My oldest needs your prayers. His story.
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Posted:Nov 9, 2007 7:08 pm
Last Updated:Nov 11, 2007 8:26 am 3029 Views
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When he was 5, his dad deemed him a lost soul…Tim had made a normal childish mistake...he was a ‘disobedient’ ; a shame to his dad.
A knock came at the door one evening. It was our neighbor. The man came in peace to tell us the danger that our was facing.
We had a fence around our yard and the 3 oldest boys had a play area in the wooded area in the back. While I couldn’t see the area from the window, I knew that the area was safe, and they knew not to leave the yard alone. I also knew that they were basically obedient , so I didn’t worry about them out there. I’d check on them from time to time, but I didn’t hover over them and didn’t feel the need to...besides that, I had a baby in the house, school papers to check, and a house to manage.
Anyway, the man came to tell us that Tim, my oldest , had been coming over the fence to explore an interesting concrete cellar by the man’s house. It had a drop off part to it, and the man was worried that Tim would fall several feet down onto the concrete and get hurt. The man stammered for words as he apologetically told us the news...it seemed almost painful for him to do. He assured us that he wouldn’t mind if the boys played over there, but was worried about their safety.
I suppose the news must have disappointed his dad so much that he developed an almost instant disliking for the …but he was dear to me; I learned from the experience that my had a very deep need to explore and learn everything he could…hands on. What an understatement that seems to be after years of watching the grow and learn!
More of his story later…I’ll add to the above. But for now, please pray for him; there’s many things going on his life for him to despair about…yet he hangs on with a fervor that I admire…and a faith in God that there IS a reason for him to live in this world.
My Mood & Feelings: love, compassion, hope because prayer changes things, faith in God to answer the joint prayers for Tim
He longed for his dad’s attention, acceptance, and approval...he still does, and he still doesn't get it...at least, not in the right way. His dad still sees him as a dishonorable .
At age 5-7 he watched out the window with his 2 younger brothers as his dad played with his 7 year old nephew. The three watched as their dad taught his nephew things that they were not allowed to learn from him.
I walked into the room and wondered why they all gazed so sadly out the window. I looked and saw their dad happily playing with the ‘precious’ bow and arrow that my boys were ‘too young’ and ‘not responsible enough’ to play with, EVEN with their dad. I told them that they could go outside if they wanted to. Their sad reply was, “Daddy said we couldn’t come out and to go see what Momma wanted them to do.” I called my husband and calmly asked him why the boys weren’t allowed to be out there learning too. His answer was simple, “They’re too young and irresponsible to learn this…it’s a skill. Michael D. is smart enough to learn it...he listens to me.” I told him it wasn’t right, and that it was hurting his own boys for him to leave them out. I asked him could they at least come outside and watch...did they have to stay in the house? The answer: “Oh Karen. You always make things so difficult. He then put up the bow and arrow and proceeded to the next activity with his nephew.
When he was 12, he would go out on the steps to sit with his dad just to talk to him…his dad would send him in to see what Momma wanted him to do.
Between the age of 12 and 15, and maybe beyond that as well, he was sneaking out of the house to explore...documented ‘haunted houses’ that he had self-studied about were among his explorations. He was curious...he wandered if they really were haunted like the book had said. Mind you, I had no idea that he had studied this...apparently, he had read the book during one or more of our visits to the library.
When he was 15, he was picked up for breaking and entering into a movie theater and stealing the little things he ‘needed’ to make a movie. He was released into my custody after a painful night in jail to serve a year’s probation.
Tim is an artist…he’s very gifted and he’s blessed with a survivor heart. When he gets knocked down, he prays. He sees the knock-down as a stepping stone, and develops even more determination to get back up and to survive. Among his many talents he draws comics, produces movies, writes and plays music, and is currently in the process of perfecting his first book and writing the sequel to the first at the same time. He is 27 years old.
