Ash Wednesday …. the beginning of Lent.
My plans included a post on simplicity and the beginning of my 40 bags in 40 days project. The puppy has an appointment at the vet. I’m going to lunch with a friend. There’s some laundry and dishes in the sink.
And my plans included prayer … confession, preparation, praise, and wonder.
- Wonder at the God who became flesh.
- Wonder at the ugly beauty of the Cross.
- Wonder at the grace that is truly greater than all my sin.
- Wonder at the gift of relationship with the Creator of all.
- Wonder at the God who sees me, who knows me.
But last night I added another prayer …
At noon {central time} our niece, Greer, will be undergoing major heart surgery. The doctors will be placing the VAD {ventricular assist device} that will *prayerfully* help her until she is able to have a heart transplant.
I’ve been thinking a lot about what that heart transplant means … Someone else will die enabling Greer to live. How thankful I am that just a few months ago, Greer realized that she needed Someone to die so she could live. We ALL need that.
I’ve been thinking a lot about that family … the one who will give the heart that will become Greer’s. I am immeasurably thankful for them. Even now, I’ve been praying for them … for the loss they will experience, the grief they will face, and desperately praying that they know the God of Life.
The Underwoods, Summer 2010
Will you join me in praying for Greer and her parents {Greg and Dawn}, her five-year-old brother {Bauer}, and all of our family and Dawn’s family … today will undoubtedly be a very long day.
Dawn has been claiming these verses from Psalm 66 during this process:
For You, O God, tested us, You refined us like silver. You brought us into prison and laid burdens on our backs. You let men ride over our heads; We went through fire and water; But You brought us to a place of abundance. {verses 10-12, NIV}
We are praying for that place of abundance … and trusting that this test, this refining, will be used mightily for the Kingdom of God.
Thank you for your prayers,
I do join you in prayer. I pray that verse over this family. Thank you for sharing the prayer request and allowing me to join with your hearts in witnessing this miracle that is about to take place.
Will be thinking of you guys today! What a remarkable day for a surgery. Trusting with you.
Praying~ What a great post! Yes.. we ALL needed someone to die for us to live !!! Thank you Lord!
Praying often, friend.
Kristi Stephens recently posted…Refocusing our hearts during Lent
Breathing in air…breathing out prayer! Love you and ALL of your family!
Praying, praying.
Caroline recently posted…Family Fitness Fun – New Post at Todays Housewife
Yes, Teri Lynne, praying along with you and all of the family.
Julie@comehaveapeace recently posted…Tommy helped us get Fit 4Faith
Praying for Greer and her family as He holds them in the middle of this raging storm. Praying for peace and healing.
Stacey recently posted…What I Wore Wednesday
Praying TeriLynne. Asking God for a miracle today & thankful that the greatest miracle has already happened in Greer’s heart.
Brooke McGlothlin recently posted…21 Days of Prayer for Sons Twitter Party! with the MOB Society
Praying for Greer and also this yet unnamed family.
Kristina recently posted…Isabellas First Photo OpTop Ten Tuesday
Yes, praying with you, friend.
Shelli @ Hopefully Devoted recently posted…Like the stars in the sky- so are the graces
Praying.
The other day as I was praying for Greer, this same thought hit me…someone will have to die in order for Greer to live. And I started sobbing. As I was praying for a heart for Greer, I felt like I was praying for someone else to die. In my mind, a child, at that! That’s when it hit me that we can’t understand it all and that’s why it’s in the Father’s hands…so, in the end…my prayer was, “Your will be done, Lord!”
Heathahlee recently posted…Beautiful Jesus
Still praying!
Sandy Hammock recently posted…COUNTING IT ALL JOY WEDNESDAY Being alert for Gods Plan!
What an adorable family. How heartbreaking for a child to go through this.
Glad I stopped by. I’m practicing Lent this year for the first time and it’s a strengthening experience. I really like your idea of a bag a day out of the house. I wish I had thought of that years ago. Right now we are in a tiny apartment with only what we need. Our things are packed neatly into storage. That’s how I’ve been living for two years. The stuff? We never really needed it, even though I do miss the family heirlooms.
Cassandra Frear recently posted…Dog Hobble- Just for Fun
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Personal growth is always a truth encounter!
Cassandra Frear recently posted…Dog Hobble- Just for Fun