Stay Tucked In

During this past week of recovering from surgery Floyd has been on his own a lot.  Some of the faithful Care Team are away right now.  We have been praying for the sweet comfort of angels for Floyd during this time.  One carer that was with him this week asked him if he prays a lot when he's on his own.  He gave a very firm "yes" blink in response.  I'm praying for mighty times of prayer for him!

Leading up to my surgery last Friday, I was so blessed by the messages of love & support that I received from all over the world.  It was humbling.  It seemed like there were prayers being lifted up in just about every time zone.  So grateful for that!

And those prayers were answered!  I had a sweet miracle.  There was NO tumor.  What had appeared to be one was scar tissue & adhesions.  They had clumped together in a tumor-like mass.  That was removed, and they had a good look around.  There was NO malignancy.  When I got the news post surgery, all I could do was thank the Lord.  It was a TRUE “all clear” and I am so so grateful.

When I checked into the hospital the night before surgery, I had a surprise too.  Of all the possible rooms in this fairly large hospital - I was placed in the room Floyd had been in 2 years ago after he was released from the 6 weeks in ICU.  It was an uncanny deja vu moment.  I lay in bed praying that night, thinking about the 2 year anniversary of Floyd becoming ill.  I realized that this could all be sad/hard - or I could use it as an opportunity to thank the Lord for His goodness & faithfulness in all that has transpired since Floyd was in the same room.  I chose the latter.  As I did so, a glorious peace flooded my soul.  It carried through with me into the surgery the next morning.  In fact the surgeon and surgery nurse commented on how calm I was.  I knew it was the peace of the Lord.

I’m still rejoicing in the good news!

The verse “my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19) has been echoing through my mind.  He has been so faithful in doing that.  My heart is full of worship for His goodness!

I learned an important lesson during the time of my surgery that I thought I'd share with you.  All my life I've been taught that our walk with the Lord is a relationship.  In that relationship, we talk with Him and He talks with us.  He speaks to us in our mind and our heart.  He speaks to us through the Word.  He speaks to us through people around us.  I find He often speaks to me through His creation.  But the beauty is - He speaks to us!  

When my surgeon first examined me and said "there's a spot here," it was such a shock after being given the "all clear" from the PET scan.  It was, indeed, like a whiplash.  As soon as I had a few minutes alone, I went to the Lord in prayer.  I asked Him to help me understand, to give me His perspective.  I felt very clearly that He spoke into my heart - "it's nothing.  You're fine.  It's okay."

That was encouraging until a couple days later when I did the CT scan and got the results that there was a tumor there.  I immediately thought that my thinking the Lord had spoken to me must have just been wishful thinking on my part.

My response to all this was to give it all to the Lord, and affirm that I trust Him.  Whatever was ahead, I knew He would help me.  I spoke to Him through each and every day.......and many times in the night......"I trust you, Lord!  I keep my eyes on you."

Fast forward to after the surgery, and the surgeon comes to tell me that "there was nothing there - just scar tissue and adhesions.  You're fine.  It's okay."  You can imagine my response.  As soon as I finished thanking the Lord......I realized I HAD heard Him speak into my heart these words!  I just "assumed" I had heard wrong and that it was wishful thinking.

Well God and I had a long talk!  I told Him I was sorry that I hadn't held onto what I felt He had said to me.  Could I have been wrong?  Yes, of course!  But what I realized is that I shouldn't so quickly abandon what I felt He'd said.  I should have simply told Him that I thought He said that to me, but that I would trust Him whatever the outcome.

It's been an important lesson for me to learn......and a good reminder of some of the principles of hearing the voice of God.  Hearing God speak into our hearts is not some magic formula.  As I said, it comes out of our walk with Him, our relationship with Him.  I've heard Him speak into my heart since I was a young girl.  My earliest memories of that are from when I was 4 or 5 years old.  I've loved hearing His voice all my life.  His voice is precious.  I couldn't have made it for my 69 years of life without hearing His voice of love, affirmation, correction, direction - how wonderful it has been to hear Him speak into my heart.

I won't be so quick to discard what I think He's said in the future - regardless of what circumstances are saying.  There are some other things that I think He's spoken to my heart.  I'm going to hold on to them until He shows otherwise.

