Heart thread - 05-07-2009

I am reasonably certain it was my mother who used to say, "If it isn't one thing, it's another."

As reported below, things went well with Clara and Olivia last evening.

Here is the news from my sister this evening: My eldest nephew, Jay, who is four days older than Jane R (i.e., just celebrated his birthday), is in the hospital. Blood sugar of 1090. Yes, one thousand ninety. It is down in the 200s today, but it appears we may have just learned of diabetes. All but one member of his father's family had it, so it is likely. Jay also has Williams Syndrome - and is the most loving and beloved member of our family. His mom wrote, in a second note: "He is such a good patient! He thanks everyone who comes to stick and draw blood." I ask your prayers for Jay's health and for his mother Iva's rest and stamina. Between Jay and the eye surgery last night for the twins, she is way overtaxed.

Also for someone going through an extremely difficult spot, physically and emotionally. She knows who she is and so does God, so we can leave this as prayer for Anonyma.

MP continues to hold so many before us so we may hold them before God. Do stop by and offer prayer for the lot. (Here and here and here.)

For all the rough spots Roseann and Gary have been going through, Mimi has some better news:

From Roseann to Sue:

I'm on my way home as soon as they get the papers all together. Dr K determined it was bronchitis instead of pneumonia. I'll stay on the feeding tube until I get my strength built back up.

This is a wonderful day. I want to be home. I love all of you and appreciate the prayers and kind thoughts.

Love, R

Today we have rejoiced in the natal festivity of la Contessa (Jane R).

We are also giving thanks for FranIAm's spectacular grades at school (and interceding that she not get all puffed and proud on us now). Way to go, Frannie! We are very proud of you!

Traveling mercies for the ministering Margaret.

I am giving thanks for Diane's post on gratitude.

For the people of Pakistan with all the turmoil and tensions there - for peace and stability.

For the people of South Africa as President-Elect Jacob Zuma is sworn in Saturday.

For all those threatened by the fires in Santa Barbara (and other areas, as fire season begins). I work for the Forest Service these days, so am very aware of sending people all over to fight fires.

For all those affected by swine flu - and other ongoing widespread health threats such as malaria.

For all the places in the world torn apart by war or civil strife, including Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Iraq, eastern Congo, etc.

For restoration of the rule of law in the United States.

Heavenly Father, in your Word you have given us a vision of that holy City to which the nations of the world bring their glory: Behold and visit, we pray, the cities of the earth. Renew the ties of mutual regard which form our civic life. Send us honest and able leaders. Enable us to eliminate poverty, prejudice, and oppression, that peace may prevail with righteousness, and justice with order, and that men and women from different cultures and with differing talents may find with one another the fulfillment of their humanity; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Almighty and most merciful God, we remember before you all poor and neglected persons whom it would be easy for us to forget: the homeless and the destitute, the old and the sick, and all who have none to care for them. Help us to heal those who are broken in body or spirit, and to turn their sorrow into joy. Grant this, Father, for the love of your Son, who for our sake became poor, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

O God, whose fatherly care reacheth to the uttermost parts of the earth: We humbly beseech thee graciously to behold and bless those whom we love, now absent from us. Defend them from all dangers of soul and body; and grant that both they and we, drawing nearer to thee, may be bound together by thy love in the communion of thy Holy Spirit, and in the fellowship of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

--the BB