Good Morning All,
Yesterday I was talking with Jean, a friend from our pre-Christian and baby Christian days. I babysat their two girls. We spent tons of time together as families with another couple/& their kids, until we moved away from the area.
Jean is the woman I asked you to pray for when she was in an accident in April. Well, she's still alive, home, slowly recovering. She and I have more in common now then we did in the early days.
The Lord has been showing Himself to her in many ways, just as He has me. We talked in length about the Lord, His providence and grace and most of all, His Sovereignty. We are connecting on a spiritual level, not just a physical level.
She's experiencing the anguish of not being physically ready to go back to teaching school full time, at least for now. In a way, she's having to mourn what she's lost: health, teaching (which she's extremely great at and loves) and mobility as she still deals with a back brace that supports her (her back was broken).
We talked about not asking God: why? Why me? Why not her, why not me? I shared that I feel that the Lord finds me worthy for this trial, this testing and she concurred, for herself and me. We both feel that what we've gained is pure gold.
Would we have chosen this trial, this intense pain? NO! But, the Lord found us worthy to go through this, and our families. She was sharing how her girls rose to the occasion and were her constant nurses, encourager's and connection with the outside world.
My family has been such a great support and help for me, especially Chuck. It's 11 years this September since I got bit by the tick and he's been there, helping, encouraging, and being my buffer when I couldn't handle anything. Those closest to us know what we go through more than any other, and the lessons the Lord teaches them is just as important as we learn.
Holding on to the Lord helps us to survive and he gives us family and friends as His ambassadors on earth. So, thank you all, for prayers, encouragement and love.
His,
Sandy
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
James 1:19-20
Good Morning,
I trust you survived the storms last night. It's still raining today, but Tucker and I walked when it was just a drizzle.
It's hard to believe that July is basically over. Where has this year gone? As I think about how fast life seems to go, now that I'm older, it makes me think about what am I still learning.
I've shared that the Lord is teaching me more about His Sovereignty, but also about patience. That one seems to always be before me to learn. I wish I'd learn it quickly so I don't have to learn it anymore :)))).
For many years I was a really angry person and the Lord slowly worked in me to refine and take the anger away as I surrendered the things that made me angry, to Him. As I matured, things just fell away because they weren't confusing, painful or what seemed to me an injustice, against me.
As I read today's scripture, I'm reminded again of what changes the Lord has wrought in me as He's transformed me through the years.
After you've read James 1:19-20, come and join me..... When I was such an angry person (24/7) my anger level was always at about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. It didn't take much to push me over the edge. Trust me when I say that didn't make me a good wife or mother.
When the Word says "quick to listen" I didn't do that. I always knew what was right, even if I didn't have all the facts. Next it says: "slow to speak and slow to become angry." I was fast to speak and rapid to become angry.
I know this didn't honor the Lord and I really did fight against it, all the time. But as the Apostle Paul says in Romans: I don't do what I ought, but do what I shouldn't. In Romans 7:21 he says: "So I find this law at work: when I want to do good, evil is right there with me."
It's only by God's good grace and His patience with me that I slowly learned to be calm, listen with both ears and let the emotions follow. I don't always get it right, but through the years, He's helped me SO much.
In verse 20 Paul teaches: "for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." One of the motivating factors for me all through the years is that I want to obey God. So, as I've been made aware of what He wants to change in me, I've worked hard to accomplish His goal as I've made it mine. He helped me; I didn't do all the hard work by myself. As I surrendered my will for His, He transformed, by the renewing of my mind, to His way of thinking and doing things.
Trust Him to work whatever it is He wants in your life.....you won't be sorry. Pray today and ask Him what He wants you to learn.
Learning to obey,
Sandy
I trust you survived the storms last night. It's still raining today, but Tucker and I walked when it was just a drizzle.
It's hard to believe that July is basically over. Where has this year gone? As I think about how fast life seems to go, now that I'm older, it makes me think about what am I still learning.
I've shared that the Lord is teaching me more about His Sovereignty, but also about patience. That one seems to always be before me to learn. I wish I'd learn it quickly so I don't have to learn it anymore :)))).
For many years I was a really angry person and the Lord slowly worked in me to refine and take the anger away as I surrendered the things that made me angry, to Him. As I matured, things just fell away because they weren't confusing, painful or what seemed to me an injustice, against me.
