Really?  God’s done gone and done it again.
This morning I was going to journal about one topic, “Can others see a difference in you?”, but my heart kept leading me to ask for prayer for others.  When I came to my computer I was led to click on my bible icon.  Low and behold if the bible verse didn’t speak to me as to what to write.
The “Verse of the Day” was “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” James 5:16
Amen and amen! 
If you have been with me for three weeks or three years along this journey of journaling, you know that I’m a huge prayer warrior.  So praying is just something that comes second nature to me.  You may be the same way.  For others, you have to have an “appointment with God”.
Well, can I get you to pencil in an appointment time to talk to God this evening any time between 5:30-7:00pm?  (see the link at the bottom of this)
I have a special friend, whom I had asked for prayer for back on April 22nd, which has to go through many hurdles right now in order to survive. (And survive he will! And will come through this with great stories to tell while he hasn’t been able to speak.  And with much glory to God given through it all and at the end.)
Doug and my husband have been friends since they were “knee high than a grasshopper” (another southern saying).  Doug is the one responsible for getting me and Tim together back in 1985 when we were in high school.  Doug is the one who has touched many lives and various ages in our community through a plethora of community involvements.  Doug has a big heart and will give you the shirt off your back if you need it (sweaty and all. haha).  Doug Gibbs is the friend I’m asking for prayer for.
Tim has been at the hospital every day checking on his buddy and just sitting with the family since Doug arrived back on April 20^th.  While Tim’s been away for a few days, I’m “playing Tim” and going up to spend some time there.  Yesterday when I went to check in, I had planned on stopping by for a few minutes and then go get groceries and cook dinner for my children.  Well, those few minutes turned into a lot of minutes.  (I praise God for giving me the time to do that, the flexibility to make the time, and the groceries that were already home to provide dinner for my children.)
Without getting into all the details, my timing was perfect.  An issue arose and Doug was going to have a procedure done.  Our long-time friend, Billy, who is also one of Doug’s dearest friends and my husband’s roommate in college, was there along with me. I knew me “playing Tim” seemed right.  It just seemed that having the two of them (Tim’s presence and Billy’s) felt right and needed.
During the procedure, the doctors found an 80% blockage in a valve to his heart.  Two stints were put in and a temporary pace maker.  The doctors said that Doug has a strong heart.
Yep, Doug has a big, strong, and compassionate heart.
There are many obstacles that need to be conquered before Doug is completely healed. He is a very sick guy right now with a lot of health issues to overcome.  But I know that I serve a mighty God that can do anything He pleases.  Who can heal.  Who can not only heal Doug, but others affected by this situation that made need a “heart healing” of another kind.
WHEN Doug comes through it all, he will have to have a total lifestyle change.  Isn’t that much like our walk with God?  When we go through struggles and get a new life in Christ, our lifestyle changes.  Doug’s physical life and our spiritual lives can and will have a change for the better.
Thank you for your prayers for Doug.
Prayer is powerful and effective!
I pray God’s abundant love and blessings for y’all.
http://plantcityobserver.com/2014/05/05/church-host-prayer-service-doug-gibbs/

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