing for a while.

So anyway, I hope to become closer to the people who visit here.  I feel I am drifting closer to the place where I will be less concerned about being anonymous, and more concerned about being able to help others who may feel they are in a similar situation as I am.

Thank you for all the comments, and especially for the one above.  I appreciate you taking time to share with me your thoughts.  And for taking time to think of my family.  By the way, my name is Dawn, and I live somewhere in the South. 

Please every one be safe during this terrible hurricane.  I have already received prayer requests from some groups I am affiliated with or lead.  I pray you all are safe.

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for this wonderful day.  Thank you for your son, Jesus, who died so we all could have eternal life.  Thank you, Lord, for the readers who encourage me so often.  Please bless them, Lord.

Lord, I know you know that Courtney seems to be doing better lately.  Every time I hear from her she seems happy and more like her old self.  Lord, stay with her, and guide her to the place you have chosen for her.  She has started daily study in your word.  She is also sharing her faith with others.  Lord, help her to continue to grow in her relationship with you.

Lord, Molly is stumbling.  I know so many things that I can't share.  I pray that you will keep your arms around Molly.  Lord help her to see that the ones she thinks are her friends, are not.  They just want what ever she has to give.  Please let her keep herself safe and apart from the ones she calls her friends.  I pray, Lord, that she will not get in trouble with the law, because of the ones she is running around with.  But if that has to happen Lord, to pull her back to us, then I know you will keep her safe.

Guide, guard, and direct us, Lord.  Amen
 

Day 23 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Hello friends,  So sorry that I have been missing for the last 5 days.  Computer problems, family problems.  But I am glad to be here today. 

Molly called me this week and asked me who I thought had called her.  I had no idea.  She told me that she got a call from a jail in another state.  Someone she dated a while ago called her.  They spoke several times that day, but she thought she was going to have to block his calls.  I asked what he was in jail for, and she said drugs.  I told her I was very sorry to hear that.  And I am.

That got me thinking.  So many people we know have children who are involved with drugs.  Several people we know have lost a child to drugs.  I can think of three without trying.  Such a sad time.  And another trend that is a sign of the times are people raising their grandchildren.  Either officially, or unofficially.  I have been asked several times why we do this.  Why don't we make our child raise her own child?  I say, "Because the child is a baby, and he can't help it".  Everyone wants their life to be the way it should be.  Sometimes that doesn't happen, and we don't know why.  I can honestly say I don't have a clue why two of my children have chosen lives different than the ones they were raised to live.  I don't know how we got on this road.  I just hope we don't stay here forever.

Courtney moved a few months ago out of state.  The state is very liberal and has a lot of welfare type programs.  She has applied for food stamps (which have a cash side available to them) and Medicaid.  There is also a possibility she can go to college free because she has no income.  I think if she gets these programs in place, she probably will stay there forever.

Dear Lord,

I have heard you speaking to me this week.  Thank you so much for the calmness you have brought to my life.  I have finally come to terms with the fact that I need to let go, and let you take care of my daughters.  I realize that I will always love them, worry about them, pray for them.  But I have to move aside and  let you work in their lives.

Even thought Courtney was in an accident this past week, thank you for letting her be safe.  Stay with her Lord, and make your presence known to her.  She says she is going to church.  I hope she is.

Please, Lord, keep all the prodigal children safe.  Bless them and their families.  Amen

Day 18 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

God, I've been thinking a lot today.  I know that my two prodigal daughters are adults.  It has to be their choice to pursue a relationship with you.  I understand that.  I hope they return to the path you have planned for them, soon.  But Lord, I just feel like there is something else you want me to do.  I feel there should be a way for me to help other prodigal kids and their families.  Maybe there is a kid out there who is ready to change.  If I can help, Lord, put me in that child's path.  Show me the one.  Here I am Lord, send me.

I've tried to do this before.  Tried to build a group of parents to pray together, support each other and our kids.  But it has not worked out.  If this is something you want me to do Lord, tell me.  And I will try again.  And with your help and guidance, I know I will succeed.  "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".  Phil. 4:13.

