What About My Bad Hair!??

"Thy hands fashioned and made me altogether, and wouldst Thou destroy me?  Remember now, that Thou has made me as clay; and wouldst Thou turn me into dust again?  

"Didst Thou not pour me out like milk, and curdle me like cheese; clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.  Thou hast granted me life and lovingkindness; and Thy care has preserved my spirit." Job 10:8-12

"Thy hands made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn Thy commandments." Psalm 119:73

"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

"If I have difficulty accepting myself the way God made me, then I have a controversy with God.  Obviously you and I need to change insofar as our sinful nature distorts that which God has made.  Therefore, I do not say that we need to accept ourselves as we ARE, but as God made us in our basic physical, mental, and emotional makeup."*

Yesterday I had a rare "good hair day." The state of my hair is dependent on how humid the weather; and sometimes it affects the way I feel about me.  I can do what is possible to 'tame' my hair, but must remember that it is only one of the special, God-chosen qualities He has entrusted in me.  When I start fussing about something I do not like about myself...I am actually demonstrating an ungrateful heart to the Lord. 

Take care with love, especially His!  Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST:   Please pray for Jeff (and Rachael), who was the most amazing leader I've ever followed and learned from.  He has just had cataract surgery and it does not YET seem to have worked.

For the family and friends of James Foley, so brutally slain in Syria and for the situation developing around this.

For those trying to stem the devastation of Ebola in Africa and the disease spreads because of fear and lack of education and hygiene.

UPDATE:  Patti's beloved husband, John who recently had a stroke is home now and starting rehab to help him read and see more clearly again -- the family needs prayers during this time, especially Patti.  She thanks each of you for your faithfulness...the Lord has given John a soft peace that is making this time of growth easier for all.

NEW PRAYER REQUEST:  For Iain Barclay and his ministry, that the Lord would encourage him in his work.  For Sue-Anne as she takes new responsibilities in her church.  A dear friend, Jen, has fallen and needs to regain her strength.  For Louise for healing in their family.

UPDATE:  For 29 year old Sara - that she goes home to the care of her parents while she is so unwell. and for her brother who needs God's wisdom for a business-related matter.

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Pray for Paul N-S - he is close to having a two-day temporary position.  Baby Saige is doing so well.  She is a very happy little one who looks and acts like a "normal" 8 mo. old!  

Pray for David R as he manages his macular degeneration and praise the Lord for the installation of his wheelchair ramp on his birthday.  Heath (12 year old) who has recovered from meningitis is now back at school.  He has challenges but grows stronger each day. 

Carla (and Paul, David and Matthew) has left for New York.  Please pray for travelling mercies in her long trip.  Pray for Paul and the boys as they manage alone now.

Update on Patty, who lost her three year old daughter four years ago has sent a most amazing letter of thanksgiving.  She is not 100% but says she is around 85%.  There has been little progress with her yet, a very difficult loss for her, to be sure." 

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS:  Pray for my brother, Tim, that his COPD (cardio-pulmonary artery disease) is manageable for him and that he will have the patience and wisdom to cope with the limitations. 

Pray the Lord quiets Adrian's heart as he struggles with pain.   His battle with cancer continues.  Give his doctors wisdom and compassion.

For Audley and Beverly’s situation and his return to the ministry.  For Nancy who continues to grow stronger after her life-threatening head injury a few years ago, and for Fred as he cares for her. 

Please pray for Maedhros, who is having a serious operation soon.  Pray for BG that his blinding headaches will finally stop.

Please pray for Chester as he continues to struggle through a host of medical challenges and poor care.  Give him energy, strength and resolve.  Bettina needs our prayers to give her strength and wisdom. 

Pray for Raven as she regains her strength from the cancer treatments. 

ONGOING JOB RELATED:  Hans:  Pray he will find a good job soon.

Please pray for Michael, a man who is humble and without a home or a job who needs a chance to get his life back to normal. 

Deepak needs prayer that his work efforts begin to bear fruit as he is on the road travelling, promoting his business.

Justin B and his father in India need prayer that Justin will find work in his field of BPO and voice in the Lord's perfect time. 

ONGOING PRAYER REQUESTS:  Pray the Lord’s hand is dramatically apparent in the lives of all who receive and read this devotion...that His mighty works would be worked out in each life for His purposes in surprising and wonderful ways!

Elaine and Jim starting a new ministry in Hong Kong - that the Lord will strengthen their resolve and their hands.

Isaias & Judith need our continued prayers for protection and good health.  They lead the efforts of Ambassadors for Christ in the Philippines.  The financial needs are so great, please consider contributing...just click on Ambassadors for Christ link above. 

For Linda and Ian.  For Rob and his daughter.  For Reg.  Pray for Annette and Lyle and their wonderful family.  Pray for wisdom for my brother as he deals with an important matter.  For David K, in his studies and Matthew K as he grows up.  

PRAY FOR THE WORLD:  Pray for revival in the USA to continue.   Pray for Birgit who is in Germany.  Please pray for the many individuals in Singapore, China and India.  Just recently the WeakDay Devotion blog is being read by many people there!  God is mysterious!  Pray for the Catholic Church and that the new Pope will always put Jesus first.  

* "Trusting God" is copyright protected since 1988 by Jerry Bridges.  All rights are reserved, including translations.  The ISBN is 08910-91742.  I quote carefully and respectfully from his wonderful book.