Anybody Feeling the Crunch?

Hey, My Darling Ones!

Thank you so much for praying for our Bible study launch last night. God brought us such a great group! Lots of new faces and lots of familiar ones, too. I love a marvelous blend of both! It was my first time to teach in our newly renovated sanctuary. It was so beautiful and the quality of sound was the difference between night and day. I am profoundly humbled and blessed this morning that God would allow me, such a former pit-dweller, to serve a plate of His Word to a hungry soul. The way I see it, I’m a waitress.

Let me also give you a quick reminder that tomorrow is the 15th and you that are part of our Siesta Scripture-memory Team will need to be ready to sign in and give your 2nd Scriptures on that (not this) post. If God hasn’t pointed out a specific verse, you are also very welcome to share mine. I’ll give it to you tomorrow. You’ll know if you should share mine by whether or not it resonates with you as something you personally (“N” in our RENEW acrostic) NEED. Also, Siestas, thank you so much for your encouragement over the mini-tutorial! It built up my spirit more than you could know. You made me laugh over your comments about liking the rough videos because you could see the professional ones any old time. It was refreshing. YOU are refreshing. One last thing about the mini-tutorial. It meant the world to me to see you give so many shout-outs to Sabrina. She and the rest of this happy band of women (and one-lone man) at LPM work so hard. Thank you for always recognizing them. They are family to me. I could not esteem them more highly.

OK, now for how I’d like to hear from you today. I am very concerned about those of you who are suffering ramifications from our nation’s current financial crisis. Our unemployment rate is skyrocketing and the threat of further layoffs can be terrifying and demoralizing. I’ve already begun praying for servants of God who are suffering financial blows but my prayers feel more effective AND DIRECTED if I have some names and stories feeding them. If you are feeling the crunch and could use some powerful Siest-ercession (I just made that up. I made my own self laugh.), please post a comment so we can pray for you! Keep your comment limited to a reasonable one-paragraph length so we can read every single one of them and pray. It will really help if you’ll tell us your name and what part of the country (or world!) you are in, but if you prefer to remain anonymous, feel free! I know that we’ll all be tempted to write comments back to our Siestas who describe a need but it will be so much easier to use the comments to this post for prayer if we limit them only to the ones making specific requests. Thank you for your cooperation!

You are so loved and welcome here. You have become an extremely important branch of this ministry and all of us here at LPM are honored to be your servants. Keep fighting the good fight of faith, Sisters! Jesus is worthy!

PS. Girls, I’ve already been reading a number of your needs (over 200 at this point) and praying while nearly bawling. I have become so fond of you that your needs feel like my needs. The Apostle Paul told us that when one part of the body hurts, the whole body hurts. I guess you could consider me the nose on this body. And it is really stinging. And running. I was nearly overcome by the one who is having to lay off 7 people today and is almost physically ill over it. Take heart, all of you! God never prompts us to pray with no intention of responding. It’s just not His style. He initiates prayer to initiate action…often first on Earth so that He can view love and obedience at work…then in Heaven where wonders reside then powerfuly descend in Divine timing. He loves you so much. ABIDE in that love. (Which reminds me, I totally loved the comment from the mom that ended with what her three year-old daughter says at the conclusion of her prayers: “Jesus love me, Amen.” HE DOES.)

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200 Responses to “Anybody Feeling the Crunch?”

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Comments:

  1. 1
    Bridgette Jencks says:

    I just have to add that I am SO HUMBLED by the fact that you have a desire….and are making the time to pray for us…by name! THANK YOU!!!!!
    PS: I can’t wait until New Orleans, April 3-4!

  2. 2
    Anonymous says:

    I have a dear friend who’s husband’s business is really slow. He’s been out of work for a month. They are strong believers but pray that God will see them through this time.

  3. 3
    Kristen says:

    Oh this offer to pray couldn’t have come at a better time. My husband and I are self-employed. We are real estate agents in a down market. It’s a frightening time and it’s tough. The enemy has been beating me up – whispering “you should quit”. Our profession was definitely a God driven decision. He placed us here and I am asking for prayers of discernment. Is this still where I am supposed to be. I love what I do… but loving what one does, doesn’t always supply the daily bread. He has never failed us…and everyday I have been asking for forgiveness for my unbelief! We have our rainy day fund… we just need this market to open up. As I read other posts I am seeing the real estate market crunch effects on so many of my Siestas. I will be praying for them too!
    Thank you Beth!

