I received a phone call this morning from Selah member Allan Hall, who is a member here at Cross Point. He sadly informed me that Todd Smith’s sister’s 3 month old baby unexpectedly died last night. Nicole used to be a member of Selah with Todd and Allan. Please remember them in your prayers today. As most of you know Todd and Angie just went through the death of their newborn child Audrey Caroline. Click HERE to read Todd and Angie’s story.
Todd was at Cross Point a few weeks ago and sang an unbelievable, heart felt rendition of “I Surrender All”. Today as Todd and Angie drive to be with Nicole, they find themselves needing to surrender it all once again.
[vimeo http://vimeo.com/1081560]
Here’s my prayer today:
God, I don’t get it. I don’t understand how this sweet family can take anymore rain right now! They have just been through so much and now it starts all over again. I don’t think their hearts have the capacity for it. I don’t know if they have the internal strength for it. And yet even as those words come out of my mouth I know you are with them. I know you will comfort them. I know you will work through this like you worked through their loss of Audrey just a few weeks ago. In this moment I accept that you are God and I am not. I don’t have to have an answer to why, I just need to know that you are here. You are there with them. Amen.
**Update** If you would like to send an encouraging email to Greg and Nicol you can do so at the following email address: sponbergfamily@gmail.com
That is sooooo Sad… May God help them through their time of pain. And may he give them better than what they lost. That’s what we say when someone or ourselves lose something. To God we belong and to him do we return. And they should know that he is always there when he needs them.
My condolences to them,
TQ
I heard about this earlier today and my heart breaks again for this sweet family. I have been reminded again and again today of the last phrase of the hymn “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus”…
“Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! Oh for grace to trust him more.”
What a time in their lives they are going through. Please lord be with them right now.
wow. not again. I am praying now for them…
your prayer is raw, real, and beautiful. amen.
- I’m praying with you (and them)…
How awful. I just read her blog the other day about losing Audrey and now this. I will be praying. What an amazing song. You know he is singing it with such heartfelt emotion and faith when he sings.
God must trust their faith – a lot.
Speechless. I’ll be in prayer for them.
Heidi R.
That is very sad news. I will pray for them.
p.s. I love that song. Is that an original composition?
@jonsquared: it’s an old hymn
right or wrong, i can only ask why! i can not begin to imagine their grief!
Words can not express the sorrow and grief that I – a complete stranger…feels for this adorable family. My heart has been so touched over the last several weeks. When I read Angie’s post earlier today my heart sank. My first thoughts were ‘no again…Lord…not again’.
My dh and I just watched your video of the Smith’s Story – Plan B. I am reminded that He is not at all suprised by this. And I ask…WHY!! I just don’t get it. Obviously, my faith isn’t strong enough. Obviously my own Plan B has tore me down and I’ve yet to rebuild…so understanding how this could happen yet again to this family is beyond what my own faith and understanding can do.
Our prayers are with this family this evening, this week and in the coming weeks as they walk this road yet again.
This hurts. I can’t even imagine. Praying my heart out for them right now.
oh man…in my prayers pete…I posted on my blog for others to pray for them as well
Pete – Thanks for sharing this. My heart truly goes out to Todd and Angie. I have followed their story for awhile now and I am so deeply saddened to hear that they now will have this additional sorrow to travel through as well. I am thankful, however, that they know, love and serve the same God that I do. THE one true God who loves us, guides us, holds us up when we can’t stand on our own two feet,and comforts us when our hearts are beyond earthly comfort. I pray that they will be able to help minister to Todd’s sister and I know that God will continue to use them to help so many others’ who have experienced the loss of a child. My prayers are with them tonight.
I saw this on Angie’s blog this morning and I could truly not believe my eyes. I cannot imagine what Nicol and Greg are going through. I know this will also be like opening a very fresh wound for Angie and Todd. How much can one family really take. I pray God comforts them beyone measure!
I found your blog through Angie’s site and admire the faith of you both. I cannot imagine what this family is dealing with when they are still so raw. They are in my prayers.
