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!

Pause Before You Speak

I heard someone say something about another person recently.  It had absolutely nothing to do with me, but I found myself grieved.  As I pondered this, I realized it must be a small indication of how God feels when we say or do something unkind or slanderous.  I thought about this verse:

"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."  James 1:19,20

Perhaps one of the biggest challenges for us is being "slow to speak."  In an age of "instant" everything, sometimes our speech is instant too.  I had that happen recently.  I heard something that I was upset about, and shared it with a friend right away.  A few minutes later, I realized I shouldn't have done that and needed to apologize.  I think it's helpful to hit "pause" before we speak!!  

These days it seems that people feel free to speak anything and everything.....from the mildest thing to the most awful thing.  There are plenty of examples of people doing that, and I guess social media has given us platforms for that.  But it doesn't change God's standards for our speech.  He'll still hold us accountable.

"The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit."  Proverbs 15:4

"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."  Colossians 4:6

"Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips."  Psalm 141:3

"A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."  Proverbs 15:1

"Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble."  Proverbs 21:23

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."  Ephesians 4:29

That verse is a tall order!  Our speech needs to build up and impart grace.  We definitely need to hit pause before we speak!

"I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."  Matthew 12:36

We may think we can say whatever we think - after all, "freedom of speech" and so forth.  But God is listening and we will be accountable for what we say.

There are dozens and dozens of verses in the Word about our speech.  We have a lot to live up to.

I want my speech to be pleasing to the Lord.  I am keeping the guideline of being "slow to speak" in the fore front of my mind!

Victory in Jesus

Easter weekend was lovely. The weather was beautiful. In thinking back on it, I'm not quite sure what happened - but Easter came alive for me in a special way this year. I had a precious time with the Lord on Good Friday.....and that carried with me the whole weekend.

I have a lot on my mind at the moment - a lot on my heart. I had a fresh revelation of how Jesus took all the burdens I'm carrying on the cross. He now carries the weight of them for me. And by His stripes we are healed. I prayed with fresh fervor in asking the Lord for healing - especially for my painful feet.

And on Resurrection Sunday, I felt a fresh wave of victory. God has helped me in so many ways in recent years, and I had fresh assurance that He will continue to do so. I thought of the words to an old song we sang when I was growing up:

"I heard an old, old story, how a Savior came from glory

How He gave His life on Calvary to save a wretch like me

I heard about His groaning, of His precious blood's atoning

Then I repented of my sins, and won the victory.

Oh, victory in Jesus, my Savior forever

He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood

He loved me 'ere I knew Him and all my love is due Him

He plunged me to victory beneath the cleansing flood

I heard about His healing, of His cleansing power revealing

How He made the lame to walk again and 'caused the blind to see

And then I cried, "Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit"

And somehow Jesus came and brought to me the victory."

It's amazing how the songs I sang as a young girl are still so fresh in my memory.....and the truth of them still stands! I'm so grateful for the "victory in Jesus."

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:8

"The Lord is my light and my salvation...The Lord is the strength of my life." Psalm 27:1

"Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in Him, for He shields him all day long." Deuteronomy 33:12

"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." Lamentations 3:22,23

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Our wonderful Savior has risen - He is alive and with us each day!

Grace to Forgive

In recent days, a distant  memory of a time when someone hurt me flitted through my mind.  Haven't thought of it in ages.....not sure why it popped up.  I spoke out my forgiveness afresh.  Doing that always helps to cleanse the pain.

I once heard someone say, "Forgiveness is not a case of holy amnesia that wipes out the past.  It is instead the experience of healing that drains the poison from the wound."  I like that description!  Draining the poison through forgiveness is wonderfully healing.

As I was thinking about all this, I couldn't help but think of the perfect example Jesus set for us in forgiveness - especially as we come to this Easter weekend.  He forgave incredible hurts and pains.....and He gives us grace to forgive.  It's powerful.