  4. 4
    Courtney says:

    I would ask that you pray for me to find a teaching job. I quit my job as a Middle School computer teacher 2 years ago to stay at home with my daughter. My husband has recently taken a huge pay cut and we’ve had to start paying for benefits (but we’re fortunate he wasn’t laid off). I have been looking for a computer teacher position since March and had no luck. Please pray that I will find something soon. We cannot live on one reduced income.

    You know it’s bad when people in education and health care cannot find new jobs.

    Thank you all!

  5. 5
    Jill says:

    we are struggling financially, but God has been so good and is getting us through each week!

    if its ok, my prayer request is for a complete healing from panic attacks, fear and agoraphobia.

    i long to be free, to be the wife and mommy God has made me to be, and to be able to reach out and encourage others struggling and living in captivity.

    there are no women in our area to counsel and encourage others in the Word!
    oh how i long to be healed, and be able to reach others with His Word!

    thank you for your prayers,
    love,
    jill

  6. 6
    Anonymous says:

    sweet Beth-
    I am a regular seista, but I am commenting anonymously because this prayer request is for my mom. She is on the brink of serious financial trouble. If things do not improve for this car dealership it could be a loss of everything (house, etc.). Please pray protection over her and her associates. I can not tell you how timely Isaiah 33.6 was….although that was not my memory verse, I have been praying it over her. Thank you and I love you.
    location: TN
    ps. started Esther this week–love it

  7. 7
    Tammy says:

    well I teach at a Christian school that is really struggling to even pay us but we believe that God has a plan for us cause somehow we manage but we do have to lay off a teacher and we are family so it is like each of us losing a body part especially when we are not sure who it will be. Jesus love us, Amen and thank you for praying. I lift you up in prayer too.

    Tammy S
    Howells, NE

  8. 8
    Anonymous says:

    Thanks again for thinking of all of us out there that are feeling the crunch! My husband and I moved in July and still have not sold our house. I am a stay at home mom with a 18 mo old. The weight of two homes is really bearing down on us. Due to the finances, on Tuesday I am going to have to start a new job. I am having a hard time with this although I know it is necessary for me to work. It is days away and I am still struggling with this decision. I know God has a reason but it is hard to think it is away from my daughter. Please pray that our house will sell soon so I can get back home with my baby!!! This has been good to hear from others that are in a similar position so I don’t feel so alone in my situation.

    Praying for all of you,
    Heather
    Tennessee

  9. 9
    Lisa says:

    Thank you so much for your site. What a refreshing, wonderful place to experience the love and encouragement of the body of Christ!

    We would love prayer for our job situation. My husband left his full-time job in June because he was being asked to do things that were unethical and illegal. We have two small children and were denied unemployement because he left. We have been searching for a full-time job and praying about health insurance in the meantime. We would love prayer! Thanks so much!

  10. 10
    Mary Watkins says:

    I am the receptionist at my church. Many people stop by to get help. I have never seen such a great need for food and clothes. The need seems to grow by the day.

    Mary Watkins
    West Memphis, AR

  11. 11
    SandyK says:

    I teach in a Title I school in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. Can we talk about the children affected by this national crisis for a minute? I have had at least five kids ask me for lunch or lunch money since we came back from the holiday. Kids are stressed. Parents are working all the time, or are completely focused on finding work….so much that they aren’t seeing their children. Forget about helping with homework or signing report cards or anything like that. It’s not happening. These kids miss their parents. Their basic human needs of food, clothing, and shelter are barely being met. Most importantly, they need the love, affection, and attention they can’t get from an absent (physically or mentally) parent, so they act out in school.

    These children are my precious babies from 8-3:15. While their parents take care of business, I am taking care of them, and this is my mission. I know they (the parents) are busy and worried about how they’re going to take care of these children, but I hope they don’t get so wrapped up in this attack from the enemy that they lose sight of the job with which our Lord has entrusted them. Is it possible that Satan is attacking all of us financially to distract us while he quietly and slowly tears our families apart?

    I know this unintentional and unfortunate neglect is not the case with the vast majority of “Siestaville,” but for all the lost we interact with daily, this is the challenge. Please, please join me in praying for the children of our nation through these tremendously difficult circumstances. They don’t understand this crisis, yet they’re being hurt by it in untold numbers.

    I’m praying for all of Siestaville as we struggle through this together.

  12. 12
    Karen says:

    I’ve never posted to your blog before, I’ve just been lurking in the shadows. There are so many needs out there, but I hope you don’t mind me throwing my request out there. My hubby and I both have full time jobs (I’m VERY thankful), but we help support my parents (dad has lung cancer), and recently, I’ve started having trouble and will be going to the doctor tomorrow (I know a biopsy is in my future). Sometimes I feel like just giving up….