When Tim was just barely 18, he was picked up for shoplifting...those 2 packs of cigarettes cost him $500, a night in jail, and another year of probation. Another year by my side and in my sight, since that was the requirement to keep him out of jail...because even the law knew that he didn’t have a criminal heart...his dad couldn’t see it that way. He saw him as demon possessed; a ‘bad’ ...a shameful ...a that was already in hell, and just waiting for 'God' to send him there. I don't know what 'god' he was believing in, but it wasn't the same One that I know...the One who SAVES souls...the One who forgives mistakes.
Shortly after he was off of probation, his dad put him out on the street. For the next 3 years, he went through heartache and hardship. He met scores of people who were willing to 'help' him. Interesting how the wrong kind of people can come out of the woodwork when you're down and out.
Life really wasn't a party for him throughout this time...he was a miserable soul. He would call me for counsel, prayer, food, and love. One time he asked me why it was that all of these people seemed to be able to do whatever they wanted and they'd just get out of it. He on the other hand didn't get out of anything, he observed. I reminded him that he was a Christian and knew better than to be involved in some of the stuff that the other people were into.
During the time he was out 'on the street' looking for a place to rest his weary head, God used him to minister to his peers. One young girl stands out in my mind...Jamie.
She was 17, hotheaded, mischievous, and very manipulative...it didn't fly with me, so she developed a liking for me. This young girl would cut herself, among other things, to get attention. She lived in a small town where drugs were plentiful, and the law protected the pushers. Her parents were bikers, and into witchcraft. The whole community where she lived seemed to stand in unity even though it was for all of the wrong reasons.
One day, I received a call from her. She thanked me for raising Tim as I did. She told me that before she met him, that she had never even heard of Jesus...no one ever told her, but that my did and it had changed her life.
You can't imagine how blessed I felt! Because during the time that Tim was running with her, my heart was grieving for my . I couldn't sleep nights because I KNEW that he was in danger, and I felt his heart of gold reaching out and praying for God to rescue Him.
At the same time, his dad was trying to convince me to give up on Tim...saying that he was a lost cause, and that he hated him and wished he'd go on and go to hell. I could not keep silent on this! I had to stay in intercession for Tim, his dad, and myself...that God would help me to continue to love this unforgiving, heartless man.
I prayed that his dad would see the light, and help me pray for our . I prayed for Tim...his safety, his return, AND that God would use him while he was out there...somewhere...for His own glory. I figured if Tim had to go through all of this, it might as well do some good...AND I was mad at the devil for trying to claim my when he had been given back to God as his vessel on the 8th day of this life. Satan was not only trying to steal Tim away from God, but away from me, and life itself...I wasn't inclined to stand still for that! It was all out war.
Another person I remember that I learned had found Christ after Tim and two more of my sons ministered to him, was a young man...David H.
The young man had lost both of his parents to death early in his life, and had no living relatives that would take him in...he lived on the street and wherever he could find to stay. He had lived a very lonely life, but he was a survivor and a hard worker. As a result of his deep loneliness and longing for a family and love, he had gotten deeply into porn.
David H. worked with my 3rd , Matt, pushing carts at Walmart. He was impressed by Matthew's faith in God and learned things from him, but since David was sort of a 'wild' , he needed someone who had been subjected to harsh realities in life...Tim.
After Tim and David H. met each other, they developed a friendship based on mutual compassion for each other's hardships. Tim began to minister to David, but at the same time the two of them kept bringing in other 'misfits' that soon got both of them into trouble.
David disappeared for awhile...actually, more than once...and when he came back, he had been born again. The change in his countenance was incredible, to say the least! I remember asking Matt at work one day, "What has happened to David? I see something diffent in him." Matt said, "Oh Momma, he got saved." Hallelujah! 
David got an apartment near his job and tried staying away from the crowd that would cause weakness in him, but his compassion for other hurting young people got the best of him. When he found out that Tim was living on the street, he invited him to come and stay with him...free of charge until Tim could get on his feet.
It was amazing! Tim called me one day and said, "Momma, did you know that David H. got saved? WOW! He's one of the last people I would have expected to get saved." I asked him how David was doing with his salvation. He told me that it was definitely genuine, and I knew this because there was a marked change in him...but I wanted to know if he was growing in the Lord...I was concerned for him. Tim told me that David kept his Bible by his bed, and read it often. He also kept going to church for awhile, and he testified to Tim how the Lord had saved him...there was a shining in his eyes as he spoke, Tim said.
