Our Unshakeable God

I read a verse in my quiet time that just ushered me into the presence of the Lord.

" 'Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,' says the Lord, who has compassion on you."  Isaiah 54:10

It seems like everything around me/us is being shaken.  Even in my limited space here in South Africa - things are continually shaken.  But God's love, peace, and compassion WILL NOT be shaken.  Absolutely nothing that can happen to me can remove God's wonderful presence all around me.  And He understands when I feel shaken - He has compassion on me.  My heart is overflowing with thankfulness.

I've been listening to a chorus - "we are standing on holy ground, and I know that there are angels all around."  I felt the Lord saying to me today - I'm on holy ground right where I am.  I'm in a home that God provided for us.  I look out at His amazingly beautiful creation every day.  I'm alone - but not alone.  His presence with me is closer than the air I breathe.  In my sweet home here in South Africa, I'm on holy ground.  So precious!

Our wonderful God is unshakeable.  He's never exhausted.  He never fails.  He is the constant in my life at all times.  He is unchangeable.  His love is firmer than the highest mountain, and boundless like the deepest seas.  And with Him, I live on holy ground.  I can't even explain to you how this revelation washed over me like precious waves of His goodness.  So special!

And His sweet peace - I couldn't survive without that.  When I'm weak.  When I feel I'm failing.  When I'm alone.  When I'm in pain.  When things are changing all around - His peace is always there to surround me and remind me of His goodness.  The most wonderful balm!

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"Do not be anxious about anything; but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."  Hebrews 4:16

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"For He Himself is our peace."  Ephesians 2:14

Every day, every hour, every minute - 24/7 - my unchangeable, unshakeable God is with me covering me with His peace.  So awesome!

So Much Bigger

The health challenges I've had recently have been quite draining.  I've been through so many things in recent years, so I know that "this too shall pass."  I'm just looking to the Lord for His help in this process.

This is a special month for me.  Nineteen years ago Floyd and I moved to South Africa.  We weren't "youngins" any more, so this was a big deal!  We prayed and felt this was our final move - we'd live out our life here.  For Floyd - that has certainly happened.  For me - I'm happy and at home here.  Many people thought I'd move back to the US after Floyd passed away.  But this truly is "home" now for me!  This is the longest I've ever lived in one place/country - even growing up.  I left home when I was 18.  I'm very grateful for the Lord's goodness to me here!  South Africa is my forever home now.

As I've been walking through these new, unexpected challenges - someone sent me a piece by Sarah Jakes Roberts, that I'd like to share with you.

"If God always bowed to my will…
if He answered in the exact way I demanded,
in the timing I insisted upon,
according to the limited vision I cling to,
how could He ever be God at all?
How could He ever surprise me with glory,
or overwhelm me with wonders
that I never even knew to ask for?

If He only did what I thought was best,
my life would be painfully small,
hemmed in by my impatience,
confined to the narrow corridors of my understanding.
But He is not bound by my begging,
and He is not shackled by my short-sighted prayers.
He is the God who breaks open the impossible,
the God who writes stories beyond the ink of my imagination,

the God who answers prayers I didn’t even have the courage to whisper.

Sometimes I resent His silence.
Sometimes I mistake His waiting for absence.
Sometimes I cry out, “Why not now, Lord?”
And yet, in the stillness, I feel His hand restraining me, not because He is cruel,
but because He is weaving something greater,
something so far beyond my vision
that if He gave it to me too soon,
I would ruin it with my own unprepared hands.

I don’t just need a God who echoes my wants.
I need a God who exceeds them.
A God who dismantles my plans
only to rebuild something eternal.
A God who loves me too much
to surrender me to the smallness of my own desires.

So I bow, broken but believing.
I release my grip on how I thought it should be.
And I confess with trembling lips:
Lord, if You never did another thing the way I expected, You would still be faithful.
And if You delay until my faith feels stretched thin, You are still good.
For You are the God who does exceedingly, abundantly above all that I could ever ask,
all that I could ever dream,
all that I could even dare to imagine.

And maybe, Your delays are not denials,
but doorways into a glory
that will one day make me fall to my knees,
astonished at how little I asked for,
and how much You gave."