  13. 13
    Sharon says:

    Hi, Beth

    I’m so glad that last night’s session went well. I pray for LPM on a daily basis, but will pray especially on Tuesdays for the Bible Study. As I read through the comments on the blog, I was reminded of how blessed I am to have my job and a home that is paid for. However, my 401K has dropped so much, you might say it is a 100.75K. It was my hope that I’d be able to retire early in order to devote more time service to God in whatever capacity He has for me. But God’s ways are higher than ours (does that hint at my next verse?). I will join you in some siest-ercession (love the word) for our other siestas. Thanks to ALL of you at LPM.

    Sharon–Pontotoc, MS

  14. 14
    Shellie Paparazzo says:

    I know this is going to seem minor compared to most of what is on here, but my husband works for Comcast Spotlight as an account executive. He sells advertising spots on cable television. After the recession he immediately lost several large accounts. A good chunk of our paycheck is commission, so we definitely feels it. He just lost another large account last week. He’s worried about not making his budget for the third year in a row. He’s going to have a new boss soon as well, cause his previous boss quit. Anyway, my husband’s name is Josh and we have 3 kids and a cat and we live in Moscow, Idaho. Another thing is he just does local businesses. He can’t advertise for the large chains.

  15. 15
    Laura says:

    I work for a transit agency in Tacoma, WA. Since most of our revenue comes from sales tax, you can guess how tight things have been. In October, our agency suffered layoffs and everyone hoped that would be the end of it. Now it looks like more could be coming in June. I believe my job is very vulnerable and I’m trying so hard to trust God for one day at a time. I’m also making a very concerted effort to enjoy and thank Him each and every day that I have my job and not to allow worry and anxiety to steal my peace. Please pray for peace and for the preservation of my job if it is God’s will. Thank you so much!

  16. 16
    Lisa says:

    Beth,
    Thank you for doing this…we need some prayers for my husbands job. He is in facility management and has to travel quite a bit to visit his accounts. He is usually just gone a few days a week but his boss just told him for him avoid being laid off he is going to spend more time on the road without the ability to fly him home as often to cut back on expenses and spare him being laid off. We have 2 young children and I work also. I don’t know how I’m going to do it all with him gone. We need him to keep his job but its’ going to be so hard with him gone away from us so much! He is looking for another job with less travel but we all know how hard that is right now. Please pray for God’s protection over our family and that he can find another job that will keep us together!

  17. 17
    cmcrjohnson says:

    I absolutely LOVED last night! I truly needed it and left refreshed…thank you for allowing God to seriously use you! We found out last week that my husband’s company is laying off 70% of their company by January 31. The first round of lay-offs is Monday, the 19, and the rest on the 31. We’re nervous but know that God is in control. We truly need peace with all of this. We have a 10-mth-old and obviously have our own financial commitments. Thank you for all you do.

  18. 18
    Becky says:

    Becky in Wisconsin – We are still recovering from hubby being laid off for half the summer. Praise God he found a new job but with the holiday things are still tight as we catch up! God has provided though as he always does. You are all in my prayers Siestas! Thanks Mama Siesta!

  19. 19
    Pen to Paper; Spirit to Soul says:

    Thank you for offering to pray…my hubs has owned his own computer support biz for over 5 yrs and in the past 6 months, biz has dried up! We are really far down…only God could rescue us from the financial hole we are in. We have two teen girls and our oldest is a senior and there are so many things I want to do for her…having his own biz, our girls are very used to having just the basics but now, those are running out.

    Thank you again.
    Pamela in TX

  20. 20
    Angie in SD says:

    Thanks Beth for this. We are ok as fo right now we are ok, but have several medical bills that are coming due since I had back surgery this last year and I am just back to work at the capacity that I was before surgery. My dear husband has no idea of the crunch that we are approaching. I pray that he starts to “get it” soon. He doesn’t know what we pay for bills every month. Thanks in advance for the prayers.

  21. 21
    Anonymous says:

    We are feeling the crunch and have been for awhile. The details are so overwhelming long and would take much to long to post. God has provided and always came through and will continue to do so. I know I am building character and growing stronger spiritually despite the fact we have been in a financial pit.The finance area of our lives have produce a great deal of stress and robbed what I once felt as JOY or Happiness. God is working on me with that JOY thing. I just ask that we would be able to stay current on all of our monthly bills something that has not been possible for about a year and a half now. God is faithful.