"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."  John 10:27

"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."  Jeremiah 33:3

"So is my word that goes out from my mouth.  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it."  Isaiah 55:11

"Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock."  Matthew 7:24

The Bible is filled with verses about God speaking to us.  I'm so grateful for His wonderful voice.  It is more precious than gold.

P.S.  During this time I've been picturing myself in His care just like the picture I have used for this blog depicts.  I'm staying tucked in close to "Aslan."

My Only Sure Thing

These last few days brought unexpected news on our journey again.  It seemed like the "roller coaster" was continuing, but my daughter said it felt more like whiplash!

After being so very grateful that my PET scan came back "all clear" a few weeks ago, my gynecologist/surgeon, very unexpectedly, found a small tumor.  I am disappointed, but grateful that this was found very early on and my surgery is booked to have it removed. 

My first emotions were of feeling "deflated" - like all the air had been let out of my balloon.  Then I felt the "whiplash" - like I was going in one direction and was suddenly jerked back to head a different way.  Now I have "settled" into a peace with remembering that this wasn't a surprise to God.  He is sovereign.  He is right by my side.  And He will help me with this new unexpected development.

I'm choosing to focus on the Lord, not on the difficulties ahead.  I know He will continue to be faithful to help me get through this, and I'm trusting that He will somehow bring good from it.

I shared all this with Floyd this week.  He was very alert and attentive - and very emotional.  Some tears, and lots of blinks of assurance as I asked him to be praying for me. 

"And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?  My only hope is in you."  Psalm 39:7

A friend sent me this verse.  As I read it, my heart said a hearty "amen!"  God is my only "sure" thing!  I couldn't make it without Him, and my hope is truly in Him.

On Floyd’s side he has been quiet and peaceful.  I'm so grateful for the peace that the Lord gives him.  I can't imagine all that goes through Floyd's mind - maybe questions, maybe anxiety, most likely frustration.......so I often, very often, pray for peace in his spirit.  I'm so grateful to sense the answer to those prayers when we walk into his room.  There is a spirit of peace.  Thank you, Lord!

Two big things are happening today.  It's the 2 year anniversary of when Floyd first became ill.  I'll never forget that day.  Everything leading up to it had been so normal, and then suddenly, out of nowhere, came the terrible pain in his left leg that started all that has happened. I would have never dreamed that day of what was to come.  What a 2 year unexpected journey it has been!!

And today is when I'll have the unexpected surgery. 

I've spent time this week preparing my heart for all this!  God has been so incredibly faithful these past 2 years, so I have no doubt that He will be anything less than that in the days ahead.  I will continue to hold tight to His hand, and let Him "carry" me if I'm too weak.

Several things have been illuminated in my heart in the last few days.  I love how God doesn't "waste" any situation in our lives.  He uses each one to teach us and grow us.  It constantly amazes me that He does that.

The first thought that has been coming through loud and clear is that I need to focus on what we have, not on what is lacking.  It's so easy when something unexpected pops up to focus on that.....on the new, hard thing that is ahead.  As soon as I change gears and focus on all the good things in my life, on all the blessings God has brought - wow!  It changes the whole perspective.  It's actually hard to be worried about what is ahead because I see how much God has brought me through and how faithful He's been.  When any anxiety pops up, I try to change my focus to thanking Him for all I have.  It lifts any heaviness that has entered in.

I've also felt encouraged by the Lord that "the best way to handle any unwanted situation is to thank Him" for the situation.  I confess that's easier said than done!  I'm trying my best to thank Him for the upcoming surgery.  What I think I've been able to thank Him for is that the surgeon was so thorough in finding this tumor......and that he can do the surgery quickly.....and that I have friends around who are loving and supporting me.  Again, it lifts the dread and heaviness when I look at what I can thank Him for in the unexpected/unwanted situation!

I've also found that it's important not to let the current circumstances rob me of my faith and hope of what's ahead for all eternity.  This trial, this unexpected journey, will come to a conclusion one day.......but I have eternity to rejoice in His presence.  He's teaching me lessons to make me more like Him and prepare me for standing before Him someday.  That thought certainly changes my perspective too!

