When Life is Hard...

It certainly would be an understatement to say that the last few months have been hard. Mostly for our precious church family. Who, by the way, ARE family to us. We have been at CBC for 15 years. Yes, they are truly family. And when they hurt - we hurt.

That is what families do...

We are there to share in the joy and it is certainly DOUBLED. Then we are there in the sorrow. To help share in the heavy load.

Burden bearers...

But this week... it is LITERALLY my family. Extended family - yet family. Lives get busy and sometimes distant in daily relationship. Oh but the bonds of love are strong.

Like we have told SO MANY lately as we have stood with them at their time of loss - we do not grieve for the one who has gone on to be with our LORD. No, they are in the arms of our Savior. Oh, but the grief of the ones left here. Life on this earth will never be the same.

My heart aches. for the precious mom and dad... for the 4 siblings...
for the grandparents...
and then for all of the others... close and extended.

Praying for comfort - comfort that ONLY our Savior can give.

I say again... my heart aches. For and with them...

Daily Quiet Time

This morning, while reading Secrets of the Vine (by Bruce Wilkinson), I came upon this:

"Some Christians I know try to have their meaningful personal times with God just before bed, but I have yet to find a respected spiritual leader throughout history who had devotions at night. Unless you get up early, you're unlikely to break through to a deeper relationship with God."
(p. 107-- italics mine)

Personally, I know that I do better in my day, in my attitude, in my work, and in my relationships when I meet with my Savior first. However, I have said many times to many people - whether in face to converstation, or in class discussions, or even in teaching a seminar-- that it does not matter when you have your devotion/quiet time. The key is just that you DO IT.

But, I am challenged by this. I am going to be looking up - yet again - the "rising while it is yet night" and the "early in the morning" passages from scripture. Also, I want to do some research of men and women of the faith who have faithfully walked with God and thus made an impact on this world. (in THEIR world)

Not that I am trying to disprove the statement made by Wilkinson, I am just quite intrigued and challenged by it. Perhaps, it is the gentle hand of my Savior to once again bid me to get up and meet with Him early EVERY DAY on a consistent basis. A time set aside that is not determined by the night before, or the weekend, or the busy lifestyle that I mentioned in my last post, or the..... whatever.

I am sure that I will be back with you on this one...
But in the mean time, I would love to hear your thought and your devotion times...

Updates and Prayer Request

Just a short blog to let you have a few quick updates and also to request prayer.

1. We had a wonderful two weeks with our Warrior for his R & R from Afghanistan. We were able to celebrate Christmas with him. And then last weekend - we had a birthday party for Hal, Jonathan and Ronnie with the entire family together. (All three birthdays are within approx. 3 weeks of each other.) Such fun days together. And one desire that I had for those days is that God would multiply our minutes together - and He really did. It seemed like much more than just two weeks.

2. We have our Church Couples' Retreat coming this weekend. We love it and are so excited about the opportunity - but because of the past two weeks - we are SO behind in getting the final touches together.

So, there are two requests in here - prayer for our son and his precious wife as he serves the final months of this deployment. And then prayer for us as we lead in this conference/retreat.

Thanks so much! I so appreciate all of you. It is my desire to be more consistent with my blogging and visiting your blogs next week.

Tuesdays Together (#23)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD).

I am so glad that you have joined us.Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your thoughts of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.

I am not able to blog today.... lots going on in my family.

I will catch up with you all next week with more information.

But I wanted to make sure that you had the link in order to be able to share together.

I do appreciate all the love and prayers that have been shared with us lately. It really means so much...

So... I will enjoy reading your posts and will be back next week.

Now, your turn.

Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us. Also, please post a link back here so that others can come and read the other Tuesdays Together posts. You can use the button on the side bar if you would like.

Pray-ers Needed...

I could tell you what all is happening - but our daughter says it well on her blog. Could you go and visit here... and let her know of your prayers.

Thanks so much!
You all are blessings to me!

A Baby and A Warrior...

Emotional. That is the only way to describe me today.

I just finished rocking and feeding my 2 month old grandson.

But my mind and heart was in Cleburne, Texas. 27 years ago. Rocking and feeding my 3 month old son.

It really was just yesterday.

This morning my son left to start the preparations for deployment. He has 3 Days at Drill. Then gets to come home for Mother's Day. Then a few days at his Unit before leaving state. One month (or so) before the flight overseas. My heart aches.

Oh, I have been here before in this particular mixture of emotions. (You can see my previous post on the last deployment here.) On one hand.... I am SO proud of him. For his willingness to serve our country. I am so thankful for what God has done in his life and what he has been brought THROUGH. But I am reminded of the saying, "Freedom isn't Free."

Then on the other hand, I am so sad for him to leave. Like I said last time... a year is short on the other side of it. But when you are facing a year knowing that your son is going to war... it is a long time.

Oh, you all know me. My faith is still strong. I know he is in God's hands. I believe I previously worded it this way: Times like this make me believe what I say I believe.

But I don't even have to tell you that my emotions are weak. And once again, the blackberry is glued to my hand.

