Week 228

Positive post Sunday, July 4, 2021- Week 228. 

I have been praying for quite some time that someday, with the grace of God, I would be able to write this PPS.  You are likely familiar with the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Luke 15:1-7.  Our family and close friends are well aware of our journey in support of our lost sheep, my daughter Stacy.  With a heavy heart, deep and sustained prayer, a foundation of faith and much sacrifice, our family recently celebrated the 2 year anniversary of Stacy’s return to our flock.  As expressed in Luke 19:10, if you are lost, God will find you.  My prayers continue to be with all families who are still awaiting the return of their loved ones to their flocks.

Words simply can’t express how incredibly proud I am of Stacy and how thankful I am for the Lord returning her to our flock.  It’s been a long journey that will continue for the rest of her life, and I continue to pray that she will stay the course with her Faith and Family as her foundation.

I’m equally proud of and grateful for ALL my family and our close friends who have made many sacrifices and been the support system that has lifted Stacy up and helped her find her way back to our flock.  I thank God each and every day for all of them.

Here’s my prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for saving your and my daughter Stacy, giving her the strength and perseverance to get well and stay well.  Please continue to watch over her and guide her to a life of service and a closer relationship with you.  Through you, I am certain she will turn her past struggles into greatness.  Dear Lord, thank you also for giving me, my wife Michele, our children and their families and all our family and close friends the strength, compassion and patience to stand by our lost sheep and for your guidance in support of her return to our flock. I pray that we will continue to open our hearts and homes for all members of our family in need.  It warms my heart to see our family together and supporting each other in your name.  I ask that you also be with the many families who are navigating through similar challenges and that you guide them back together.  Amen.

Here is a meaningful prayer that our pastor Father Erik Esparza shared on Facebook last October.  And yes Father, it is still very relevant, and a timely and timeless reminder, to all of us during challenging times:

“Clouds will form, and storms will come, but what remains is the love and peace of our God.  Hold tightly to your faith in God and you will be okay. If you are doubting, it’s time to trust.  If you are discouraged, it’s time to get focused.  If you are sad, it’s time to find joy in the promise of salvation! Jesus our Lord is one prayer away!” -Father Erik Esparza

It’s been said that a picture is worth a thousand words, and the picture of Stacy below is no exception.  It would be impossible for me to put in words how much this picture means to me and our family.  Thank you Lord.  I am grateful that you have once again answered our prayers!

Who is your lost sheep and how are you working through the good Lord to help them return to your flock?