Leslie’s Walk

-The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormie OMartian 7.2.08

-The Prayer Experiment by Jay Dennis 7.4.08

-The Screwtape Letters by CS Lewis 7.5.08

-Desiring God by John Piper 7.08

-A Wife After God’s Own Heart 7.08

-The Prayer of Jabez by Brue Wilkinson 7.08

-A Mary Heart in a Martha World 7.08

-The Secrets of the Vine by Bruce Wilkinson 7.08

SCRIPTURE:

-Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges

          I’d have to say thus far that God spoke to me through the first 3 books and Deuteronomy more than the two latter (and Numbers, which I skipped–for the moment). I got a bit lost in the discussion of the lineage and rite details, kings and customs. And my favorite verse would have to be Exodus 14:14 which, in my NrSV bible reads:

      “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to keep still.”                                                                                                      

-Matthew (the quotable one), Mark (the most descriptive), Luke (the most detail-oriented one), John (the most inclusive), Acts (of the Apostles), Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, (5.08-9.08)

I’m currently reading Ruth and Hebrews. I enjoy reading books from both testaments concurrently. And, I’m adding in Psalms sporatically as I find it is the book that most influences my prayer life (something I desperately need at the moment).

So this is my story…

My name is Leslie. I was born in August, 1981 in a hospital in downtown Jacksonville. Perhaps the most profound and impactful event in my life occurred three days later when I was given up for adoption. Though I don’t remember anything about it cognitively, I have done years of soul-searching, enough to know that it was one of the defining moments of my life, and I’ve written at length about all the emotions tied up with it.

I had a beautiful childhood. I really could not have asked for a better, more stable, loving or attentive family than the one I was gifted. I was Daddy’s little girl and spent hours on the beach and in the water. I have a brother, also adopted, who is 2.5 years younger than me. I am blessed that my mother was very social, so from 6 months I have had many friends, a handful who I am still close with, 26 years later. I had a priviledged private school education and participated in different activites (none of which lasted too long, but that’s another story).

Now I said I had a wonderful childhood, and I did, but I always struggled with myself. I do not ever remember a time that I did not feel displaced in some way, that I did not feel the need to fit into a group, to like the music they did, wear clothes like them, to have similar handwriting, talents, affectations, Sanrio pencil boxes. I (thought I) didn’t know who I was, so I was always changing and transforming myself to be like someone else. Thinking back upon my elementary years, I absolutely remember specific instances that I did this consciously and purposefully. In middle school, the need to be important, valued became overwhelming.

If you would have asked me at, say, age 10 why I had to have the same Sanrio pencil boxes or like the same show (or even pretend to know what show it was), I would not have had an answer for you. Today I have a few.

Deep down inside I know the insecurities I had were partially connected to being abandoned, feeling unwanted, while I know that even the healthiest child feels insecure at times. And having those feelings exist just made the other thing that was lost, a personal relationship with God, that much more difficult to find. Oddly enough I found what I was looking for while looking for everything else in the world. It was like stumbling in the dark. I wanted to know, wanted to be filled, wanted answers, something to let me know I had an essential place in this world. Abandonment was my question. Jesus is my answer.

Look, everyone follows something, whether it is the Lord, the latest trends, the rap culture, the rebellious anarchy, his or her own personal agenda, the executive track, whatever it may be. I just feel deeply that among the millions of options out there from which to choose, and knowing that ultimately I will chose at least one, Jesus is the only path I have found that completely and truly fills up the void. And, frankly, if only one key fits into a keyhole, and it fits perfectly, opening the door to a profound, unique peace not found in any other room I’ve ever entered, AND it just happens to open any other important door anywhere I go, I see no reason to try any more keys.

O Lord, our God, we love you will all our heart, soul, strength and mind. Wrap us in Your light. Feed us with Your word. Inspire us with Your glory. Protect us with Your mercy. Guide us with Your son, Jesus Christ.
Let us be good shepherds of our wealth in You, that together with the Holy Spirit, we shall guide the struggling, the brokenhearted, the sick, the lost and the proud into Your eternal grace.
O glorious Lord, Your blessings are infinite, and we are so unworthy. Only through Your son’s name we pray:

-Ann, that she will find comfort and peace no matter where in the world she is and that You protect her all during this illness
-Ted, that he will be able to celebrate the life of his best friend and not be too distraught over the loss
-Sara, that You provide her with clarity about her business future, that she will know Your will when she hears it
-John, that You keep working in him drawing him closer to You (Oh, how wonderful this is!)
-Me, that You don’t take Your eyes of my sinful soul
-Susan, protect her in this last bit of her pregnancy, let her know Your glory when she looks into her son’s eyes
-Patrick, Lord, stay by his side
-my boys, they are getting to know You, thank You

Your will be done. Amen.

O Lord, our God, we love you will all our heart, soul, strength and mind. Wrap us in Your light. Feed us with Your word. Inspire us with Your glory. Protect us with Your mercy. Guide us with Your Holy Spirit.
Let us be good shepherds of our wealth in You, that through Holy Spirit, we shall be Your witnesses to the struggling, the brokenhearted, the sick, the lost and the proud into Your eternal grace.
O glorious Lord, Your blessings are infinite, and we are so unworthy. Only through Your son’s name we pray:

9.11.08

A PRAYER FOR GRANNY PAT

Oh, merciful Father, I pray that You comfort Your daughter in her time of need. Lord, do not let this cancer consume her. Give her Your strength so that she may come to glorify You more. Father, hear my prayer. Let her know You are there.

8.27.08

• R’s mom S, who passed away today. Lord, remember her. And, merciful Father, please protect and remember the three children she left behind.
• A, Lord, it is so hard for me to understand why You took her husband and son home, but I know it is for Your glory. May You give her the wisdom and You amazing love so that she may come out on the other side of this.
• S and H, in their troubles, Father, please give them comfort and peace. Let them know You will and Your plan for marriage. If it is Your will, let it be done.

8.19.08

• The Q family, Lord, please give them strength and comfort to deal with this death and celebrate the life of their loved family member. they really need You right now to wrap them in Your merciful arms
• A, Lord please give her the strength and clarity she needs to be the best stepmom she can and to be at peace with her actions knowing how invaluable she is to A.
• J, please please please Lord, give him the direction and motivation he needs to get a job! I know that where You point Your finger, You clear the path.

6.25.08

• J, that You keep working in him drawing him closer to You, and ease his anger
• C, help him find his place and know how much he is loved by You
• K, Lord, let Your will be done, he is so joyous, please let him keep that as long as he can
• D, Oh merciful God, watch over him and keep him safe in your arms (and away from the sharp objects)
• A, please help her and A. find peace, and understanding in their time of need.
• D, watch over him in his illness, do not let the cancer get the better of him ***UPDATE: D’s surgery was successful. He is recovering slowly, but nothing further has been detected. I will continue to pray for him.
• A.N, that she will find comfort and peace no matter where in the world she is and that You protect her all during this illness ***UPDATE: A. made it back to the States to begin treatment and it is going along successfully. Hallelujah!
• S, that You provide her with clarity about her business future, that she will know Your will when she hears it
• P, Lord, let him feel Your presence and know when You are working in His life and that You have a purpose for him
• A, let him heal and see that even in such a traumatic event he can see Your mercy
• S, let her know Your glory when she looks into her son’s eyes and keep D wrapped in your arms

Your will be done. Amen.

*All prayers that have been answered in some way will be italicized.*

**If anyone is in need of prayers, please do not hesitate to comment or send me an email. I will be glad to add you to my prayer list.**