Anxiously in Prayer

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This is my third update topic, because things have been changing so quickly. Earlier this month, Husband and I were discussing whether the Lord had confirmed for us to return to Italy this summer. We were both at peace with no. The next week, we received counsel and every necessary green light to book flights to Rome May 26-June 10 for a week long exposition through the book of Daniel. Planned before the foundation, the day after Husband's one-year graduation from bible training, our oldest son tested positive with COVID. The verse that was brought to my attention is, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God..." (Philippians 4:6). Would you continue joining us in prayer, supplication and thanksgiving, regardless of His answer? 'Trusting He can and will guard our hearts and minds' (Philippians 4:7). One very specific prayer request is for peace: Husband is staying in the house with Jacob and doing his best to isolate. We rejoice, because Jacob is already doing much better!

Closing with a song by CityAlight, “Shepherd.”

“Though I walk through the valley

And I can’t see the way

When the shadows surround me

I will not be afraid


For I know You are with me

You will always provide

Though the path may be lonely

You will stay by my side

I will rest my soul

I’ll trust in You alone


For the Lord my Shepherd

Leads me, leads me
And He is all I need

In the darkest valley

I know, I know

My Shepherd is all I need


Lord I know that You seek me

When I’m trying to hide

And Your love it pursues me

All the days of my life

I will rest my soul

I’ll trust in You alone


I rest my soul

In You alone

You light my way

You lead me on”


Praise Reports:

  1. I have not had exposure to Jacob, and am staying with church family members the next 10 days;
  2. We are fully funded for May 26;
  3. Transportation to and from the Los Angeles Airport is secured;
  4. Our family, my parents and sister were able to celebrate her birthday and fellowship;
  5. Husband and I were able to go on a double date with my parents and a dear couple from our church and host a Seder Passover meal with our small group from church; the Lord provided MANY hands to allow His name be glorified as we commemorated the deliverance of the Israelites in Egypt and our wait for "The New Jerusalem" (picture above);
  6. Husband finished his first year of bible training at the Training Center;
  7. At CBU, I was lavished on for Administrative Professionals Day and have been able to get to know some more of my coworkers and even a few students;
  8. in terms of health, my strength is improving; the pulmonologist ordered some lung tests that confirmed asthma but all else looks healthy; and I began seeing a holistic doctor;
  9. Hacob finished up his second year at CBU and went on a 10-day tour with one of his ensembles; and
  10. Zachary turned 17; finished up his third season in tennis; he and Husband visited CSUSB; CBU and SDSU remain top college choices for the fall of 2023.
         April Seder



Day 1 of Jacob's Music Tour with CBU-also pictured with part of his Caregroup
Husband's Graduation Celebration (Year 1 of bible training @TC); Administrative Professionals Day     

General Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

  1. To pray, slow down, do my job well and seize opportunities at CBU;
  2. Continued direction/balance with ministry/missions (+ faith, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband prepares for year two of bible training;
  3. Faithfulness in our current season;
  4. Unity in marriage & family; 
  5. Physical healing for me (ongoing chest tightness & fatigue), our ability to conceive or contentment with the boys;
  6. Hacob & Zachary to bear consistent/genuine fruit of salvation;
  7. To seek God’s glory & submit to His will, above all else; and 
  8. To walk in the gospel & bear fruits of the Spirit. 
Prayer Requests (specific to our trip to Rome May 26-June 10):
  1. To seek God’s glory & submit to His will, above all else;
  2. To walk in the gospel & bear fruits of the Spirit;
  3. Direction & discernment;
  4. Physical health, peace & strength – especially on fly days & with time difference;
  5. Travel logistics; 
  6. Language/cultural barriers;
  7. Financial provision;
  8. Unity & protection from spiritual attack;
  9. To build honest & strong relationships with missionaries & locals; and
  10. Adjusting the custody schedule & ability to maintain communication with Zachary.





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