Do you pray by yourself? Have you ever asked someone to pray for you? It’s great to ask someone to pray for you, and yes, it’s wonderful to pray by yourself. However, it’s even greater to pray with a prayer partner.

Prayer partners produce invaluable relationships; each person strengthens and encourages each other, assures Proverbs 27:17 (NIV): “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

At times, life shines accolades upon us for our achievements; to have someone to share in our success brings overwhelming joy.

On the other hand, adversity presents itself in one’s life. The situation may be so disheartening and devastating that one loses sight of God. Do not be dismayed. Turn to your prayer partner and receive a surge of power that is promised in Matthews 18:20 (NIV): “For where two or three gathers in my name, there am I with them.”

Here are three assets a prayer partner is bound to bring into your life:

• Love: One can become less self-focused caring about another.
• Accountability: Make prayer a priority by committing to pray for each other.
• Partnership: Deepens one’s relationship with God, the self and another.

God wants us to pray with each other; it amplifies one’s prayers. Becoming a prayer partner is a surefire way to garner God’s power to boost your courage to thrive in whatever situation life places in front of you.

Want a prayer partner? … Do you need Prayer?

You are invited to join me and leave a comment.

Unselfishly giving away something of value will teach you new lessons about yourself as well as make your joy complete.

Dr. Vivian Stringer, Head Women’s Basketball coach at Rutgers University, went to recruit a specific young lady for her team.  Stringer watched the young woman run herself ragged playing the game.  As soon as the final buzzer sounded ended, coaches from other schools approached the prospective athlete immediately.  Stringer too approached the young dynamo about recruitment but she hesitated and decided against talking of basketball at that time as this young lady appeared tired, dirty and wanted to shower and change. Stringer, as a good coach, put the player’s needs above her own and gave the tired athlete her business card instead. The look on the girl’s face was that of warmth, a welling of joy bursting from inside. In being rewarded with a smile for her unselfish act, Dr. Stringer also felt the joy. She too had a smile on her face.

Ms. Christian, an English professor, was standing in line at the check-out counter at Toys ‘R’ Us during the Christmas season. The customer in line, in front of her, didn’t have enough money to purchase all the items she had stacked in her shopping cart. The distraught customer’s small daughter was crying and protesting because she wanted all the toys in the basket.  The little girl’s mother tried best to explain to her why she couldn’t have all the toys when Ms. Christian interrupted with a cheerful, “Merry Christmas.”  She paid for the entire purchase.  One can only imagine the joy that the little girl expressed. In an instant you can give something away that will brighten someone’s moment, and in that very same instant the emotional return you receive from the recipient will color your day with enough sunshine to bronze over a thousand summer fields at sunset, and in that warm wash of light you’ll understand why it truly is good to give.

You may not be a celebrity or have money to give away, but don’t allow those things to stop you from giving what you can. Even if all you can manage is a compliment, a few simple words of praise, a pat on the back of appreciation, or just a simple smile – it can make someone’s day.  Make it habit to spread happiness to all those around you, “for good is always repaid in good.”

I would love to hear what you give away, “Just Because.”

This Ode was presented to me by a devout prayer warrior. I hope it inspires you to connect with me whenever you need prayer, counseling or coaching.  Prayer is my ministry and I love to serve others.

Now Diane is very wise

and can convey to you

Exactly what the Lord

would have her say to you

To comfort and to guide you

And assure that He’s beside you

With his Angels to provide

a special place

for you.

These kind words from my neighbor are so touching, I’m sharing them with you. I hope this message brings you joy.

Thanksgiving is a reminder

to love our neighbors,

share some joy,

and be grateful for the goodness of life

It’s a day to remember those people

who share a little extra grace

all through the year

people like you.

Wishing You a Happy Thanksgiving!

Who am I?

I do the dishes and all of the household chores, but I am not a housekeeper.

 Who am I?

I do the meal planning and preparation, but I am not a chef.

 Who am I?

I do the banking and the budgeting, but I am not an accountant.

 Who am I?

I facilitate another’s personal grooming and hygiene, but I am not, in fact, a home health aide.

 Who am I…?

I am the invisible child…

The Invisible Child tells Williams’ story; however, even more so it is written to bring awareness to this underserved population: families who are currently hiding within the walls of an emotional avalanche in their pathology and insidious beliefs. The world doesn’t see them because they are hidden behind the walls of their homes.

The Williams family organized ANGELWORKS: a non-profit resource center providing research, education, and referrals for services such as tutoring, psychotherapy, spiritual counseling, empowerment groups for young caregivers and for parents, a speakers table, scholarship funds, and a respite fund for recreational activity. Angelworks, Inc., an anchor, exists to effect change in families with children caregivers.

After reading Williams’ story, I hope you can join us in building Angelworks. If you or anyone you know is living in a medically comprised situation and their minor children have been thrust into the role of caregivers. Please leave a comment.

Pursuing Victory
We want a Victory. When striving in a struggle against difficulty it is easy to give up or give in, and there will be plenty of naysayers to support you in acclimating to defeat.
Yet your yearning to accomplish your dream is threatening to make this your last desire. But your inner winner nags you to bring home the Victory. It persists, consistently challenging you to stretch yourself, be brave, be courageous and be strong. You have what it takes to combat and defeat the turbulence that usurps your power on your path to Victory.     Continue reading “Pursuing Victory We want a Victory. When”