How good, and awesome, and faithful He is.  Yes, I'm still learning lessons - and I'm grateful I can share my heart with you. 

"So we're not giving up.  How could we!  Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside where God is making new life, not a day goes by without His unfolding grace.  These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.  There's far more here than meets the eye.  The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow.  But the things we can't see now will last forever."  2 Corinthians 4:16-18 The Message

All I can say is "amen!"

Joy on the Journey

This week when I was with Floyd, I shared lots of news and reports of things from people.  He was alert, attentive - smiled a lot.  Then I played a beautiful a cappella rendition of "Amazing Grace" and he cried during the whole song.  We then had a time of prayer.

One of the faithful intercessors here was praying for Floyd this week.  She felt impressed with some special thoughts from the Lord:  I have not forgotten my son.  I still have him in the palm of my hand.  The two of us have conversations together.  He talks to me, and I talk to him.  My angels are with him constantly.  I have had similar impressions in prayer, so I found this very encouraging.

We are praying for courage and grace for Floyd to persevere.  The doctors had told us that Floyd would not live this long.  God has chosen not to take him home to heaven, so I think there are still things happening here on earth that are important.  He needs the Lord’s sustaining grace.

One of the biggest surprises for me on this unexpected journey we've been on is that there has been joy on the journey.  Joy is not dependent on the circumstances we're in!  On the hardest of days.......and there have been lots of hard days - physically, emotionally, and spiritually hard......but there has always been joy.

It sounds kind of crazy!  If someone heard me talking this way, they might think the pressure has gotten to me.  But what I've learned is that you can't press into God without finding joy!  Even in our pain, if we're pressing into Him, He brings joy.  The joy of the Lord, the "joy unspeakable" that the song talks about, is greater than the pain.

There have been times, both in Floyd's illness and in my battle with cancer, when I have felt like I was daily walking through the "valley of the shadow of death."  But while that "shadow" was very real, very close, and very strong, my heart's goal was to keep pressing into the Lord.  I knew that as long as I stayed close to Him, He would help me get through.

I didn't feel like I had to win the battle.  It was Jesus in me that would win.  All I had to do was keep my eyes on Him, my hand in His, and let Him carry me.  And that's where the surprise of joy came.  As I did those things, He amazingly brought joy into my heart.  Even now I find it hard to explain it and give words to it.  But it's been so very real.

The Bible says that the "joy of the Lord is our strength."  Nehemiah 8:10

That kind of joy comes from Him.  We can't work it up.  We can't fake it.  We can't make it happen.  It comes from pressing into Him in the midst of our trials.  What a precious gift it is!

The joy that He gives becomes part of the ability to live above our circumstances.  His joy carries us.

I've been meditating on all this, and someone sent me a video clip a few days ago.  It was a young couple sharing.  The husband has brain cancer.  Without a miracle, he has 1 year - 2 at the most, to live.  They shared so movingly about the things God has taught them.  And one of the things was how they have been surprised at the joy they've had in the midst of such a hard time.  They hadn't expected that.

In the midst of hard seasons, difficult trials, none of us expect to find joy.  But I want to assure you that it's there if we simply press into Him in the midst of our pain.  He surprises us with a gift that only He can give - joy.

Joy/rejoice/joyful are mentioned in the Word 430 times. Happy and happiness are mentioned 10 times.  I think that God is not as interested in making us happy as He is in filling our hearts with joy.  Joy is true satisfaction!  It satisfies the heart in a special and unique way.  

Joy is lasting.  Sorrow, suffering, the trials we walk through will pass, but joy continues in spite of hardships.  Joy is God's gift to us!

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."  James 1:2,3

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice."  Psalm 5:11

"In your presence there is fullness of joy."  Psalm 16:11

Wednesday was Valentine's - the day of love.  I've been thinking a lot about "the love of my life," my dear husband.  We married so young that it seems like we've been together all our lives. :)  I'm so grateful for my "gentle giant," and so thankful for all the years God has given us together.

I never expected to be "alone" so early in our lives.  Floyd has always been incredibly healthy, so his sudden, extreme illness was most unusual.  It still seems a bit surreal when I think of all that has happened.  I miss my dear love.