It echoes things in my heart, and expresses them so poignantly.  I thank her for writing it.

God is so much bigger than my thoughts, my desires, my prayers.  He sees the whole picture.  I only see my limited view.  I trust Him.  I trust His goodness.  I trust His faithfulness.  I trust His unfailing love for me.  I trust His infinite wisdom.  I trust His eternal perspective.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord.  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."  Isaiah 55:8,9

I trust His sovereignty over everything in my life!

Loving People

Someone recently shared with me a quote from Vincent van Gogh the artist.  I love his work - and I love his quote.  "I feel that there is nothing more truly artistic than to love people."  I think that sums up the way I feel too.  And I'm grateful for the "art" that so many have shown in loving me. 

"A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity."  Proverbs 17:17

"Two are better than one...If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up."  Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up."  1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."  Galatians 6:2

Focus on God

I have had some health challenges this past while that are unrelated to my cancer.  I have to admit that one of the first things that came to my mind was "what if."  But I also have to admit that I knew I couldn't stay in that frame of mind.  We can't allow ourselves to be traumatized by worrying about what might happen.  Thinking about what "might" happen is not a need or prayer that God will meet.  But He does help us with whatever does come our way.

Staying in constant communication with the Lord is my protection from worry, fear, and anxiety.  I have to choose to not focus on the problem, and instead focus on God's goodness and faithfulness.  I remind myself of how He's met me time and time again - especially in recent years.  He has never, ever failed me.  There's no room for worry when I focus this way!

"An anxious heart weighs a man down."  Proverbs 12:25

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?  Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"  Luke 12:25,26

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you."  1 Peter 5:7

"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  Matthew 6:34

Our Words

So many big things happening in our world.  Just reading the news these days is like riding a roller coaster.  So many ups and downs!

I am grieved at a lot of things I hear being said.  It feels like people are saying anything and everything that comes to their minds.  There's no filter.  I wonder if people have forgotten to be kind - to speak kind words.  I have felt reminded by the Lord to be careful in my speech - to put a guard over my words and only speak what brings life and edifies.

This brought to mind one of my poems that I wrote - 26 years ago!  I don't remember what was happening at the time, but I remember the words flowing as I sat down to write it.  I feel to share it today.  It's entitled "Words."

Words can hurt and words can heal.

Words can joy and gladness steal.

Words are mighty in spite of size.

Words can destroy or be very wise.

With just a simple word or phrase

We can delight or even amaze.

The power to impact someone's life each day

Should make us careful in all we do and say.

So easily we can destroy our friend.

A precious bond our words can rend.

A careless, unthinking word or two

Can years of building quickly undo.

We need God's help to guard our speech -

The Holy Spirit His ways to teach.

For if we speak before we think,

We may unhook a precious link.

We may re-act in fear or pain

And thus bring sorrow, clouds, and rain.

We may speak quickly what should never be said,

Unless by His hand we are hourly led.

Our heart is deceitful and exceedingly vain.

We may speak thinking there's something to gain.

To tame the tongue is a challenging feat.

It's clearly a problem we must work to beat.

To open our mouth with words of grace,

The Bible says should be the case.

To build up, encourage, and edify

Should be our goal as life goes by.

Oh Lord help us with care to speak,

And loving words to daily seek;

So that our speech will honor you

As your righteous example we continually pursue.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Ephesians 4:29

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think on these things."  Philippians 4:8

I find the verse from Philippians 4:8 such a good guideline.  I pray in these tumultuous times that our speech will be guided by those things.  May we be known as ones who speak kindness!

God is at Work

While my daughter was visiting, she, my son, and I went through Floyd's Bibles.  He had quite a few.  We found a quote he had written in one of them.  It was attributed to his cousin Grant McClung.  "The weapons of the enemy are used as tools in the hands of the Lord for good in our lives."

