I’m so thankful God has gone before me on this Sweet & Simple Christmas series. And I’m so thankful for my assistant Natalie Longoria who listened to His gentle direction on when to schedule which guest.
After my post yesterday and my call to pray for all those affected by the shootings in Connecticut, I believe God knew we needed to hear from my friend Leah DiPascal today.
Leah is such a beautiful woman of God, and is sharing a suggestion that resonates with my heart today. I love her idea on so many levels … on how it unites a family … on how it brings a moment of peace into the home … and especially how it turns our hearts towards God.
I hope you enjoy this post from Leah. And keep reading because she’s giving away a wonderful book to one reader.
Here’s Leah …
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I love getting Christmas cards in the mail. Don’t you?
Eleven months out of the year, mail can sit in my mailbox for two or three days before I drag myself down the driveway to get it. I’ve even been known to bribe my kids to get the mail for me. You do that too, right?
But, not during Christmas time. No way! I can’t wait to check my mailbox and see what’s inside. Those red or green envelopes with the fancy gold monogrammed stickers are so easy to spot – even though they’re all tangled up with the junk mail and unwanted bills.
I rarely make it back to my front door, before tearing open these darling little letters, anxiously waiting to see who’s sending our family some Christmas cheer. Often times, a photo is carefully tucked inside or I’ll discover one of those this-is-what-we’ve-been-up-to holiday newsletters.
I’m not the only one in our family with a Christmas card fascination. My husband and our boys love to receive holiday cards too. First, we spread them out on the kitchen table. Then, one by one, we strategically tape each card, picture, and newsletter up on our kitchen panty door. Before long, the door is covered with beautiful snapshots of Christmas from friends and family from around the world. Each day, as we pass through the kitchen, we can glance at the cards, and enjoy the friendly faces smiling back at us.
When the New Year rolls around, we take down the cards and file away the pictures. The plan is to pull them out again, once or twice a year to reminisce. But, that rarely happens.
This little tradition has become a holiday favorite and over the last several years, we’ve made some special changes to make this Christmas card experience much more meaningful for our family. We still tape the cards on our panty door, but each night while we are having dinner, one of us will bring two or three cards to the table. We’ll read each card, pass them around if a picture is included, and then pray for those individual families. It creates a special time for us to pause, pray and remember how special these relationships are to us.
Oftentimes, I will send an email out the next day, letting those families know that we’ve prayed for them. I’ve received some amazing responses too! Many families are so thankful for the prayers and often ask how they can be praying for us too.
This might be a tradition you’d like to start with your family. It’s simple, absolutely free, and can have an eternal effect on those you love. Plus, it can create such a special and memorable time for your family during the holiday season.
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Thank you Leah for that wonderful idea. My family is seldom together for dinner this time of year due to
college finals, soccer and wrestling practice. But I’m going to adopt your idea for my quiet time.
Leah would love to give away a copy of the devotional book “God’s Purpose for Every Woman.” Proverbs 31 Ministries published this book a few years ago, but it’s the best devotions from from about 2005 to 2009. So if you are a new reader to Encouragement for Today devotions, these will be all new to you.
To enter, please leave a prayer request or a praise as a comment. Leah, Natalie and I will join each of you in prayer. And I’ll select a winner at random and announce her tomorrow.
Leah DiPascal serves as an Executive Assistant at Proverbs 31 Ministries. She’s an author, speaker, and inspirational Bible teacher. Leah’s calling is to help women discover and apply Biblical truths from God’s Word, so they can experience empowering life change. She loves to encourage and equip women, in the midst of their everyday lives, to become all that God has called them to be. Leah holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Master of Divinity Degree from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary. Her greatest ministry is wife to her husband Keith and mom to their two sons, Brody and Carson. You can connect with Leah at www.LeahDiPascal.com.
I’m praising God because He has strengthened me physically and spiritually to care for my adult daughter who is dealing with a serious health crisis and an adult son who just had shoulder surgery. And please pray for their healing. Thank you.
Jeanne,
I’m praying for your son and daughter today, asking Jesus to restore their health and help them sense the fullness of His presence in their lives.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for my stepdaughter who is ~60 days clean from drugs….that God would turn her life towards Him and she would regain a relationship with him and her children.
Thank you & Merry Christmas!
Tina, I am praying for you and your step daughter! My sister is an addict, and I know how difficult it can be some days to pick up that particular cross and pray for her again. Today, I will carry this cross for you. Rest in the arms of our Savior and Comforter today so that you will have renewed strength in prayer tomorrow.
Tina,
I’m praying for your daughter today and asking the Lord to give her strength as she walks along the path of wholeness from addition.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thank you for your suggestion! I am extremely disorganized so Christmas cards are seldom sent from us, and therefore we don’t get as many as we used to, sadly. But I love the idea if praying for those we still receive.
I would greatly appreciate prayer for my family, as I have just lost both my parents since August. They were only in their sixties, and as the baby of the family I feel very raw headed into the holidays. When my father passed unexpectedly in August, it began a series of physically and emotionally exhausting weeks watching my Mom’s health fade as her heart broke. Ultimately she wanted to go”home” more than she wanted to fight for her life. My young children have handled this well, but I pray it doesn’t dampen the beauty of this time of year for them. Thank you so much!
Michelle,
I’m so sorry for your loss and wanted you to know that I’m praying for you today. My mother passed away last year and I miss her too. I can’t imagine losing both parents in such a short period of time. I’m asking the Lord to bless your family in a special way as your honor the memory of your parents and your children’s grandparents.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
I LOVE this idea, thank you! I do have a bit of a request and a praise wrapped up together. Last year I went through a very rough time, and we found ourselves having to create all-new traditions for our family during the holidays. It was an extremely painful time, and I scoured the Internet for every possible way to focus on family and Christ during Thanksgiving and Christmas. We really liked some if the ideas and decided to keep them. This year, I am beyond grateful for God’s grace which has healed us more than we could have imagined! I am thankful that each day doesn’t feel like it needs it’s own roll of duck tape to hold it all together. I am thankful that I don’t feel like the strings holding our family together are mostly unravelled. But, the busyness has come back. Those great ideas we found to stay connected are not being implemented because we can’t find the time. I would love prayers for balance!! Thank you!