Praying for this family … I just can’t imagine being in either shoe!
Lord, wrap you arms around this family.
I have spent some time this morning grieving for everyone involved in this tragic loss, but my heart is especially tender toward Todd. On top of his own grief for his own losses, the 2 women he loves most have lost their babies. His wife and his sister. He has so much to carry. I hope he really can surrender it all.
Yes, wrap your arms around this family and all involved. Give those that are supporting them the strength and words they need in the coming months, and even years.
A friend of mine from church used to say to me, no matter the situation, “Count it all joy Harold, just count it all joy.” I have never grasped how to do that and things like this get me further from a complete understanding of how James expected this to happen. I understand that God expects us to grieve and it is healthy and necessary to do so. I just don’t understand how, no matter how far the events are in the past, that we can count it ALL joy.
God be with this family. Give them all your attention and care and love and comfort and peace and grace until your son returns. May the outcome of this be you being glorified even though my mind can not comprehend how this makes sense. I know you see past the moment and into a future where we are all complete and whole. Father the readers in the Without Wax community now know of at least three children who have left us in just the past few weeks. That is hurtful to our very souls. Pleae help touch us all. This blog, like you, reaches all over the world. May we all find you in this and may we somehow be closer to you because of it. I know you are God and I am not.
My family and I have been so touched by this family and their precious story. We have a friend who has gone through very similar circumstances twice in the last year and a half and Todd and Angie’s faith and witness have been a great strength to us. I was reeling this morning when I read this. Please extend my heartfelt sympathy to all and for those of you who have not read The Shack by William Paul Young, the first four chapters are tough but get through those and it is such a great read. It is a little out of the box but a great read and touching story and may even help a little with everyone’s Great Sadness whatever it may be.
Wow, it’s hard to understand those kind of things. Stories like that remind me to get my eyes off of my situation and pray for others who are going through much worse.
Brad Ruggles // http://www.bradruggles.com
Wow, it’s hard to understand those kind of things. Stories like that remind me to get my eyes off of my situation and pray for others who are going through much worse.
Pete…I’m praying.
Having survived the loss of 3 children of my own, I feel this family’s pain. My heart and prayers go out to them.
Thank you, I’m praying your prayer for them and for my own grief. Thank you.
I am so saddened to hear this. I heard about audrey caroline just days after I miscarried my own child, and now to hear this, my heart just breaks. Im praying for the family.
My mother -in-law sent me this post as she felt i should write. I must first say how very sorry i am for all of you family. That includes siblings, grandparents, aunts, etc. These people are often overlooked and should not be. Secondly, iwill say that i and my family, have just lost Elijah Liam Magee, 5 weeks 1 day old, on Dec. 19th. Then only a few mos. later a miscarriage. We have previously, 2000, lost another to miscarriage. I don’t say all this to say I know how you are feeling because noone knows how you are feeling. Each persons pain is unique and grieving is different for everyone. As you go through this remember that so as not to become dishartened by those closest to you. They will fail you if you look to them. Jesus is the only one who can take this pain for you. The Father knows as he gave his one and only son. The bible will be more real as you let His words comfort and pour His healing balm into your very raw wounds. Two books have helped me, Greiving Forward and Streams in the Desert (original language, not new and improved). I hope this helps you when you are ready. Also, a support group, Compassionate Friends, has helped, although it is a secular group i have felt free to talk about the Lord there. Maybe There exists a ministry there for you and your family. Again, I am saddened by your loss and grieve with you and yours. If you ever need someone to talk to you may feel free to write or call at any time of the day or night. Some peeople just need someone to listen to them, and allow them to just cry. I am available for just that. Love In Christ, Dori
Pray For Mothers & Grain Mothers, & Single Mothers & Grain Mom. Pray God Fix Women’s Heart. The One’s who do not know Jesus as There Families Will get Saved. In The name of Jesus Christ
Pray for Anger People In the Name Of Jesus Christ
James 1:5 KJV) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways
Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For Mother In Israel. Pray For USA Mothers, & Russians women, Pray For Working Mothers, Pray For Single Mothers, & Single Great Grain Mother. Will Have Peace in There Heart. Mothers Who Do Not Know U As There Saver Salvation Will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus Christ
Pray for Your Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ:
The Apostle Paul gives us two prayer examples of what to pray for regarding the Body of Christ in Ephesians 1:15-23 and 3:14-21. Pray these prayers for your Church Leaders, your Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and for yourself.
