God Has Been With Us

Sunday was a special day for me - it was a sweet day.  57 years ago, Floyd and I said our "I do" to each other.  I don't think either of us could have imagined what the future had in store for us.  We've had a life of adventure - good times and hard times - ups and downs - victories and defeats.  We've been together in sickness and in health as we pledged......both richer and poorer.  

Those vows we say to each other are important - and they're tested!  I promised to go where Floyd went.....and I did!  To traveling and living out of a suitcase for 4+ years.  To Afghanistan.  To living on a houseboat, while pregnant, with a toddler and a puppy.  To living in the red light district.  To moving - lots and lots and lots of moving.

The one constant thing through it all is that God has been with us......faithfully, always, abundantly - with us!  Day by day.  Night by night.  Never leaving us.  Whatever we were going through, we knew He'd help us.

Last week as the "anniversary" of Floyd's passing came, someone sent me the photo above.  My friend pointed out that in the photo (taken at an All Nations gathering in Taiwan) everyone was looking out to the ocean - except Floyd.....who was turned to me.  I always knew I was loved and cherished by Floyd.  That was so special to be reminded of that.

"The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow Him.  If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with His hands.  I was once young, but now I'm old.  Not once have I found a lover of God forsaken by Him, not have any of their children gone hungry.  Instead, I've found the Godly ones to be generous ones who give freely to others.  Their children are blessed and become a blessing."  Psalm 37:23-26  TPT

These special days mean so much to me.  It's a good opportunity to reflect and remember - and thank the Lord for His faithfulness.   I have so much to be thankful for.

Peace Like a River

In the recent tumultuous years - the constant up and down - the roller coaster - the massive traumas...there is one thing that has been constant.  Peace!  It sounds incongruous.  Peace in the midst of all the turmoil???  How could it be?

I'm not saying there won't be pressure or stress.  But underneath it all - or perhaps covering over it all - is a peace.  Peace that can only come from the Lord!  It's His gift to us in letting us know He's with us, He's in control even if everything seems out of control.  Peace is His "amen" on the situation.

In the midst of difficult situations, if I would sit quietly and take a deep breath - I could always sense His peace with me.  I was never alone.  He was always by my side.  He was continually guiding me, strengthening me, supporting me, helping me.  I had only to sit in a quiet moment and let His peace wash over me.  "Peace like a river that floodeth my soul."

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."  John 14:27

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts." Colossians 3:15

"The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace."  Psalm 29:11

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

This verse points out that there are a couple "keys" for us in having peace.  We continually trust the Lord in the difficult situation, and we keep our thoughts on Him - His goodness, His power, His love and care for us.

"And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:7

I am so grateful for the peace that only God can give.  I could have never made it through all these years without the precious peace that only God can give.  He knew I would need it, and He poured it out into my heart.  He is so good!

He Names the Stars

The complications that I’ve been having from my cancer have gotten worse.  After consulting with the team of doctors that care for me, we have decided on a course of radiology therapy.  Obviously that is daunting for me, but… 

One evening recently, I went outside to watch the International Space Station fly overhead.  It was quite amazing.  It moved so fast, but was visible for 6 minutes.  I also loved seeing all the stars - millions of them shining so brightly.  The planet Jupiter was incredibly bright and seemed so close.

As I observed all this, I felt the Lord comforting my heart that heaven is so close by - He is so close by!  It was a beautiful reassurance of God's presence and closeness.

"Praise Him, sun and moon;  Praise Him, all stars of light!  Praise Him, highest heavens."  Psalm 148:3,4

"Look up into the heavens.  Who created all the stars?  He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name."  Isaiah 40:26

"He counts the number of the stars; He gives names to all of them.  Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite."  Psalm 147:4,5

The One who knows the stars by name also knows every detail of our lives.  He is with us and He is for us.  He is always working for good in the things we face.  He is with us each and every day.  He is so faithful!