Prayer for Another School Year

Where did the summer go? It seems like yesterday when the new school year was upon us with Baylee entering second grade and Nathan in kindergarten yet now, another year has gone by and both kids are moving into new classrooms, new grade levels, with new teachers.

As always, the first Friday before school starts, Jon and I open our home to friends, teachers, and strangers that all love the Lord and value the power of prayer and who are dedicated to starting the school year, covering the campus, faculty, volunteers, curriculum, and kids in prayer. I wouldn’t want to start it any other way!

This year, God brought so many new people to our group; around thirty including four teachers… it was touching! I am humbled with how many believers send their kids to Edu Prize. I am richly blessed to have a home that can host such a vital evening and a husband that has shares the same passion as I do.

Here’s to a great 2009-2010 school year! May all of us continue to pray daily for our children and the school year, as if we were gathered together in our family room.

“Lord, I thank you for the men and women who dedicate their lives to educating children. I ask you to bless them with strength, joy, great health, clarity of thinking, and strong ethics. I pray they are fruitful in every way. Please give them wisdom, patience, love, insight, endurance, joy, support, and creativity. I pray your supernatural love for each student can pour out through each teacher, allowing every child’s heart and life to count in the eyes of all the teachers, volunteers, peers, and facility.

Please sharpen the minds of our students, making them eager to learn more and give you the glory in their success. Build godly character in them. Please draw our children to You. Let them see their need of You and surrender their precious lives to You. Help them let go of what others think and to love the unlovely and be a friend to many. Help our children to obey You even when it's hard.

Thank You in advance for the work you're going to do in our teachers and students' lives this year, Lord. I pray all of these things in the strong and mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen!"

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12

(Thank you to the Keller family for watching our kiddos so it could be an "adult only", peaceful night. They had a super time!)

My Prayer Hike

This morning I woke at 4AM to meet with five gals from my prayer group to hike Usery Mountain in Mesa. We vowed to one another that once we exited the car all the way until we returned to it again, we’d stay totally silent, not talking to one another at all. The task was challenging, yet so rewarding! Three hours of alone time with God was wonderful. As I first took route on the trail, I found myself asking Christ for things (“Bless this person, help this other one, and don’t forget so and so…”) until He spoke to me, “Kymberly…just enjoy me!” So from that step on, I just praised him for all his qualities, (“Lord, thank you for always being here for me, thank you for being an unchangeable God, I praise you for your justice and grace…”).

Once I hit the top of the mountain where the Wind Cave is located, Diane, our amazing prayer group leader, gave us an envelope to open. Inside was a lovely letter as if it was written by Christ. It started out, “Come away my beloved. You do not need to make your path like a snow plow, for I say unto you, I go before you. I shall engineer circumstances on your behalf. I am your husband, and I will protect you and care for you, and make full provision for you.

“I know your need, and I am concerned for you: for your peace, for your health, for your strength. I cannot use a tired body, and you need to take time to renew your energies, both spiritual and physical. I am the God of Battle, but I am also the One who said: They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. And Jesus said, Come apart and rest a little while.

“I will teach you even as I taught Moses on the back side of the desert, and as I taught Paul in Arabia. So will I teach you. Thus it shall be a constructive period, and not in any sense wasted time. But as the summer course to the school teacher, it is vital to you in order that you may fully be qualified for your ministry…” (more followed)

I sat, read the letter, and meditated on the words, read from my Bible, then found myself breaking out in song to him for the thirty minutes I sat there overlooking the valley and watching the sun shed its full light.

Coming down from the mountain, God have me another thought. With the full light upon the path, it was so much more beautiful than as I had headed up in some darkness. Isn’t that so true?! With Christ (He is the Light), you see things in such different perspective and beauty. Oh how we all need to see his Light!

I didn't miss talking or listening to others speak. I very rarely ever get to rest in silence, yet it’s in the silence when we can really hear loud and clear what God has to say to us!

Easter Reflections

After our family dinner, we stopped by Cosmo’s Dog Park where Johnny’s memorial bench is (I love this place). We brought new flowers and just spent some time reflecting there. My brother’s life was such an answer to earnest prayer when he finally came into a personal relationship with our Savior about six years before his death. It was then that God opened his eyes and Johnny realized that Christ’s final words, “It is finished” meant that the payment for Johnny’s sins (and ours) past, present, and future were taken care of by the King. No shame is needed when we fail, just total gratitude and awe to Jesus. Whenever you feel like you’ve failed, remember Easter morning when a new life has begun…because each day is new for you too!