I've reflected on that quote quite a bit.  So often the enemy instigates things against us.  But God is greater.  He turns things around and uses the very attack for good in our lives.  "As far as you're concerned, you were planning evil against me, but God intended it for good, planning to bring about the present result so that many people would be preserved alive."  Genesis 50:20 ISV

It's easy in the midst of a trying time to focus on all that's wrong - all that's difficult - all that's discouraging - all that's wearing us down.  I know I can easily slip into that frame of mind in a trying time if I'm not careful.  I have to work to rise above the difficulty and keep my eyes on the Lord.  I need to ask Him to use the difficulty for good - to bring good from it.  I need to speak out my trust in the Lord.  I need to affirm the truth that God is greater than anything the enemy brings against me.

We live in challenging times, but GOD IS AT WORK!  He has not abandoned us.  He hasn't thrown up His hands and quit.  He is working in ways we may not see or understand, but, rest assured, He is at work!  He will bring good from each and every situation that we are distressed about.  He is mighty to save!  He is all powerful!  He is victorious!  He is ruler over all!  Our response is to keep our eyes on Him.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28

"To bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."  Isaiah 61:3

"You turned my wailing into dancing;  you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy."  Psalm 30:11

"Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  Exodus 14:13,14

"The righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all."  Psalm 34:19

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned."  Isaiah 43:2

"For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."  2 Corinthians 4:17

God is greater than any situation we find ourselves in.  He is right beside us, holding our hand, and working on our behalf.  I couldn't make it without Him.

If Faith Doesn't Grow, it Dies

I recently listened to a message of Floyd's from 2006 on "Trusting God for the Impossible."  I'll share the link below.  It was a timely reminder to me of some important principles.  There are a number of things I pray for.  I trust God completely with them.  But sometimes the waiting for answers seems endless.  Floyd's message prompted me to ask God to increase my faith.  He said "if faith doesn't grow, it dies."  I certainly don't want my faith to die.  I want it to increase and grow.

I've seen so many answers to prayer in my lifetime.  Some answers were immediate.  Some took weeks, months, even years.  There are some I'm still waiting for.  God's timing is different to mine, but I want to have greater faith to keep asking Him for those answers.  I trust and I wait in expectation!

I also understand that I shouldn't be so focused on answers to my prayers that I neglect to worship the Lord.  Worshipping the Lord is the foundation for my prayers!  He is worthy of my worship even if I never see a single answer to my prayers.  He is worthy of my praise and adoration.  He is my everything!  I couldn't make it another minute without Him.  He is good and faithful.

"In the morning, O Lord, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You and wait in expectation."  Psalm 5:3

"I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.  For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies."  Psalm 57:9, 10

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' "  Lamentations 3:22-24

"He fulfills the desires of those who fear Him; He hears their cry and saves them."  Psalm 145:19

"The Lord is a God of justice; blessed are those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There are so many things I'm asking the Lord for.  I want my faith to increase to trust Him for His hand to move in my life, in my family's life, and in our needy world.  I look to Him!

Click here to listen to Floyd’s message.

The God of Impossibilities

've been thinking a lot recently about the prayers I pray.  I pray rather softly.  I don't pray with a loud voice.  I don't usually pray with a lot of intensity.  I began wondering if how I prayed had anything to do with answers to prayer.  I did some studying along those lines.  

There are lots of examples of how people prayed in the Bible.  Quiet - and loud.  Simple - and profound.  Emotional - and practical.  But one thing stood out to me.  Often prayers were based on God's promises.....things He has told us in the Word.  

- He promised to work in all things for our good.  Romans 8:28-30  

- He promised that He won't give us more than we can endure.  1 Corinthians 10:13  

- He promised to be with us, to strengthen us.  Isaiah 41:10

- He promised to forgive us.  1 John 1:9

- He promised He'll never leave us.  Matthew 28:20

- He promised He has good plans for us.  Jeremiah 29:11

- He promised to give us wisdom.  James 1:5

The list goes on and on.  The Bible is said to contain over 8000 promises.  I haven't counted them!  But there are so many good promises that God has said He has for us.  I've felt encouraged to pray according to His promises.  So many things seem impossible - but impossibilities are God's specialties.  His promises are good prayer starters.

"Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  Matthew 19:26

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?"  Genesis 18:14

"Almighty Lord, you made heaven and earth by your great strength and powerful arm.  Nothing is too hard for you."  Jeremiah 32:17

"I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted."  Job 42:2

I read that Charles Spurgeon said, "Do not treat God's promises as if they were curiosities for a museum; but believe them and use them."  I'm so grateful for the encouragement and assurance of God's promises.  I'm praying them daily.  He is faithful!

Remember When

When my daughter, son, and I were together we were sharing lots of memories - some sweet, some tender, some funny, some sad.  It was an almost daily activity of "remember when?"  It was really lovely to share all the old memories - especially of Floyd.  Talking about those memories put a special seal upon our time of closure.  It was very precious.

It reminded me of how the Lord encourages us in the Bible to recount the memories of His doings in the lives of His people.  In Psalm 136 David recounts many of the things God had done - and continually says "Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever."

There is something about remembering God's goodness in the past that increases our faith as we look to Him for things in the present.  As we worship the Lord for all He's done, we're reminded that He's still the same and can meet us in new ways right now.  I've been using my quiet times to continue the activity of "remember when."  Would you like to join me?

"Remember the things I have done in the past.  For I alone am God!  I am God, and there is none like me."  Isaiah 46:9

"Remember how the Lord your God led you through the wilderness for these forty years, humbling you and testing you to prove your character."  Deuteronomy 8:2

"I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old."  Psalm 77:11

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands."  Psalm 143:5

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits."  Psalm 103:2

The Bible is literally filled with dozens and dozens of verses that exhort us to "remember when."  I have been reminded of so many things the Lord has done in my/our lives - both large and small.  My heart wells up with thankfulness for God's goodness and faithfulness.

God is With Me Whatever I Face

Through the years I've written poems. I'm not a great poet - they're more expressions of my heart.....and my love for God, Floyd, and others. While going through some things lately, I came across one that I wrote when Floyd was in the hospital and I was going through cancer treatment - about 18 months along on that journey...

"I wonder as I wander

On this unexpected way.

I wonder what is still ahead,

And what will fill my day.

I never planned to come this way -

This path is so unknown.

The twists and turns go on and on,

They're not what I thought God had shown.

Our "golden years" were just ahead,

And we planned to slow the pace.

Instead a whole new course we're on,

And we're in a much different race.

I wonder what is still ahead -

I wonder what the end will be.

I wonder what God has in store -

I wonder what He has for ME.

I've not been one to wander,

As the years have all gone by.

There's always been a plan He's shown,

And I've never questioned why.

I've followed each path where He's led,

All over the wide world.

And looked to Him to fulfill what He'd said,

When I was a young girl.

I even felt at that young age

That someday I'd live here;

But I would have never dreamed

That this journey would be so severe.

I wonder as I wander what is still ahead.

Then I hear, as I listen to His sweet voice,

To keep trusting and holding His hand

As He shows day by day His choice."

I've always been aware that there are hard things along with good things as we walk through life. The key is calling on the Lord for the grace we need to persevere and respond in the right way. The last eleven years of my life has been a severe testing of this value. And God has been faithful! Abundantly faithful! He has helped me with each hard thing that has come my way - small things, and massively huge things. I never lacked for His help.

The key thing is our heart's response - not the circumstances we're facing. When my heart struggles, I turn to the Lord for more and more grace. He always provides that and never leaves me!

"I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:11-13

I join my voice with Paul's in saying that God is with me whatever I face - and He's never failed me!

Stand on the Promises of God

In times of difficulty - pain, loss, suffering, whatever trial we're facing - it is easy to slip into feeling hopeless.  We must guard against that!  We must remind ourselves that we are not alone.  Jesus is alway, ALWAYS, with us!  I find it helpful in hard times to declare that out loud.  I speak out my trust of the truth of His presence with me.  I pray the promises of His help.  As I soak my heart in His goodness and faithfulness, I get fresh courage to persevere.

In the Psalms, David was sometimes discouraged.  He would say "I shall again praise Him."  He was struggling, but He knew who God was and declared that He would get through the hard time and worship God afresh.  We can do the same thing!  We can't get stuck in the difficulty - we must stand on the promises of God.