"If we do not forgive man their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."  Matthew 6:15

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."  Ephesians 4:32

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  Colossians 3:13

"You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call on you."  Psalm 86:5

"Forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors."  Matthew 6:12

I am so very grateful for the death of Jesus on the cross, for His glorious resurrection, and the power of it in our lives!  I can never thank Him enough!  A blessed Easter to you!

Our Unchangeable God

I hear from people far and wide who are nervous, anxious, fearful, worried about world events.  Certainly unsettling things are taking place in our world.....things that we would have never dreamed of happening.  The concerning feelings are understandable.  I, too, have had moments of feeling vulnerable.

If ever there were a time to keep our eyes on the Lord, it's certainly now!!  The world as we know it is changing.  But we serve an unchangeable God.  He is our Rock, our sure foundation.  He will carry us through the changes.  People and institutions may fail us, but God won't.  He is constant and unfailing.

When I think back to all the ways God has helped me in the recent difficult years with Floyd's illness, my cancer, some family crisis's, and ministry emergencies - all I can do is praise and thank the Lord for His mercy, grace, and help.  He has carried me through everything!  Nothing caused Him to waver.  Nothing shook Him up!  He helped me time and time again.

When we face uncertainty in these current days of change - it's good to look back and remember how God has helped us in the past.  It assures us of His help in the present situations!

" '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

"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me."  Psalm 23:4

"Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies.  But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail."  Isaiah 51:6

"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:28,29

"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."  Lamentations 3:22

"It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man."  Psalm 118:8

Whatever we read in the news - it's important to balance it with what we read in the Bible!  God is with us.  He will help us in the changing world.  He'll never fail us!

Hidden Treasure

When trials come along - when we face hard situations - when we struggle with difficult health problems - when any kind of hardship is challenging us.....we have to endure and persevere.  The temptation may be to try and ignore the situation or run the other way.  We may want to shake our fist and complain about what is happening.  But, like it or not, we have to face these things head on.  Thankfully we don't have to go through them alone.

Enduring and Persevering doesn't just "happen."  We have to choose in our hearts to go through whatever we are facing with our focus on the Lord and what He will teach us.  It may be a day-by-day choosing as we face the hard things.  There have been times when it was an almost minute-by-minute choosing!!  It's really hard to persevere in the midst of the hard situations.  But it's worth it - 100%, totally worth it.

In the midst of the hard things, there is hidden treasure.  The more difficult the situation, the more treasure there is to be found.....especially in our walk with the Lord.  It reminds me of Easter egg hunts when I was a child.  Searching in the grass, in bushes, under logs, hidden in furniture - there would be beautiful Easter eggs to be found and put in my basket.  My "basket" is full of treasures in my relationship with God.  Drawing near to Him in the midst of difficulties has brought a richness of friendship that I don't know if I'd have found otherwise.  He has taught me so many lessons.  He has had higher purposes for me, and He has revealed His will to me of what He is doing through the suffering.  I am blessed beyond measure!!

"Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."  Galatians 6:9

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life."  James 1:12

"We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame."  Romans 5:3-5

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness."  James 1:2,3

"For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised."  Hebrews 10:36

"If we endure, we will also reign with Him."  2 Timothy 2:12

Everyone on this earth goes through hard times.  In the storms of life, as we seek Him and persevere, He will pour out His mercy, grace, and strength.  He is good and faithful.

Wisdom from Above

Wisdom.  I need the Lord's wisdom.  Wisdom for big, huge, impactful decisions - and for small, daily, inconsequential decisions.  In recent years I have made hundreds, probably thousands, of decisions.  I couldn't have made them without the Lord whispering in my ear to go here/go there, do this/do that.  He has led me by my right hand step by step. I am so very grateful.

For me the wisdom I'm asking from the Lord comes as I keep my focus continually on Him as I go about my day.  I think on His goodness.  I stand on His promises.  I rejoice in how He's met me time and time again.  I speak out my gratitude, and remind Him of my need of Him.  I talk to Him all day long - as if He was right here with me in my home.  I worship Him in my mind and in my heart.

