I left home Thursday morning to travel to Kentucky and share alongside my Dad at a conference.
It was supposed to be a quickie.
Two workshops. One keynote. Sign some books.
In on Thursday. Back home on Friday morning before my kids have even finished their breakfast.
I woke up today at 3 a.m. so that I could leave for the airport in enough time to catch my “dark-thirty” flight.
Tried to check in on line and realized that I couldn’t. Jumped on to the airlines website to figure out what was going on with my flight.
It was canceled.
C-A-N-C-E-L-E-D
I went to my window and saw why.
Storms. Wind. Rain.
Yucky weather.
There was a part of me that wondered if it really was too bad to fly or if my flight was canceled as a result of a domino affect of other airport/airline drama.
Not only was I canceled but I was rebooked on a flight for tomorrow.
TOMORROW!
There was a part of me that refused to believe that I couldn’t do something about this imposed change of plans. I thought this mess would be possible to fix. So I got on the phone and held for over an hour. OVER AN HOUR… only to be told that the best to be done was for me to take a flight that would get me in late tonight.
I took it.
But I was still left with a packed suitcase, a hotel room, and more darkness left before the sun would come up.
There was a storm outside. My flight was canceled. There was nothing to do but go back to bed.
My flight created an opportunity for me to pause my life.
Just for a moment.
It wasn’t my preference or my choice.
In fact, it bothered me to pause. I want to go home.
But I didn’t have an option other than to wait on my next opportunity to make a move.
Sometimes life is like that.
Storms happen. Rain comes. Plans are canceled.
We are left with no choice other than to pause.
We are left with no other choice than to get back in bed and make the best of the situation.
I could have stayed awake.
I could have gotten work done.
I could have written this blog post earlier or got some reading for done for school or gone for a run in the gym (which I’m not going to do because the gym at this hotel cost extra money – NOT!).
But I chose instead to hit the pause button, get back in the bed, and rest.
What do you do when life throws some manner of cancelation your way?
Do you push through? There are times when that’s the right thing to do.
Do you throw a get upset? It’s OK every now and then to be emotional about it.
Do you try to fix it? There’s nothing wrong with holding for an hour if that’s what you gotta do.
But at the end of the day, sometimes there is nothing left to do other than accept the cancelation, get back into bed, and enjoy the pause.
Sometimes it’s actually the best thing to hit the pause button before life does it for you.
We women are an industrious group of people. Sometimes we simply don’t know when to call it quits and take a break. Womanhood somehow has coded into our DNA a “don’t-take-a-break”, “max-it-out”, or a “go-all-the-way” code.
That’s actually what makes us so strong.
But I just want to tell you that if you have had something in life cancel your well-intended plans.
It’s OK to the break.
It’s OK to rest.
It’s OK to scrap your plans and hit the pause button.
Sleeping in this morning left me a bit refreshed.
So I decided to tell you about my morning to encourage you to be okay if you life throws a storm, wind, or rain your way and you are forced to be still.
Pause.
It may just be a good for you.
It’s okay if stuff has gotten canceled in your life.
It’s okay if things haven’t turned out like you planned.
It’s okay if it’s taking longer than you thought it would.
It’s okay if you take a minute, collect yourself, and take a deep breath.
And it’s ok to be honest about the fact that you are a bit bummed that there is a little rain, wind, or even lightening in your life.
Need to have a tantrum? Do it here.
Need encouragement to push through? Get it here.
Need to resist the urge to fix it and take your hands off and rest? Share that here.
Let’s pray.
For ourselves.
For each other.
It’s a beautiful thing to see women praying for each other.
So here we go…
As always, feel free to pray about A-N-Y-T-H-I-N-G…
But if you are helped by having a topic to focus on for prayer…
Pause.
Again… feel free to pray about anything that concerns you.
But if today’s prayer focus resonates with you, pray in that direction.
So how exactly does this work do you ask? Keep scrolling for the details…
So excited about prayer this weekend!
Help spread the word!
If you are new to our prayer on Fridays or need a little refresher here are the details…
1) Post YOUR prayer.
First, scroll to the end of the post to find the section for comments. Keep scrolling to the end of the comments to find the empty box where you can leave your prayer request. Click “Post Comment”.