Stacie,
I’m praying for you today – asking the Lord to draw your family closer together as you focus on Him this Christmas season. May His love comfort your hurts and hearts as you trust in Him.
Blessings,
Leah
prayer request: my mother who has been in and out of the hospital since the summer. we are praying she can please make it home for Christmas.
thank you.
Ronni,
I’m praying that the Lord will restore your mom’s health so that she can be home with family during the Christmas season.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
My praise is that this Christmas is the first for our new baby (our third beautiful child that God has blessed us with) and I am just so thankful to have healthy kids!
Sarah,
Congratulations on your new baby. I’m saying a prayer for your family today and celebrate that you have wonderfully healthy children.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Praising God for all His answers to my prayers and my salvation. Blessings and Merry Christmas, Susan Fryman susanngarrylee@yahoo.com
Susan – I’m joining you in praise and thanksgiving today! God is good.
I am just so thankful for these daily reminders of what Christmas is all about and ways that I can bring Christ into our daily tradititions for my family.
Amen! We need to encourage each other to continually turn to the Father who is able to do more than we can imagine. Merry Christmas, Elizabeth.
Thank you for the idea! I praise God for holding me in His hand. Several things have occurred in this past year, yet He is Immanuel, God with us.
I’m joining you in praising God for never letting you go from His hand of care and protection. He is faithful.
I pray for all our families, friends, and my family for health and grace. And for us to continue to somehow understand all the daily news that comes our way. Sometimes our mind just cannot process things that come or we hear. I find comfort in knowing that sometimes we don’t have to, we just need to sit by, get on our knees, and pray to our Lord for knowledge and understanding.
Rosie – I’m so thankful God’s Spirit intercedes for us when we don’t know what to pray. I’m joining you in praying for your family and friends.
I’m abundantly grateful for my Women of Joy bible study group. Thank you Jesus for leading me to these amazing women of faith who lead by example.,,, pray, laugh and cry with and for each other.
Kristin, I’m agreeing in prayer right now and joining you in thanking God for your Bible study group. What a joy it is to have sisters stand beside you in the good and hard times.
Thank you Father for these women!
I am thankful for the gift of family. The gift of my first grandchild and the joy and wonder it brings. I am also thankful for lessons learned at a funeral this weekend. To often I let the daily schedule get in the way of time spent connecting with loved ones. God gently reminded me that I don’t want my life filled with “should of, could of, would ofs. What an awesome God we serve who guides us even in painful lessons so that we live thay way He knows is best for us. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen
Karen, I’m joining you in thanksgiving for your family and the gift of your grandchild. I’m thankful God is always using circumstances to teach us things, and I’m thankful He used a funeral to do that for you.
Hello. I love your idea to pray for the people who send you cards. I am going to start that this year. Please pray that I continue to take it slow and enjoy what Christmas really means, I made a decision this year to enjoy the season and not to get wrapped up in everything. I have done some volunteering and made some special donations. I want to continue to doe these things throughout 2013. Please pray that my doctor and I can find a solution to help with m RA. Please pray for all the people who have lost loved ones. We have to remember we are only given them for a short time, and they are ultimately Gods and when He decides He wants them, we need to pray for the strength to keep going knowing they are with Him. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Jeanie,
I’m praying that God will restore your health and continue to shower you with blessings and love as your focus on Him this Christmas season.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for sister in law I need to who is struggling with cancer right now. She has breast cancer and: cancer that has metastasized to her liver. She is not a Christian and is trying every type Eastern and Western medicine to try to overcome this. I do not know how you deal withthe such a devastating disease when you do not have hope in that precious baby in the manger.
Karen,
I’m sorry to hear about your sister-in-law’s struggle with breast cancer. I am praying that she will find Jesus and accept Him as her Savior this Christmas season. Also, that He will restore her to good health again.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Good morning. I am giving Praise to God for my test results coming back fine.
And for the wonderful people in my life who Love Jesus & believe in His healing power!!!
-Colleen G.
Amen!! Thank you Father for good test results!!! And for faithful men and women who trust You and Your healing power in Colleen’s life.
I praise the God who comforts those who mourn. I peaty for healing in our country and a return to the only One who saves.
Please pray for me as I discern God’s will regarding a new ministry opportunity!
Sandy,
I’m praying for you and asking God to show you clearly how and when to step out with this new ministry opportunity.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thank you so much for your prayers!
Blessings!
Sandy
I love sending Christmas cards, even though it stresses me out until I get them done! I just mailed mine yesterday in the wee morning hours and as I put them in the mailbox I prayed that each person receiving them would feel my love in that card. I keep the picture ones I receive on my hutch all year long, I find it hard to part with them. Today I pray for Christmas joy to enter each sad heart this week if even for a minute to feel Gods love.
Cindy V.
I pray for children who choose to walk away from truth that God protects and persues them until they understand that He is the Way the Truth and the Life. And I thank God that He persued me too.
My family has always divided the Christmas cards evenly and read them aloud as apart of our celebration together. I love the idea of saying a prayer for each person/family!
Praise: My husband and I have reached a new level of communication in our relationship!! For the first time in years I’m excited about what the future holds for us!!
I love this idea!!
Prayers: For the people of Newton to feel the comforting hand of our Lord over them. For myself relief from back, hip, and leg pain.
Praise: That despite all the distractions, God has constantly sent me reminders to be thankful for the gift of Christ during this season of celebrating His birth.
I would be grateful for prayers for my son Adam. The doctors have just taken him off of his medication for seizures and now it is up to God as to whether he will have complete healing from them. It has been one week but it can take up to one year to know. In the mean time we just watch and pray. I’ve been fasting and praying for a week now and am encouraged but would welcome prayers from you. Thank you so much for caring. Lisa
Lisa,
I’m praying for your precious Adam and asking God to heal him completely of his seizures, so that he won’t need to take the medicine anymore. I”m also praying that you would experience God’s peace and presence as your trust in Him for Adam’s healing.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
So much to be thankful for and so many people need prayer. I praise the Lord for all he has done for my daughter; for all the godly women he sent to minister to her and who still mentor her, to help her find her way back. I request prayer for all those who suffer from depression at this time year. While we all have lost loved ones we miss this time of year, there are those who truly suffer this time of year. While at the hairdressers last week a lady commented on how she hated Christmas and Christmas music because it made her think of all those she missed.