So, I come back to the present in the mix of emotions and praying... back and forth between these two... a son facing war... and a grandson facing life.

I pray constantly for the son and his precious wife and all that this next year will hold for them.

I pray for the little one in my arms today. Where will he be in 27 years? What will he be doing?
Only God knows... but one thing I do know for certain...

It will be here tomorrow.

Quiet...

My voice problem --Update -- Better but not well yet.

What a precious time sitting at HIS feet on Wednesday. Really desiring to listen. Hearing the still small voice of My Savior speaking directly to me.

As I sat back in my chair, praying... I even said, "Do I dare ask You to keep my voice till I hear what You are saying to me?" Or maybe I should say, "Lord, help me to hear you, even when I can speak!" Regardless, the prayer of my heart is to hear Him. Really Hear Him.

And then to follow...where He leads...

I have been reading "The Secrets of the Vine" again. And to be perfectly honest, I truly believe this is a time of pruning for me. For Hal. For our ministry together.

I do not have all my thoughts clear on this subject yet. But I know that God is dealing with me about several different issues here.

I am sure that I will share more in the days to come about this journey.

So... what are you dealing with lately? Anyone care to share?

Tuesdays Together (#11)

Welcome to TUESDAYS TOGETHER (in the WORD).

I am so glad that you have joined us.
Our goal/purpose is that we are reading God's Word and we are sharing with each other a "nugget" of what we are learning. Join with us - at any time. We welcome your comments and/or your "nuggets" of what you have read and/or your link to your blog post. You do not have to be a "blogger" to join in on the encouragement and sharing together.


This week our reading (posted on the side bar) was from Proverbs 6, Psalm 25-26, and
I Timothy 1-5.

And once again, I come to you with a couple of passages from the Psalms. There is such comfort there. There are answers when you have REAL questions. There is peace in the promises. So I beginning here this week:

Psalm 25:1, 2(a)

" To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul.

O my God, in you I trust"

And that is just what I did. I lifted up my soul/my heavy heart. I lifted up my precious Mom and her health and her surgery. My God is trustworthy. He is faithful. He is true to His Word... always. Oh my God, in you I trust...



And I loved this verse this week too. You see, one thing Mom has said to many people this week, is that she is "God's Favorite. " And she is joking.... sorta.

Look at this passage:

Psalm 25:14

"The friendship of the LORD

is for those who fear him,

and He makes known to them his covenant."

After watching her with this surgery, I think I would have to agree. She has a true "friendship" with our Lord.

Here is the first part of this verse from the Amplified Bible:
"The secret of the sweet, satisfying companionship of the Lord have they who fear, revere and worship Him" Isn't that good?

It has been amazing. She has had NO PAIN. Not even a Aleve until Monday night - and then it was just one. She even said she was just uncomfortable - and took one before she went to bed. That is it! There is no doubt that God's hand has been on her. Lots of prayers have been prayed on her behalf and I truly believe that her recovery is a testimony of the Lord's work on her body.


So, I close thanking all of you for joining me in prayer on her behalf. You truly blessed my heart with the emails... the calls... the comments (here and on FB). That is what the Body of Christ does. The joys are multiplied together... and the sorrows are halfed. Sweet Blessings to you all!


Now, your turn.
Remember... leave a comment... share your thoughts... and if you blog - link with us.

An Update on Mom

Just wanted to post a quick update...

Mom did very well .... and is now on the road to recovery. They did have to take the lymph nodes too - so it was a more extensive surgery. But she is really doing remarkable!

She is asleep - has not even had any pain medicine. I tried to get her to at least get some tylenol - but she said she really does not need any. She is a trooper! I am just amazed... and thankful...

After a couple of weeks, we will have to go and see the Oncologist... and we have never been down that road before either. So, pray with us now about those decisions that she will have to make.

I cannot express to all of you how much all of your love, concern and prayers have meant to us!
Thank you for interceding with us! God is so good!

You are blessings to me!

For My Children...

"...if there is any legacy I want to leave you, it is not money or house or land; it is a vision of God--as great and glorious a God as one could ever see. But more than that, I want to leave the legacy of passion for this God. A passion far beyond what any human can produce. A passion for God flowing from the very heart of God.

Never forget that God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in him.

But even more--this is my prayer for you: In God's time, may your satisfaction in him be without measure, as it becomes the very pleasure of God in God."


This is a quote from John Piper in the preface of The Pleasures of God.

But I wept as I read it... for it speaks the desire of my heart for you...
-for my three children by birth: Julia, Jonathan and Jenifer
-for my three children-in-love: Ronnie, Brantley and Andy
-for my two "grands" : Aubrey and Barrett
-for my "many more to come"...

Read it again. And again. And again.

I love you all more than you can even imagine. But more than anything in this world, I desire this legacy for you.

2009 Scripture Memory # 3

#3 Psalms 91:1

"He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

This is the first verse of the entire chapter that I plan to memorize over the next months. Last year - when my soldier was at war in Iraq/Kuwait - this was the passage that we claimed and prayed for him over and over and over.