God promised Abraham He will bless those who blessed him and curse those who curse him. This promise was not only for Abraham, but for all of his covenant descendants – the Jewish people. Pray that our leaders will make the correct decisions to make our country a blessing to Israel. Also, Christians need to pray that the nation of Israel will recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah and Savior, that they will have peace and success, and that they will possesses the land that God has promised them. (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:18-21, 17:8, 17:21, 22:15-18, Deuteronomy 30:2-5)
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Pray For In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Attorney General
—Eric Holder
Secretary of State
—Hillary Clinton
Chief of Staff
—Rahm Emanuel
Chair, Council of Economic Advisers
—Christina Romer
Policemen’s & Women Police. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (NIV)
Pray For Our Youth & Young Adults. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
A family that prays together stays together.
Please Pray for Street Bullies In The Name Of Jesus Christ & Pray For Schools
Pray For family that live Around me. Bless There Home & Work & School. Bless There health to, & The One’s who do not know Jesus As There Saver Salvation will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus.
Prayer of a Mother whose children are no longer at home. In The Name Of Jesus Christ
I’M RAYING FOR YOU AND OTHER PEOPLE AROUND ME
Prayer for families is the very foundation that keeps a family unit together. Have you heard the phrase “A family that prays together stays together”? The concept is true – a family that has their focus on praying to the Lord Jesus Christ has a foundation that may be shaken at times, but it will withstand all that comes against them.
Prayers for Justice and Peace
Please Pray for Other People Have Heart Problem. & Diabetes, In The Name Of Jesus Christ &, Athesma Problems.
And the Blind In The Name Of Jesus Christ. Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ… Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation.
Pray For World Homeless Families. & Please Pray For Homeless Women to… In The Name of Jesus Christ & all There health Problem In The Name Of Jesus Christ…
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
I do pray that any of our nation’s leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Praying For Every One Around Me
Pray For Our Enemies
O God, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I do pray that any of our nation’s leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: [Romans 5:11-12
FATHER GOD SEND REVIVAL, AND LET IT START WITH ME” Let your spirit revive! Pray For USA troops In The Name Of jesus christ.
Pray For USA Troops In The Name Of Jesus Christ, Pray For The Vets In The Name Of Jesus Christ
Pray for Denmark, & China, & German , & Pray For USA. In The name Of Jesus christ
Prays for President Obama and Wife, & Children’s and his new administration. Your efforts will work powerfully in our nation. In The Name of Jesus Christ
Pray For Israel & Jews… Pray For Mother In Israel. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved”
Pray For USA Mothers, & russians women, Pray For Muslim Women To, Please. Pray For Working Mothers, Pray For Singel Mothers, & Singel Great GrainMother. Will Have Peace in There Heart. Mothers Who Do Not Know U As There Saver Salvation Will Get Saved In The Blood Of Jesus Christ
I do pray that any of our nation’s leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
Hear our prayers, O God, In The name of Jesus Christ I Pray
Praying For Every One Around Me
Pray For Our Enemies
O God, whose Son commanded us to love our enemies: Lead them and us from prejudice to truth; deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge; and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I do pray that any of our nation’s leaders who do not know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior would develop a relationship with Him. Pray that those who are believers would grow closer to Him each day. In The Name Of Jesus Christ I Pray. Amen
God’s word is clear on the who and the what of Singing praises to God.
God’s people are to Sing Praises to God with spiritual songs about the Lord with melody
This great Nation.. the United Kingdom is in serious need of a revival. Please join your prayers with us as we ask God to bring revival to this nation. It will start in his church.. God’s church needs and has to repent on an individual and corporate basis. Please pass on to all your friends