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Closing Out 2017 With Much Gratitude And Hope

12/31/2017

2 Comments

 
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As I wrote my New Year's Eve post last year, I was patiently waiting for copies of my book to arrive.  Unfortunately, I soon learned after the first of the year that my publisher (Tate Publishing) had been sued and the company was going out of business. My books never arrived.  The official release date for my book was scheduled to be February 28, 2017. That day came and passed and it seemed that I was no closer to having my book published than before I had even started writing it. 

After several attempts with other publishing companies I was still at square one.  Finally, I found Vesuvius Press in Phoenix, Arizona.  Jeffrey Campbell helped make my book a reality under the Amor Deus Publishing label.  While my book is not available on the big sites such as Amazon or Barnes and Noble, I am grateful to have copies in hand. I never imagined that the journey to get my book in print would be so lengthy.

The feedback that I have received has been very positive.  That is especially true when someone reads the book and then contacts me to get additional copies to give away as gifts.  My main goal in writing the book was to help people who are hurting.  I think it is serving that purpose.  The difficulties I encountered on the road to getting the book published were worth it if my writing helps ease the pain of others even a little.

My New Year's Eve tradition is to stay home where it is warm, quiet, and peaceful.  I will be following that same tradition this year.  I especially like to end the year in a spirit of prayer.  

First of all, I give adoration, thanks and praise to God for all the blessings in my life.  I am grateful for the gift of family, friends, faith, and fellowship.  I am grateful for the privilege to minister as a deacon in the Church for these last 18 and a half years.


It seems like there is never a shortage of people to pray for and concerns to be brought before the foot of the cross.  Here are some of my petitions for this New Year’s Eve.
 
I pray for all church leadership—the pope, bishops, priests, deacons, religious, and all lay leaders striving to proclaim the Good News of Salvation in their respective roles.  Fill them with zeal, energy, hope, integrity, courage, perseverance, and a genuine love for God’s people.  
 
I pray for all who bear the name of Christian—may each of us live our lives in such a way that we truly bear witness to Jesus Christ.

 
I pray for all who do not know Jesus Christ—may they come to encounter the living God through the faithful witness of those who believe and follow in the footsteps of Christ.
 
I pray for all government leaders worldwide—may they govern with wisdom, prudence, and integrity as guided by the Holy Spirit.  Specifically, I pray for our president and vice president, the current U.S. Supreme Court Justices and any to be appointed, the U.S. Senators and Representatives, Cabinet Officials, ambassadors, and all appointees who wield power and influence.


I pray for all local government officials as well—the governors, lieutenant governors, secretaries of state, treasurers, auditors, senators, representatives, judges, mayors, city administrators, council men and women, sheriffs, and all appointees who wield power and influence in any way.  May each of them carry out their duties with diligence, prudence, wisdom, and integrity.
 
I pray for who are struggling in any way.  I pray for those whose hearts are broken due to relationships falling apart.  May the shattered hopes and dreams eventually be pieced back together in renewed spirit and vigor.

I pray for the incarcerated and all of their families--may they find strength, hope, healing, and conversion.

I pray for the homeless—may they find shelter in the immediate circumstances and eventually obtain a safe haven that is more permanent.
 
I pray for the unemployed and the underemployed—may all who seek gainful employment be successful in their endeavors.

 
I pray for all those suffering from physical illness—may they experience healing, comfort, and peace through the mercy of the Divine Physician.
 
I pray for all those suffering from mental illness and emotional issues—may they find solace and healing from the support and encouragement of loved ones.  May they also experience beneficial help from the medical community and the healing touch of our Lord.
 
I pray for all who are depressed, especially those contemplating suicide—may they reach out and get the help they need to cope with the current circumstances and be led to healing and wholeness in the love of Jesus Christ.

I pray for all those who are home-bound, in hospitals, nursing homes, and under the care of hospice—may they experience genuine love from those who care for their needs.
 
I pray for the terminally ill—may they find comfort in the love of family and friends and eternal hope in the embrace of Jesus Christ who is Lord forever and ever.
 
I pray for all those suffering from addictions.  Through God's grace, the help of others, and a definitive purpose to be set free, may each of you truly experience the freedom you desire.

I pray for all those family members who care for loved ones who are suffering—may God fill you with patience, fortitude, and strength.
 
I pray for all who are grieving the death of a loved one—may you find comfort and peace in the warm embrace of God’s love and the care and concern of other family members and friends.

 
I pray for the safety of all travelers.

I pray for our law enforcement personnel and other first responders—may they be protected at all times, but especially on this particular night which generally adds to the stress level of their positions.  Give each of them keen insight and awareness, quick reflexes and solid judgments, and bring them safely back to their families at the end of their shift.
 
I pray for all who are coping with natural disasters.  
 
I pray for our culture—may we turn back to God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength.
 
I pray that we may be aware of the sacred dignity and value of each human life from conception through natural death.  May we build a true culture of life in our society.
 
I pray for all couples preparing for marriage and those who are newly married—may their future children draw them closer to Christ and to each other.         
 
I pray for all children who will be born today—may they may come to know a world which chooses life over death and light over darkness. 

 
I pray for all little children who await the birth of a new sister or brother—may the joyful expectation that shows in their eyes inspire their parents to hope and conviction. 
 
I pray for obstetrical doctors and nurses and all who nurture the life of children in the womb--may God bless them for their faith, compassion, and love. 
 