  22. 22
    Andreea says:

    I am so glad to hear that you had a great bible study! Yay! I have to mention this…you describe yourself as a former pit-dweller…it is because of your teaching and book on the pit that I knew that I wanted out, and I didn’t wanna stay there for another second. I will never have enough words to thank you for writing that book!!

    Thank you also, for offering to pray. I am looking for a full-time job (have been since I finished graduate school in July). The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful part-time job, which I plan to keep for as long as I can, but I really need to find a full-time position. I know that it’s a matter of God’s absoulute and perfect timing so I am not worried. But I do ask for prayers for wisdom and direction.

    Thank you so much for all you do for us! You are the best!

  23. 23
    lmashe81 says:

    I would love for you guys to pray for out Community. We are the pators of a small church in Amity, AR. Our community relies heavly on the timber industry and like everyone else it has effected us. We have several people in our Chruch who don’t have jobs or getting paid less because of the economy. We ourselves are in need of God’s guidance over our own finical situations. We are praying weither we should sell our house or not. Please be praying for us!!

  24. 24
    Kelly says:

    The Lord called me to be a stay at home mom to my 2 little ones last year and it is such a blessing, but also such a financial burden on our family. My husband is a youth minister and to make ends meet we had to lease our home and rent another, plus I am cleaning houses 2 days a week. Things had been going pretty smoothly until we got our first major power bill yesterday (we are living in an old 1920s house with window units for heat)… $450. I have been suffering in a deep depression and I am so glad that God lead me to your blog today. Romans 8:28 is going to me my memory verse this time.
    Thank you Beth and friends for your prayers!
    -Kelly
    Greer, SC

  25. 25
    Tami in LA says:

    …on behalf of a friend who would be a siesta if she had a computer!

    Lay-offs are being mentioned as a possibility where her husband is employed.

    Her car (paid off & with new tires)was totalled in a car wreck just before Christmas. They gave her a small amount of money, which won't go far in buying a replacement.

    The at fault driver's insurance isn't wanting to pay much for her medical bills. She has a back injury and is waiting for tests to see what actually happened to her back, and is resisting advice to sue the insurance company…waiting to hear from the Lord about what He wants.

  26. 26
    Anonymous says:

    With all the hardships spoken of I feel ashamed to even respond, but like the samaratan women, feel like even the crumbs would be better than nothing. My husband has a good job and still our finances are a mess… with medical expenses, not being frugal, and just gving up. Sometimes I feel like the presure and burden is more than I can handle. When I beg my husband to take over the handling, he just spends more. I would so appreciate prayer and am so grateful that you would offer to pray! Thank you!

  27. 27
    Heather says:

    Our family could use prayer. My husbands business closed about 2 years ago due to the automotive changes in Michigan and he has been trying to find a job ever since. He decided to give real estate a try until he finds something else. He has made a couple of sales but the market is down, well we all know how the housing market is these days. My job doesn’t make enough to pay the bills. We’ve been trying to sell our house and down size but its not moving. Thank you for your willingness to pray for us.

    Heather
    Vicksburg, Mi

  28. 28
    Anonymous says:

    Hi Miss Beth,

    Thank you so much for this special post.

    For starters, I'm afraid my whole city needs prayers, as the General Motors Plant [aka: GM], along with all of the businesses that supported it, etc., closed down completely on December 23, 2008.

    However, there are some specific people whom I know that this affects that I care about deeply.

    They are:

    # 1: My brother-in-law, Steve, and my sister, Julie, and their college aged son and daughter [Ryan and Alyssa], as Steve was laid off permanently from the company that used to make the seats for GM.

    # 2: My friend Jamison and his wife, Donna [one of my best friends], and their combined families [2 teenagers, Jared and Rachel- his children; and Christina, Donna’s mentally challenged 22 year old daughter, who is the only one out of the family who has chosen to accept Christ as her Lord and Savior, and I praise God for that!]. Anyhow, Jamison would’ve been permanently laid off from GM, but chose to be one out of 10 people out of at least 1,200 people, who were able to search & find that he could transfer to another GM plant. And, this is leading their family back down to TX, but not Houston this time, but to the Arlington, TX area. [Donna, her daughter and I used to be roommates in the Houston area from 1995 until Donna chose to move back to Wisconsin to complete her Master’s degree in Special Education in June 1998.] And, even though Donna loves the idea of moving back to Texas, it has been a huge chore on her part.