If you just want me to pray for these children, I can do that, Lord.  But if there is more you have planned for me, let me know and I will do my best. 

Today our daughter, Molly, told us she was going to marry her meth-cooker boyfriend.  Lord, some would feel what I am going to ask you is wrong.  But I am her Mama, and this breaks my heart.  Please Lord, step in front of her and keep her from this.  Lord, I pray a hedge of protection around my daughter, Molly.  Lord, lead her away from the situation that she has allowed herself to be in.  Open her eyes, and let her see the Truth.  Let her see that the Devil is at work in her life, enticing her to stray.  I know that sin is fun Lord.  But let her see that she needs to change.

Thank you so much for all the ways you bless my family.  Thank you Lord for letting us all be safe today.  In all things I know we are to give thanks. 

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Day 17 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

Today I was thinking about how many young people I know who are struggling with alcohol or drugs.  Several parents our age in our community have lost a child to a drug overdose or alcohol.  I wish there were a way we could all work together to turn our children around.  The problem with that idea is that I don't think everyone wants to stop this culture.  To some people it is a way of life, and they live it WITH their kids.  No wonder this lifestyle looks so appealing. 

A young man our daughters went to school with started a blog about his struggle with drugs.  This was a wonderful family, went to a church similar to ours.  But he seems to have turned away from that lifestyle now.  Great for he and his family.  You know, the Bible says "Train up a child in the way he should go, and we he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).  I know a couple who said until the day they passed away, that they had not lived long enough to see this promise fulfilled in their family.  I hope I live long enough. 

Dear God,

Thank you so much for all the blessings you send for my family.  Thank you for letting Courtney call and sound better today.  I pray you will continue to surround her with Believing people who will tell her the truth.  Lord, let her see that she needs to come home.  I understand that non one wants to keep her up because they aren't her family.  Let her come home before someone hurts her, Lord.

Guide, guard, and direct us, Lord.  Amen

Day 16 of 31 Days of Prayer for my Prodigals

"Be joyful always,
pray continually;
give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is God's will
for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thess. 5: 16 - 18

Courtney called this afternoon and said she needed some money to get her pain medication filled.  The prices ranged from $45 to $178.  I sent her the money by Western Union.

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for watching over Courtney, and for keeping her safe.

Let her break get better soon, and let it be as good as new.  Amen

Day 15 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

Today we heard from Courtney.  Her sister sent me a photo of her, and she appears to have lost a lot of weight.  She is very small and petite, but now she is just thin.

She called me back tonight about 9:00 our time.  She was on her way to the hospital because she said she broke her arm skateboarding.  A man got on the phone and asked if she had insurance.  I told him "no".  She told me that they didn't want to take her to the hospital because she didn't have any money, but she yelled at them, "They have to see me!".  From the hospital, she called again.  She said it was obvious that her arm was broken and they were sending her to Xray.  She said they acted as if they didn't believe she broke it skateboarding.  So I don't know what that means.  She is suppose to call back when she leaves.  Her father and I told her she needs to make plans to come home because if her arm is broken, she can't get a job.  She doesn't want to come.  We'll see.

Dear Lord,  Please watch over Courtney and keep her safe.  Thank you, Lord, for not letting anything serious happen to her today.  Please give her comfort and strength to get through the next few days.  Let her see that she needs to come home.  Please let her arm heal correctly so it will be strong.  Please keep showing Yourself to Courtney.  Let her continue to grow closer to You.  Amen

Day 14 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

Got some texts from Courtney today.  She said she and her friend were going to church this afternoon.  She said she would let me know how it went.  I hope she follows through and goes. 

Dear Lord, Thank you for letting Courtney reach out to you.  Help her to draw closer to you Lord.  Let her see that the strength she needs is in You.  Watch over her this week, Lord, and keep her safe.  Amen

Day 13 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

Our Daughter called today.  She sounded good, but homesick.  She asked me to look up churches in the new town where she has been staying this week.  I emailed her a list, and made a suggestion of one she might try.  She said she was considering coming home, but she also talked about the possibility of going to college there, and getting to go free.  So I don't know, we will see.