I thank God for you and the work you do. How wonderful it is to read the messages He gives you and those who work with you. Your morning messages mean so much to me. I pray He continues to bless your work and will give you the strength to push through daily.
Thank you for this idea….I think we are going to adopt this!! I recently got back from an outreach to Benin, West Africa. While I was there God spoke to me through His word & let me see small glimpse of His plans for my future. I am a single mom of a 6 yr old boy, so it’s hard at moments to believe what God has planned. But….He is faithful & in charge, so I believe He’ll make it happen! I have just been so distracted since I’ve come back…so prayer for the enemy’s attacks to be squashed and for some peace & calmness so I can spend quality time with my Jeus would be greatly appreciated! Thank You!
A wonderful idea. What a great Tradition that will live on-long after you have gone
Home. Your children’s children–will hear their mom or dad say……”This is what we always did at Christmas & it taught us-without Mom “preaching to us”–bout the
Real Meaning of The Season. She helped us learn by example..to think of others.
Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas.~
(My nephew 17 yr old was diagnosed with cancer..but we have so much to be thankful for–and that fact-is not lost on me.)
Z is in remission–has over 2 yrs. maintenance treatments left. But–so thankful that he is here–feeling relatively well..and excited about his car–he wants to work on.
Prayers for all the families –of the CT tragedy.
I am thankful for “HOPE”.
People who have the quality of hope keep on going no matter what. Hope gives courage, strength, vitality, power; and somehow hopeful people always seem to win through.
May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I am a person of hope, strength and worth because of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank You Lord!
Thank you for your wonderful tip to pray for the families. I honestly have never thought to do that! That is my prayer request and praise to pray for the family members and friends that we receive cards from! What an anwsome minstry!
Cammi
What a wonderful idea, love it! I ask for prayers for myself this morning. I’m only seven weeks pregnant and at an early ultrasound last week we could detect the sack and the yolk, but no heartbeat or fetal pole yet. My doctor has recommended we wait two weeks and go back for another ultrasound. I’m scheduled for December 26. I found out I had a miscarriage last year on December 19 so this has been all too familiar. I’ve been putting my trust in God and have been extremely calm and hopeful. Please pray for us for a heartbeat next week, our own little Christmas miracle!
Monica,
I’m praying for you and that sweet baby you’re carrying right now. May the Lord rest His healing hands on your child as He knits this sweet one together in your womb. May you sense His peace, joy, and love this Christmas season while you trust in the Lord’s perfect plans for your family.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
I love the idea of praying for the folks who send cards. I’ll be praying for everyone God brings to mind, as there are few cards this year. My divorce was final in June and during those 20 years that I was obedient to God and my husband was choosing another path, friends and family were not encouraged to keep in touch.
What a blessing that God is bringing my family members and a few dear friends in to my life!
Praying with all of the hurting, but hopeful ladies who commented above me! May our Abba bless you all richly!
I have always hung Christmas cards and pictures but never thought about sending up a special prayer for that family. Thank you for sharing. My prayer request would be for my family to be reunited at Christmas.
Pray request, our oldest son Jon, just got out of prison for drug and alcohol charges, we need pray for him to make good choices, and to have God back in his life, he has walked away and vows never to return, I pray someone crosses paths with him and guides him back to God.
Deb,
I”m praying for your son, Jon today and asking the Lord to place Christian friends in his life. Friends that would encourage him to rededicate his life to Christ and receive the healing and hope he desperately needs.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for healing and relief from pain for our family. My husband and I are both recovering from surgery (hysterectomy for me), my teen son has the flu, and I’m afraid that Christmas is going to be disappointing because we don’t have a tree or any decorations and I have very little bought and nothing wrapped. This is my daughter’s last Christmas before college and I want her to have good memories, not broken traditions.
Kristin,
I”m praying for your family today – asking the Lord to restore each of you to perfect health. Also, that He would draw your family closer together and remind each of you that experiencing His presence and being together as a family is the greatest gift ever.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thank-you for the idea of praying for your christmas cards, I might just have to do that! I’m also thankful for the peace that Jesus gives… I can have peace sending my kids to school and knowing that they are in His hands. Also a prayer request for all of the sickness and viruses that are going around.. that kids can get better and stay healthy.
Thanks for this wonderful idea! We too post the pictures-now we can simply add another step! My praise is that I have 2 healthy and wonderful daughters that are with us this holiday season and we will spend wonderful family time together. My prayer request is for the families in CT that are going to be missing a family member this holiday…..May God bring you comfort as He wraps you in His loving arms.
This is such a wonderful idea.It is definitely an easy way to give back to those we get cards. I want to do this for all of the cards I have received lately. I am battling cancer right now and have had many praises through this journey. The most recent test results have been negative (which is really good). I have one more test and then on to radiation. God has blessed me with a wonderful church family that I don’t know what I would do without them.
Lisa,
I’m praying that all of your test results come back negative and that God will continue to strengthen and protect your body while you go through radiation.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
For my precious 5 year old daughter who has intestinal failure and is dependent on IV nutrition that our Father will heal her.
Tammy,
I’m agreeing with you in prayer today – trusting in God’s perfect healing and for His love to be lavished upon your sweet daughter.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
What a wonderful idea. You get to relive the opening of the card and pray for loved ones again.
Prayers for our son who is in Korea waiting for us to get our court date and travel call to finalize our adoption of him!!
Angie,
I’m praying that God would extend great favor so that you’ll receive your court date and travel to Korea real soon.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for my son. I was cleaning his room and checked his text messages and I found one he had written and he was telling one of his friends he was going to commit suicide. He is only 13. Being a teenager can be so hard and he is having a hard time struggling with grades. I talked with him about it and he said he never sent the message and he knew it was wrong when he wrote it he said he was just stressed about school work and was angry at the time. Please pray for him. Thank you so much
Caroline – I’m praying right now for God’s Spirit to break in to your son’s heart with hope and peace. And for godly discernment for you to know what to do. Trust that God will speak to you and go with that gut feeling you get. It will be God.
