I Love New York (Mercy-Me)

Who Is Annie Ruth?

Annie Ruth -- A Living Testimony
This is Annie Ruth's story - we would love to hear yours.

Annie Ruth is an internationally acclaimed visual artist, poet, author and performing artist whose work impacts women and children across the country...

I accepted the Lord Jesus as my personal savior when I was about nine years old. I didn't receive the fullness of what God had for me, with the baptism of the Holy Ghost, until I was 19 years old. From the time I was three years old probably before then, my mama kept me calling on the name of Jesus. I knew that my very life depended upon it. I had to call on Jesus to protect myself, particularly at night, when I had terrors and demons trying to destroy me. It was hard to try to explain this to the grown-ups in my life because it was much of their actions that exposed me to the evilness that I constantly fought.

It was the angel of the Lord that protected me while I was still a child but it is the power of the Holy Ghost that I stand in today! "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. (Psalm 34:7)" During my years as a saved young woman, I continued to seek God and study his word but I went through those times of zeal coupled with those times of "following the crowd" just to fit in. I thought that Salvation was all the power I needed. The Holy Ghost and speaking in tongues seemed to be a "feel good" thing when I was younger because I didn't fully understand that the baptism of the Holy Ghost was more than emotion. It is the power that I needed to truly fight the enemy and stand "strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. (Ephesians 6:10)"

When I was 18 years old God began to reveal to me that I needed the Holy Ghost to empower me. It was the Holy Ghost that would pray when I didn't know what to pray. "For we know not what to pray for as we ought but the spirit maketh intercession for us…(Romans 8:26)" So at the age of 19 I was filled with the Holy Ghost and began walking in the fullness of power and authority that God has given me as His child. I was always a peculiar little girl and often received the horrible labels that society place on you. All hell was breaking loose in my home and it's only by the grace of God that I'm living today. I have been miraculously delivered through numerous car accidents. My grand mother and aunt were murdered while I was a teenager, my first born child had a stroke at birth and he's without any physical or mental impairments-God is worthy
of the praise in my life!

I know, without a doubt, that I am here by divine destiny and that there is a special call upon my life. If it were up to the devil I would have died a long time ago. I am a living testimony! My life speaks for itself. My testimony is that God will keep your mind, at any age, in the midst of any storm because I've lived through the storms when all I knew to do was call on Jesus. His word says, "Thou wilt keephim in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusted in thee. (Isaiah 26:3)"

Despite my father's physical abuse and the abandonment of our family, my mother suffering numerous nervous break-downs-Despite living in poverty, being rejected by my peers and labeled as homosexual. Despite suffering sexual abuse at the hands of an older child, and the horrendous exposure to demonic forces and witchcraft-God has yet kept my mind. He has allowed me to be here to proclaim to the world and to the church that He is Real.

Ironically, that was the song that my mother always sang to me when I was a child. "There are some things, I may not know. There are some places that I can't go but I am sure of this one thing that God is real for I can feel him deep within-Yes God is Real…"

Now that I have embraced the freedom to really tell my testimony, I have poured the majority of my own life into Tammy Coleman lack, the main character in Reflection, A Collection of Straight Talk & Inspirational Narratives. It is more than just good reading; the book is a life changing experience for the reader. Reflection is not merely the account of one woman's life; it is an exhortation to every believer who has experienced the power of God to testify.

When I was younger we sang the song, "I believe, I believe I'll testify while I have a chance or I may not have a chance anymore." My time to testify is now. It is time to let the church know that we overcome by the blood of the lamb and the word of our testimonies.

I am here to fulfill my divine destiny. Before the foundation of the world God called me. While I was in my mother's womb he set me apart. He instilled the artistic ability within me to minister to a dying world. Creativity is in my genes. And although, at this time, He has not called me to a title, as a child of God it is my obligation to proclaim that "Jesus saves!"

God has called me in a nontraditional role. You don't hear about too many Holy Ghost filled believers telling the good news through the painting on a canvas or in a collection of narratives and poetry. God has called me for this purpose. In this calling, He has told me two things -"Be real" and "It's not about you Annie Ruth." I aim to be real and be that vessel who He is calling me to be.

www.annieruth.com


Posted with Permission

Phyllis Miller-Bridges

This is Phyllis's story, we would love to hear yours.

Please allow me to introduce myself; my name is Phyllis Miller-Bridges, founder of HarvestSeed Publishing Group. I am a 39 year old Christian, the wife of Anthony Bridges and a mother of three, Craig, Carlette and Kyle. I am the chief writer and creator of the product line at HarvestSeed Publishing Group, none of which would be possible without the divine inspiration of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For years I have had to fight with insurance companies, medical and disability assistance programs who turned me down, around, and away - on a regular basis.