Courtney said she had met another Christian, a believer.  She seemed to find comfort in talking to an lady older that she is, who believed and talked about God with her.  I have been praying that God would bring believers into her life, so that announcement seemed to speak to my heart.

Dear Lord,

Thank you so much for allowing us to hear from Courtney.  Thank you for letting her sound so good this evening.  Even thought she was sad, I don't think she had been drinking.  Please, Lord, keep her safe.  Continue to let her be introduced to good, believing people who will encourage her to follow You.  Lord, if it is your will, let her reach the decision that she should come home.  If it is your plan that she stay there, please guide her to see the path you have chosen for her.  Lord, watch over her and keep her safe.  Amen

Day 12 of 31 Days for Prayers for my Prodigals

No news today.  Thank you for your prayers. 

Dear Lord,  I know that "no news is good news".  I thank you Lord, for keeping Courtney in your hands, under your wing, and safe from the enemy. 

Lord, I thank you for the peace I am feeling today, because I know it must come from You.  Lord, Husband is having chest pain today, but won't go to the doctor.  I pray that this is just stress, and that you will lay your healing powers on him and restore his health.  I pray You will give us all strength and courage during this difficult time.

Watch over my whole family, please Lord.  In Jesus name, Amen

Day 11 of 31 Days of Prayer for my Prodigals

Courtney tried to call my daughter, but the daughter couldn't hear her.  She will try to call again today.  I told the daughter here to ask her why doesn't she come home, and try to talk her in to that plan.  So we will see.  Right now I guess we will keep praying.

Dear Lord,  I come to you again on behalf of my daughter.  Lord, please keep her safe.  Lord, make this lifestyle she has chosen distasteful.  Let her lose the desire to live the life she is in, and let her want to come home.  We just want her home, Lord, so we can help her get back to who she used to be.

In Jesus' name I pray, Amen

Day 10 of 31 Days of Prayer for my Prodigals

Today we got bad news about our daughter, Courtney.  One of our daughters heard that Courtney is using Meth.  This is just a rumor.  A second hand comment.  But it most likely is true.  It is very discouraging, and painful for our family.  No one has talked to Courtney since Sunday.  Her phone has been off today.  One of our daughters wants us to go to the place Courtney moved to and "get her" and bring her back here.  We tried to explain to her that Courtney is an adult, and we can't make her come back here.  That would be kidnapping.  I feel badly that our daughter doesn't think we are doing enough.  I plan to talk to her this week, to try to make her understand a little better what we can and can't do.  What our plans are, and our hopes for the future.

Dear Lord,

Today I am sad, but I know that "all things work for good", Lord.  I pray that Courtney will be drawn to you, Lord, and away from the evil that is attracting her.  I pray that tomorrow she will have no desire for the lifestyle she is currently living.  I pray she will wake up and see how she is wasting her life.  She has so much promise and talent, Lord.  She is such a smart girl, and I don't know how to save her. 

Lord, I pray you will place a thorny hedge of protection around Courtney. I pray that she will remain safe.  I pray that you will remove the people from her life who are enabling her to use drugs.  I pray you will place believing  people in her path, who will lead her back to you.  I pray that Satan and his angels will be under Courtney's feet, and will allow her to break free from their power over her.

I pray that people will stop giving her money, so she will realize that she has no choice but to come home, and we will have the opportunity to help her.  I pray that you will remove the desire for drugs and alcohol from her heart.

I pray for her sisters, Lord.  That they will understand our reactions, and help us to help Courtney.  And I pray that they will learn from this pain that they never want to go down this road themselves.

I pray for guidance for myself and my husband.  I pray your hand will be on us as we make decisions that influence our family.