WOW-what a wonderful way to remember those whom you love and wish you found more time to spend with. Prayers are so powerful and also healing to the one praying.
Prayer request for my neighbors who just lost their first son, young adult, in an accident., Newtown CT, and those alone.
Cissy – I’m praying right now for your neighbors who have lost a son. The grief must be unimaginable. And I’m praying for all those in Newtown, CT. and for those who are alone. May the presence of God rest gently on each of them and may they know God’s peace that passes understanding. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thank you for the wonderful idea with the Christmas cards I am going to adopt this and implement it in our family. Please pray for my family. We have faced one trial after another and have only made it through with God’s love for us and prayers.
Merry Christmas!
I have so much to be thankful for,have a beautiful daughter who is married to a wonderful man and they have 3 great sons,and my only grandaughter. I also have a wonderful son and he is married to a wonderful lady, and they have twin boy. They are all my blessings from God. This is my praise!
I attend a big church in the country my prayer is that this church becomes more humble and caring for all members not just some who are in what seems to be clicks,in my opinion this shouldnt happen in a church body.
I also have a prayer request for my grandson he was at the doctors yesterday and he has the flu and he is so very sick, please pray he will recover from this quickly.
His brother has a very bad cold and last night started with hives and they covered his entire body, my daughter said she has never seen hives so bad, she tried to get the doctor,and was passed around and after awhile was disconnected from the answering service. We were praying very hard for him and his brother. This morning the hives are almost all gone….Praise God, please continue with me pray for a full recovery and that no one else gets sick this close to Christmas,and please for my daughter she is extremely exhausted,after spending two and half months helping kids church kids with a Christmas play and musical,which was outstanding performance sung to the Lord Sunday evening,and now with sick ones please pray for strength for her.
Thank-you for your prayers and understanding, I feel like you all are my sisters!! Love to all at this Christmas!!!
As I reflect on this past year, of course I am grateful for all the blessings and mercy God has given me. But I am also thankful for the struggles I faced, a lost friendship, and seemingly unanswered prayers. All remind me that I am not in control and I serve a Father who knows what I need far better than I do. How awesome is it that I am not in control!!
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas for the Christmas season. The Encouragement for the Day Devotionals have helped me so much and I always start my day with it. I often forward them on to friends and family. Your ministry makes a difference.
I love this idea and wanted to share one have done the past three years….My family makes a poster collage of all the pictures we are sent and we put it in our garage. When I pull in or out of my garage I can see how our children have grown and it makes me smile. It is also a reminder to pray for them. It has even caused me to reach out to friends I don’t talk to that often. I now have three years of family faces in my garage….they are a little dirty, but smiling nonetheless!
Kathy,
I love this idea! I’m thinking I should buy some poster board after Christmas and make a collage for our family too!
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
My prayer request is for a hearing heart. I want to hear God clearly and with confidence that it is actually him. I just have this overwhelming desire to draw super close to Him and I want to hear all he has to say clearly! Thank you so much for your prayers and all that you do to encourage us!
I love this idea! Please pray for my own family – for me as I struggle with depression and for my 2 special needs sons as they try to navigate into their future.
Today I will lift up all the ladies involved in Proverbs 31 Ministry; you ladies have listened to the call of God and moved forward in providing this ministry to many women, who inspire of life challenges are seeking The Lord. Blessing and Merry Christmas to each one of you and your families!
My praise is for my salvation. Christmas, life, etc is meaningless without Christ.
I pray for God to be made very evident through the Sandy Hook shootings…that people will be drawn to Him, that His presence throughout the situation will be evident, that He will bring peace to everyone involved.
I am asking for your prayers. we are currently going thru a financial crisis and while I know God is guiding us, I really want to pull the covers over my head and hibernate. I’m finding it very difficult this year to put on the holiday atmosphere. Thank you.
Janet,
This verse came to my mind when I read your comments about the financial crisis you are facing. I hope it brings you hope and confidence today:
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV 1984)
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thanks again for the wonderful Christmas information regarding family and sticking to Jesus is the reason for the season. Please pray for me and my children-that we will be more obedient In heeding God’s words and the Holy Spirit beckoning us to do the will of God.
What a great idea. Please prayer for a coworker of mine who has several issues going on in her life. I am thankful for my family…this Christmas hard for me..it’s the second Christmas without my mom but it seems so much harder this year than last year.
Thank you so much for your encouragement Glynnis and Leah…it was very uplifting. I would love prayer for friends. We just got transferred from northern Virginia, where we had lived for 10 years and had a network of amazing friends, neighbors and church to Buffalo, NY. Everyone I’ve met so far has family here and really isn’t interested in making new friends. I am having a really hard time finding a Bible study – there are no BSF, no Moms In Prayer groups. I know God has lead us here and has a plan but I would love prayer for friends and encouragement. I am lonely and miss my Christian sisters in VA. Thanks
Amy,
I’m praying for you today! I remember moving to North Carolina 7 years ago and not knowing a single person. It was hard at first but God lead me to a great Bible study in my neighborhood which which is where I met several of my friends. I”m praying that He will do the same for you.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Thank you for your prayers Leah
That’s a great idea. Please pray for my Mom. She has lung cancer and this will be her last Christmas with us. Please pray that the Lord will take her swiftly and not prolong her suffering. But that she will make it through the holidays this last time. Also please pray for my marriage it’s on rocky grounds right now and I’m trying to hold it together with Gods help. I get so discouraged sometimes that I just want to give up. Thanks for your prayers. I will be praying for you too.
I have also heard about putting the cards in a basket on or near the table and pulling cards from there to pray for. It’s a wonderful idea either way!!
I would like to request prayer for my marriage and my husband. We have been struggling in our marriage for Several years, but things are getting worse.