    # 3: My Dad's friend, Bill B. and his family, who are in the same situation as Jamison and Donna. However, they have a daughter in high school who seriously wants to finish school here, which would take her at least 2 years; which in turn, would cause her parents to be separated for that period of time. Bill B. is a strong Christian, but I wish that his family would not have to be separated for such a long period of time.

    # 4: Then, just last week, our neighbor, Jim B., found out that he was being laid off from his laboratory equipment job, effective immediately, even though he traveled all over the country for it each week for them.

    # 5: And, then there is me, Jennifer, and I have an elementary school teaching degree in both Wisconsin and Texas, but have not been able to find a job [other than the very un-substantial substitute teaching jobs/on call] over the past 2-3 years.

    However, part of the reason for my difficulties has been a neurological involuntary movement disorder, called a Tic Disorder, that came upon me all of the sudden in March 2006. It causes my jaw to move "constantly", which makes it look like I am chewing gum all of the time, and causes me pain. And, the word "constant" was written in my neurologist's official medical notes [who is a retired doctor who works one to two days per month for FREE, to help out people like myself, praise God!] And, the Tic Disorder affects my sense of balance and causes my muscles to lose strength somehow, as well as causes my head and neck to move involuntarily regularly, etc.,
    which all tends to tire me out much more than any other 41 year old.

    Thankfully, though, due to these medical issues, I have been allowed to work with Job Coaches at the local Department of Vocational Rehabilitation {DVR] each week, but we have still been having a very difficult time even finding me a part-time job. And, I have applied to all kinds of places, from going back to being a part-time teacher's aide, to working as a part-time low level office worker, etc.

    So, I could really use your prayers, too, please. [B]I have been praying that God would do HIS will in my life, first and foremost, though. [/B]

    And, sometimes I wonder if the good Lord has been keeping me at home for a while to help out my Mom, as my dear Dad passed away in April 2008 due to complications from Leukemia ??? However, if I were able to find a job that my body could handle, I think it would be a good thing, as being without a job does not bring in any paychecks, and tends to make me feel depressed, as well. However, I did join your new "Scripture Memory Team" to help me to put the focus back on Father God, Jesus, and His Word.

    I'm sorry this list is SO long, but tough times are really spreading like wild-fire in this city and the surrounding communities.

    Much love to you, in Christ Jesus,

    Jennifer Olmstead

    Janesville, Wisconsin

  29. 29
    Jennifer says:

    My husband, two daughters, and I live in southwest Arkansas. My husband is in insurance, and we’ve been feeling the pinch for several months now. (Actually, he’s new to the business, so the past 2+ years have been really tough.) I stay home with our children. I am homeschooling the older one in kindergarten this year. (We both feel called to do this for her right now.) The younger one has chronic health issues that require multiple doses of medications a day and a very special, very restricted diet. It would be very difficult for me to put her in day care and work outside the home and have her needs met the way they need to be (and make any money!). God has been faithful to provide for our needs, but I would love to have LPM pray for us too! I am also dealing with some health challenges right now and am trusting God for my healing because paying for lots of tests or surgery right now would be very difficult! Thank you for the prayers. I appreciate you doing this Gal. 6:2 act for us!

  30. 30
    April P says:

    I admit I logged onto the blog early b/c I am so anxious to post my next scripture. But you know, I needed to read this post too. I’ve recently began the transition into my calling of full time ministry, which for the most part is supported by missionary type fundraising. I know God will be faithful as I take the plung into living by faith, but at 27 with Sallie Mae knocking at my door – I admit that though I leap into His arms confidently, I am scared half to death of how in the world I will make ends meet. What burdens me more, however, is that today as I was finishing up some of my last days working at Starbucks, I found out 500 from that town are about to lose their jobs (Pfizer). It is was all I could do not to burst into tears as my regulars (you know those “triple venti no fat two splenda” regulars) came in with despondent faces. I have God to comfort me during this time of need, which is my blessing. They lack his warm arms during this time. So please pray for them. They need it more than I do.

    April P, North Stonington, CT

  31. 31
    Kristie says:

    I left a job that was meeting my financial, but draining my spirit. It was a really bad place to be and I was just waiting for a reason to leave. I did leave and have started my own company nearly a year ago.

    I feel that maybe it was a mistake, but I have drawn so much closer to the Lord in this last year. I am in a little over my head financially and I was doing so well until the market started to go up here in Canada.

    This situation has cause me to cry out to God and cling to Him like never before. I have no idea how we are going to make it and find myself begging God for mercy in this situation.