I pray for all who have been scarred by the tragedy of abortion—may they experience repentance, healing, and peace. 
 
I pray for all people who work in the media—may God move them to a conversion of heart which reverences human life and upholds the dignity of human sexuality.
 
I pray for those who march for life in Washington, D.C. and all across the nation each January—may their voices be heard and the lives of children be saved. 
 
I pray for all those trapped in human trafficking—may they be set free from the bondage they are in and society effectively address the needs of the vulnerable among us.
 
I pray for the refugees and all persecuted Christians—may they find safety and security from those who want to do them harm.

I pray for all who have died this past year.  May they rest in God's eternal dwelling.

I pray for peace throughout the world.

 
Finally, I pray for myself. Lord, please help me to grow in wisdom and in favor with You in 2018.  Give me Your grace and Your blessing that I may root out sin from my life and join my will more completely to Your Divine Will.  Dear Lord, make me holy as you are holy!

I close with this personal message to each of you.

Dear Readers,

If you have specific prayer requests that you would like included in my list of intentions, please mention them in the comment section below.  If it is a private request that you don't want everyone to see, feel free to e-mail it to me at:

deaconvernon@gmail.com

I trust in the Sacred Scriptures which tell us the power of two or more praying together for a specific intention.  I look forward to joining my prayer with yours.

Have a wonderful end to the year 2017.  May 2018 bring you an abundance of God's grace, mercy, and healing!

Sincerely,

Deacon Vernon 

2 Comments
Donna Casalone
1/2/2018 02:59:29 pm

Hi Vernon,
Thank you for your continued prayers from my LTKR surgery on 12/5/17. The first 2 weeks were very rough. I developed a hematoma in my Left Knee capsule from the blood thinners that I take for my hx of PEs. The Dr. Has limited the PT to decrease the chance of internal bleeding in my knee for now. I go back to the Dr this Friday and I think he will be pleased with the decreased swelling. I started Out Pt. PT 2 X per week last week. I am still using a walker to get around. Pain is under control now with the pain pills. I am trying to learn the lessons that this Journey brings. I know God is walking beside me. I am grateful for all the Blessings that God has given to me.
I read your book and was inspired by your words. Thank you for sharing your story and giving HOPE to others. I related to so much in your book especially since our paths crossed when we both were struggling with Cancer. It brought back a lot of memories. Last summer, I celebrated 30 years since my Hodgkins Disease DX. I reflected on the experience and started to write about it with the plan to share my letter to our 2 sons. Sad to say that I never
finished it . It just did not come together like I thought it would. I admire you for your persistence in your writing...i am sure you ran into road blocks and struggles while writing. It stirs up a lot of emotions. No doubt, the Holy Spirit was guiding you and your hand. Know Vernon, that God has used you to be a guiding Light for others. Thank you to You AND to Margaret for answering His call. You are making a difference in people's Lives.
In November 2017, Greg celebrated 40 years of practicing Dentistry in the town of Elsberry, MO. I believe too that God is using him to be of service to the poor. He has maintained his commitment to honoring God through helping people with his gift of Dentistry. He has traveled many miles and hours on the road over the last 40 years in his career.
I retired from Nursing 3 years ago. I found the game of Pickleball and Love it!! I hope to play Pickleball again after my recovery from LTKR. Greg and I love the game, the exercise and the friends that it brings. Please keep me in your prayers that my recovery is quick and complete. It has been a challenge for me. I also have been a Mercy Hospice Volunteer for 16 years now. Also, our church started up a new group called Cancer Companions and I am one of the founders/group leaders. More faith based compared to Make Today Count but my background helped me in this role. It amazes me how God uses us.
We pray for you and your family this coming year and pray that God will continue to walk with you as you follow His Path. You give HOPE to others along with being an Inspiration to all. God Bless you always. Best Wishes and our Love to Margaret, Maria, Tyler and Joseph! Maybe 2018 will bring a new life in your family and you will enjoy Grandparenting! So fun....Anthony and Becki have 3 adorable children and live close by. Brian and Claudia have been married for 1 1/2 years now and live in Columbia, MO.
MAY WE ALL ENJOY A HAPPY, HEALTHY NEW YEAR FILLED WITH GOD'S BLESSINGS!
Thank you for your continued prayers...much appreciated!
Let us know when you are in St. Louis again
We miss you both! We receive an update Christmas Letter from Marilyn Anrobus every year. We have plans to get together this year. I did not send out a Christmas Letter this year due to my LTKR surgery.
Please take Care of yourself and we will keep you all in our prayers!
Thank you again for sharing your story/Book with others...well written and REALLY enjoyed the the Reflection Questions at the end of each short chapter. Lessons to learn and think about to help us grow in our Faith with God!
Much Love to you all and Blessings,
Donna Casalone

Reply
Deacon Vernon
1/2/2018 03:44:43 pm

Thanks Donna. It has been quite the journey. It is hard to believe that 30 years have passed since we met at "Make Today Count."

(I can't believe it took me 30 years to write the book. Marilyn asked for me to write my story immediately upon completing my chemo treatments. You are right. There were many obstacles and challenges to recalling the memories and writing of the many difficulties surrounding the chemo treatments.)

I hope your current need for healing progresses smoothly from here on. There is still much to do. Pickleball? Really? I have never played. Now I am a little intrigued.

Thank you for your kind words and your friendship. May 2018 be a year filled with blessings!

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    This is my personal blog.  The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers.  This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.

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