But I also am so thankful for all the love that I've been surrounded with on this journey.  Our family has been awesome.  Our friends here locally have loved and helped me - on so many different levels.  

The dear "Care Team" that spends time faithfully with Floyd.  What a blessing they have all been.  

And all of our wonderful friends (and even complete strangers) around the world who have loved us, encouraged us, prayed for us, given to us - wow, wow, wow!!  The "family" of the body of Christ has taken on new meaning as they have rallied around us.  I am so grateful for all of our "family" who have been with us on this journey.

"I thank my God every time I remember you."  Philippians 1:3

"We give thanks to God always for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers."  1 Thessalonians 1:2

"A friend loves at all times."  Proverbs 17:17

"Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law."  Romans 13:8

"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love."  1 Corinthians 13:13

Our greatest love, however, is the Lord Himself!

Worry Worms

Floyd has had a number of visits from Care Team members this week.  He's watched rugby and cricket.  He was quite emotional during a prayer time, and waved his left arm around.  He responded with lots of smiles to a friend's visit as she shared testimonies.  He seemed happy to get news of various situations.  I'm so grateful for the Care Team's love and care for Floyd.  Their kindness and service in spending time with Floyd is such a gift.

This week as I was reflecting on worrying, I had the picture come into my mind of a worm.  I've never liked worms.  They're all wiggly and squishy - and dirty!  

I think worrying can "worm" it's way into our minds.  One little thought of worry can dig its way into our thoughts.  Before we know it, we have a whole worm farm!

I've found it interesting that when I was so very weak, it was easier not to worry.  I didn't have the strength to worry.  As strength and energy have returned, it's easier to worry.  I have to make it a daily, conscious choice not to worry.....because there will always be things to worry about.

I grew up around someone who worried all the time.  That person worried about things that never happened.  It was a bit consuming!  I always said that I never wanted to be like that.  And yet those little worms can wiggle their way into my thoughts when I least expect it.

Worry is useless.  It doesn't get us anywhere in the situations we are facing, but it can greatly impact us.  It can bring stress to our mind and body.  Doctors warn that worry can affect us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.

Worry tends to happen when we take on a job that God didn't intend for us to have.  God wants us to cast our burdens on Him, and to let Him direct our paths.  Worry can affect our decisions and our judgements.  Instead of turning to God and seeking His counsel and wisdom, we can try to work things out on our own.

I've learned, I'm still learning, that when a "worry worm" pops up - I need to turn the worries into prayers.  God is always available to listen and help us.  Worry simply reflects our lack of faith or our lack of trust in Him to help us.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries."  Matthew 6:34

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."  1 Peter 5:7

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done.  Then you will experience God's peace."  Philippians 4:6,7

"Give your burdens to the Lord, and He will take care of you."  Psalm 55:22

"Worry weighs a person down."  Proverbs 12:25

There are so many verses about not being anxious, not worrying, not being fearful.  He is Sovereign.  We can trust Him with every burden, every concern, every worry!

I think the response to worry that we need to have is found in this passage from Habakkuk 3:17-18:

"Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even thought the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord!  I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!"

There is nothing - no worry, no care, no concern, no problem, no sickness, no disaster, no calamity - that should draw us away from trusting in our Mighty God!  We can always, always, always be joyful in Him and in His goodness.

There's another area of survival that I've been learning over these many months.  Choosing to trust and not worry helps us in learning to "live above our circumstances."  The only way to get through a long, hard trial is "one day at a time."  And to do that, to survive day by day, we have to learn to live above our circumstances.  

It sounds simple, but it takes consciously, continually trusting the Lord.  Without that, we get mired down in our trials.  We get discouraged, and ultimately we become defeated.  The enemy can have a heyday in our minds when this happens.

When Job was in the midst of his trials, he didn't lose his trust in God.  "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.  The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised."  Job 1:21

He goes on later to say "though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."  Job 13:15

Job went through some pretty rough trials, yet I think He learned to live above his circumstances because He understood who God was and he trusted Him completely.  His friends didn't!  But he did.

When we're going through a hard trial, understanding will fail us and let us down, but trust will keep us close to Him.  I would say that I rarely "understand" fully what the trial is all about.  In fact, I have a few questions I'd really like to ask the Lord someday!  But what helps me keep going is trusting Him, which in turn keeps me close to His heart.