"Why are you in despair, O my soul?  And why have you become disturbed within me?  Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence."  Psalm 42:5  NASB

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."  Romans 15:13

"You will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed."  Isaiah 49:23

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."  Hebrews 6:19

When we are feeling hopeless, we can speak out "Jesus you are my hope."  It's true!  And it will help us navigate the difficult season.  His promises never fail!

Peace

I have several friends and family members who are going through difficult things.  One of my top prayers for them is for peace.  I think we can go through almost anything when we have an underlying peace - that God is in control, that He is working in the difficult situation, and that He is with us to help us.

I've often thought about when Jesus came to His disciples after His death and resurrection.  His first words to them were "Peace be with you."  He knew they were confused and anxious.  His death had been so traumatic for them.  It seemed like all their hopes and dreams were gone.  They were fearful, too, of being persecuted because of their relationship to Jesus.  They were staying behind closed, locked doors out of fear of the Jewish authorities.  Jesus knew when He appeared to them that what they needed was peace.

Jesus knows, too, that we need peace in our difficult situations.  He comes to us with peace - He imparts it to us and covers us with it.  It's not dependent on the circumstances.  It's something that He, and only He, can give.  Everything around us may feel like it's falling apart, but if we have the peace that the Lord gives - we can make it through.

Many times standing by Floyd's bed when he was sick in the hospital - I prayed and sang about peace.  I asked the Lord to give him peace.....and I have to say that there was a calmness and spirit of peace in his room.  The staff commented on it.  His situation was difficult and puzzling.  I can't begin to imagine how hard it was for him, but I think the Lord gave him peace.

Time and time again as I've gone through these hard years, I've asked the Lord to settle my heart and give me peace.  He has calmed the storms raging around me, and given me His sweet, sweet peace.  I'm so grateful!

"On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' "  John 20:19

"...guide our feet into the way of peace."  Luke 1:79

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."  John 14:27

"May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."  2 Thessalonians 3:16

"Do not be anxious about anything...and the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:6,7

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."  Isaiah 26:3

"In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."  Psalm 4:8

I pray that last verse as I go to bed at night!

Without the amazing peace that the Lord gives, I don't think I could make it through everything.  His peace is an awesome gift and treasure.  He's so faithful!

Joy is My Fuel

While some of you in the northern hemisphere are sweltering in the heat, we're in the middle of a big cold front here in South Africa.  We've had lots of rain and cold weather.  I'm working at staying warm!

When I shared in my last update about being grateful to still be alive 11 years after my cancer diagnosis, I received lots of responses.  One person from Australia sent a quote - "joy to a human is like fuel to a car."  He said that perhaps my joy helps me be a miracle in surviving ovarian cancer.  That was encouraging to me - and it caused me to ponder what he said.  I think there's a great truth there.

Joy is an incredible gift to us!  Nehemiah 8:10 says "the joy of the Lord is your strength."  It's one of the verses I pray every morning before I get out of bed.  I ask for the joy of the Lord.  I know I need it to have strength for my day.

I've found that one of the ways to have joy is to give thanks for everything.  "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you."  1 Thessalonians 4:16-18  As I give thanks for things through my day - it helps joy to build in my heart - which gives me strength!

If I don't feel good.  If I wish we didn't have so much rain.  If I'm trying to keep warm in the cold weather.  If I'm feeling overwhelmed with all I need to do.  Whatever I'm facing......I can still thank the Lord for His goodness, grace, and mercy.  It brightens my day as I do that.  The joy that comes through thankfulness helps with whatever we are facing!

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

"Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!"  Philippians 4:4''

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."  Psalm 118:24

"When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy."  Psalm 94:19

"I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High."  Psalm 9:2

A simple "thank you Jesus" brings joy to my day!  His joy is a sustaining life-line.  I'm so grateful for the joy the Lord brings.

Living Day-by-Day

In the days ahead, it's the 11th anniversary from my diagnosis of ovarian cancer.  I'm amazed, and very grateful, that I'm still alive!  My oncologist says that most of her patients are gone in 6 months to 2 years.  She says that my optimism, my faith, and my pro-active involvement in my care are the key things that have helped me.  I don't disagree, but I tell her it's definitely an answer to prayer that I'm still alive.  She does call me a "miracle."  :)

I was scrolling through the photos on my phone.  It hit me how many of our friends and family have gone to be with Jesus in recent years - a lot of them!  There were some who came to visit Floyd when he was sick and even spoke at the memorial services for him, and now they've joined him in heaven.