    I did take a part time job waitressing to help out a bit financially, but it is not helping enough. I have applied for 3 other jobs and have heard nothing.

    I know that God has a plan for my life. Today I have been clinging to Psalm 91:4 envisioning God wrapping His wings around me.

    I hate to admit it, but I am afraid and not sure what to do! I do have this odd peace that things will be okay.If you could pray for wisdom to guide me and for our family. I am not sure how we are going to pay our bills.

    Thank you so much.

  32. 32
    Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:

    It’s no secret that we, as a ministry that relies on donations, are struggling. The first cut we would make would be my salary, naturally. I am not worried about God providing for me as I’ve never known Him not to, but the thought of possibly having to do something else when my heart is tangled up in what I do now makes me hurt inside. I worked for no pay for our first four years as we just couldn’t support a salary and I still have the picture of me standing outside the bank with my very first paycheck… I couldn’t believe that I was going to be PAID to work my DREAM, so I had to photo-document it! 🙂 While it would be great to have prayer for me to be able to stay on full-time, I would REALLY appreciate it if everyone could pray that it won’t get to the point where we would have to cut any of our programs. We’re in 10 Tennessee public schools right now and I don’t know how we’d choose which girls to stop serving… I just can’t imagine.

  33. 33
    Amy Beth @ Ministry So Fabulous! says:

    It’s no secret that we, as a ministry that relies on donations, are struggling. The first cut we would make would be my salary, naturally. I am not worried about God providing for me as I’ve never known Him not to, but the thought of possibly having to do something else when my heart is tangled up in what I do now makes me hurt inside. I worked for no pay for our first four years as we just couldn’t support a salary and I still have the picture of me standing outside the bank with my very first paycheck… I couldn’t believe that I was going to be PAID to work my DREAM, so I had to photo-document it! 🙂 While it would be great to have prayer for me to be able to stay on full-time, I would REALLY appreciate it if everyone could pray that it won’t get to the point where we would have to cut any of our programs. We’re in 10 Tennessee public schools right now and I don’t know how we’d choose which girls to stop serving… I just can’t imagine.

  34. 34
    Jami says:

    Miss Beth, how I just love you. I wish you could come to my house and I could cook you supper or something and we could talk for hours. You have know idea what this blog means to me.
    Thank you for your prayers-I actually want to ask you to pray for a family I know. I work with a man named Myk Haury- he is a massage therapist and his income is the only one for the family. His wife Karen homeschool’s their 2 boys. They have a 3 yr old daughter Melia who had heart surgery today (her third heart surgery!) and he will be out of work for atleast a month bc of her surgery. They have no money coming in, and they have HUGE medical bills coming. I am sure he is not only anxious about the days to come with his daughter’s heart situation, but anxious about how he is going to provide for his family. I believe a lot of people at my work do not know the Lord, so pray that thru everyone coming together at work to support this family, people will see the work of the Lord in the Haury’s lives…and what a story Melia has to share as she gets older…oh that God would get the glory for what will happen in this family’s life over the next few months, financially, physically, and other!!

    -Jami, Boone NC

  35. 35
    Living day by day for Jesus says:

    Oh Siestas! I just returned from a three week trip to Romania. My desire is to move there and help a friend build a children’s home, which is currently under construction. I currently work at Starbucks and will need to begin fund raising so that I can be involved in the lives of His children in Romania…Please pray that support will come in the midst of the financial blows being felt by potential supporters! Pray that God would show me who to ask and that He would move their hearts to be a part of His work at the Rophe House in Ghioric, Romania! Thanks sooo much!

  36. 36
    Evangelism Chick says:

    Please pray for my husband. He needs a job to provide for our family. We have very little income right now. Just over a year ago, God called him out of his job to transition into a new career. Would you kindly pray that he pass his CFP exam and can start work soon.

    God is good to pour out His spirit to give us peace through these many months, but tonight I broke down in tears while prepping dinner. My little 6 year old saw and I told him, “I know Papa will find a job soon. God always takes care of his children.”

    Thank you so much,
    Susan (Jacksonville, FL)

  37. 37
    Angela says:

    Lost my job in 2007 from the mortgage industry. My husband, thank God, is an engineer for the poser plant and got two raises in 2008! Our finances are still not so great, but the Lord blesses us everyday. We some how are making it. I am currently and have been for a while looking for at home work.
    Thank you for your prayers.
    Oh, I got my end of year statement from our church and even with the financial crunch we were able to give 10% to the Lord. I am proud of that and I hope to do that again.