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas

I think I've established the fact that I LOVE Christmas cards, photos, and newsletters. I race home every day in December to the mailbox. The last few days I've had a TON of cards in our box and I just love opening them all! At dinner I share the cards, letters, and photos then we pray for the families that have sent them our way. Once Christmas is over and the cards have to come down off display, I can’t bear to throw them away, not even the Christmas annual letters! I keep them in special keeping and each day we pull one out (again) and pray for that family. It keeps us busy all year long practically!

I need to do something with all the years of cards and letters I have. Maybe I’ll put them in a scrapbook of some sort, I don’t know. It’s so fun for the kids and I to look back and see how much everyone has changed. I know, I’m a sentimental sucker! So my question to you readers is, what do you all do with the cards you receive?

(Oh how I need to get my Christmas cards done...ugh!)

An Answer to Prayer

Praise God! The bees have finally been taken care of, as of today, after numerous calls and complaints. We now can go in our backyard to play and not be worried about being stung (especially since Jon and I are allergic to them and we're going to caution that the kids probably are too). We still have no clue why they were attracted to our pool to get their water for building purposes for their hive which could be found across the golf course from us, especially since there were other closer pools. Can you hear my sigh of relief?

Answered Prayer

Thanks for your prayers! Jon’s dad, Dick, had surgery today to remove the cancer in his bladder. When he woke from the procedure, Owen got to take a ride with Papa, as Papa requested.

The Lord is good to us all and we are comforted that He is in control!

Prayer Request

This painting hung in my Grandma and Grandpa Bailey's walls all my life. I loved looking at it, imitating the man, and talking about God and prayer to my dear sweet Grandma. I believe wholeheartedly in the power of prayer. I pray numerous times a day, just holding a conversation with my “Father” and sometimes wish I could just dedicate a day to just doing that and absolutely nothing else.

Please duplicate this image and pray. Jon's father's cancer is back. We just got word tonight.

No Flu!

So many people have lifted me up in prayer. Thank you. Good news...no flu! Bad news, I guess, I never had the flu. Instead, I was/am having a severe allergic reaction to the antibiotic I was on from my allergic reaction to the bee sting. Follow that? Scottsdale Osborn hospital caught it fast and pumped me with tons of fluids and got my 104.1 temp down. Now it's the waiting it out game which includes rashes all over my body and in my throat. Thanks for your continued prayers.

Good news! We found the beehive. Now pray we can get it taken care of. It's not on our property; it's on the golf course in a brick wall between the course and a home. It'll be interesting to see how this all pans out. One thing I know for certain. It has to be taken care of very soon. We are tired of being hostage in our home from our yard…it’s been 2 weeks AND we know 2 out of 5 of us (possibly more) are allergic to the bees.

Thank You For Your Prayers!

I'm going to be a woman of few words today. I am sick with the stomach flu however I wanted everyone to know that Jon's parents made it out of Texas just in time and are home safely. Praise God! They were completely impressed with the state of Texas and how organized their evacuation took place, including 75 busses to help transport people out of the area. The place they were staying was completely demolished and the little island they were on, Galveston, is all underwater.

Prayer Request

Please lift up Dick and Carol Kempiak, my inlaws, to the Lord. They are vacationing on the coast of Galveston, Texas right now. Hurricane Ike is heading that way and we can't get in contact with them to know their "plan".

Here's the latest information sent to me from a prayer chain that I am on headed up by the President.

"The situation in the Gulf Coast is dire according to breaking news reports. People in coastal areas axzre being warned to “get out now” or face certain death. Hurricane Ike is huge and is packing winds with speeds over 100 mph that threaten to tear into Galveston, Houston and other coastal areas. The after-surge of flooding could destroy what the winds don’t.

This is a time to pray!

Houston is home to more than 4 million people, hundreds of thousands have evacuated; its surrounding area has a large concentration of oil refineries, resorts and the Johnson Space Center.

Please, join me in praying for coastal Texas and Louisiana:

For the storm to lose energy and move away from the coast
For citizens in need—particularly the marginalized, the ill and the homeless—to have assistance and guidance as they evacuate
For churches to step up and provide shelter, supplies and support when and where possible
For the protection of all involved—for police, fire and emergency medical workers, for those responsible for utilities and transportation and everyday citizens seeking refuge
For deaths, injuries and damage to be minimal"

There's More to This Life

Stephen Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth were interviewed on Good Morning America last week, hosted by Robin Roberts. They spoke out for the first time about their loss of Maria, their five year old daughter, who was tragically killed in a driveway accident earlier this year, with her brother at the wheel. Five of the seven family members explained how they are dealing with their pain and continuing to live.