My mom and I loved to send cards and even though I lost her this summer, I am doing our cards as usual, it helps keep the memories. We hang our cards we receive around all our doorways so that when we have any visitors, they can enjoy the cards as well. But with your suggestion, I will start picking a few each night to pray for during a quiet time. PTL
I really appreciate this post because of its emphasis on prayer as we hear from friends and family at Christmas. Thank you for the encouragement. I am praising the Lord for a Christmas season to spend with my husband and my mother. This is a new Christmas tradition for us since moving my mother from her home of 50+ years. Please pray as we seek to be a blessing to her in this new season of life for her and for us.
My Aunt Karen has been valiantly fighting cnacer for well over 10 years–a really bad kind that is all through her blood. She was supposed to leave this world years ago. She is currently in the ICU with possible congestive heart failure, pneumonia, and other possible infections. She was running a fever of 102 when she arrived in the ER. Chemo over the years has taken a huge toll. Her docs don’t really have many more treatment options left. While I do not want her to suffer needlessly, this family just lost their dad a few months ago. Uncle Pep seemed to just go downhill almost overnight. I know God wants to work something in my cousins–I just pray they will listen to His calling. Stacy, Michael, Wesley and their families need to have an active relationship with Jesus.
If it is truly time for Aunt Karen to leave this world, I just want her to be surrounded and embraced by God’s peace. I want her not to have to worry about any of us.
Thanks for your prayers.
Carissa in eastern Iowa
Carissa,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Aunt Karen and I am praying for her today. May God wrap her in His loving arms and comfort her with love. I pray that she is resting comfortably and senses Jesus’ presence is a very tangible way.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Leah,
I have friends who keep their Christmas cards and through out the year pull one each day and pray for that family. It is a great tradition plus gives real purpose to those cards often just sent in haste or as an after thought or as a “Christmas duty”.
Thank you for sharing this.
Blessings,
Catherine
This is a beautiful way to remember loved ones during the holidays and beyond, Leah. I love getting Christmas cards in the mail, too! I have a simple prayer request, and I actually don’t like to ask for prayers for myself, but I’ve hurt my right knee so that I can hardly walk. I still have so much to do to get ready for Christmas – shopping, baking, decorating the tree – pretty much everything! I keep pushing myself and end up in bed icing my knee. Please pray that I have the courage to trust God that all will come together in time. I have asked for healing, and I know it will come, in time. With everything that’s happened, I am having a hard time keeping my spirits up. Thank you.
Colleen,
I’m praying that the Lord will heal your knee and take away any pain that you’re experiencing today. I hope that while you rest, you will trust in His perfect timing in all this and know that He is watching over you.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
It’s a such wonderful idea. I’m going try it myself.
I am thankful for prayer! We have had many prayer warriors praying for our son and we are starting to see some changes in him. But we need more prayer for God to draw him back to Himself. My son NEEDS God in his life so he can make wise decisions and stay away from drugs. Thank you! And also am thankful for the great devotions from everyone at Proverbs 31! Merry Christmas!
I have heard this idea before and thought it was inspired. What a great way to bless the people in your life – thank you for sharing this!
Blesings,
Karen
“Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow”
The Lord answered a prayer for me this morning — something seemingly small that was causing me some stress. I’m so thankful for the reminder that He is there in everything – big or small. Praise God!
I personally know of the power of prayer. Nearly five years ago my husband was in need of a liver transplant and very near death. The prayers of many Christians – some we didn’t even know – lifted us both and my husband received the gift of life through a liver transplant from an anonymous 84 year old man. But the even greater gift was that he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and now we walk together as man and wife with the Lord leading us.
God is great and greatly to be praised!
Wonderful way to pray for our friends! Thank you. I’m praying for my daughter who is having an MRI on her right ear tomorrow. She has a growth ouside her eardrum. Praying that this is minor and that the treatment will be minimal. Merry Christmas!
Brenda,
I’m praying for your daughter’s MRI and asking God to give her doctors wisdom on how to treat the growth by her eardrum. Also, that she would not be afraid while she’s having the MRI done. I’m believing with you for a good report!
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Leah we have been doing something similar for years. We put ours on our mini-blinds because they don’t need tape. We then pull one down each day into the new year and re-read it and pray for that family and then we write them a letter and haven’t thought about emailing (which is so much simpler -thanks for that idea). My husband loves this although lots about Christmas he doesn’t.
I would like prayer that my husband and I can find a church to go to that feeds us the word of God in a way that touches our souls. I also would like prayer for all of the families who have lost loved ones this year, especially ones who have lost ones due to horrific tragedies (like the CT shootings) or war.
Starting over alone at age 50 following an unwanted divorce, I’m incorporating some new traditions with the old during the holidays. This one is a keeper! Please pray for the continued healing of our family, which includes two adult children. God bless your ministry.
Good morning Leah. As a single mom for many, many years, I tried to do things that would teach my children values and compassion. For several years we put all of our cards in a wicker basket. Each day we would pull a card and pray for that family. Not only did it lengthen our Christmas time but taught them compassion. I have been alone now for two years. Just as you do, I now tape them to a door. Each day, I will pray for one or two families. One thing I need to add, is to let them know they were prayed for. It might be the encouragement they need.
God continue to bless your ministry.
Joy,
What a wonderful Christmas legacy you have passed along to your children. I’m praying for you today, asking the Lord to fill your Christmas with His unfailing hope, love, and joy.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for our business…financially we are struggling. Pray for wisdom for us to use what God has given us in the way he would like us to.
I thank God for the convicting devotional by Sharon Jaynes today. It made me realize how hurtful it is for my husband and me to bring up the actions of his brother and wife to others. I am praying for God to guide me in my actions and lead me a sinner to forgiveness
Here is my prayer request: Last year, my older sister passed away from breast cancer, in December. Her husband is SO lonely. Please pray for Bill. Yesterday my youngest sister found out she also has breast cancer. Please pray for strength as she faces what is ahead. Her name is Joyce.
Thank you so much!!
Joy,
I’m praying for God to heal Joyce of the breast cancer and to give her joy-filled peace as she waits on His perfect timing for restoration.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
I love this idea and would like to implement it. I love this verse that was posted by Lynne. It has long been one of my favorites and is so appropriate considering the events of last Friday. This world so needs hope, especially at this time of year, which is so beautiful, but which many people struggle through at times. Not the modern definition of hope which seems to imply doubt, but the Biblical definition of hope, “a firm confidence in something you haven’t seen yet”, which implies faith and trust in God and His character.
