TheWhiteShadow

In my early days as a believer, I fasted because someone I was in relationship with would be fasting. It'd usually be for a day, and no food at all. I was a baby in Christ at the time, so I didn't quite know what to expect. In retrospect, those early years were very powerful and full of rapid growth, so I don't doubt that fasting contributed to that. We weren't necessarily seeking God on any particular thing - not an answer or for direction. It was just because - but, it wasn't to keep a rule/law. It also helped to establish some discipline early on. Oh, and just so I don't forget to say it: It was easier fasting with someone else. Nowadays, I rarely fast. It's been on and off my mind within the past month, but I haven't acted on it. Not long ago, I attempted a single day fast during the work-week, and it just wasn't wise since I have a very physical job. Can't afford to get light-headed around heavy machinery. :) One more story: I once wondered if I OUGHT to fast. I was in a spiritual drought, I guess. I thought that fasting might shake that. However, I just wasn't sure if God truly wanted me to fast at that time. Well, I ended up having a dream where I was eating a tack (thumbtack). I woke up and understood it to mean "Eating Attack" - and that I was not being called to fast at that time. I had peace about it after the dream.

Standing in agreement with you, Gracee.

Praying for you. And, Wisconsin's rather lovely. :)

Will do.

Praying as well.

It's the spirit behind the man. I have a neighbor that's the same, and I can see it all over her. Praying for you, Sister.

Hi, Sister - I don't know if there's a meaning to it, but I had a very similar experience right around the time I was making a big change in life (job change). I saw it all over the place, and I wanted to take it as confirmation. However, this job didn't work out once I did it for a while, and the whole thing felt like I had made a big mistake. So, I only want to say to be careful in what you end up taking these to mean.

That's what I said to God this morning, long before the events of the day began to roll. I actually woke up thinking this, and the theme returned to me during my quiet time before I got ready for work. Really, what I was hoping for was something fantastic to happen today. Something that would make me look at today, see what was going on, and then turn to God with thanksgiving in my heart for whatever he chose to do. A few hours before work, though, I took a look outside. Snow. At least 3 inches on the ground, and still coming down. Great. And the forecast said that it wouldn't be letting up until late tonight. So, I figured that I had better do at least a single pass down the sidewalk before I left - early, that is, since I had to account for nasty roads. I shovelled. And, by the time I was through, it didn't really look like I had. Then, I get a message from a coworker. Another coworker will not be in. So, I'm shorthanded before I even leave the house. This night is going to be great. Not to mention the fact that I'll be working until midnight, so it'll be 1am + before I'm back home, and even later before I'm asleep. Plus, I'd have to get up early to clean up the wintry mess...my own, and the neighbors' to either side. So, I arrived at work and found that two other coworkers would be gone. 3 gone out of 7. Then, it began. We were given a goal that, should we meet it, we could get out of there early. 10pm would have been a stretch, but that's much better than midnight. Everyone (who showed up) was fired up. We were more efficient than we'd ever been, operating at 98% (when 75% is the goal, although we're often 90+). Not only would we get to leave early...but everything fell into place so well that we were done at 8:30. Cleaned up and out the door by 9:00. Now I'd be able to get home and maybe even do a bit of shovelling before bed. I mean, it's supposed to be -14 tomorrow with the wind chill, so I might as well dig in and do it tonight. God wasn't done, though. I rolled into the driveway at 10:00 after a VERY icy drive home to find that the friend and neighbor from two houses down had just finished snowblowing my driveway, sidewalk, and the drives and walks of both the neighbors mentioned above. I caught him just as he was kicking the snow off his boots at his front door and thanked him for his kindness. Now I'm home early AND I won't have to shovel in the morning. And, as expected, I remembered what I said to God at the start of my day. And He did cause me to praise Him, today.

And as a continued follow-up: I had another dream last night that featured the woman neighbor who is currently undergoing chemo. In the dream, I simply remember observing her from a little ways away (not close enough to where we were talking, nor do I think she noticed me). I was amazed at how much her hair had grown back. It wasn't as thick as it had always been, but there was definitely a lot there! I take both these dreams as encouragement that the prayers for these two people are making a difference. Thanks again, everyone.

Sure - I've had secular songs on my heart quite often, typically just as you described where it's just a phrase or a few lines that speak to me. It's usually something that doesn't go away. Like, it'll last for at least a few days. It'll come to mind at work, or I'll wake up each day with that bit running through my mind. For the past week, just as an example...I keep hearing "When you need me, I'll come running..." which is a repeating phrase in the chorus of a Lou Gramm (of 80's Foreigner) song.

Thanks, everyone, for your prayers. I don't get to see these neighbors much due to my schedule, so I don't know how they're doing. I did have a dream about one of them last night, though: In this dream, I was driving down my street toward my house. I was just about there, passing by my neighbors' house, and I saw Ron outside on the edge of the street. I was surprised to see him walking, as in real life he's recently had surgery for a broken knee cap. He was moving slowly, but he was standing up on his own. I was encouraged to see him standing, yet hopeful that he'd take things carefully so as to not risk harm to himself. So, if you all don't mind...please pray for them once again. I found the dream to be encouraging, though.

I'm sorry for your loss as well, Deborah.

Way to submit to His leading, Jazzy. Like you said, you never know how badly words may affect others.

This is a sensitive situation. You risk an opportunity for them to slander you again if you are not hospitable, though. If you feel that having them over is definitely going to end in disaster, then don't do it. If you feel that it will be a trial, but one that you can make it through, then have them over and put them to shame by being unexpectedly loving.