From watching the interview (on YouTube…since we never have the tv on, nor have a clear reception), I saw an unwavering love in their home. The realness of “loss”, and the hope and faith of a family shined! My favorite part of the whole interview, which brought tears to my eyes was when Stephen tells the audience that as his son was rolled up in a ball in the yard, uncontrollably shaken at the accident from “his hands”, Stephen yelled out to him just before driving away to the hospital, “Will Franklin, your father loves you!” What beautiful words. Isn’t it amazing how the tongue can build up a person? I wonder what my words would have said at that very moment if it was my family involved.

“The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart, his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

(After G.M.A.’s interview with the Chapman family, they also appeared on Larry King. What opposite styles…Robin who had empathy seemed to understand what they were sharing which led her questions and Larry who couldn’t even keep Maria’s name straight, nor showed any sympathy, didn’t “get it” at all, for this reason his questions and responses after their explanations seemed “cold”. The only “plus” to the Larry King show was that he had more “time” for the interview so you got to hear more from this amazing family.)

I am grateful that no matter what I do on this earth and endure, my Father in Heaven loves me. Do you know that feeling? I pray you do.


Let's continue to pray for these precious servants of God as they deal with the grief of losing a daughter and a sister. Their incredible faith and hope is such an inspiration to me!

The Power of Prayer

Many would classify me as a prayer warrior, an honoring title I’d gladly take! For me, I’ve seen miracles done for those that have been fervently on their knees and know that nothing is too small or big for that matter to bring to the Lord.

Once we knew Baylee was accepted into Edu-Prize for kindergarten, a public charter school, God laid on my heart to hold a prayer time with other families that are believers that send their kids there. I knew of nothing “wrong”, I just knew that I wanted to make this school thing, a partnership with God as the leader. I contacted our church, asking them for suggested families and then got the ball rolling with invitations.

Since then to this past Friday night, we’ve meet a total of 5 times (twice a year…the Friday before school starts for Fall and then for Spring) and I can’t begin to tell you how simply wonderful it’s been. God’s presence is amazing and it’s also knitted many of us families together in a beautiful way.

On Friday night, 23 adults, including 3 teachers, joined us in prayer in our family room for the campus, curriculum, children, volunteers, and staff. It brought me to tears and gave me chills, uniting ourselves for One purpose. It’s calmed my anxiousness of the days ahead and truly is the BEST way to begin any school year!

“The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right and his ears are open to their prayers.” 1 Peter 3:12

(Thank you to the Keller family for watching our kiddos on Friday night so it could be an "adult only", peaceful night. They had a super time!)

Gratituesday-the Gift of Prayer and Changed Lives

Although today is a hard day, I have much to be grateful for- even under the same circumstances I am saddened about!

"Be joyful always. Pray continually. Give Thanks in All circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

At the tail end of our drive home last night from our vacation in Greer, we decided to stop at a local supermarket to grab a few essentials to get us by for the next day or so. As I closed the door to the van, a homeless man approached me asking for any spare change I might have so he could eat. I declined passing money over to him but quickly offered to buy him dinner if he’d like. He was overjoyed and thankful. When I asked what he wanted, he told me, “Water and a sandwich would do.” Needless to say, just those two simple things wouldn’t “do” for me. I went around the store grabbing some other things I thought he’d like and need (Chapstick, Vitamin water, fruit, veggies, etc.), being sensitive to the fact that he didn’t have a place to store it all. I was so honored to serve this stranger his new belongings. Tearfully he thanked me and said, “God bless you!”

I was too choked up to tell him my whole heart, although I did tell him he was loved by God and that it was God that blessed him that night. Then I went to the van, closed the door, and wept. Let me explain. My brother too was a homeless man for over 6 years of his life. Although he was deeply loved by his family, this was the lifestyle he chose for a time being, due to drug addiction and shame. All those years while Johnny was “out there” I would pray continually that someone would “be a Jesus” to him (a blessing). I prayed that the people he asked to feed him, knew Christ and showed that to him.

Skip forward to the present time, the anniversary of Johnny’s death. Coming down from the mountain, I was silently praying, pleading with God to help me with my emotions and showing me what I can do this week to honor my brother and keep his memory alive. Then wham! Out of nowhere, this beautiful homeless man walks up to me!