  38. 38
    Jana Hagan says:

    I lost my job back in November so I got a job at the mall during the CHRISTmas season to put food on the table. My husband has been working two jobs since July. We have four boys, the oldest is in College. My husband is a commission only salesman and his sales are way down. We were not able to make Nov. & Dec. house payments, I got a job in December (Praise God) and started Jan. 5th. So now because I have a job our mort. company will not "modify" our loan, say we make too much. So we made a repayment agreement and will use our tax refund to pay it back. While I don't like that I had to go back to work FT like Mary (Jesus' mom) I am adjusting my dreams. But because I have gone back FT my husband can quit his second job and be home with us at night. Please pray for his sales to pick up and my job to bring glory to Him. Also we ask for prayers as we desire to minister to married couples. God raised our marriage back from the dead after adultery and we want to share the resurrection with others.

  39. 39
    Robyn says:

    There have been many times in my marriage when my husband and I didn’t know how we were going to stock the fridge we were so broke. We are in a “safe” place financially for the first time ever. So I will join with Beth to pray for my sisters during this really hard time. I know what you’re going through. If I could have you all over for dinner to save you a few bucks, I would. I’ll make a toast to you tonight, my sweet sisters, that God’s divine provision will be evident in your life. Let this time be a time of growth in your faith and dependence on Him.

  40. 40
    flmom says:

    Thank you so much for your prayers! We are hanging on, but feeling the crunch. My hubby has been qualified twice for a raise (in the last year) and has been denied both times. The second one they actually gave to him weeks late then informed him the morning of payday when the raise was supposed to be on his check that they had decided to take it back (and gave him no warning). I had been praising God for two weeks about that raise and then to find out like that that it was not to be was shocking. We continue to see the cost and expense of everything continue to go up here … groceries, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, auto insurance, etc. We do not have medical or dental insurance because we cannot afford the plan offered at my husband’s work (over $800 a month out of his check for family coverage). We had coverage on our own, but the rates changed after we’d had it for 6 months and shot up to an amount that we just could not afford. We do set aside money from each paycheck to be as prepared in this area as we can, but it’s not the same as the comfort of actual insurance coverage. One of our short term goals is to find good family coverage we CAN afford, but that seems to be easier said than done.

    The last almost two years have been a series of one co$tly thing after another happening that has really set us back. We were about halfway through a whole house remodel when the bad times hit and have been living in the half remodeled house since (which includes hubby and I having to share a room with our 3yo because the master bedroom and bath are unusable). At times it’s quite depressing, but I need to remember at least I have a home!

    Kim

  41. 41
    Angel Black says:

    Precious Beth ~ I have wanted to email you for such a long time and haven’t done it and now to have you invite me to send you my prayer request is just so very, very humbling. Our story of financial hardship actually began almost 4 years ago when my husband and I had to close our business of 25 years. Since that time we have been sued by a dear family member for over 1 million dollars because of closing our business, forced to sell our home and leave all our belongings and move to another state only then to have to declare bankruptcy 1 year ago. My husband tried to pick up the pieces of our lives with God’s help and began a real estate career in a tough market only to have it go from bad to worse. We are now having our few possesions reposessed, behind more than 3 months in almost all of our bills and just waiting and praying for God to provide. I am working with special needs children in the public school system and we are trying to live on the small amount I make there, which is obviously impossible. We are believing God to show us the way and to provide for our needs. I love my LORD with all of my heart and trust Him with each breath that I take. Thank you for your words of encouragement and know without a doubt that I covet your prayers. They mean so very much coming from my Siesta Mama!! May God bless you and your ministry in ways you could never even suspect!
    In His Precious and Mighty Love ~
    Angel Black ~ Missouri

  42. 42
    Angel Black says:

    I just left a comment from Angel Black. If anyone ever has any time I would love to share my story with you. I still have strongholds of bitterness over our situation and would love some Godly advice on how to handle things . . . my email address is:
    [email protected]
    Thank you again from the bottom of my heart . . .

  43. 43
    Anonymous says:

    This comment/request is rather minor compared to so many others but I am asking for prayer anyway.
    My husband is a pastor of a church (not large – around 150)and we are just praying for the Lord to sustain our church members and their finances, which in turn greatly affects our own. We have property for sale (yes even in this market) and we want the Lord’s will to be done. I know His economy is not the same as the world’s economy. I know that “He is MY constant source of stability.” Thank you so much for your love and concern for each of us. Blessings to you and your ministry also!

