Sunday, March 16, 2008

Blessed!

We started the day with a little bit of apprehension. Today was our first day at church since Neal had found out his news about heart surgery. Neal's a pretty private person, and he's not one to share prayer requests very often. We have a marker board in our Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) room that we write prayer requests on. I can probably count on one hand how many times we've written prayer requests on there. Not because we don't have them, but because Neal always tells me to "save it for the big stuff." Well, I guess heart surgery = "big stuff." We didn't write it on the board, however. We actually stood up in front of the class and told them what's going on. It was an emotional time for Neal. I was surprised that I didn't cry. I cried a lot on Thursday. I didn't cry any on Friday, and I had a "weepy" day on Saturday. Today I was able to hold it together. I almost felt guilty for not crying if that makes any sense at all. Anyway, after Neal filled everyone in, Jim asked the class to pray for us. Neal and I sat up front and then the class gathered around us and layed hands on us. People prayed one by one as they felt led. I have to say it was one of the most humbling and precious times in mine and Neal's lives.

Our church calls our adult Sunday school classes - Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF Class). Our church is pretty large, and we consider our class our community. Today Neal and I really felt what a blessing it is to be in our class. Even though we have family here, it's such an honor to belong to a group of people who care about you and cry and pray with you.

We are truly humbled and blessed! Thank you Chara!!!

3 comments:

Perri said...

Teresa, I'm so glad that you are blessed by a community of believers who are also your friends. What a precious gift to know there are people who you can call on to pray with you and for you.

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

It truly is a blessing to be part of the family of God... just like that song goes. To encourage and pray for one another...

http://www.preciouslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/imsogladimapartofthefamilyofgod.html

Love,
Marsha

Theresa said...

I am glad that you are being blessed by those in your fellowship. Dont' feel guilty for not crying. You are going through a type of grieving process and this is normal for it to come and go. And soemtiems we need to get our tears out so that we can then move forward to do the things we need to do. God will strengthen you through thick and thin!

Jeremiah 29:11

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."