Finally, by the grace and mercy of God, this year the decisions were ruled in my favor. Thank God I am able to continue treatment to eleviate some of the daily discomfort and pain caused by sarcoidosis. Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is a devastating, potentially fatal inflammatory disease that can appear in almost any organ in the body. Although the lungs are affected in more than 90% of patients, the disease often attacks the heart, eyes, central nervous system, liver and kidneys. Once thought rare, sarcoidosis is now known to be common and affects people worldwide. The cause remains unknown and THERE IS NO CURE. http://www.stopsarcoidosis.org.

I have an enormous amount of faith, and gratitude, which I have had to exercise most of my life just to get by. I have multi-system Sarcoidosis which has attacked every organ in my body. I have possibly the worse case ever documented. Although it was medically confirmed by numerous doctors /exams, quite apparent that I was in constant pain, barely mobile and I was falling down quite frequently, I was denied medical assistance, for years. Since I could no longer afford to even make co-payments for the much needed treatments and prescriptions I turned to health agencies, and found little to no help.

By faith, and out of necessity, I knew I had to fight, and win this battle; otherwise, I would have been forced to forego medicines and treatments. Much like the Psalmist David, "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined His ear to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up from a horrible pit. Out of the miry clay. And set my feet upon a rock. And established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth -- Praise God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust." Psalm 40:1-8

I, Phyllis Miller-Bridges am living proof that God is a Defender of the Helpless, now I must do all I can do, for as long as I can to encourage others to stand strong and trust God always. Thank you for stopping by. Check out my blogs on myspace, filled with my deepest thoughts, greatest dreams and personal hopes. Looking forward to hearing your views real soon. It is my prayer that God will continue to bless you and prosper your way. Be sure to read my blogs you will find something just for you.

Sincerely In His Service,
Phyllis Miller-Bridges

www.prayersinc.com
www.myspace.com/phyllisbridges

Posted with permission.

Mother Teresa - Quotes

These are some sayings by Mother Teresa, if you have a favorite that is not posted, please share it with us, My favorite sayings by Mother Teresa: "Show kindness through your face, your eyes, your smile and through the warmth of your greetings. Developed countries suffer from poverty of understanding, poverty of will, of loneliness, of lack of love and spirit. There is no greater disease in the world today than this.

Remember to share your favorites with us - thank you.
Much Love & Many Blessings,
Mercy-Me

More Sayings By Mother Teresa

He has endowed you with the best gift, a smile which can make millions happy. I work for the people because I feel I must do something. People are generally irrational, unreasonable, and selfish. They deserve to be loved, anyway.

It's the law of nature that the good you do, will be forgotten tomorrow. But the good work must be carried on. Your honesty and frankness will expose you to problems, but your work should not stop, for it means the world to so many people.

Years of your hard work may be destroyed overnight, that should not deter you from building upon your hard work. Places like Calcutta can be seen all over the world if you have eyes to see. Despite giving your best to the world, you may be kicked in the teeth. Give the best you've got anyway.

Mother's Day Prayer!

Most Gracious Heavenly Father,

We thank You for our mothers to whom You have entrusted the care of every precious human life from its very beginning in the womb. You have given to woman the capacity of participating with You in the creation of new life. Grant that every woman may come to understand the full meaning of that blessing, which gives her an unlimited capacity for selfless love for every child she may be privileged to bear, and for all Your children.

Watch over every mother who is with child, strengthen her faith in Your fatherly care and love for her and for her unborn baby. Give her courage in times of fear or pain, understanding in times of uncertainty and doubt, and hope in times of trouble. Grant her joy in the birth of her child.

To mothers You have given the great privilege and responsibility of being a child's first teacher and spiritual guide. Grant that all mothers may worthily foster the faith of their children, following the example of Mary, Elizabeth, and other holy women who follow Christ. Help mothers to grow daily in knowledge and understanding of Your Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and grant them the wisdom to impart this knowledge faithfully to their children, and to all who depend upon them.

Assist all "spiritual mothers", those who, though they may have no children of their own, nevertheless selflessly care for the children of others -- of every age and state in life. Grant that they may know the joy of fulfilling this motherly calling of women, whether in teaching, nursing, religious life, or in other work which recognizes and fosters the true dignity of every human being created in Your image and likeness.

We beseech You to send Your Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to all mothers who sorrow for children that have died, are ill or estranged from their families, or who are in trouble or danger of any kind. Help grieving mothers to rely on Your tender mercy and fatherly love for all your children.

We ask your blessing on all those to whom You have entrusted motherhood. May Your Holy Spirit constantly inspire and strengthen them. May they ever follow the example of Mary, mother of Our Lord, and imitate her fidelity, her humility, and her self-giving love. May all mothers receive Your Grace abundantly in this earthly life, and may they look forward to eternal joy in Your presence in the life to come.

We ask this through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. AMEN.

.