  44. 44
    Pam says:

    Thank you sooo much for offering to pray about this! My husband lost his job on Friday. Talk about God’s timing – just “happened” to open your blog tonight and saw the topic! Also just “happened” to start the Esther Bible study today at my church. Said to my husband last night (as I was reading the Leaders Guide) “Don’t tell me that God doesn’t have a sense of humor. Wait till you hear what we will be studying in this Bible study – It’s about going through tough times as a woman!” I KNOW that God has something BETTER for my husband and me. Obviously he needs to find a job but I also need grace to keep being an encourager and support for my husband! But God is Faithful!
    Pam – Texas

  45. 45
    Anonymous says:

    Thanks so much for your offers of prayer. My husband took an early retirement 2 years ago because he had worked so much and made so many sacrifices for so many years, that he felt the time had come to walk away from the corporate world and begin a second career in which he could be home more (we are late-in-life-parents). At that time, we began a small business. Due to the economic turmoil, we have had to close that business, we have lost our entire life savings, and we are at the end of our money to pay living expenses. He has been looking for a job for some time now, but the jobs are scarce out there to say the least. Please pray that the Lord would work this all out for His glory, and that He would give us the patience to wait on the fulfillment of His plans.

  46. 46
    Anonymous says:

    Boise, Idaho is hit hard too. We own a small painting business and we are in need of work. We are in the middle of moving our business to another site so the stress is great for my husband. Please pray for God to bring us customers who want their homes painted.
    Thank you for caring about us.

  47. 47
    Anonymous says:

    I would be so grateful for your prayers as the past year has been extremely difficult for me, and now things only seem to be getting worse. I am single and have owned my own business for the past 6 years. I have accrued a huge amount of debt and have begun to look for another job. with the lack of income, I, too, have narrowed my expenses down to a handful of “must-haves” and am praying that God will open the right door and soon. It’s a frightening place to be and sometimes makes me feel immobilized to take any sort of action feeling that it will not be enough. I know these are lies from the enemy, so I was so thankful for your reminder last night that we are indeed heirs and have a great inheritance. Thank you, Beth, for your tenacity for God’s Word and sharing it with us – what a blessing!! We love you and the LPM team.
    Kelly from Houston

  48. 48
    Anonymous says:

    I’m overwhelmed and humbled! It’s just too easy to forget how many people are hurting and troubled with circumstances out of their control. Most of us if not ALL have been in a desperate situation at one time or other. Once the Lord has brought us through that valley, how soon we forget! Reading all the comments has extremely convicted me in my prayer and compassion for others. And Just How Good Our God Is!!! Even when we are just hanging on! Thanks Beth for helping me see more clearly where my priorities are.(or need to be)

  49. 49
    Anonymous says:

    Wow!!! I don’t feel so alone now. I know that may sound terrible to say, but we are right where you all are. I am a special education teacher. My husband has been out of work for almost two years. He has been doing odd jobs, but hasn’t been able to find anything permanent or anything that will give him more than minimum wage…He is “over qualified” for everything. (He spent 20 years in the corporate world and now he feels as though no one wants him…It is so sad.) He started a business of his own–we sunk everything that we had into it, and when the financial crunch hit about a year ago, we lost everything–all of our stock, retirement, pensions–everything. Then my husband got sick and we had no insurance, so we had to pay the enormous hospital bills with our credit cards. Now we have not only lost everything, but also are deep in debt. GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL, and I can’t wait to get to “the other side of all of this”. The good news is that we are all presently healthy and know and love the Lord, so we are blessed. My college children have scholarships and financial aid to cover all of their tuition and room and board, as we made so little last year. GOD IS INDEED IN CONTROL. Please pray that the enemy will not plant any bitterness in our hearts, as our church does not really pay much attention to us anymore because we can not give the “big tithes” that we used to be able to give; so now they kind of “look through” us. I hate saying that and even seeing that in print, but it is real. I would give my name, but I do not want to dishonor my husband in any possible way.

    Thank you for your prayers! God knows who we are and He loves us.

    Thank you!!

  50. 50
    Anonymous says:

    My need is not nearly so desperate as many already listed, but we still need prayer. We relocated to be close to our kids and grandchildren last summer, then the financial bottom dropped out. We don’t plan on “retiring”, but about half of our savings for the later years when we might not be able to work full time disappeared. My husband has a temp job that we are praying goes full time, I am a substitute teacher. We both need full time jobs and are trusting the Lord that it will happen soon.
    Thanks for praying,
    Jennifer in Illinois

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