2) Pray for someone else.
Then, look above you in the comment thread for the person who posted just before of you. Hit “reply” and pray for them. That way we make sure that everyone gets covered!
Please don’t feel insecure about your ability to pray for another sister or feel that her request is above your spiritual “pay grade.” Just pray with your heart. God hears. He works with the words that we have and then He takes care of the rest.
3) Post your pic!
Make sure we can “see” you! Go to Gravatar.com so that others can see your face in the comments! (It’s easy! Just click on the green button labeled “Get your gravatar today” )
4) Pray more
Once you have left your prayer request and prayed for the person above you, if you have a few minutes feel free to reply and pray for any other comment/prayer you see in the thread.
Thank you. …I needed this
My prayer is exactly this…..Lord, UNRUSH ME! Show me how to slow down, do only what I can and give the rest to God.
Amen, Sister. Praising God for the pauses, the refreshing, and renewing that happens when we allow The Lord to move in every aspect of our lives. Praying for safe travels for you and pastor! Praying for my sister, Rhonda that the Lord will continue to provide for her needs and give her the desires of her heart according to His will. Asking for continued prayer for my family as we adjust to the caretaking needs of my grandmother at this time. She has been a faithful servant in His kingdom for all my life and then some and it is because of her faith, that I am where I am and who I am today. Praying for our small group family and all the facilitators who will be leading us in our upcoming study of Elijah. I can’t wait! Last, but not least, pray for my obedience to what the Lord would have me to do in this season of life. Praying to be a light that shines, not dull or dim, for others to see how great is our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Help me to get over the fear of being a light…
Didn’t mean for this to be so long! Ciao!
Praying for you.
Holy Father, You are truly a friend of sinners. We know this because of Jesus Christ. He walked the earth and was witnessed by so many to love and care for sinners. He is the Light that shines in the darkness. Shellye wants to be just like Jesus. According to Your Word and her desire to do what pleases You, show her how to follow in Jesus’ footsteps. May she find her strength in You to share with others, through word or dees, what she is experiencing in Jesus. I pray that You would give her a comfort level with pausing when necessary to wait for Your strength and the guidance of Your Holy Spirit. As she plants and as she waters, Father, we trust You to give an increase of Your Word in the hearts of all who speak with her about Jesus. Thank You for hearing our prayers. We love You Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
My prayer request…I am desparate to hear from God. I am a single woman who has been praying for a mate for close to 20 years. I am completely discouraged about the situation; this discouragement is spilling over into other areas of my life. I’m not even sure if it’s God’s will to answer this prayer for a mate in my life. If the Lord’s desire is for me to be single, I ask that he change my heart. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life desiring something that will never be. I don’t want to spend the rest of my life bitter, depressed and discouraged either. I truly desire to be SET FREE from these negative emotions that are holding me captive. I feel like I have asked God so many times for a mate and/or to be set free from the desire and this bitter bondage that, those prayer request are useless coming from my mouth. Lord I want to be Delivered.
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.
Jeremiah 29:11
My prayer is for you to be filled with deep knowledge that God, our Heavenly Father, has a great plan for your life and that you will be blessed so greatly that you will overflow with love and happiness and shine that light into the world.
I need prayer to make a big move. I’ve lived in my home for 16 years and it is 5 minutes away from downtown DC (without traffic). I am newly divorced and a mother of an 11 year-old daughter and sense that I need to get to the South to be near family. I can see the us there, but all the steps in between overwhelm me. And I want to work for myself (I’ve done this previously and have a marketing consulting business) rather that sit in a cubicle someplace…
I need a clear path and am trusting God to move in a way that I know it’s Him and not me.
Thank you of asking.
I am praying for you today, God Bless you and yours.
Lord, I pray for Carmen today. You know the desires of her heart. Please order here steps with this move. Lord, please give her peace, clear guidance, and plenty provision to accomplish her goal. In JESUS Name, Amen
October is my birthday month.
I normally take time to fast and pray and seek God’s direction for the new year ahead.
Please pray for me as start this time and fasting and praying.