Pray for the Children

Please submit your prayers for the children. Let us keep praying for the children in these times of economic difficulties, natural disasters, drugs, gang violence, wars, and global turbulence. This is my little prayer for the children.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the honor and the power of prayer. I pray that all children will be treated with love, kindness, and respect. I pray for the safety and the well being of every child. I pray Lord, that You will make provisions for every child, and supply their every need according to Your riches in heaven. Lord, I pray that You will continue to bless and keep all children everywhere in Your special care.

In Jesus name, Amen.

Prayers for Parenting

Please submit your prayers or helpful comments for parenting, because every parent needs help at some time or another. Below is my short prayer .

Dear Lord,
We are thankful for the children that You have so mercifully placed in our care. Thank you Lord for loving us, and counting us worthy to receive such an honor as parenthood. Now Lord, we pray that you will continue guiding us along this journey of parenting. Lord, as you direct us please teach us not only to be hearers of your word, but teach us to follow your lead. Help us to be parents who live according to Your will and according to Your way. We give you the honor and the praise, in Jesus name, Amen.

A Parent’s Request from Lourdes

Lord, make me fair and just, so considerate and companionable to my children that they will have a genuine esteem for me. Lord bless me to be worthy of their love and good enough to be imitated by my children.

Pray for Our Young Men and Women

Please pray with hope and faith for the safety and well being of our Young Men and Women.

Father God, thank you for all the young men and women in the world. Give them dreams that are bigger than themselves -- so they will have to trust you to make their dream come true. Give them a will and heart to be all you created them to be. Help them to work hard and be successful.

Enable them to be generous to those who are less fortunate. Give them hearts full of love and compassion. Give them the strength to say "no" to activities that they would later be remorseful about--that they would do what is right for them and for the world around them. Help them to be kind to others.

Protect them from people who would harm them physically, emotionally and mentally. Let them know that allowing You to direct their way is the smartest thing they can do. In Jesus wonderful and powerful name. Amen

This prayer was submitted by Deloris Melhman. (author unknown)

Our Daily Prayers

What is your favorite or daily prayer, or devotional? Perhaps you have regular morning prayer, noonday, bedtime or mealtime prayer (grace), if so we would love for you to share them with us. It does not matter if your favorite prayer is short and simple.

Remember the simplicity, and power the of Jabez's prayer - one of our favorites: " The Prayer of Jabez" And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, "Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain." So God granted him what he requested. I Chronicles 4:10 NKJV

Pray for Social Justice for All

Abraham Lincoln stated, " Nearly all (people) can stand adversity, but if you want to test one’s character, give them power."

Please pray with hope and faith that all people will be treated with respect and fairness in all situations. Pray that people in authority will make decisions promote social justice and civil rights for all.

Please add your prayer requests, prayers and comments here for Global Leaders who promote social justice and civil rights for all.

Pray for Global Leaders with Integrity

Tim.2:1-4 states, "We are taught that we must pray for governments and all in positions of authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity."

Please pray with hope and faith for global leaders with integrity. Pray for world leaders who strive for global unity and peace who choose justice, honesty, fairness and goodness instead of systems filled with corruption and violence.

Please add your prayer requests, prayers and any comments here for Global Leaders who promote global peace and unity.

Pray for Global Restoration and Prosperty

Mother Teresa stated, "Developed countries suffer from poverty of understanding, poverty of will, of loneliness, of lack of love and spirit. There is no greater disease in the world today than this. "

Please pray with hope and faith for restoration of the land. Pray that where there is famine, destruction from wars and violence, natural disasters, homelessness, starvation and all types of deprivation and poverty that all will be replaced with abundance and prosperity.

Please continue to ask God in the name of Jesus for grace and mercy upon all the nations in the world. Please add your prayer requests, comments here for Global Restoration and Prosperty.

Pray for Global Peace & Unity

Please pray with hope and faith for global peace and unity. Please continue to ask God in the name of Jesus for grace and mercy upon all the nations in the world. Please add your prayer requests, comments and prayers for global peace and unity.

I look forward to your request and responses.

Much Love & Many Blessings,
Mercy-Me

Welcome!

Prayers & Prayer Requests

Prayersinc. (www.prayersinc.com) This is where we will pray for others, ourselves and submit prayer requests. I invite you to share your comments, stories, prayers, your prayer requests, or anything that you think will make a positive difference in someone's life. You never know whose life you may touch.

Please do not think that no one wants hear "what you have to say, just read the news briefs on this Blog. I will start with prayers sent to me, praying for peace and help in America, Myanmar, Somalia, Darfur, Zimbabwe and other places all over the world in dire need of food, shelter, safety, and medical attention. These are the conditions, concerns, and issues that some are challenged with daily. Thanking you in love, and in advance... your prayers and comments are appreciated, and needed.

For me prayer is not an option but an opportunity to be a blessing in someone's life. I am not going to tell the Lord how big the problem is, but I will certainly tell the problem how Great the Lord is! " In prayer; expect setbacks, but refuse retreat."by Richard Eastman.

I look forward to your request and responses.

Much love & Many Blessings,
Mercy-Me