Well, David ran off again and left Tim with his apartment. He was chasing after a love he thought might become a reality, and when he came back, he had lapsed back into some of his old ways.
At that time, he moved back into his apartment with Tim, and began to take in anyone who was living on the street, BUT he was not yet strong enough to endure what lay ahead of him.
David's gone now...we're not sure where he is, but we know one thing...David got saved, so God knows where he is, and we KNOW that David is safe in His hands.
During the time when Tim's dad had him banned from our home, we still saw each other and Tim still called me. I would have to go against what his dad thought was right just to feed this at times, but I did...and I knew I wasn't wrong to do so. I took him blankets and whatever he needed, AND many nights sat up just to let him pour his heart out and to pray with him.
His heart was breaking during this time, because he felt that his dad must be right...that he was unsaveable...that he had gone to far and that God didn't want him anymore. God and I really had to work hard on him concerning this issue, because his dad had almost completely broken his spirit.
He broke into tears one night and said that he could see how that God could mend the hearts between him and I, and maybe even his brothers in time...but that he could see absolutely no way that his dad would EVER see him as anything ever again! I reminded him that prayer changes things and that when two pray together...so we prayed together about the injured relationships that night, and beyond.
Life looked so dark to Tim during that time...he felt so much false guilt, and the persecution he felt from his dad was almost too much for him to bare. I kept assuring him that God WOULD bring good out of this time...that light would come. He clung to the words and survived. God DID bring him through, and he's stronger for it today. Now, NO ONE can tell him that God doesn't love him, and that he isn't a of God.
At one point, I learned that Tim was drinking and driving. I warned him that if he didn't stop I would have no choice but to take him off of my insurance...he didn't stop, so I did just that.
That broke my heart to have to do that...I knew he couldn't stand on his own right then.
What broke my heart even more was that after having bailed him out of jail twice for simple things, I had to warn him that if he went back to jail I would leave him in and let him learn the hard way. I told him that it was time to stop living wrecklessly. I begged him to not push me to that point, because I WOULD do it.
I woke up one night sensing a need to pray for Tim over the drinking and driving issue...I felt genuine concern. I prayed that God would get him off of the road BEFORE he either killed himself or someone else. I knew that if Tim killed someone else, he'd never be able to get over it...his heart runs deep, like mine does.
The next morning, I received a call...a bail bondswoman. I listened as she told me that my was in jail and his car had been impounded. She said that she had talked to him and that he sent the message, "Please Momma, get me out of this place...I can't stand it." I knew that the urgency in his words came from KNOWING that I would keep my word...he hoped to changed my mind with his message.
I told the lady to tell him first that I love him very much, and tried to prevent this from happening to him. And then, I had to tell her the words that broke my heart to say. I told her to tell him that I would get his car out of impound, but that I wouldn't get him out of jail this time...just like I had warned him.
Tim had apparently touched this woman's heart so deeply that she begged me to get him out. She told me what a good young man he was, and how she knew that he didn't belong in jail...I knew that. She told me she thought it wouldn't be good for him to stay in with criminals. I told her that I couldn't do it, and that it was for HIS sake that I couldn't. Because, though I knew he didn't belong in jail, and it would be very stressful to him, he HAD TO learn the lesson...and he WOULD survive...and he did just that. I told her, "My sons know me by my word. They know that I will be the first to stand beside & behind them, AND the first to bust them when they need to be busted. I can't back down on my word. He's gone too far, and this time he has to face the consequences...but tell him he can call me and we can talk."
When I got off of the phone, I looked up toward heaven and said, "God? This wasn't exactly what I was talking about." And then I cried and prayed for my . I had to smile at this though, because in this God showed me just how fast He will answer prayer when you're praying according to His will. MAN, what a way to learn about prayer! 
It was a hard month and a half. It was supposed to be two months, but Tim finally had to plea bargain when he could stand no more.