So today, I have much to be grateful for, don’t you think? Just in this example, I am thankful:
-for the power of prayer
-that God hears and answers our prayers
-for the fact that I have a sensitive heart towards homeless people due to my brother’s past circumstances and that I didn’t judge or look down on this stranger
-that I had the means to buy him food and remind/tell him of God’s love
-that God can use ME!
-that God is in control of all things and has the power to change lives (like my brothers…from being addicted and homeless to coming to know Christ in a personal way and turning his life over to him)

Please pray with me for this man too. Pray he can learn and love God and lean on Him to have a changed life. Pray for his protection in the meantime and that others will be used by God to show this man love in practical ways with no strings attached.

So what are you grateful for today…this Gratituesday?

Prayer Request

Please pray with me...

#1 My nephew Josh (Johnny's son) is now in a 30 day rehab center to ‘detox’ from his addiction to heroine. Last week he was picked up by police for speeding, possession of heroine, possession of needles, etc. He spent a little more than 24 hours in jail and then was picked up by his loving mother and driven to the upper state of Nevada. My prayer is that God would speak to Josh while he is there and that Josh would truly surrender his life to Christ and then live a totally transformed life. God’s power is much stronger than any addiction!

#2 Also, please continue to pray with me for the men involved in my brother’s death. We know of at least three men who were involved and one man who was with him while Johnny died and didn’t call out for help, but instead walked away from him. Pray that the images of my brother’s death and the sorrow would bring these men to their knees (if they haven’t’ already) and that they’d call to Christ Jesus for forgiveness and then have a personal relationship with Him. The best gift out of my brother’s death would be that others would come to a saving faith (like Josh and then men mentioned). Indeed, God truly would be glorified!

Memorial Garage Sale

For two weekends, I ran a garage sale to raise money for a memorial bench at Cosmo’s Park in my brother John’s name. It’s been almost a year in the making. When we found out last July the cost was going to be $1,200 we knew it would take a lot of help. It seemed almost impossible, yet I knew in my heart “What is impossible with man is possible with God!” Luke 18:27. I began praying, asking God how in the world He was going to get this money into a fund and then he answered…G-A-R-A-G-E S-A-L-E! Knowing the answer, I sent out an email to local friends and family and the generous donations of items to sell in the garage sale began pouring in! Seriously…it was amazing! Today we went to the bank to deposit the earnings, our total…$1,900! Not only will I be able to buy the bench this week, I will also be able to help out with the cost of the burial in California sometime soon. Praise God.

For those that donated, thank you! May the Lord bless you for blessing us too abundantly!

For April and Mrs. Charlotte, thank you for agonizing in my garage for hours upon hours, pricing things with me as the high temperatures were 110+!

I get to have 28 characters per slat (and I have two slats). I’d love suggestions from everyone on what to put on this permanent bench for all to see. It has to be special!

Celebrate With Us!

News came tonight that’s making us celebrate! Dick Kempiak (Jon’s dad) is cancer free! It’s been a rollercoaster of announcements, I know. One day he has it, another it’s gone, another he has it again, etc. Dick’s 2nd surgery for (what he was told) Bladder Cancer was Monday June 9th. They removed the masses, filled his bladder with chemo therapy and then began making plans for his tuberculosis injections (the treatment plan he had “signed up for” instead of removing his bladder altogether). Well, he went to the doctor’s for the results they had run from the biopsies and much to Dick’s surprise (and relief), he was told that it wasn’t cancer after all! WOW! Thank you Jesus for allowing us to rely on you and to know nothing is out of your hands.

He's My Superhero!

Nathan at age 5 ½ endured a colonoscopy today, poor guy (in addition to the “cleaning out process” yesterday which included fasting for 43 hours!). He was a trooper through his fear and discomfort. I am so proud of him and in awe of how he handled it all. He’s my superhero, hands down! Results will come back next week from his biopsies, we’ll keep you posted. I’m glad this week is almost done! It’s been a long one! I guess you can say, we're all "pooped out!"

Nathan’s orange pal, Leo came along with him today at Desert Banner. I got him dressed for the occasion as you can see from the top photo. The doctors even let Leo in the room during the hour long procedure. Nathan's face was snuggled up close to Leo's while he was deep, under anesthesia. They both took a nap together, we like to say.

