Hard to believe a month has gone by since I last put my thoughts on this computer screen to publish on my blog. Christmas, New Year. Getting used to writing “10” instead of “09” for the date. Grudgingly giving up the nostalgia of Christmas, resident in the lights and garlands, for ordinary life without those visuals, recognizing the real essence of Christmas is Emmanuel, God with us; Jesus resident in me all year, every day. Living worthy of Him is then my life goal.

This week, Sunday, January 24 through Saturday, January 30 is Mustard Seeds and Mountains’ prayer vigil week, 12 hours of prayer by staff each day. Each staff person (there are 7 of us currently) takes several 4 hour prayer shifts during the week, going to a designated “warfare prayer” room in the Manse. We have taped up on the walls of the room large flip chart pages filled with various items for prayer. We spend time seeking the face of the Lord, listening for and to Him, as well as interceding. We are expecting great things from the Lord.

Mustard Seeds’ staff has done this kind of concentrated prayer twice in the past and it has always been a powerful time in the lives of the staff involved, not to mention the works of the Lord in answer to prayer in the community. Some of our former staff, and our new staff couple raising support to come here and serve, hearing about our prayer time commitment, have asked to join us long distance. Even though they cannot be here with us in McDowell County, they are setting aside time for prayer where they are. We emailed them copies of our prayer items so they can be praying for the same things.

We invite you, if you feel so inclined, to join us as well! We would love to email you our prayer needs and have you pick a time in which you join us in prayer.

February 6 I fly to California for several doctor appointments. Pray for my continued healing from a weakened heart, the cancer, and myasthenia gravis. God has graciously given me strength each day to continue to cut back on the immunosuppressant drug I am on for the MG. It is great to be able to talk and laugh, to have energy and strength to do…stuff, everyday tasks as well as interact more with people. I will always point to God for these gifts and praise Him. There is no luck nor happenstance about my life! I will praise Him every morning. I will praise Him every day. I will praise Him as long as I have breath.

Jacque