Hello, friends - Please pray for my neighbors, Ron and Margaret. Margaret is being treated for breast cancer and is about to begin radiation. They also have her 90+ mother with Alzheimer's living with them. Ron's mother just passed away over Christmas. He's also slipped on ice, broken his kneecap, and has had surgery. They're good people who really care for our neighborhood. Prayers appreciated. Blessings, -Mark

Happy Birthday, Cholette!

Blessing to you as well, Sister, in this new year.

Please see this topic on this ministries' stance regarding outside ministries: /t2216-more-rules-and-guidelines I have removed a post from today in this thread that directed viewers to another ministry. This is not to be taken as judgement against any ministry. To quote specifically from these rules: Blessings, -Mark

My short answer is, "No." So many believers are going to be at different places in their faith, and even if they are friends or family, it's usually not helpful to tell them the things that you see. If you see something encouraging and feel released to share it, then by all means. If someone comes to you with a problem and asks you if you see anything, then sharing may be more appropriate - but, even then, I would use wisdom. You already said it, but I believe that the primary purpose for this gifting is to be praying for others. And, to be honest, I wouldn't expect to have a conversation with whomever you prayed for regarding the things you've seen. They were revealed to you for a purpose. On a practical side, if someone comes to you asking for prayer for something that you've already seen, you could confirm the issue by saying that you felt/saw that this was the case and have been praying for it, and then take the opportunity to pray with them at that moment. In this way, you're giving them confirmation, and you're encouraging them by letting them know that you've prayed and are willing to pray in that moment. The answer to this will be more and more obvious to you the more experiences you have walking in this gift. While I said above that the main purpose for this gift is to be praying for others, there's actually a purpose that's more important than that: This gift is for you and your relationship with God. It's going to keep you looking at him, seeking him for direction and wisdom. Out of that, he'll lead you in what to say, how to pray, when - and when not - to take action. Like Mary and Martha with Jesus: Relationship, first, and then the work. So, seek him on whatever you see or feel, and follow his leading in each situation. You'll grow in the gifting as you do, which is more than just the seeing and feeling - that growth is also in the application. Blessings, -Mark

Praying.

Happy Birthday, Connie. Many blessings to you on your special day. -Mark

Hello, Destine - I used to do a lot of interviewing of people your age getting their first jobs, and I can tell you a few things from the employer's perspective...well, at least from my own. :) I always appreciated an applicant that was on time. Punctuality is your first impression before you even get to make a first impression. Don't be late! Also, don't arrive too early, either. A lot of employers have things planned before your interview and know just how much time is necessary to wrap them up before you arrive...so, don't be too early. Dress/look appropriate. Again, first impressions are a big deal. What is acceptable is going to vary based upon the job. For many first jobs, you don't have to go overboard with dressy clothes. However, don't be too casual, either. Jeans are out for just about any interview. Piercings and rainbow hair were also a no-go for us. Take a look at others who work there and try to come close. Obviously, if the employer supplies uniforms you won't be wearing that...but you can observe other aspects of the employees' presentation. Show interest. You don't have to act as if this job will satisfy your passions in life, but I've had many a candidate that was obviously there because their parents wanted them to get a job, while they would rather not. Another part of expressing interest is asking specific questions about the position you're interested in. It's ok to ask questions related to what the employers expectations of you will be so that you understand what it is you are agreeing to. Stay away from questions too focused on what the company will do for you. A good example is asking about how often you'll get to be off of work, like for holidays and working weekends, etc. :) Since you've already made it to the interview stage, it's safe to say that you're probably available enough to meet the company's needs. When looking through applications, the hours that the person was available (the wider the range, the better) is what determined whether they even got a phone call. During your interview, if you realize that you're actually more available than you originally suggested, those are certainly bonus points. On the flip side, I hired some people who restricted their availability a short time after being hired, which is a great disservice to the employer. If you plan to be involved in something within at least the first half a year of your employment, it's best to be upfront about it. Basics for the interview itself involve eye-contact (not starring, though), self-confidence, a positive attitude, and preparedness. Have an answer to each of their questions, even if you need to take a second to think of one. "I don't know," is not good. Even a less-than-stellar answer is better than no answer at all. On that note, you can expect to be asked some universal interview questions such as: "Tell me about yourself." "Where do you see yourself in such-and-such a time in the future?" "Why are you interested in This Position/This Company?" "What sorts of skills or experiences do you have to offer?" Think about personality traits, too - maybe you're really organized. Maybe you're a good multi-tasker. Maybe a problem-solver. Perhaps you're really good at resolving conflict... And, of course... "Tell me why I should hire you." That's also a good sign that the interview is almost over....usually...unless they lead with that question! Finally, thank the interviewer for their time and the opportunity to meet with them. Many times (but not always) you'll know before you leave if you've made it to the next step. Oh yes...I almost forgot. Don't be surprised if you interview with more than one person at a time. I've been on both sides of a panel interview, and more people can be intimidating. If that's the case, direct your attention at whomever is asking the question, but take opportunities to make eye contact with others as you answer. Whew...sorry for the long-windedness. Hopefully this helps you. Blessings, -Mark

Hello, friends - I'm regret not asking for prayer sooner. I have a worker whose 28-year old son was in a car accident last week and has been in a coma ever since. It seemed that he was recovering, but the doctors were unable to bring him out of the coma when they planned to do so. My coworker, Terry, will be off the rest of the week to deal with this - whatever that may end up meaning. Please pray against the worst, as I believe that's what he's expecting. Thanks, -Mark

Thanks to anyone who prayed! I have not had any contact with this person (nor do I expect to), but I have heard that she's returned to the States and is much better. My sister is supposed to see her at a gathering this weekend. The fact that she plans to attend is especially encouraging.

Praying...