When we face hard things and trials surround us we are tempted to find someone or something to blame.  We often complain.  We immediately try to find answers and solutions.  We can become angry that God "allowed" the trial.  We can start asking all the "why" questions.  None of these paths will actually help us.  They will only complicate the hard situation.

But there are a few "keys" that I've found to be helpful.  I'm sure there are actually many more, but these are ones that have been beneficial to me:

·      We need to immediately cast our burdens and cares on Him.  There is no benefit to be gained by holding on to them ourselves and trying to find our own solutions.  "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you."  1 Peter 5:7

·      We need to recognize (declare!!) that God is able to take care of us in the circumstances, in the trial, that we are walking through.  He is bigger than ANY problem we are facing.  Pray that out to Him.  Thank Him for His greatness, His power, and His love for you.  

"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 love that verse!  It puts everything into perspective.

·      We need to seek His counsel.  It's wonderful to talk to friends.  It's helpful to get the input of others.  But most important is to go to God and seek His counsel for the trial we're walking through.  Sometimes the more we talk about a situation, the worse it becomes.  We need to spend time with God and seek His perspective, His heart, and His counsel.  

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.  Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take."  Proverbs 3:5,6

·      Remember that circumstances, situations may change, but God doesn't!  He is the same yesterday, today, forever.  He is the Rock we can stand on.  He is our refuge in the stormy trials.  He is our place of safety and security.  

"For I am the Lord, I do not change, but remain faithful to My covenant with you."  Malachi 3:6

·      We need to trust, trust, TRUST!!!  Don't let anything shake our trust in Him.  We must trust Him with our whole heart.  We must stand against the lies of the enemy that would in any way make us think He's not trustworthy - or that it's God's fault that we are in the trial we're facing.

"Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."  Psalm 9:10

·      We must keep worshipping and praising Him in the midst of the hard times.  Worship lifts the weight of heaviness that grips our hearts in the trial.  Worship helps keep our focus on Him.  Worship allows Him to pour truth, grace, peace, and strength into our hearts. 

"In every situation, no matter what the circumstances, be thankful and continually give thanks to God."  1 Thessalonians 5:18

There are so many wonderful, powerful verses that help us to live above the circumstances!  I can't share them all, but there are a few more that I must include:

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

"Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever.  They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.  Their hearts are secure, they will have no fear; in the end they will look up in triumph on their foes."  Psalm 112:6-8

"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

"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."  Isaiah 26:3

"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!"   We can hang on to Jesus - He'll help us in living above our circumstances.  He won't let us fall.  He wants to help us.  He wants us to live victoriously in any and every circumstance.  

He Helps me Navigate the Maze

Floyd had a sweet visit with a dear South African friend this week.  He hadn't seen him in several years, but when he saw him he "lit" up.  He smiled, listened intently as the friend shared, cried a bit, and even seemed like he was trying to talk.  When the friend played some worship, Floyd lifted his arm in worship - he doesn't do that very much these days.  It was a very special time - a sweet gift.  I loved that Floyd got that lovely treat.

I am continuing to thank the Lord for the good report I received from my scan.  It has been such a hard year.  I keep thanking the Lord for carrying me through.

As I look back on the long months of our journey, I realize how God has helped me "navigate" this season.  I truly couldn't have made it without Him.  So much has happened, and so many things have been "thrown" into the mix.  In lots of ways it feels like I've been walking through a giant maze with continuous twists and turns.  (Like the one I have used for this blog.)

I could never have muddled through on my own!  I would have been hopelessly lost in that maze.  But God has held my hand, and directed my steps day by day.

I'm grateful for sweet friends who have helped me survive - especially this last year when I was battling cancer.  I could not have made it without these friends!  I didn't have Floyd, but I had wonderful friends.  I've needed to embrace a new level of humility to be weak and receive help.  I've always been very capable, very organized.  Needing help for the most basic of my daily needs has been a new experience, but my friends have helped me through.

It has often seemed like I would just get through one thing - then there's a new twist and a new difficulty immediately ahead.  The battles don't stop!  But God has been there with each twist and turn, helping with each new battle.  His grace and been abundant.