Hospital policy is that patience leave the hospital in a wheel chair. Nathan did not like that policy! To help him through it, Owen jumped on for the ride too. Nathan liked that a lot! Great idea, Curious Owen. You always find a way to make us smile.


What a special blessing! Nathan received this amazing balloon bouquet with special delivery from the teachers and staff of children’s ministry at church. Talk about putting a smile on my boy's face. WOW!

A Need for Prayer, In Memory of...

Music has always been a form of ministry to my soul, no matter what the occasion or mood. I use it when I’m silly, happy, celebrating, sad, and even grieving. One of my favorite artists that has been around in my repertoire since I became a Believer in junior high is Steven Curtis Chapman. He’s an amazing song writer and singer (his latest, “Dance with Cinderella”). News came today that has brought me to tears many, many times and also that has caused me to stop and hold my children more often and a little longer while praying. For those who don’t know the tragic news (link you should check out...cute videos of little girl with daddy), Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife Mary Beth have lost their youngest daughter Maria Sue in a tragic car accident. At five years old, Maria Sue was playing in her driveway when her older brother pulled in with an SUV, unaware of his sister. Wednesday was a busy day of celebrating for their family and now…it goes down as a horrific one. I just ache for them. I pray that the peace that passes all understanding will fill their lives. God numbers our days, not man!

The Bible promises in Psalm 34, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

Psalms 61:1-4 Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings.

Here on the blog, I’m listing two songs written by Steven himself. Of course when these were written, his mind was not aware of the heartbreak he’d discover. I’m sure these lyrics would still be written today by him.

(Hiding Place by Steven Curtis Chapman)

"In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way, and I need to find a shelter before it starts to rain. So, I turn and run to You, Lord; You're the only place to go, where unfailing love surrounds me when I need it most.

You're my hiding place; safe in Your embrace, I'm protected from the storm that rages. When the waters rise, and I run to hide, Lord, in You I find my hiding place.

I'm not asking You to take away my troubles, Lord; 'cause it's through the stormy weather I learn to trust you more. And, I thank you for the promise I have come to know, Your unfailing love surrounds me when I need it most.

You're my hiding place; safe in Your embrace, I'm protected from the storm that rages. When the waters rise, and I run to hide, Lord, in You I find my hiding place.

So let Your people seek You while You may be found, 'cause You're our only refuge when the rain comes pouring down."


(With Hope by Steven Curtis Chapman)

“This is not at all how we thought it was supposed to be
We had so many plans for you we had so many dreams
And now you've gone away and left us with the memories of your smile
And nothing we can say and nothing we can do
Can take away the pain the pain of losing you, but ...

We can cry with hope we can say goodbye with hope
'Cause we know our goodbye is not the end, oh no
And we can grieve with hope 'cause we believe with hope
(There's a place by God's grace)
There's a place where we'll see your face again, we'll see your face again

And never have I known anything so hard to understand
And never have I questioned more the wisdom of God's plan
But through the cloud of tears I see the Father's smile and say well done
And I imagine you where you wanted most to be
Seeing all your dreams come true 'cause now you're home
And now you're free, and ...

We have this hope as an anchor 'cause we believe that everything
God promised us is true, so ...

We wait with hope and we ache with hope
We hold on with hope we let go with hope”



Aren’t these so beautifully said?!

(Please join me in prayer for this family in the midst of the storm. Feel free to leave those comments, prayers, and scripture verses on this post in the comment section. Thank you.)

Mail can be sent to them at: PO Box 150156 Nashville, TN 37215.

Prayer Needed

Please pray for Jon's dad, Dick Kempiak. Today we heard that his bladder cancer is back. Many hard decisions need to be made shortly. He is scheduled for another surgery on Monday, June 9th.

Prayer Request

Our family would covet your prayers for my mom, Sally. She has not been feeling well for months and has been diagnosed/ treated for Valley Fever. After taking the strongest medication on the market, nothing has changed. After a second opinion today, she’s been told that she must have surgery on her lungs quickly. She has a hole, the size of a tangerine, on one lung and it needs to be fixed or cut out. The doctors are pretty sure this is not cancer. Surgery is not scheduled yet however it’ll be in May.

My mom is single and is the only source of income. As you can imagine, she is scared for her diagnosis but also full of worry about her job (if it will be there for her once she recovers) and finances. The doctors told her that this is a very painful surgery and recovery. They also said she’ll more than likely be out of work for 2 months.

Please pray!

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” Isaiah 26:3

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4