YES, GO... But Not Now

by Heather Carpenter

This past year has been quite a rock climb for me. After leaving home for college last August I was not sure if I would be able to make it through even a semester of college. However, God used that time at Appalachian Bible College for me to realize that I needed to go into nursing school. So for the spring semester I transferred to West Virginia State University in hopes of being accepted to their nursing program in the fall.

When time came to be accepted, my application was declined because I did not have enough college credits. I wasn’t sure what the Lord was doing, but I knew I had to give it to Him and stop worrying. So, that is exactly what I did and several months later, after having taken several classes, I received a call from the nursing director telling me I had been accepted into the nursing program. Words cannot describe how excited and thankful I was for this answer to prayer. Sometimes the Lord allows doors to open and close without us even being given a hint as to why, and it became clear that God was not done with the doorknob quite yet.

After I had bought my nursing uniform, went to orientation, bought my books, started studying for my future quizzes and exams; what I considered to be the worst thing to ever happen to me came to pass. I had been feeling fatigued for several months, but who wouldn’t be after working more than 60 hours a week at all hours of the day and night so you could not sleep? The Thursday before nursing school began my mom insisted I go to the doctor because my lymph nodes had been swollen for two weeks. It was then that I was diagnosed with mononucleosis. My nursing director advised me to withdraw from college this semester and try to be readmitted for next fall.

I am still very torn up about this turn of events, but I am certain that God has a plan for this as well. I’ve been wondering “Why me?”, and feeling sorry for myself, but I realize that is not the way I want my semester to start off… even if I can’t attend college. I have decided to make this semester about other people! Making care packages, writing encouraging notes to college students that are away from home, helping out in my family’s ministry, and maybe even starting some other form of ministry.

God closed the door for nursing this year, but my life is not over. This semester will be used to build a stronger relationship with my Lord, heal my body, and serve the Lord by focusing on encouraging others.

LAURA... On Prayer

Hello, folks! *winks*

     My name is Laura and I'm the sixth child of the Carpenter family. I'm writing today to kinda give you an insight on some things that are on my heart.  But truthfully, I have no idea what to write. Don't get me wrong , I have so much on my heart right now that I feel its hindering me from actually sharing what I want to share. 

      Lately, God has blessed me with an overwhelming amount of new friends showing their love for me. I've met some of them on ministry trips, some at camp, some in my own hometown, and basically.... everywhere. In getting to know some of them on a personal level, I've been able to share my story and relate to many . I've found that when you open up, others are more likely to share their own hearts. ( your thinking...ummm...duh) , but it's soo much easier said then done. 

      I was always in the mind set that I could ask someone to give me a prayer request and they would lay out their life story so I could pray for them. I would never share anything about myself because well...that's too personal but, God showed me at camp two weeks ago that He uses our past and present situations to help others around us. The trials we go through shouldn't be forgotten and never spoken of again. They should be able to make us stronger and be able to benefit the people we love around us. James 5:15 says we need to let other believers know our hurts so we may pray for one another , but how can others do that for me if I'm not willing to mention what I'm truly going through.

      When I felt God's Spirit wanting me to tell others my heart-felt prayer requests and not just a simple "unspoken" one, I was flooded with real, heart-felt requests from them.  Now I knew how I could better pray for their needs, and I found that it took my relationship with others to the next step!  I believe God has ordained everything to happen in His own time, and I'm so glad it was His timing for me to see this beautiful design of Christians praying for each other now. I have never had this amount of people to pray for in my life!

      When I would pray, I'd pray for many people , but I didn't know much about them. Now, to an extent, I'm able to pray for certain areas in their life and it's amazing. I think we Christians need to start being more open with each other.  This would draw us closer.  We shouldn't use the excuse "Well, its my life,"  because I have learned my life is not my own, it's Christ's and He wants me to share, care, and stay close to fellow believers. This is just one of the ways I can do that - Prayer.  This truth has become my own personal conviction.

      I have also found that through times of me sharing with others my praises and prayer requests , I've been able to share the gospel with unbelievers. Sharing your heart gives you tons of opportunities!  

      Christians?!  We need to get serious about prayer and become prayer warriors!  I'm constantly reading different verses about prayer; " Pray without ceasing", "Oh, Lord, in the morning, will I direct my prayer unto Thee..." and so many others. If we truly want to get closer to God, I believe the key is... prayer. 

      I'm still practicing everything I'm writing, and still have sooo much to learn. Also, I know I'm young and don't get out much, *laughs a little*, but I'm truly thankful for the things God has been showing me these past few weeks about prayer.  Maybe what I've written might encourage some of you in some way. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts and such things.

* fight the good fight and i'll be praying for the people that read this :) 

 ~ Laura Lee