May the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
I LOVE this idea and will be adding it to my Christmas tradition this year. Although, I will change it just slightly by pulling the cards at random from a basket each night as that is where my cards go so that we can flip through them (and I don’t really have a good place to hang them either). Thank you for the thoughtful suggestion and the wonderful series on how to keep it simple and about the right reasons! God Bless you and all that have helped with this series…
Praising God for family and friends who love and support us no matter what is going on in our life or theirs! May God bless them and us!!
I LOVE your idea of praying over the cards. I am in the middle of a major decision whether to take early retirement or not. I have 5 beautiful grandchildren that I would love to spend time with before it slips away. Blessings.
Prayer Request. Last Christmas was my first as a single mom after my husband left. This Christmas is one of even greater loss as we lost my Mom to Parkinson’s in September, and my 22-year old son committed suicide just before Thanksgiving. I am trying to be strong for my little guy (he’s 8), trying to keep the focus on Christ. As it gets closer and closer to Christmas, I am finding myself flooded with memories and wracked with grief. I would love prayer for strength, wisdom, and PEACE this Christmas!
Laurie – My heart is so sad for the losses you have faced. I’m not sure any human words can bring comfort. So I’m praying for the God of all comfort to wrap Himself around your heart and mind today and carry you through the next days, weeks and months. And I’m agreeing with you for strength, wisdom and peace.
I wish I could be there to hug you.
What a wonderful idea!! We have a lady in our church who just left for a year in China. Her husband, Mark, has stayed behind here in the US. Would you lift up Peggy and Mark in your prayers?
My prayer request is for my mom, Barbara, who we recently admitted to the Nursing Home. My praise is we will be traveling to see her over the Christmas holiday.
Merry CHRISTmas
I am a consultant for a home based business. It is also a business founded on Christian values. My business was strong during October and November leading up to December. I hope and pray with God’s help that my business will continue to grow and that I advance up the leadership ladder. I love being home and helping people out with their gift needs and organizing needs. Please pray for me and my business, that it may florish in the new year with God’s help.
I enjoyed reading the post today. Please pray for my husband, our youngest (15 yo) daughter and myself as we will be across the country (away from the rest of our 4 kids and their families) to spend time with my mother in law who was widowed this past summer. We are going there to be with her so she isn’t allow this first holiday season so we are uncertain as to how things will go. But we all know the Lord so that is our greatest comfort.
I have many things for which to give praise. I am SO enjoying my teaching opportunities with substitute teaching this year. We struggle with parenting, but we don’t give up, and our family will be together during this holiday season. Our close friends will be going through a very difficult time with family troubles. I would so appreciate your prayers for them – God knows their individual and family concerns.
Please pray for our family as we lost our father( second parent) in July. Thanks!
I’ll be teaching a Bible study beginning in January. I’ve also decided to actually set goals this year. My mom passed away in September, she and my dad have come out to Arizona to spend Christmas with us each year for the past 14 years and now my kids will be celebrating without her. She loved poinsettias and Christmas trees. The family is divided on whether to get either one this year . . . can’t believe something like that can be such a big deal either way, but it is. Get them and honor her memory, or get them and be sad when we see them — that is point of disagreement (a lot in my own thoughts too!). Prayer appreciated.
Cynthia,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mom and I’m praying for your family today. I wish I had just the right words to say that would make everything better. But, grieving the loss of someone you love is a painful journey. I hope that one day the memories of your mom will bring joy to your heart and not sorrow. By honoring her this Christmas, your family is showing the world just how much she is truly loved.
Sweet Blessings,
Leah
I honestly believe all these posts for a simple Christmas are for me this year. My son and his wife of 13 years divorced this year. Honestly, I missed my dad and in-laws on holidays after they passed, but this is making every day a struggle. I miss her so much and we always had such fun at Christmas. I feel like someone just died. I know that praying for others is the best way to get thru and I have also allowed myself to pray for me. Please pray for our family as we gather for holidays, there will definitely be a void at our house this year. I am praying for grace and peace.
Beautiful! Such a wonderful reminder to pray for our friends and family by name. I needed this.
Please pray that I will have the faith to follow God’s leading as I face a time of transition/retirement. That I will see His plan clearly and run towards it! Many blessings!
Praise for a long weekend away with my husband to have fun and reconnect. The first in four years. We really needed it. It has given me renewed perspective and love for him. God is faithful. Praise to him!
I have a prayer request for my sister. She is pregnant with her first boy and is due Christmas day. She has 3 girls and we are very excited for this little boy. Please pray that things go smoothly for her.
I give thanks that our oldest son was able to be home for a visit – yet we’ll miss him over Christmas again this year! It was much more difficult this 4th time putting on a plane [he now lives 38 hrs. + drive West of us for school and work] My prayer request is for him – as he will be working and pretty much alone come Christmas… and that I can get into the joy of the season enough so that I don’t dampen the fun for our three younger children.
)
Thank you, God, for this blog!
Wonderful idea! I have a card holder, but it just lumps them all together. On the door they will go from now on, with prayers too.
We need prayers for a job, my husband’s company shut down last summer and nothing has turned up yet. I am a stay at home, home schooling mom and don’t want to thane to send the kids to school! Prayers for wisdom, patience, and grace would be greatly appreciated.
I also had to pray for all the other prayer requests made, we are all in this together!
Hi Christina,
We are praying in agreement with you for wisdom, patience and grace. I pray for God to open a door for your husband for work. God is a faithful Provider and will never forsake you. Psalm 37:28 is a great reminder of how faithful our God is.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
Praying for those who take time to send a Christmas card is a wonderful idea. I do need to make prayer a priority as our Heavenly Father always listens and can intervene in many situations. I would like to have prayer for my 91 year old mother who was hospitalized today with dehydration and bladder infection. May the Lord touch her body and bring her home for Christmas. Thank you for praying.
Kathy,
I’m praying for your sweet grandmother today – asking the Lord to restore her health so that she can celebrate Christmas at home with her family.
Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
This is a great idea. I also save all the photos from the Christmas cards I receive and put them on a scrapbook page that summarizes “My Year in Review.” That way I can look back and see how my friends’ families have grown and changed over the years.
I do have a request for a prayer for my Dad and Mom. It appears that Dad is in his final days after suffering an insidious disease for the last few years. He has good days and bad and we have no indication if the end will come tonight or next week or even next month. Please pray for his comfort and for more good days than bad. Please also pray for my Mom who has done an amazing job of caring for him at home all this time, but is really struggling at this point. Thank you!
What a great idea! Thank you so much for sharing as you do. The candy recipe is one I have made every Christmas since 1974. They are wonderful!!
I have a prayer request. Our family entered a lease/purchase agreement, made a downpayment, and moved in to our home over two years ago. The agreement was for two years. This past summer we were approved for the loan on our home, but when we started procedures to close, we found out that the homeowner with whom we had signed the lease had not made payments on the property in over a year, and it is in foreclosure. Today is the foreclosure date. We have tried to negotiate with the bank to purchase our home, but they refuse to budge. The amount they are asking for is almost $20,000 more than the price we agreed on due to the previous owners late fees and fines. We have already put nearly $40,000 into this home, and we stand to lose it all. This may sound selfish, but this home is perfect for our family. We have an adult son with disabilities, and there is a small apartment attached where he has made his home. Any major change in his life requires months of adjustment. We are waiting to see if the bank is going to evict us or finally agree to negotiate with us. Please pray for us.
Phyllis,
I’m so sorry to hear about your house. I’m praying that God will give you favor with the bank so that they will agree to help you with a loan and keep the house from foreclosing. I pray that you feel God’s presence today and rest in knowing that He promises to take care of you & your family always.
Sweet Blessings,
Leah DiPascal
Please pray for me as I struggle to find my purpose and God’s calling on my life.
I love the idea of praying for a specific family each night!
Hi Lindsay!
We are praying for you to find God’s direction and wisdom. Sometimes if you focus on following the Guide, which is God, instead of trying to find the right path, you’ll find your purpose by being obedient to His word and voice.
Proverbs 4:18 – The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.
Sometimes I try to make my “calling” so complicated but day by day, if I focus on doing the things I know God has called me to do, like reading the Word and praying everyday, I’ll stay in His will and He will reveal the next steps for me to take.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
Thank you, Natalie!
I appreciate you praying for me and I also really appreciate the Biblical advice! You are definitely right – I get caught up in the ‘big picture’ and forget that following God is all about being faithful in the small things.
Blessings to you!
Merry Christmas
Lindsay
Great idea! A few years ago, I received a card in the mail I think sometime in the summer. My friend had kept all of her Christmas cards and each week, pulled one out and prayed for that family. Then she wrote a note to that family letting them know they were being prayed for. I love that idea and will be doing it in 2013. Can’t wait to pray for my friends and family that way.
Great idea!
Please pray for my Husband and I as we are training our son about Christ’s birth is the reason for celebrating Christmas. Santa is not a part of our teaching and we have had much critisim from family members. Only Jesus can see us when we are sleeping and “every good and perfect gift comes from above”.
I’m praying for you! I think it’s wonderful you’re excluding Santa. When I’m a parent someday, I’m going to do the same thing.
I love getting Christmas cards and letters and updated photos too. This year I found out a friend has been struggling with cancer and treatments and sadly I never knew until we got the Christmas letter last week. I wish I’d known sooner to be praying specifically, but can do so now. Please pray for my friend and her family as she continues chemo. It sounds as though she is doing well, but you never know for sure with cancer! Thank you. Happily, she is a follower of Christ.
Hi Kelli,
We are praying for you friend and her family. We pray for God’s strength, peace and love to wrap around their hearts so that they can find joy this Christmas season.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
I am very thankful for what I have this Christmas. I am so blessed and have met some very amazing people in my journey with Christ.
Please pray for my son. He is struggling with his faith in God right now mainly. He was suppose to get married this past summer & they had a child together over the time they were engaged BUT she is really not matured & has gone back to a teenager life style and her faith in God wasn’t good either so he needs to not only find God again but also a God loving girl. Their poor child together also needs prayer since he is already being confused why his mom & dad are not together.
great idea! I always wondered what to do with those beautiful heartfelt cards! Love it! May I bring this great idea in my home. Please pray for a family in which their daughter has cancer! Blessings
Hi Niki,
We’re praying for healing and restoration for the young daughter. May the peaceful presence of God fill their home and hearts this Christmas. We pray for a miracle in her body.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
I’ve never really felt it necessary to ask someone else to pray for me or my family. I’ve always prayed for others. Today I’m humbling myself and asking for prayers for my 18 year old son who has de-railed himself a bit. In the last 3 weeks he started down a path that has taken him away from his family and God. We’ve never been Church regulars, but he does have a somewhat short background and learning of Jesus and God. Anyway, he has left home and his family behind while trying to search for himself in the wrong places and people. He has hurt my husband and I and his older brother deeply and doesn’t seem to want to come back right now. I’m afraid that if this goes on much longer, he will never be able to turn around and make it back to us. Please pray for our strength and his safety and direction. Most of all, pray that he remembers who truly loves and cherishes him. Thank you.
Norene – I’m so glad you posted a comment today so we could pray for you. Your son is doing what so many wonderful young adults do. And the hard part is it could go on for a few years. But I believe your son will return to you. I will pray for God to reach your son in ways that you never could, and to bring godly people along his path who can reach him when you can’t right now.
This won’t last forever. Just continue to be a mom that he wants to come home to.
Thank you.
I have a small album of Christmas cards from friends and family who have since passed… It serves as a reminder of God’s blessings from the past. I do like the idea of praying for people in the present!
Please pray for my dad. He’s only 51 and was just diagnosed with an enlarged left ventricle. Heart problems run in our family. My loving grandpa (his dad) died unexpectedly at the age of 63 of a heart attack three days before Christmas 1995. He’s concerned the same thing will happen to him.
Hi Bree,
We’re praying for your dad. We pray for healing and restoration in his body. God has a mighty plan for him. We pray the blood of Jesus over his heart.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
Thank you, Natalie!