Elohim Creator God, grant us according to the riches of Your Glory to be strengthened with might through Your Spirit in our inner being. (Eph 3:16)
Transform us dear God into Your likeness.
We need that you will guide us,and also supply all that we need according to Your riches in Christ Jesus (Philipans 4:19
Thank you Holy Spirit , that You are always with us and will guide us on the path so that we wont lose our way.
You are an amazing God, we reach out for Your hand today, so that we can walk with You into the future You have for us.
May your name be praised.
Amen
Blessings xxx
I am requesting prayers for God’s strength, courage and wisdom. I am a single mother of a 6 year old boy and a 2 year old darling baby girl. I am struggling to keep our life together. School, play, appointments, emotions, sometimes I am just so very overwhelmed. I am asking for an extra dose of strength from my Provider. God Bless and Thank you.
My brother Andrew Weathers was killed if Afghanistan this week. Today he’s being flown home through Dover afb escorted by my older brother. He was a Christian so I know today he’s with Jesus. I ask for prayers of strength and comfort for my family. We are a military family and Andrew was a green beret so we knew the risks. It’s still hard to comprehend how our God calls the good guys into his kingdom so soon.
Praying for you and your family
Thank you for the reminder to pause… :). I need prayer regarding the next stage of my professional life. I don’t want to run ahead of God, but the pressure at the job is so overwhelming, and to add to that I have a two hour commute each way. I am just tired…
My prayer request is for the willingness to surrender trying to figure things out on my own as I pursue a new venture for the glory of God.
I just said a prayer for you. May we both take a moment to “pause” to hear, see, and feel God’s will for our lives.
Lord I come to you with Thanksgivibg in my heart. Thank you for connecting me to this. Lord I pray Katheryne is covered by your blood. I pray that she realizes that you are God and you are the controller of everything. You make our worlds. Lots I pray that she is able to die to herself daily and is able to pick up your cross. Lord I pray that she understands that we will nevER know Gods details,his thought are not our thoughts. When we want to know every single detail we sometimes are taking our way out of blessings. Lord just bless her and help her see things in new ways. Change get perspective. In Jesus name I pray AMEN.
I am struggling to discern God’s will in relationship issues. Please pray that I am able to let go, if that is God’s will, or that we are able to navigate the challenges, if that is God’s will. I have felt stuck for a long time now and don’t know how to fix it.
Elizabeth – Lord provide sister Elizabeth with clear thoughts and mind they come from you. Where there is confusion provide a clear par allow her to operate based on your word and not fear. Amen
Elizabeth – read as muchof Gifs word as you can – watch it , listen to it etc. you will find direction in this. It will bring you closer to the person or show you an obvious gap between the two of you . God is not the author of confusion.,.. Walk where there is peace.
Praying for you!!!!
Glory to God! Heavenly Father, it is a most precious gift to be here today with my sisters. You are wonderful. You are wonderful to me and to us. You are good and You do good. Thank You for my sister Gilian. We celebrate her today because this is the month that You brought her to the world. She is Yours. She desires to know Your will for this new year ahead. Elohim Creator God, You formed her to become transformed into Your likeness. That was and is Your plan for her according to Your Word. Father, we know that the secret things belong to You, but the revealed things belong to us and to our children. I pray that You would reveal to her Your wisdom, according to Your Word. During her time of consecration, Father speak to her and guide her in Your ways. Forgive us Father, for ever trying to walk this life without You and without each other. Thank You for the family that You have made possible for us through Your Son. He is the only Savior of the world and He shows us the way to You and to Your heart. Thank You Father. Thank You for sending Him and not another. For only He could humbly pause for as long as He did in the grave for our sake. Father, I pray that during Gilian’s pause, she would see Jesus more clearly and hear from You through Him more clearly. We love You. You are so good to us. In Jesus’ precious Name I pray, Amen.
I pray for clarity and understanding in this season of my life. I pray for protection and guidance and a more in depth ability to trust in the Lord.
My flight was canceled yesterday. Not by the airline or the weather. My two little grandboys who I was to visit, came down with a very contagious disease. They are so sick. I was packed and ready when their dad phoned and told me it’s not a good idea to come. I was sad as I missed them and worried more about them. I did want to throw a tantrum but instead pouted. I ask for prayer for the boys and their parents who will care for them. I know there will be another time to visit and be with them. Lord help me to learn to leave things in your hands for you are the only sovereign One.
