I’d love to pray for you today. Any request, big or small, anonymous or no, a hurt that needs healed, a situation that needs fixed, a desire you’d like met. Just tell me, and I’ll take it to God for you, with you. Nothing is too silly for Him.

If nothing else, I’ll pray He draws each of us closer to Himself as we finish this year and begin the next. Love you guys!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes! I have never loved Facebook more than I love it today.

How’s my birthday going, you ask? So far, so crappy. No, really. I’m working on an optimistic attitude, looking for all the happy. Looking, looking…

I went to bed at 7:20 last night. And got up at 10:30. That is a TON of sleep. And sleep? Not generally my activity of choice when my mother-in-law has graciously offered to keep our children for 2 whole days (!).

Anyway, I missed a Delightful Costume Party I’d been looking forward to for a month. And I don’t know that I’ll be going anywhere fun today (I guess I didn’t mention what my deal is–I have some sort of sinus infection where my head and ears feel like they’re going to explode).

HOWEVER, I have something fun I’d like to do right here from the comfort of my desk chair.

I’d like to give some unborn babies the gift of a BIRTH-day this year.

I’ve mentioned several times that I would love to give away thousands of copies of my book Expecting to mamas-to-be who weren’t planning on having a baby. Mamas who are young and/or scared and/or poor and/or unmarried. Mamas who know that the easiest thing to do (maybe the only feasible thing to do) would be to have an abortion.

My hope and prayer is that a pregnant girl would see the drawings of a baby in the womb, read the descriptions and prayers, and that God would whisper to her heart, “There’s a real baby in your belly. A person. A sweet, innocent little life that I created. Please give him the chance to grow up.”

Two moms of teenage boys approached me this week. Both of their sons’ girlfriends are pregnant. I sent Expecting to one, and I’m getting ready to send it to the other. The one girl already read the entire thing (in one day) and wants to come to church with her boyfriend’s family this week.

I can’t tell you how this thrills my soul. I want so badly for God to use my writing to touch hearts, change lives, bring people to Him. I love it when He lets me witness it happening.

So, here’s the deal: in lieu of a birthday gift (because I’m sure just about all of you were contemplating getting me one), would you donate an Expecting book to a scared, hurting mama-to-be here in my hometown Columbus, Ohio? (I’m going to give them to the Pregnancy Decision Health Center to give to the women who come asking for help.)

The books cost me a little over $8 apiece, but if you just donate $5, I’ll donate a book. (and put your first name on the From line if you’d like)

And then I’d ask just one thing more. Would you commit to praying for the woman who will receive your book? I dream of saving hundreds of babies from abortion, but then the reality hits me. How are these mamas going to take care of their babies after they’re born? And how are we going to help?

It’s one thing to be against abortion. It’s another to offer a viable alternative.

I don’t have the answers, so I’m just going to start here.

If you’d like to donate an Expecting book to a pregnant woman in need, click here and donate $5. I’ll write your first name where it says From (unless you specify not to). Your gift will mean that a little baby might have a chance to be born. Have a birthday. I can’t think of a better present on my birthday.

And then don’t forget to pray for the woman who gets your book.

On November 3rd, I’ll let everyone know how many books we donated–and I’ll include a little thank-you list of the donors’ first names.

If you don’t want to do Paypal, e-mail me and I’ll give you my mailing address and you can just send a check.

I don’t think I’ll be able to get tax-deductible receipts for this, but the tax savings on five bucks probably isn’t much anyway, right?

Thanks, friends! This is turning out to be a very Happy Birthday after all!

Father, thank you that we can come to you just like this. Crazy really. Lord, thank you for people. In particular, the ones you’ve placed in my path. Thank you for thinking of blogs. Thank you for encouragement and community.

God, will you love on some of my friends today, right where they are? Some of them are having struggles with their kiddos. Some are itty-bitty babies (some still in the oven!) and some are all grown up. Give them peace and wisdom. Show them that you’re in control and love those kids even more than their moms do. Help them to trust in You one moment at a time.

God, be with my friends who are lost and confused right now. Those dealing with sadness and depression. Those who have longings that aren’t being fulfilled. Those who desperately desire something that you don’t seem to be willing to give them. Help them to lean on you. Show them how much you love them. Show them that your plan for them is better than what they can imagine. It may not be traditional or “normal” or the way everyone else seems to think life should play out. But it’s something amazing designed just for them. Help them to rest in that today.

Lord, help my friends who have pressing health issues. Whether back pain or sinus infections or pregnancy troubles or unmentionable problems. Show them that you are a God who heals. Alleviate some (or all!) of their pain today. Give them some relief. Help them see the good that comes through pain. Show them how you’re growing them through this time. Assure them that they can do all things through Christ who gives them strength.

God, be with my friends who are tired. Overwhelmed, burnt out, over-committed. Those who seem to have the weight of the world on their shoulders. Those who have to balance kids and family, a job or other work, a home, and lots of time-and-energy-consuming responsibilities. Give them some super-natural strength today. Bring someone along to help them. Show them where they can cut corners without anyone suffering. Give them a few moments of real rest today.

Lord, be with my friends who are questioning their faith today. Those who aren’t sure what they believe. Those who believe in you but just have questions. And those who don’t even know if they believe you’re real. Show yourself to them in a very, very real way today. Make yourself known. Let your glory shine in an unmistakable way.

Father, be with my friends who are struggling in their marriages. Those with minor problems that just won’t go away. Those with huge problems threatening to end their marriages. God, will you speak to some husbands’ hearts today and show them how they need to change? Will you give my friends strength to keep going in their marriages and taking the high road even when it’s harder than anything they’ve ever done? Will you show them where they could make some changes, where their own hearts are hard or bitter? Will you bring healing and forgiveness and work some miracles?

God, be with my friends who are parenting alone right now. Either the little ones’ dad is out of the picture completely or his work is taking him away for long, long periods of time. Show them that you have a special place in your heart for them. Remind them that it won’t always be this way. Love them hard today, Lord.

Please comfort those who are hurting, provide for those who are struggling financially, encourage those who need some love today.

Thank you that you love us more than anything.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

(originally posted September 8, 2008)

Humbly asking for your prayers. Thanks, friends! Blessings on your weekend!

I don’t have any words this morning, but David and Amy do, and boy, are they powerful. Please pray for this amazing couple. Their testimony is rocking my world.