We just found out my niece has some mental issues that she will need to be on medication for. I ask for you to agree with me in prayer that with all of this going on she will see herself as the precious daughter of God that she is and that this will not hinder her in being all God has called her to be.
Hi Crystal,
We are praying for strength and the peace of God to surround your niece and family. We pray that she will find her confidence in Christ and accept the love of Him and of every family member. God will work all things out for His glory and for her good.
Love and Peace,
Natalie
My family won’t all be together for Christmas due to work schedules and distance. I just ask that you pray for every family that can’t be together for this special day. I ask God that we might still find joy in the celebration and peace in his love, whether we’re near or far from loved ones.
Hi Lisa,
We are praying for you and your family! I know how hard it is to be far away from family during the Christmas holiday. I pray for precious memories that you’ve shared with your loved ones will fill your hearts and that you’ll all be able to find joy through Christ’s presence.
Love and Peace!
Natalie
Hi Leah,
My family had 3 losses this year and in addition to that we might loose our family business and home. In the midst of all the chaos, I am so grateful that we have Jesus in our hearts and as Christmas approaching please pray for us to keep our focus on Jesus because he is our redeamer and provider for peace, love and joy.
Pray that my husband accepts Christ. Thank you and Merry Christmas!
Hi Courtney,
We are praying for your husband. That God would open his eyes and heart to His love this Christmas season.
Blessings and Love,
Natalie
Hi Leah I would like to invite everyone to pray for all the families of those who have lost a family member in the horrible shooting in Connecticut. A big prayer for all those innocent children and their families.
I would actually like prayers as we go home for such a wonderful celebration of Jesus in our world amidst struggle and trials in our family. So many in my family are dealing with things that have turned their world upside down, and I want to be a blessing, not a burden to them over the Christmas holiday.
I praise God for all the many blessings He has bestowed upon myself, family and friends. I have a prayer request for son Jeff that he would become and active Christian. And also that God would help him through this period in his life. He is unemployed and without transportation (the engine blew up on his vehicle and he lives in the country) and needs extensive dental work. Thank you for praying. God’s blessings to all of you.
We post all of the pictured Christmas cards on our refrigerator each year and they are such a joy to share with any newcomer in our home. We pray for all of our families on a regular basis. Merry Christmas to all!
Leah, what a beautiful tradition you have with your family. I would love prayer for my Aunty who has lung cancer and there is no more the doctors can do for her and also her son Nathan who was in a motorcycle accident a month ago. They could not save his foot so had to amputate his left foot. He is dealing with a lot. His mum who is not well and the loss of his foot. He is not a Christian either so praying for people around him to show God’s love. Thank you for your prayers. Xxx
I ask for prayer for my dear friend and neighbor as she begins chemo tomorrow for breast cancer.
I love the idea. Thanks I would ask pray for my back to be able to heal. I have had many health issues for many years. It has taken it tole on me. But the chiropracter thinks if I can get my back and jaw to stay in place it would cut alot of the pain. Thanks for praying
Leah,
Thanks for sharing the great idea of praying for others. This is such a busy time of year, but with your suggestion we will by stopping and praying for the family who have mailed the Christmas cards to our home this year. I love this idea and it has potential for opening up an array of conversations.
Pray for my youngest son, Jonathan, that he will return to God this Christmas.
We’ve opened cards as a family (now just the 2 of us!) Always mean to go back & pray through them during the New Year….
Please pray for a truthful resolution to a situation (confusing situation with unknowns…) that has torn our little extended family apart.
Praying for others makes things in your life come into perspective. My husband and I personally need prayer, we are fighting depression this year. i have been extremely busy with the church, family, and work. I seem to find myself coming and going. And this is not including shopping or anything like that. I personally have only bought a cpl presents. I want peace to reign in my life and my home. Somneone else in the family is having to use my vehicle for the last few months, and everytime I have something we need to do I FEEL like I’m putting others out. I just want Peace and to be happy again. This time of the year and celebrating Christ’s birthday has always been a memoriable time of the year. Thanks for your prayers.
I love this prayer idea! My card tradition is to put each picture in a photo album (some have to be trimmed) after each Christmas. I label each new section with the year, & fill in the pix. Several years are contained per photo album. My family loves to pull the albums out each year to look at the pix of friends and family
My request: I had a total abdominal hysterectomy 2&1/2 weeks ago and our whole family
Is on tamiflu because my son got the flu over the weekend….
Even 2 pets of ours are sick…
We need a miracle of wellness and good health in our home.
Thank you!
I love love love your idea of getting the cards out and praying for someone! Such a wonderful way of keeping the spirit of this season alive all year long.
Please say a prayer for my Dad & Mom. He is battling lung cancer. I pray that he wins the battle and we have more time with him and that my Mom has the strength to love him through this. I also thank God for the strong faith we all have.
Thank you Leah and Glynnis I look so forward to your wisdom.
Kandi
First I too want to say thanks for the beautiful way to give back to the sender of Christmas Cards and not only an awesosome way to bond with our families at dinner but to share and grow in our prayer & spiritual lives. I would like to ask you to pray for mu husband and I as we have entered into a new season in our lives. My husband recently retired however it was earlier than we had planned. He was eligible to retire at the age of 52 but as we had tried to plan for our retirement yrs. and due to our financial status he had planned to work for several yrs. longer. Unfortunately, he had an accident followed by several surgeries and had to go ahead and retire. As for myself, I was diag. 10+ yrs ago with RA & other issues since. We are thankful and give God the Praise that we both are doing pretty good. I mean we both have bad days at times but know that it could be much worse. Again, I request your prayers and although we are blessed with my husbands pension and disability please pray that I can get my disab. approved as well. Leah. I Thank God for Women like you and the resourceful way of growing spiritually by reading your books. WHILE I PRAY FOR THE PERSON THAT WINS THIS BOOK, THAT IT WILL BLESS THEM AND SHOULD THAT PERSON BE ME, I PRAY I TOO WILL GROW AND THAT IT WILL HELP ME GROW CLOSER TO THE LORD AND TO BEVPERSON HE WANTS ME TO BE.