As I read today's scripture, I'm reminded again of what changes the Lord has wrought in me as He's transformed me through the years.
After you've read James 1:19-20, come and join me..... When I was such an angry person (24/7) my anger level was always at about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. It didn't take much to push me over the edge. Trust me when I say that didn't make me a good wife or mother.
When the Word says "quick to listen" I didn't do that. I always knew what was right, even if I didn't have all the facts. Next it says: "slow to speak and slow to become angry." I was fast to speak and rapid to become angry.
I know this didn't honor the Lord and I really did fight against it, all the time. But as the Apostle Paul says in Romans: I don't do what I ought, but do what I shouldn't. In Romans 7:21 he says: "So I find this law at work: when I want to do good, evil is right there with me."
It's only by God's good grace and His patience with me that I slowly learned to be calm, listen with both ears and let the emotions follow. I don't always get it right, but through the years, He's helped me SO much.
In verse 20 Paul teaches: "for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires." One of the motivating factors for me all through the years is that I want to obey God. So, as I've been made aware of what He wants to change in me, I've worked hard to accomplish His goal as I've made it mine. He helped me; I didn't do all the hard work by myself. As I surrendered my will for His, He transformed, by the renewing of my mind, to His way of thinking and doing things.
Trust Him to work whatever it is He wants in your life.....you won't be sorry. Pray today and ask Him what He wants you to learn.
Learning to obey,
Sandy
Monday, July 28, 2008
Deuteronomy 18:9-14
Hey Everyone,
I trust you are all well and enjoying this hot summer day. I talked with LeaAnn and her Anna is sick. I talked with Betty and she's better, but still needs prayer as she recovers from the lasting effects of pneumonia.
I did a major thing today. I walked to the empty lot and threw the ball for Tucker. I've been taking the car. It's not terribly far, just the other side of the small pond that's practically outside our door (I can see it from the front yard).
By the time I got home I was really tired and a little wobbly, but I made it!!! I know it's going to take a long time to get back to walking a mile every day, but "one small step for man", or woman in my case. I'm not walking on the moon, but sometimes these days it feels like it.
I see my wellness doctor on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to that and finding out what needs to be done.
Chuck applied for another job, so would appreciate prayers that the Lord would work His will and for us to accept the outcome, whatever it is.
I was reading my Our Daily Bread at breakfast and the reading was Deuteronomy 18:9-14. It reminded me of all the shows on TV about occult. The main one that comes to mind is: Medium. The TV people have wrapped this abomination to the Lord in skillful craftsmanship. I haven't watched the show, just enough to understand what it's about, then I've not looked at it again.
What's so crazy is that there are Christians that watch shows that are forbidden by the Lord, as in the scripture today. After you've read this portion, come back and we'll talk.....
The end of verse 14 should be the strongest guideline for us: "But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so." He wants us to be pure, holy and blameless. All the things listed in the prior verses definitely are not pure, holy and blameless.
From what I understand in our culture today, there are "white witches" called Wicka. Maybe you know about these things. If you think that our towns don't have someone involved, think again.
Satan likes nothing better than to deceive people into thinking something bad, is good. Like Hollywood, he wraps things up in a neat package and sells it to naive people who don't know the Word.
Did you know this portion was in the Word? Is this the first time you've read it? Have you ever participated in anything like what is mentioned? If you have, you have the perfect time to repent and confess and for the Lord to set you free with His forgiveness.
If you know of someone who's involved, you have the "sword of the Spirit" to show them that they shouldn't participate in this detestable things, against the Lord.
Learn from Him, so that when the world tries to pass detestable off as good, you'll know the truth, and that truth will set you free.
Free indeed,
Sandy
I trust you are all well and enjoying this hot summer day. I talked with LeaAnn and her Anna is sick. I talked with Betty and she's better, but still needs prayer as she recovers from the lasting effects of pneumonia.
I did a major thing today. I walked to the empty lot and threw the ball for Tucker. I've been taking the car. It's not terribly far, just the other side of the small pond that's practically outside our door (I can see it from the front yard).