I also receive the wisdom that I need as I wait in His presence - listening for His whispers into my heart and mind.  I block out "the world" as best I can, and listen for that still small voice of the Lord.  I ask Him to confirm what I've heard from Him with peace - a peace that passes understanding.  His instructions and His peace show me the way forward.

Sometimes the wisdom that I need comes quickly.  At other times, I have to continue to seek Him until I receive the answers I need.  God's timetable is not always the same as mine!  But He's faithful to answer in the right time.  He's never late.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."  James 1:5

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge."  Proverbs 1:7

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths."  Proverbs 3:5,6

"How much better to get wisdom than gold!  And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver."  Proverbs 16:16

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."  Psalm 119:105

"All this also comes from the Lord Almighty, wonderful in counsel and magnificent in wisdom."  Isaiah 28:29

"The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding."  Proverbs 2:6

"The plans I have for you - plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (Jeremiah 29:11)  I trust God's wisdom for those plans.  He has faithfully led me so far, and I trust Him to keep leading me.

I couldn't make it without Him.

Choose Trust

heard from a friend who is finding it hard to see friends battling horrible illness.  He has questions about it all.  I imagine most of us can identify with him.  I have a multitude of questions.  I have a mental list of those questions that I hope to talk to the Lord about some day.

And yet, in the here and now, we have to choose trust.  We have to trust in God's goodness even when we see the suffering around us.  He WARNED us!!  "In this world you will have tribulation."  John 16:33  But He also says, "Take heart!  I have overcome the world."

It's not wrong to have questions.....and we can talk to the Lord about them.  But we can't allow those questions to cause us to take up an offense against God.  We have to hold tight to His mighty hand and keep our eyes on Him.  We don't understand things that happen.  But we have to remember that we live in a fallen world, and there will be pain and suffering.  Trust in our wonderful Father is the only thing that will carry us through.

I've had lots of conversations with the Lord about what happened to Floyd.  I don't understand any of it.  But in the midst of that painful season, I saw God at work.  I knew His goodness and faithfulness in so many ways.  I was carried by Him daily.  My heart was comforted in the sadness of it.  There was sufficient grace for each thing I faced - and abundant wisdom for the many decisions I faced......even as I battled cancer and went through repeated treatment myself.  God was there!  All the time!

"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite spirit."  Psalm 34:28

"Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:39

"Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always."  1 Chronicles 16:11

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."  2 Corinthians 4:16-18

"And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying.  There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."  Revelation 21:4

I look forward to that day!  And I have a feeling that my questions will no longer be important when I stand in His presence!

Slow

There's a word that seems to be a key element of my life these days - slow.  I've always been such a go-getter - especially being married to a visionary - and have always been very active.  Being slow wasn't part of my vocabulary.  But here I am.

A lot of my day, my life, is still involved with doing everything I can to battle cancer, and also trying to minimize the impact of the neuropathy in my feet.  In fact, with my numb feet, I truly have to go slow!  I had 2 bad falls last year, so I purposely walk slowly and carefully.

I also continue to be involved in various ministry things.  Some of them are slower too, but I love the things I'm still able to do.

I've had a few chats with the Lord about being slow.  I know He could improve things so that I didn't have to be so slow.  But, instead, He's been teaching me the beauty of this season of my life, and encouraging me to accept it and not fight it.  I am "slowly" getting there!

One thing He's been reminding me of is that He values faithfulness more than productivity.  He loves what we accomplish for Him - but being faithful day in and day out in all things big and small is of great value to Him.  In my slowness I can certainly choose to be faithful!

I've been reminded of my mother who spent her older, slower years in intercession.  I dare to say that she may have accomplished more through her prayers than many others who were active.  We certainly saw the fruit of her prayers in our lives!

So slow is okay.  I'm learning to accept it.

"You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great."  Psalm 18:35

"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

"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men."  Colossians 3:23

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song."  Psalm 28:7

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."  Habakkuk 3:17,18

I would add my own verse.  "Though I move slowly and seem to accomplish very little.....I will keep my eyes on the Lord and keep my heart full of praise as I serve Him faithfully each day."