C.S. Lewis said "God, who foresaw your tribulation, has specially armed you to go through it, not without pain, but without stain."  There's so much truth in  that!  We will have battles, and some of them will be painful - but God will bring us through the fire of battle with no smell of smoke on us.  How faithful He is!

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."  Isaiah 43:2

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe."  Proverbs 18:10

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.  The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."  Psalm 34:17-18

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"Do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed."  1 Peter 4:12-13

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

He has straightened my paths in the maze, faithfully holding my hand, and guiding me through each twist and turn of pain and trial.  I am so grateful. 

We seem to live in some kind of bird paradise.  There are so many birds in our area, and so many different kinds.  Large ones, small ones and everything in between.  Very plain ones and incredibly colorful, beautiful ones.  I'm not particularly a bird lover, but you can't help but notice them and be impressed.

One morning I was looking out the window, and on the tree branch were 5 different kinds of birds.  It made me wonder how many kinds we have in our area.  I tried to research it, but couldn't get a specific number.  But it's lots!

The thought immediately went through my mind that God knows all these birds!  He not only created them, but he's aware of them on a daily basis.  His creation is valuable to Him.

"What is the price of two sparrows - one copper coin?  But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it."  Matthew 10:29

If God is aware of each bird that falls to the ground, then He certainly knows what you and I are facing today!!  He loves us.  He knows every struggle we are dealing with.  He knows every hope, every dream, every pain, every sorrow, every decision.  He is holding our right hand, and walking with us through each of these things.  And He isn't going to let us fall.  He'll catch us if we stumble!

As I watch these winged creatures fluttering around, it reminds me of the Father's care for me.  The concerns of my heart today for Floyd, for me, for our family, for our future - God is mindful of all of them.  He's continuing to help me navigate the maze, and lead me safely through it.

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?"  Matthew 6:26

"I know every bird in the mountains."  Psalm 50:11

"So don't be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows."  Matthew 10:31

I don't need to worry.  I don't need to be heavy hearted.  I don't need to agonize over what is ahead.  My God is aware of every need, and is actively working on my behalf - just as He is watching over every one of the birds I see flying around.

I grew up listening to a song penned by Civilla D. Martin in 1905.  The words are powerful:

"Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come, why should my heart be lonely and long for Heaven and home, when Jesus is my portion?  My constant Friend is He: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me....

"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear, and resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears; though by the path He leadeth but one step I may see: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me....

"Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, when songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; from care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me....."

He is watching over me!!  What sweet assurance.

Under His Wings

Floyd has had some peaceful days this week.  He’s had two "big events".   He’s had a haircut!  He was starting to look like a hippie again. :)  We have a couple dear friends who go to the hospital and cut his hair every so often when needed.  I'm very thankful for their loving care.  He's looking very spiffy now!

And, he’s been moved to a new, larger room.  It's lovely to have more space, and it'll be a help to the therapists working on him too.  It's a sunny room, and he can look outside. 

I have had some wonderful news this week.  I had my PET scan.  We've been very anxious to get an update on what is happening internally with the cancer.  I'm happy to report that the scan results said I'm "all clear."  There's no cancer head to toe!  I was very relieved.  Thank you Lord!  Now I will do everything I can to keep it away.  God has been rebuilding my strength, health, and energy.  I'm so grateful.

There's been a verse ringing in my mind in recent days.  "Be still and know that I am God."  Psalm 46:10.  I've been in a season of "being still" for 23 months now.  I went very abruptly from our normal life - to the trauma of Floyd's sudden illness - to these long months of "aloneness."  It was quite a dramatic shift.

There have been times in this long stillness when I've wanted more activity.  And yet I've felt that God has ordained this season.  I've come to realize that the "stillness" is what has helped me to survive!  I've needed the peace and quiet to be with the Lord, to "recharge" my inner batteries, and to rest and get new energy.

I wonder if our modern world has gotten so busy that it's sometimes hard for us to "turn off" and be still with Him.  It requires a simplicity that I've had to learn to walk in.  The Lord has sweetly taught me to rest in Him, and find my fulfillment in Him not in what I'm doing for Him.  There are some precious benefits that I've been learning about being still.