I pray for my sister Katheryne whose prayer is listed above. Hold her as you do all of us.
In Your Name –
Amen
Debbie praying for your grand babies to heal fur mom and dad’s strength and fir you to visit soon in the name of Jesus Amen
This is such a confirmation! We have been rebuilding Primera Iglesia on Galveston Island for the past 6 years after Hurricane Ike. It has been a waiting on The Lord time indeed. The pauses have made us known in the community. Even with every pause, a blessing portions and miracles happens. Durning this time and after 26 years of marriage and three son. The Lord gave is a little Princess. My husband prayed and the name God gave him was “Selah”! Which the closest meaning is pause and reflect on God’s word. Selah entered this world a day after that anniversary. God gave me her middle name Jordain “Jesus Ordain” and down flowing. The pauses in life no matter how delayed, hurricane force wind and silent bring forth unimaginable blessing and down flowing.
Please pray fir my dd dog Locci he was born with defects and can’t pee so doc has to go in an empty bladder pray fur meds to work.
Lesley – lord bless Locci as he receives his treatment today. Keep him calm and relaxed as he gets better. I pray that the medication keeps him comfortable.
Lord I ask that you bless Kesley as you is caretaker, mom and cuddle master too Locvi. Encourage her heart as she goes through this day. Please be with both if them. In your precious son Hesus name I pray – Amen
Lord, we pray for Lesley’s dog Lucci who is in need of healing. Lord, you know how Lesley is feeling right now. Comfort her and bring her peace during this time. We ask that you would provide everything that Lucci needs to get well. Guide the doctors, Lord and help them to help Lucci. We pray for healing for Lucci. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thank you for this timely reminder Chrystal. You’ve reminded me once again that sometimes(despite our preference) we need to simply pause, rest, and recharge.
I’m asking for prayer for God’s guidance and direction in my life. Specifically, in terms of discerning where he is leading me next. I feel like I’ve been on “pause” for awhile when it comes to a lot of things and I’m ready to move forward. Yet, I want to be obedient to His will and His alone. Also, please pray for my uncle who has cancer and the doctor feel there is nothing more they can do. I’m praying for his salvation and I’m believing that Our Healer is more than able. His will be done. Thank you for your prayers, they are treasured.
Lord, please bless your servant Elle with Your wisdom and direction for this season of her life. Show her Lord “this is the way, walk ye in it”. And let Your healing power be at work in her Uncle Lord Jesus! Be not only His Great Physician Lord, but bring him to the saving knowledge of Christ! Bless my sister as she takes this day of rest and give her heart and mind clarity and purpose and peace, Lord as she continues to seek You and live for You and serve You with all of her heart. In Jesus mighty name, Amen!
Please pray that the LORD will bless me with the right job, even quickly. Unemployment insurance has run out and I have no money to pay this months rent or last months either. Also that I will have Gods peace as I wait for His answer! God bless you!
Dear Lord, thank You for this day and this forum to come to You in prayer. Father, You know what Lynette stands in need of. I pray that You guide her and direct her to her next employment opportunity. Let her have the discernment to hear Your voice and to follow Your leading. Give her peace Lord as she awaits for Your answer. God we know that with You nothing is impossible and believe that all of Lynette’s needs will be met. You are Jehovah Jireh our provider and we trust You and count it done. In the holy and precious name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen!
Lord, please be with Lynnette. Put your arms around her in a powerful and physical way. Let her know your presence TODAY, Lord. Bring her a way to financially provide for herself and her family and grant her wisdom in spending the money that you provide…leading her to all the right places to get the best value for every dollar. And most of all, Lord, grant her the peace that you have promised us, the peace “that surpasses all understanding” as she waits for your perfect timing. Thank you, Jesus, for all that you have done and all that you are doing in her life. Amen.
Chrystal, thank you for these timely words today. Five months ago I fell and broke my hip and my femur (I’m WAY too young for that!!). Talk about a PAUSE!!! Suddenly our plans for my husband’s new career, our move to another city, and our plans to adopt a child were ALL put on PAUSE…for FIVE MONTHS. Now I am slowly returning to work and we are seeking God’s face and timing as we again consider moving, changing my husband’s job, and adopting a child. Please join me in prayer for guidance and direction.