It reminds me afresh that our times are in God's hands.  There have been a few times when I've been worried about the cancer I have.....worried for the future, for our family, etc.  Every time that happens, the Lord reminds me to keep my eyes on Him - not on my cancer.  He exhorts me to live day-by-day and not project into the future.  He brings to my mind ways that He has helped me all my life, and especially during these 11 years......and tells me He is faithful to keep helping me.  I definitely trust in His faithfulness.

Without a miracle, I'll never be cured of my cancer.  I've had 8 surgeries and 4 courses of chemo.  The tumor is currently inoperable because of it's location and attachment to vital organs.  But the Lord has helped me in "living with cancer."  It's been challenging at times, but He has helped me along the way.

"Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.  I say to myself, 'The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.' " Lamentations 3:22-24

"Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; and...that He may have mercy on you.  For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him."  Isaiah 30:18

I "wait" for all the Lord has for me - hour by hour, day by day, month by month.  I know He is good, trustworthy, and faithful.  I'm in good hands.  And my heart is at peace.

A Merry Heart

These past days have been a little crazy!  My house, kinda like me, is aging.  :)  Things are breaking down and repairs are needed.  Recently it seems like daily something stops working.  It's been a revolving door of repairmen coming and going.

I was speaking with a family member who is going through a very challenging season.  The person said it was helpful to stop and think - "do I have everything I need in this moment, for this day?"  It helped to not be overwhelmed with the things needing to be resolved.  One day at a time, one moment at a time is manageable.  I like that!

Proverbs 17:22 says "a merry heart does good, like medicine."  I've tried to keep a merry heart in the middle of the breakdowns.  A sense of humor, a positive attitude, and faith in the Lord's help can get me through the most challenging situations.  It's a winning combo.

I saw a slogan  - "He who laughs, lasts."  I'm laughing and still standing!!

God Doesn't Change

Not too long ago, I went through something that I would least expect.  I was doing all the right things, but I experienced a spiritual dryness.  Things seemed dull and gray - like our overcast skies can be.  I wondered why.  I looked at a lot of possibilities, and asked the Lord about it.  To be honest, I couldn't find a specific reason.

I realized that others in the Bible had gone through times of dryness - David, Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter.  At least I was in good company!  I'm sure I've had times like this before in my life, but after the richness of the Lord's fellowship during Floyd's illness and my cancer journey - I was surprised at the difference.

I decided to stop trying to analyze it and just persevere through it.  I pressed in close to the Lord - to the "Vine" because "without Him I can do nothing."  I continued doing all the "right" things - praying, reading the Word, worshipping, reading/listening to rich messages, spending time in the Lord's presence, etc.  Then, one day - it was gone as quickly as it had appeared.  I always like to know "why" things happen.....but this was a mystery.  Like other things in life, I just walked through it to the other side.

The end result was that I was encouraged.....because whatever I'm going through God doesn't change.  He's always the same, and He'll get me through every single season I face.  He's so faithful!

"I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  John 15:5

"You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."  Psalm 63:1

"The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail."  Isaiah 58:11

When we're humble and dependent, He will lead us through the desert times to times of flowing waters.  I'm so grateful for how He helped me.

Man of Sorrows

A friend lost her husband recently.  As soon as I heard, my heart went out to her.  Loss, and the grief that comes, is a difficult and heavy thing to deal with.  I grieved while Floyd was sick - and I grieved when he went to be with Jesus.  

It's 4 years ago this week that Floyd passed away, and it still seems like just yesterday.  I thought by now I'd be "used" to it, and it wouldn't be so poignant.  Yes, certainly, time helps to heal - but the sense of loss is still so vivid.  I have moments when I want to say something to Floyd, and then I realize afresh that he's gone.  I continually face situations that I wish he could help with, but I'm on my own.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, we thought I would be the one to go home to Jesus.  We never dreamed it would be Floyd.  He was fit, healthy, and in better shape than he'd been in years.  Then the unknown virus hit, and he was taken down.  From being well to being in ICU in about 24 hours.  It was such a shock.  