·      There is a sweet peace that comes in the stillness.  It's powerful!  In some ways it's like a flood over my spirit, but it's so gentle that it doesn't feel in any way overwhelming.  It's a "peace that passes understanding" (Philippians 4:7), and has enabled me to keep going in the midst of constant turmoil from all that has transpired on this journey.

·      Being still has allowed me to fully focus on Him, not on the problems.  I'm able to "cast my burdens on Him" (1 Peter 5:7), and then direct my heart fully towards Him.  It becomes a precious time of fellowship with my loving Father.

·      Being still allows times of prayer, worship, and reading the Word.  I don't divide them up - they just seem to flow from one to the other, and interweave back and forth.  I have come to be grateful for each one in new ways.

·      All this allows me to hear His voice in the stillness without all the competing "noise" of my normal busyness.  Hearing His voice speak into my heart and mind has become a precious treasure.

·      Being still has brought a wonderful "gift" of allowing me time and quiet to process this journey, to reflect on what I'm learning and what God is saying.  That's what I eventually share in my updates.  Without this gift, I don't know if I could have survived this journey.  God knew I would need this!  He has given me the aloneness and stillness to help me.

·      Being still also gives room for a re-energizing to replace all that has been drained away by the stress of the ups and downs of the journey.  The ups and downs seemed daily at the beginning of this journey.  It was so intense and hard on my emotions.  The stillness allowed for refreshment and healing to come.

On a very practical level, I've learned to sit and take deep breaths.  It's amazing how much that simple exercise helps!  It helps to reduce stress, and bring calm to your body.

I realize that most of you will never go on a journey like mine.  But I have a sense that God may want to bring some of the same benefits into your life by some times of being still in the midst of what you're walking through.  The blessings of the stillness are so beautiful.

"Be silent, every living thing, in the presence of the Lord."  Zechariah 2:13

"Truly my soul finds rest in God."  Psalm 62:1

"They who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

"Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him."  Psalm 62:5

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders."  Job 37:14

"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still."  Exodus 14:14

I've thought of how many things have been done for the Lord from sickbeds and prison cells.......times of being still.  Many of our classic devotionals have been written by saints going through these trials.  I'm grateful for the blessings God has brought into my life during these months of stillness.  How faithful He is!

"He will cover you with His feathers; you will take refuge under His wings.  His faithfulness will be a protective shield."  Psalm 91:4

I have read this verse so many times over the journey we've been on.  I've pictured myself "tucked" under His wings and being covered with His feathers.  I have thanked the Lord that His faithfulness has protected me, helped me, and carried me.

A few days ago one of our All Nations staff shared an amazing photo of a mother bird with 2 of her little chicks tucked under her wings.  I've used it as the picture for this blog.  I wish I knew what she was protecting them from.  Whatever it was, she was on full "guard" duty.  I love having a photo that captures what I've been praying for and thanking the Lord for.  I imagine God's wings are huge!  Lots of us can tuck in under them.

Tucked under His wings close to His heart, we can feel His heartbeat.  God's heart beats with love and care for us.  He wants to keep us from harm.  In His "holy overshadowing" He wants to protect us. 

All we have to do under His wings is rest while God is watching out for danger and protecting us.  For the danger to get to us, it has to go through Him.  The threat couldn't get to those baby chicks without first attacking the mother.  

Under His wings, we're safe.  Nothing can harm us.  His wings are gentle in holding us, but they are strong in protecting us.

I read that when a mother bird senses danger, she doesn't swoop down and cover her chicks.  She perches herself in a safe place, and calls them to her.  They go running to her, and tuck under her wings.  What a visual - that's what we need to do in hard times.  Go running to our wonderful Lord!

It helps me to picture staying tucked in close to Him.  I'm looking to Him to help see me through.

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."  Psalm 34:8

"Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 17:8

"How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God!  The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings."  Psalm 36:7

"Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in You I take refuge.  I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed."  Psalm 57:1

"Let me dwell in Your tent forever!  Let me take refuge under the shelter of Your wings!"  Psalm 61:4

"For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings I sing for joy."  Psalm 63:7

When the hard times come, when danger is threatening us in any way - I want to remember those little chicks, and go running to tuck myself under the Father's wings where we find shelter and refuge.

