Getting Specific

I'm glad Matthew made Ashley laugh. I knew Ms. Hertle had to be an inside joke, and apparently it is a good one.
I went by Ashley's today to report on the errands I had run at her request. The report from the Vitamin C infusion is positive. Few (and short-lived) miserable side effects. Renewed hope. More of it tomorrow. While Ashley and I went over lists, Benji helped Sunny select pictures for a collage. Or at least they laughed at the pictures together, though from Benji's description, none would be suitable for Sunny's folder. There's the one where Sunny and Sofia are laughing hysterically on the porch...stark naked. Of course they're only about one year-old, but you wouldn't want that on you school folder. Then there's the picture of Sunny spreading about half a bottle of sun screen all over herself. Benji (17) and Sunny (11) were laughing like old folks looking at the "good ol' days." It seems like yesterday, but it also feels like a lifetime ago. So much living in so little time.

So, I'm going to pray very specifically tonight. Whether you light a candle or sound a bell,please join me,

Spirit, help Ashley respond to the vitamin c treatment. We pray for amazing results. We bless the doctor who is treating her and ask for wisdom and insight for the medical professionals who are working with her this week. Guide Ashley as she makes decisions. Help her to feel the healing and the hope as her body responds. Provide the means to pay for this treatment.

Ashley needs a new dish washer. I pray for one of those wonderful coincidences that count as miracles in my book, where somebody knows somebody who is getting rid of an almost-new dishwasher. God, I believe that the miracle of the loaves and fishes could be repeated in any church or synagogue today... if we each presented you with what we have, it would be enough. When your people are moved to generosity, there is enough. I pray that Maggie will find a good dishwasher at the Habitat store, or that my friend in Greensboro will come up with something, or perhaps we'll find one in Craig's list. Thanks for Eugene, who is ready with his truck to pick it up. God, I feel better just praying publicly about this. It's not my worry any more. Even if Ashley is "mildly horrified" when she reads this, it's out there. So now, it's OUR dishwasher we're looking for. And you are helping us and guiding us and helping us provide.

Please help Ashley to feel our love and concern and to forgive our intrusion into her private life. Give us grace and help us to respect the privacy and rest she needs as much as she needs our help. Bless her with joy and laughter.

While we're praying for healing, we pray for the US and for the National Democratic Convention. Bless Michelle and Barack and protect them from lunatics and fanatics. Heal the rifts within the party and across racial lines.
And forgive me for bringing politics into this blog.
Amen.