By the time I got home I was really tired and a little wobbly, but I made it!!! I know it's going to take a long time to get back to walking a mile every day, but "one small step for man", or woman in my case. I'm not walking on the moon, but sometimes these days it feels like it.
I see my wellness doctor on Wednesday and I'm looking forward to that and finding out what needs to be done.
Chuck applied for another job, so would appreciate prayers that the Lord would work His will and for us to accept the outcome, whatever it is.
I was reading my Our Daily Bread at breakfast and the reading was Deuteronomy 18:9-14. It reminded me of all the shows on TV about occult. The main one that comes to mind is: Medium. The TV people have wrapped this abomination to the Lord in skillful craftsmanship. I haven't watched the show, just enough to understand what it's about, then I've not looked at it again.
What's so crazy is that there are Christians that watch shows that are forbidden by the Lord, as in the scripture today. After you've read this portion, come back and we'll talk.....
The end of verse 14 should be the strongest guideline for us: "But as for you, the Lord your God has not permitted you to do so." He wants us to be pure, holy and blameless. All the things listed in the prior verses definitely are not pure, holy and blameless.
From what I understand in our culture today, there are "white witches" called Wicka. Maybe you know about these things. If you think that our towns don't have someone involved, think again.
Satan likes nothing better than to deceive people into thinking something bad, is good. Like Hollywood, he wraps things up in a neat package and sells it to naive people who don't know the Word.
Did you know this portion was in the Word? Is this the first time you've read it? Have you ever participated in anything like what is mentioned? If you have, you have the perfect time to repent and confess and for the Lord to set you free with His forgiveness.
If you know of someone who's involved, you have the "sword of the Spirit" to show them that they shouldn't participate in this detestable things, against the Lord.
Learn from Him, so that when the world tries to pass detestable off as good, you'll know the truth, and that truth will set you free.
Free indeed,
Sandy
Friday, July 25, 2008
God is Sovereign
Hi,
Hope you are all well. The cooler temps have made is so nice to be outside, at least for some of the day. We have a small porch in front and Tucker and I like to sit and watch the world go by.
This Wednesday when we were talking with the oncologist, he mentioned a test to determine my percentage of getting cancer again. I personally don't see the need in knowing something like that because of a couple of reasons.
One, math is used according to statistics gathered, but I've found in life that nothing ever turns out like you think it will. Second, if I get cancer again, it's because God allowed it, just like He did this time.
Because I trust in His perfect will, I know that if I get cancer again, it's because He has a purpose for it. I keep understanding His Sovereignty more all the time as He takes me through trials and testings. A test result isn't going to change what will happen to me, just gives me the information that I will, or will not, go through this again.
Would you want to know? If you did, how would that affect your life? Would you share Christ with more people? Would you quit doing something(s) that you are now that don't honor God, or keep you from living for Him as you should? Would you love your family more and be more patient with them? How would it affect you???
As I ask these questions, I have to think on my answers. I sincerely hope that what I'm going through this will impact not just me, but everyone around me. God has a purpose for all of this because God doesn't do 'random'. My job is to make sure that I find out and do what He wants me to learn and do. Some things I know, but there's always room for more :)))).
As our pastor says: Think on These Things.
Grateful for your prayers,
Sandy
Hope you are all well. The cooler temps have made is so nice to be outside, at least for some of the day. We have a small porch in front and Tucker and I like to sit and watch the world go by.
This Wednesday when we were talking with the oncologist, he mentioned a test to determine my percentage of getting cancer again. I personally don't see the need in knowing something like that because of a couple of reasons.
One, math is used according to statistics gathered, but I've found in life that nothing ever turns out like you think it will. Second, if I get cancer again, it's because God allowed it, just like He did this time.
Because I trust in His perfect will, I know that if I get cancer again, it's because He has a purpose for it. I keep understanding His Sovereignty more all the time as He takes me through trials and testings. A test result isn't going to change what will happen to me, just gives me the information that I will, or will not, go through this again.
Would you want to know? If you did, how would that affect your life? Would you share Christ with more people? Would you quit doing something(s) that you are now that don't honor God, or keep you from living for Him as you should? Would you love your family more and be more patient with them? How would it affect you???
As I ask these questions, I have to think on my answers. I sincerely hope that what I'm going through this will impact not just me, but everyone around me. God has a purpose for all of this because God doesn't do 'random'. My job is to make sure that I find out and do what He wants me to learn and do. Some things I know, but there's always room for more :)))).