He called me daily during that time...what a phone bill...but it was worth it, because Tim needed to know that I was standing beside him in heart and prayer. I don't think he would have come out of there alive if I hadn't accepted the calls...he needed me to minister to his needs while he was in there...he needed to hold a hand.
Among other things, I told him that God didn't put him there, but that if He allowed him to go there, He would protect him AND use him to minister to others if he would allow him to. I believe it was to protect Tim from his own recklessness, and to wake him up...he was heading down a road with no return.
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Karen & Sons - Update
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Posted:Nov 2, 2007 1:45 pm
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2007 9:31 pm 2511 Views
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Due to all of the ‘publicity’ I seem to be getting around here concerning our needs, I suppose it’s time for an update.
We’re all well AND still together. We still have a home to live in, EVEN IF it DOES need repair…it’s ours.
I guess to some it would appear that we’re living sub-standard, but we don’t see it that way.
TRUE, everything IS out of order since we are in the remodeling process, AND it IS going much slower than we would like since the funds aren’t available for everything we need. It seems like just as we start to get a handle on one thing, something else breaks down, goes out, OR another priority takes the place of what we’re working on.
BUT, it’s all just a part of the wild roller coaster ride we’ve been on for a couple of years...life.
We’ve learned so much from this time of trials, and we’ve all grown so much closer to each other, that we don’t feel we have much to complain about.
God has brought us through EVERY single trial we’ve been through, and has given us reason to rejoice and be glad...just more reasons to make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
We’re not unhappy. Sometimes frustrated because of the ongoing hardships, and almost constant changes in what we think the plan is, but definitely NOT unhappy. We feel that we’re actually blessed to have learned what we know now... how to live through it and survive .
Concerning my oldest 4 sons:
God is bringing them back to us. We are now beginning to reap the 'fruit' of all of the prayers that have gone up for those sons of mine...including all of YOUR prayers. It's a beautiful thing to watch unfold.
I guess that's all for now...there's too much to write about, and the living room floor awaits me.
We will continue to wait on the Lord to supply our needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus...same as always. IF He chooses to delay, we will continue as always. We will search for some kind of lesson to learn. We will strive to keep the peace, joy, and love that He has given us in our home...no matter WHAT the condition.
Written with Love and Thankfulness for our friends here at BC. Thank you all for standing with us with your prayers and support.
Karen & Sons
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4 Days Later...
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Posted:May 17, 2007 10:00 pm
Last Updated:May 22, 2007 5:20 am 2320 Views
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2 deputies...I slept in my truck in my driveway. Is this a crime I don't know about?
2 constables...God used an unsuspecting enemy to vouch for me AND provide the need at the time WITHOUT asking him. Is God cool, or what?
The return of a constable, insults, the loss of a boyfriend, the restoration of a friendship...
ANYWAY, you get the picture.
YES, there's trouble all around...yet, somehow God always makes it fun for me. It may start out as something stressful and hard, but then becomes a party. THAT'S just TOO cool, ya'll!!!
REJOICE! OUR prayers are even now being answered AND God is sending help. Hey, it ALWAYS happens.
Love ya'll,
Karen & Sons
& = a sent in.
YES!!!
Partial SONG LYRICS: There's always Someone to back me up; through my anguish He always sees me through...my life revolves around Him...what ya got to show for yourself? I'll never be let down; ya can't stop me now. I'll never be let down; ya can't stop me now!
My Father's bigger than yours, so you better watch yourself, cause He's got my back! My Father's bigger than yours, so you better watch yourself, cause He's got my back! REJOICE!
THERE'S MORE...
genre = hard Christian Rock...what else?
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DISTRESS CALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AND update :)
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Posted:May 13, 2007 11:55 pm
Last Updated:May 24, 2007 9:53 am 2655 Views
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ANOTHER NAME FOR IT???????????????????????????????
"A CALL FOR PRAYER" !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
UPDATE:
WE are eating daily! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WE are well! HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Though SOME may wish otherwise, WE still live, breathe, and stand for GOD'S will.
YES, WE still smile! SMILE PEOPLE...THERE AINT (yeah, yeah...improper english) NOBODY BUT OUR GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Karen & Sons ( holding it together...HOW? ... ONE WAY...ONE GOD. ) YES!!