I pray all this in your name, Jesus.  Amen

Day 9 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

No word from Courtney.  Again.  But I did get a call from her sister.  The sister said she hated to tell me this, but a friend called and said she tried to reach Courtney on the phone that she no longer has.  The phone was answered, and she was told that Courtney was a druggy and a thief.  And not to call that number again.  I told her sister not to send Courtney any money.  Courtney needs to realize that she doesn't need to stay there without any support, job, home, family, etc.

This is very sad for all of us.  I'm now starting to think about what I'm going to do when we get a call that Courtney has been arrested, or she's in the hospital. 

Dear Lord,

Please keep your eyes on Courtney.  Please, Lord, surround her with a hedge of protection.  Keep her safe from herself as well as the people she runs around with.  Lord, I pray that something will happen in her life that will make her turn to you.  I want her to realize that she can't live this life forever.  That she needs to turn away from the life she is living and trust in You, Lord.  She needs to run far from the friends that are enabling her to live this lifestyle. Please watch over her Lord, and keep her safe.  Amen

Day 8 of 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

No word from Courtney in the last 24 hours. 

Dear Lord.  Thank you for keeping Courtney safe.  Please continue to do so.  Please push her To draw closer to you.
Amen

Day 7 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Nothing much new has happened today.  She has called twice today, for just a second, says she'll call back, and doesn't say much.

Dear Lord,

I pray that you will show Courtney that you have a great life planned for her.  I read a sign today that said, "God feeds the birds, but He doesn't throw it in their nest".  I pray that she will see that she has to make an honest effort to start at the bottom and make a life for herself.  To work her way up.  That is the way we did it, and that is the way she will have to do it, too.

I pray that she will turn to You, Lord, during this time.  That she will reach out to You.  I pray you will guide her Lord and keep her safe.  Amen

The second time she called tonight she was at a ballgame with two male friends.  I know this is all fun, but it will come to an end one day when she runs out of friends who will support her financially.  And when that happens, she is so far from us and from home.

Day 6 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Lord, I heard from Courtney again today.  It was sad, and I'm not sure I did the right thing.  She called and asked for money.  $1,000 to rent an apartment.  I told her that I can't send her money and keep her up half way across the country.  I told her that if she wanted to come  home we would work that out and get her home, but I can't financially support her there.  She told me she was doing well there.  I can't see that she's done anything really since she's been gone almost two months.  She did get a job, but the next day she had to leave the place she was staying, so she can't walk to work there anymore.  She did quit smoking, and I thought she had quit drinking, but the other night she called drunk. 

I told Courtney that as long as I'm alive, if she comes home she will always have something to eat and always have a place to sleep.  But I can't send her money out there.  She told me there were ways to make money quickly if I wouldn't send it to her. But she was going to stay there because she felt it was best for her.  I told her I knew about those ways to make money.  And it was her decision because she is an adult. 

I wonder if there is another Mother out there who feels like I do.  I feel like I'm standing outside my body watching a movie.  You know the kind you watch through your fingers when your hands are over your eyes.  I don't know how we got to this place.  I feel like other parents would do things completely different.  But I can't.  I just feel like I can't give in. 

Lord, I pray that You will make Your presence known to Courtney this weekend.  I pray you will do this in a way that she will not be able to deny.  I pray that she will open her eyes and see the truth.  Open her heart and hear the things You want to tell her.  I pray, Lord, that she will know the plans You have for her.  I believe they must be great plans.  She is such a special girl.  I am trying not to worry about her Lord, because I know You have her in Your hands.  I hope she puts this foolish idea behind her and comes home before she gets hurt.  Amen

Day 5 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Dear Lord, 

Thank you so much for the beautiful day today.  Thank you for the blessings you send for my family each and every day. 

Lord, thank you for letting me hear from Courtney today.  When I got up today I saw that she called at 3:00 am  from her old phone she had at home.  I knew that somehow she must have gotten a friend to put money on it for her.  Courney called tonight and said that a friend had turned on her phone.  So we can at least talk to her and know she is OK.