As our pastor says: Think on These Things.
Grateful for your prayers,
Sandy
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Good News
Hello Everyone,
I'm back in a limited way. I'll try to start blogging again, but as today is a pain day, I won't do much. I guess I slept wrong or something because my right side is really sore.
I've had a lot of sitting time and I'm getting so tired of that, but when I try to do something, it wears me out too much and I pay the price.
What lesson can I learn from this? That I need to put aside "me" and do what I need to do. It's only for a time, not forever and I need to be patient.
What spiritual lesson can I learn from this? That God is patient with me in ways that I don't even understand. It's one of His attributes and I'm so very glad it is and that He is.
I know that I try Him way to often. I don't listen to His leading from the Spirit or His Word. I know that I'm disobedient when I do that. Do you ever find yourself doing the same thing?
With that said, I'll close and rest, and be patient!
Thanks for your prayers,
Sandy
I'm back in a limited way. I'll try to start blogging again, but as today is a pain day, I won't do much. I guess I slept wrong or something because my right side is really sore.
I've had a lot of sitting time and I'm getting so tired of that, but when I try to do something, it wears me out too much and I pay the price.
What lesson can I learn from this? That I need to put aside "me" and do what I need to do. It's only for a time, not forever and I need to be patient.
What spiritual lesson can I learn from this? That God is patient with me in ways that I don't even understand. It's one of His attributes and I'm so very glad it is and that He is.
I know that I try Him way to often. I don't listen to His leading from the Spirit or His Word. I know that I'm disobedient when I do that. Do you ever find yourself doing the same thing?
With that said, I'll close and rest, and be patient!
Thanks for your prayers,
Sandy
Friday, July 11, 2008
Company
Hey,
Lynn and Nate are coming today! Nate is going to spend the day with Tiffani and the boys while Lynn and I wander around the mall and not chase an almost 3 year old :))).
Chuck came home last night for supper and slept, some. He left really early for his delivery about 2 hours east of here. But, he's home today!!
Chuck will take a week of vacation to help me this next week and Lynn told me today that she'll be here sometime Monday night so she can be here for Tuesday. Unfortunately Josh is stuck in Chicago with his job, but Chuck will keep him posted. Betty also said she'd be there with us too. Yeah!
It won't be long and Lynn and Nate will be here, so I'm not going to do a spiritual blog. Just wanted to touch base. Know please, that I'm praying for you all and am so grateful for your prayers for us.
Thanks,
Sandy
Lynn and Nate are coming today! Nate is going to spend the day with Tiffani and the boys while Lynn and I wander around the mall and not chase an almost 3 year old :))).
Chuck came home last night for supper and slept, some. He left really early for his delivery about 2 hours east of here. But, he's home today!!
Chuck will take a week of vacation to help me this next week and Lynn told me today that she'll be here sometime Monday night so she can be here for Tuesday. Unfortunately Josh is stuck in Chicago with his job, but Chuck will keep him posted. Betty also said she'd be there with us too. Yeah!
It won't be long and Lynn and Nate will be here, so I'm not going to do a spiritual blog. Just wanted to touch base. Know please, that I'm praying for you all and am so grateful for your prayers for us.
Thanks,
Sandy
Thursday, July 10, 2008
A Shot in the arm
Hey,
Yesterday I had to have blood drawn. Why is it that some people draw blood without much pain, then there are people that make you feel like a vampire is sucking the life from you?
My wellness doctor wanted a special blood test done before my surgery, then in 3 months the test again to see where the cancer is, if anywhere else. So, I went to have the blood drawn, then sent off to California.
The lady that drew the blood was really nice, but I think she stabbed too deep and hit muscle. I actually have a bruise from yesterday's poke. It burned too, which I've never had. I was beginning to think she's damaged my arm. Thankfully after about an hour the pain went away. I accidentally bumped the poke hole today and it hurt. Not sure I want to go back in 3 months!
Because I had to have the blood drawn I couldn't have my supplements for seven days and my body was screaming at me. Thankfully I'm back on my supplements and the new one for cancer. It's to support my immune system to fight the cancer.