You would think that I would have it memorized from those nine months. And parts of it, I do. But I am committed to memorizing all of it ... who knew I would need it again so soon? I think I am still in shock. Or maybe I am just not ready. Or maybe I just do not want to go through it again from our side. I can't even imagine what it is like for him or our precious daughter-in-love.



So... my next 15 verses are already picked out...unless I double up on some or God gives me another one to go along with our journey.



Thank you in advance for your prayers and support along the way. Just thinking about it makes my heart hurt.

The Body of Christ

So as a form of another update, I just have to share with you about our particular "Body of Christ". I have to share about seeing them function in the way the Body is designed to function.

My Godly husband (the pastor) called for our people to come together Wednesday night to pray for our very sick teenager girl and her sweet family. He asked those of us who teach other classes to dismiss early and come. He asked those who can only make it for choir practice to please come early. He asked for the body to gather together and PRAY. To intercede for a member of our family who is sick. Very sick.

And what a blessing to come down from my class to see such a crowd. Young and old alike with one purpose. We were petitioning our heavenly Father to be Jehovah Rapha and heal our sister in Christ. To touch her body.

What a sweet, sweet spirit. What precious prayers were offered. What a sacrifice of praise. This is how the body is supposed to function. I was overflowing (literally- out the eyes) just to be a part and a witness. Sweet ministry.

And then for the update...

Today, the doctors changed the diagnosis. It is not Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) - as we were told on Tuesday. She does have Vasculitis - but not the serious kind. PRAISE YOU JESUS. I believe with all of my heart that our Heavenly Father reached down from heaven and touched her body. He so graciously has already begun the healing work in her.

James 5:15 says, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up."

Galatians 6:2, "Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."

Certainly, we ask that you keep praying for "K" and for her family and for her doctors. But we know who is the great Physician. We met with Him last night on her behalf. Praise You, Lord!

Update

Here is the update on the teen girl...

K has been diagnosed with Polyarteritis nodosa. Basically, it is an infection or inflammation of the small or medium arteries in the body that results in weakening and damage to the arteries involved. Often, clotting occurs in addition to the bleeding.

We should continue to pray for wisdom for the medical team and give praise to God for revealing the condition so quickly to the physicians. This quick diagnosis (although I am sure it has not been quick for the family) will allow appropriate treatment to begin immediately.

Thank you so much for your prayers... and please continue to pray... She has been moved out of ICU to the step-down unit. Hopefully, tomorrow will be in a room.

Still a very sick young lady and still a very serious condition.

Your concern, prayers and emails have blessed me and I will be passing them on to the family.

Urgent Prayer Request

Prayer Warriors needed...

A young teen girl from our church needs your prayers today. Seriously.

I will update when I can.

Thanks so much!

Quick Update

Thank you for your prayers.

He was able to call Brantley tonight. He is at the next base. He is safe.

He was very tired and going to bed. Maybe we all will sleep better tonight.

Thanks again.

Calling All Prayer Warriors

Just need to ask you to be praying.

The last we heard (Brantley talked to him on Wednesday) ... Jonathan was headed into a very dangerous area.

And now, we have not heard from him. He usually lets us know when he gets to the next base... We know that since there is alot of activity going on right now, that he may not be able to get online or to a phone.

So... please continue to pray for his safety. And pray that he will be able to contact us soon. Our faith is strong... but emotions are running on the weak side.

I don't want to be anxious... but I must confess - today I am battling it.

Thanks!

A Quote to Ponder

Just want to share a quote from one of the books that I am currently reading. I shared a few posts back - about wanting to stretch - in the area of my reading. This is from The Pursuit of God, by A.W. Tozer.

Oh God, I have tasted Thy goodness and it has both satisfied me and made me thirsty for more. I am painfully conscious of my need of further grace. I am ashamed of my lack of desire. O God, the triune God, I want to want Thee, I long to be filled with longing; I thirst to be made more thirsty still. Show me Thy glory, I pray Thee, that so I may know Thee indeed. Begin in mercy a new work within me. Say to my soul, "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." Then give me the grace to rise and follow Thee up from this misty lowland where I have wandered so long. In Jesus' name. Amen

So many thoughts flood my mind as I read and re-read and re-read that prayer. I think for tonight... I will just share it with you... pray it for myself (again).... and let it really sink in. My plan for now, is to take one thought at a time and discuss it.

On that thought... I have added a new counter to my blog - just for my info- and I set it so that it will NOT count when I visit my page. I wanted to know actual visits. And since yesterday afternoon there have been 60 visits. So - WELCOME - and even though you do not have to comment - I just want to tell you that I would love for you to join me in the coming discussions. Let me know what you think. Or just let me know you came. Either way, I would love to hear from you (even anonymous).

Blessings to you....
and Ponder that prayer....

Pray

Jonathan is traveling - through dangerous/dark area. We talked Saturday night... he asked for us to be praying.

So join me... We are asking for an UNEVENTFUL trip all the way back to AJ!

Thanks and Blessings!