Father I pray for Shannon who has some very important decisions to make for the future. I pray the Holy Spirit would speak to her heart about what direction her husband and herself need to move in. Father I pray you would guide Shannon and give her clear direction as to what their next move is to be. Give them peace while they wait and seek you in this season. In Jesus name Amen.
This reminds me of Psalm 46:10….thanks sister for this very timely and personal reminder…challenge! What a privilege to make this journey and grow together…:)sandyT
This came at just the right time. I learn so much about God in these times of pause but it’s also hard to be happy when he isolates you sometimes. I miss my friends but I also know he wants me to take time out and pause and concentrate on him only in this season. No distractions. Pray I stay strong and learn in this time of pause.
I was in a relationship with a wonderful man for 2 years. We can’t move forward because of some fears that he has about marriage and being a step father (again ). He allows doubt which is the devil’s arsenal of weapons aimed at destroying happiness to overcome him. I pray that God shows him how to deal with those things so that we don’t lose what is right in front of us and I pray for the strength and courage to deal with the darkness and that I move forward with the ability to accept God’s plan for us.
I see everyone’s requests for prayers, and can relate to so many of them. I’m a single mother of three boys – two in college, and one in high school, with very little assistance from their father. I struggle financially, and feel as though I can’t do anything fun or for myself for fear of getting more in debt. I’ve been dating a wonderful man for 4.5 years, and cannot understand why he won’t move forward and make that commitment for life. And now, enter my 90 – year old mother who may have to come live with me while I have my own (small but necessary to get fixed) health issues. I’m struggling so much with God’s plan for me – I trust Him, but perhaps not enough. Please pray for me to have strength and happiness during this time in my life.
Father in heaven, You know all of our needs Lord, but You tell us to ask anyway my Lord. You want us to keep that intimate fellowship with You so that You may be known to be our strength, our song and our portion forever O God. Lord, bless my sister Valarie with the peace that transcends all understanding as she obeys You and continues to cast all of her cares on You Lord. Show my sister miracles of provision Lord, from sources that she never expected and won’t have to repay. Bless her precious sons Father so she May know Your joy of knowing that her children are walking in the truth. Be her Great Physician Lord and heal her completely that she will be strong in You and the power of Your might O God. Bless Valarie with wisdom regarding her mother’s care. And fill her with Your joy Father and put awesome saints in her life to continually encourage her and refresh her soul with reminders of Your goodness and love for her Lord. In the holy name of Jesus, amen!
Praying for you Valerie 🙂
Please pray for my son, he’s 15 yes o!d, he’s been in juvenile detention for over two months now. He’s done something terrible and the whole family is affected. Please pray for understanding, pray for Truth. His father is in trouble as well, pray that the lies will stop and my son will live in truth and not lies. His father visits him but I fear he is feeding him lies. I’ve been divorced 14 yes now. And the one time I need for his father to step up and help with my son he’s failed and let my son do whatever and now my son is caught up in drugs and bad choices that landed him in trouble. There’s more to but right now please pray for my son. He may never get to come home again, he’ll be 18 in 3yrs, and caught up in the system, I also pray he will understand and get the help me needs. Thank you for your prayers
Lord, we praise you, you created each one of us for a divine purpose and you want us to seek you in all matters concerning our lives. We pray in one accord for Katheryn’s son. He is fearfully and and wonderfully made for a divine purpose to further your kingdom on this earth. We pray against the spiritual principalities at work trying to prevent Katheryn’s son from walking in your ways. The enemy comes to steal kill and destroy, BUT Jesus has come to give us abundant life! We speak abundant life to begin to come forth in Katheryn’s son. We pray that a godly counselor come into his life right now to mentor him. We pray for protection over him against any assaults and abuses until he comes into the full revelation of you. We pray full recovery of any drug addictions and for him to never go back to it. We break off any unholy soul ties with his birth father that do not line up with the living word of god. We pray for total restoration of this family. In the name of Jesus. Amen.