DISTRESS CALL:
I'm in major trouble.
WHY? [BECAUSE I DARE to deal with the whores, the drunks, and the meth addicts...SO, THEY come after me...
WHY? BECAUSE I chose on a HOT Texas night to sleep in my truck..NOW, all _________ has broke loose.
WHO? bottom line: satan
God CHOSE to send us (Karen & sons) THE dope addicts, drunks, and whores. I WON'T BACK OUT... WHAT AN EXCITING LIFE!!! ...watching them melt before God... HALLELUJAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEANWHILE:
IT comes with persecution.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY! WE ARE STILL HERE!!! HALLELUJAH!
YEAH, YEAH... IF there's a stray to pick up...I'm usually there.
HOWEVER:
WE NEED PRAYER BACK UP...DUH, as usual.
That's all I can give you now; but again satan threatens this family...that's WHY I call for BACK-UP prayer...FROM? you...my BC & Christian family.
I'm in...
I'll stay in until HE pulls me out.
A little wild... uh, huh BUT I am very serious about these matters...but NOT sad.
PRAY, PRAY, PRAY. That's all.
Love all of you though I am very busy. Pray I can find the time to write about it.
Love,
Karen & Sons
PS In faith:
Cool, huh? Love y'all. Keep on smiling...it's worth it when you smile in the right direction.
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A 'Treasure' for My Wedding
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Posted:Mar 7, 2007 10:40 pm
Last Updated:May 13, 2007 11:11 pm 2661 Views
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Jeff heard this song on the radio by tobyMac...one of my favorites...and said "Momma, you've just gotta hear this song; I can just see you jumping up to dance to it and saying, 'YES, I love this song!'...he was right...SO, after hearing that I had heard the song and what I thought about it...tonight, he went out and bought the CD for me.
I heard it today for the first time, and decided that not only do I like it, but I want it to be one of my wedding songs. Even though the song was written to the Lord, I think, with a little revision it will fit nicely into the list of songs that the boys and I have been compiling for my one-of-a-kind, unique wedding-to-be. It's a song that speaks some of what I feel in my heart for my 'Adam'...like I said, "with a little revision, it will fit nicely."
Made to Love
by tobyMac - Portable Sounds
The dream is fading now I'm staring at the door
I know it's over 'cause my feet have hit the cold floor
Check my reflection, I ain't feeling what I see
It's no mystery
Whatever happened to a passion I could live for?
What became of the flame that made me feel more?
And when did I forget...
Chorus
That I was made to love You
I was made to find You
I was made just for You
Made to adore You
I was made to love, and be loved by You
'Cause You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said You'd keep me never would You leave me
I was made to love
And be loved by You
The dream's alive with my eyes open wide
Back in the ring, You got me swingin' for the grand prize
I feel the haters spittin' vapors on my dreams
But I still believe...
I'm reaching out, reachin' up, reachin' over
I feel a breeze cover me called Jehovah
And Daddy I'm on my way...because I was made to loveeee...
I was made to love You
I was made to find You
I was made just for You
Made to adore You
I was made to love and be loved by You
Because You were here before me
And You were waiting on me
And you said You'd keep me never would You leave me
I was made to love
And be loved by You
I was made to love You
I was made just for You
Made to adore You
I was made to love and be loved by You
Because You were here before me
You were waiting on me
And you said You'd keep me never would You leave me
I was made to love
And be loved by You...loved by You
This is how my heart sounds...like in the song.
La la la la
La la la la la
La la la la
La la la la la
Anything, I would give up for You...la la la la
Everything, I'd give it all away...la la la la la
Anything I would give up for You...la la la la
Everything, I'd give it all away...la la la la la
Anything, I would give up for You...la la la la
Everything I'd give it; I'd give it all away...oh yeah
'Cause I was made to love you...I was made to love you
Yeah I was made to love you...I was made to find you
Yes, I was made to love...I was made to adore you...made just for you...la la la la la
I was made to love you...
YEAH, Jeff was right...it's so me.
Karen
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