The Bible says that Jesus was a "man of sorrows, fully acquainted with grief."  I'm so glad He understands.  It encourages and comforts me on the hard days.  I have walked through several difficult things recently.  I've really missed Floyd - but I lean into Jesus who understands!

"Blesses are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted."  Matthew 5:4

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."  Psalm 147:3

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:18

Without the Lord, I think grief might be unbearable.  But with Him - He helps me day by day.  I'm so thankful for His goodness and faithfulness.

Brighter Days Ahead!

These days my energy level ebbs and flows continually.  Sometimes I don't seem to have any at all.  It can be daunting when I have a lot that I need to do.  A formula that helps me:

- focus on what I can do

- choose not to get discouraged

- be careful not to be too hard on myself

It helps me to work my way through this formula.  I also read a quote:  "Keep going!  Rest when you need to, but never quit. Brighter days are ahead."  This is so helpful too.  And it's true - with the Lord, brighter days are always ahead.  We have to be careful not to be bogged down in what's happening day-to-day.

"Be very careful to keep the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord gave you:  to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, to obey His commands, to hold fast to Him and to serve Him with all your heart and all your soul."  Joshua 22:5

"There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  Romans 8:1

"My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."  2 Corinthians 12:9

"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him."  James 1:12

"But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."  Micah 7:7

God is so faithful to help us on our day-by-day journey through life - whatever we face!  He is always by our side.

Instructions from the Word

"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."  Romans 12:12

I think that verse tells us how to face the circumstances of life.  It exhorts us to maintain a positive attitude when facing life's difficulties.

"Rejoice in hope."  We can keep hope alive in our hearts even when experiencing hard times.  As we walk in the joy God gives us - His joy is our strength - we can make it through anything.

"Be patient in affliction."  Or suffering.  Or trials.  Or the different seasons of life.  As we walk through any circumstance we can remain calm, peaceful, and steadfast.  God will use each situation to help us grow.  He doesn't "waste our sorrows."  He uses them for good in our lives.

"Be faithful in prayer."  Prayer is our lifeline!  Talking to the Lord as we navigate through each situation will allow the Lord to guide and help us.  No difficult circumstance we face is too big for God!  He's got us!  He is continually with us to help us.

I love how whatever we face, God has given us instructions in His word.  He is so faithful!

Choosing Joy

"Rejoice in the Lord always."  Philippians 4:4

I read this verse recently, and it stood out to me.  My life currently is very simple due to my health situation.  In particular - my numb feet from neuropathy.  A good portion of my day revolves around various treatments.  Some days are very dull and boring.  I don't always "feel" overflowing with joy.

But as I pondered this verse, I realized that joy is a "choice," daily, hourly, moment by moment.  I can experience the Lord's joy even when I'm going through hard times.  His joy is available to me in any hardship, any suffering, any adversity, any discouragement.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

Every morning when I get up, before I even get out of bed - I speak out some of the Lord's promises to me and ask for them for my day.  This verse is one of them.  I ask the Lord to fill me with His joy - which is my strength for the day. 

As I go about my day, I consciously look for things to express my joy in the Lord.  When I get busy, I try to stop and focus on thanking the Lord for things in my day - which releases joy.  I've come to understand that joy isn't something that just hits us - it's something we choose and work at.  And the benefits are awesome! 

I recently watched the movie "The Jesus Revolution" that was on TV here.  It was made in 2023.  It was a trip down memory lane.  While it was happening in Calif. and other parts of the US - we were experiencing it in Afghanistan, and later in Amsterdam.  Those were special days!  And one of the characteristics of it was, you guessed it - JOY.  There was such overwhelming joy in the hearts of all the young people coming to know Jesus!  It was contagious.  Many worship songs that we sing today came out of that time of spiritual revolution.  I found my self praying for it to come again!

"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days."  Psalm 90:14

"Surely you have granted him eternal blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence."  Psalm 21:6

When we walk in the "joy of the Lord," everything in life takes on a different perspective.  What a blessed gift His joy is!