In our Sunday school class we're studying the book of James. It talks about perseverance. I guess that I feel that's where I'm at in all of this.
Chapter 1: 2 tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds. Why? Because (vs.3) you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So the question I need to ask myself, do I have joy? As I think about this whole cancer situation, I realize that I do have joy. Not about cancer, but about the Lord holding me close, knowing what I'm going through and being with me through this trial. He has found me worthy of this trial.
I looked up perseverance in the dictionary and it says: the quality of being persistent; a continuing in a state of grace leading to a state of glory. Isn't that just the coolest thing? It's all positive stuff: quality, state of grace; leading to a state of glory. Sometimes it really pays to look up words to find out their definition :)))).
I then looked up persevere. It says: to try hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties. I know that I'm not the only person on the planet fighting obstacles and difficulties. Many people who are, are resting in the Lord's care and provision. But, what about those who aren't? Do they have peace and joy in the midst of the storm? Do you when troubles come your way?
So, how do we persevere and gain the glory? For me it's deciding that I will trust the Lord for what I'm going through. He's Sovereign and knows what's best for me. He promises to help us when we are obedient and surrendered and I'm trying really hard to be those things.
It's choosing to trust and believe that His will is perfect and good for me and for me to look for what I can learn from all of this. You do realize that sometimes the trials we go through are also for the people around us, don't you?
If you were to spend the day with me, but I couldn't see or hear you (a fly on the wall) you would hear me tell the Lord: I trust you Lord, even though I can't see, hear or at this time know what's going to happen. Work your divine will dear Father; Your will is perfect.
I'm not perfect in this trial, but I am trusting in my perfect Father, who is trust worthy.
Trusting in the trials,
Sandy
Yesterday I had to have blood drawn. Why is it that some people draw blood without much pain, then there are people that make you feel like a vampire is sucking the life from you?
My wellness doctor wanted a special blood test done before my surgery, then in 3 months the test again to see where the cancer is, if anywhere else. So, I went to have the blood drawn, then sent off to California.
The lady that drew the blood was really nice, but I think she stabbed too deep and hit muscle. I actually have a bruise from yesterday's poke. It burned too, which I've never had. I was beginning to think she's damaged my arm. Thankfully after about an hour the pain went away. I accidentally bumped the poke hole today and it hurt. Not sure I want to go back in 3 months!
Because I had to have the blood drawn I couldn't have my supplements for seven days and my body was screaming at me. Thankfully I'm back on my supplements and the new one for cancer. It's to support my immune system to fight the cancer.
In our Sunday school class we're studying the book of James. It talks about perseverance. I guess that I feel that's where I'm at in all of this.
Chapter 1: 2 tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of many kinds. Why? Because (vs.3) you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
So the question I need to ask myself, do I have joy? As I think about this whole cancer situation, I realize that I do have joy. Not about cancer, but about the Lord holding me close, knowing what I'm going through and being with me through this trial. He has found me worthy of this trial.
I looked up perseverance in the dictionary and it says: the quality of being persistent; a continuing in a state of grace leading to a state of glory. Isn't that just the coolest thing? It's all positive stuff: quality, state of grace; leading to a state of glory. Sometimes it really pays to look up words to find out their definition :)))).
I then looked up persevere. It says: to try hard and continuously in spite of obstacles and difficulties. I know that I'm not the only person on the planet fighting obstacles and difficulties. Many people who are, are resting in the Lord's care and provision. But, what about those who aren't? Do they have peace and joy in the midst of the storm? Do you when troubles come your way?
So, how do we persevere and gain the glory? For me it's deciding that I will trust the Lord for what I'm going through. He's Sovereign and knows what's best for me. He promises to help us when we are obedient and surrendered and I'm trying really hard to be those things.
It's choosing to trust and believe that His will is perfect and good for me and for me to look for what I can learn from all of this. You do realize that sometimes the trials we go through are also for the people around us, don't you?
If you were to spend the day with me, but I couldn't see or hear you (a fly on the wall) you would hear me tell the Lord: I trust you Lord, even though I can't see, hear or at this time know what's going to happen. Work your divine will dear Father; Your will is perfect.
I'm not perfect in this trial, but I am trusting in my perfect Father, who is trust worthy.
Trusting in the trials,
Sandy
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)