I told people at church last night that Courtney would be traveling home this weekend.  But now I need to tell them that won't happen.  Courtney has decided to stay where she is.  A new friend of hers has a family member that will be gone for a couple of weeks.  Courtney and her friend are going to ask if Courtney can house sit during that time.  She will try one more time to find a job.  Then she plans to look for a situation where she can be a roommate.  She is an adult, Lord, and there is nothing I can say or do to stop her.  Even when I believe she is making poor choices.

I have decided to try not to worry about it.  To leave everything alone till she decides to make changes and come home.  There really is no other way.  When she asks me to bring her home, I will start to plan.  Until then, I feel like she is having a ball, on her extended vacation.  She doesn't understand how quickly a situation can turn bad.

Lord, I'm thankful that she is healthy, and that she is safe.  I'm thankful she seems happy.  I don't agree with her choices, but for these things I am thankful.

Lord, I pray you would bring good Christian, believing people into her life.  I pray she will be surrounded with these good people who will lead her to a good life.  I pray she finds a church and becomes active.  I pray for people who will influence her for your Glory.  With all this free time Courtney has, I pray she will pick up your word, and place it in her heart.

I used to think it would kill me if one of my children moved away.  Now, Lord, I believe that I will be fine with her living away, as long as Courtney returns to the path you have chosen for her.  And as long as she learns how to be happy.

Please keep your arms around her, Lord,  Hold her close.  Amen

Day 4 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Courtney is suppose to call tonight so we can decide what she will do and how she will get home.  If she doesn't call, I will probably call the police at some point, because we have no way to get in touch with her.  We are praying that all goes smoothly and this comes together.  Please pray with us.

Dear Lord,  Thank you for letting us hear from Courtney.  Lord, I pray that you will be with her each and every minute until she is back home.  I pray that you will continue to lead and guide her.  Help her think about what she needs to do when she get home, so she can get on her feet.  Show her the path and plan you have for her, Lord.  Lord, we know that "all things work for good" (Rom. 8:28) and that you have a plan Lord.  I pray that Courtney will study and pay attention, and see the plan You have for her that is better than anything she could come up with herself.  Help Courtney to put this time behind her, and put her eyes on You.  Amen

Day 3 of 31 Days of Prayers for my Prodigals

Today we had bad news.  Courtney called from the state she is living in.  She is currently about 30 hours from home.  Her friend who asked her to move there, had told her that she (Courtney) had to pack her stuff and get out.  She took Courtney's phone and told her she wasn't helping her get home, as she had promised she would.  So Courtney called from another friend's phone, and she was crying. 

We talked for a while and made a plan.  Courtney will think and make a list tonight of ideas she has.  She will call me by 6:00 tomorrow night.  Then we will decide what is the best thing for her to do.  I told her if she doesn't call, I'm going to contact the police.  There is a potential here that she could be alone, far from home, with no support, or money, and no way for us to contact her.

Please pray with us that the Lord guides Courtney to make wise choices and keeps her safe.

Dear Lord,

Please keep your arms around Courtney, and don't leave her side.  Guide her Lord as she makes plans for her future.  Please Lord, let her see that the best plan is to come home.  Show her the way home, Lord.  Please keep her safe tonight and tomorrow.  Amen

Day 2 - 31 Days of Prayers for My Prodigals

Day 2.  Dear friends.  Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Courtney called last night.  She needs about $50 to get her restaurant license, TB test, and buy pants and shoes so she can start her job.  I will try to send her some money today. 

Dear Lord,  It was so nice to hear from Courtney last night.  The first time she called.  But then she called again.  And she was drunk.  It is hard to worry about someone and not be able to get to them or help them.  I pray that she found a way to go to the Health Department to get her paperwork done for her job.  I am really happy that she has a job now.  Thank you, Jesus!

Lord, please take care of Courtney and Molly tonight.  Please keep your arms around them.  Help them think before they jump into something without checking it out!  Help them to find other Christian friends who will help lead them to You.

Amen