A Fresh Look at Faith

Floyd has struggled with "chestiness" and phlegm this week.  We have seen improvement as we have prayed.  When I was with him a couple days ago, I could even hear his breathing improve while I was there praying with him.  Thank you Lord! 

Floyd has had some good visits with the carers this week.  One in particular had a very special prayer time with him.  Floyd seemed "engaged" in the prayer, and was smiling in agreement with what was being prayed.  We continue to pray for God's breakthrough for him.

This week I have had a number of medical appointments.  I am praying for good reports from them.

As I let hope be renewed in my heart, and as I start to pray afresh for a breakthrough - I've begun to think about faith.  I decided I wanted to lay aside everything I know about it, everything I think I understand or don't understand.......and just look at it with fresh eyes.

Our friend Mark Buckley in Phoenix writes a column every once in a while.  Shortly after I started thinking about faith, he shared this:  "Faith is not the absence of fear, or a clear understanding of how things will work out.  Faith is an inner assurance that God will give us grace that will lead to victory over the challenges we face."

When I read that, everything in me said "yes! that's how I see it."  Thank you Mark for stating it so clearly.

• "Faith is not the absence of fear." I have days when I am totally at peace, and days when fear could overwhelm me if I didn't take control over it. When a new storm blows into our lives - and we've had a lot of storms through all these months - I have to battle to keep fear from taking over.

• "Faith is not a clear understanding of how things will work out." Oh how I wish I knew how things will work out! I long for that many times. But there is no certainty, no clear understanding of what's ahead.

• "Faith is an inner assurance that God will give us grace." If there wasn't that assurance, that deep conviction - then I'd not be able to make it. I can't make it on my own! But God gives daily, hourly, moment by moment grace to persevere.

• "Faith will lead us to victory over the challenges we face" because of who God is. God, our Rock, our Sustainer, our Savior, our Strength, the source of all we need......God will lead us to victory! I'm not even sure what victory means in our situation......but I know He's leading me there.

He has helped me keep on the path of this journey because He has a plan, a purpose, a "victory" ahead for us.  It may simply be heaven!  But He's helping me, Floyd, and our family keep going towards His victory for us.

There are days when it feels like my heart is full of faith, and days when it feels less than a thimble full.  But it doesn't matter, if I simply keep my eyes on Him, trust Him, and hold tightly to His loving hand His faith is sufficient to get me through. 

"Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."  Hebrews 11:1

"For we live by faith, not by sight."  2 Corinthians 5:7

"You know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."  James 1:3

"Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly see Him."  Hebrews 11:6

I'm not an expert on faith, and I'm certainly not a theologian.  But I've come to the conclusion that if I lack faith, I lack trust.  And the more I trust, the more my faith rises.  It's as simple and as complicated as that!

A few months ago I was meditating on the scripture in Isaiah 63:9  "In all their distress He too was distressed, and the angel of His presence saved them.  In His love and mercy He redeemed them; He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old." 

It really impacted my heart.  Wow - in our distress, He is distressed......with us and for us.  

I don't know about you, but that really touches my heart to know that God is distressed by the things that hurt our hearts.  Other translations say He is "afflicted" with us, that He "suffers" with us.  God's heart is moved by what we go through.  He's not a stoic bystander......He's right in there hurting, crying, and feeling the pain with us.

And then it goes on to say that He carries us and saves us.  I know He has carried me through distress a number of times.  He has been so faithful.

I was doing some of my daily prayer walking on our deck this week.  It's lovely that we are in summer now, and I can do that.  I love being outside.  As I was praying and worshipping, I became overwhelmed thinking how powerful worship is.  I began to think of all the amazing gifts it brings into our life!

1. Worship releases joy. It's almost like God pushes a button, and it starts flowing into my heart as I praise Him. Joy unspeakable floods my heart!

2. Worship brings strength. So many times when I've felt weary, and I start thanking and praising Him because He gives strength......then, before I know it, I sense renewed strength and energy to go about my day.

3. Worship lifts off burdens. As I prayerfully "cast" my burdens on Him and thank Him for carrying them for me, I can feel the weights being lifted off. A new "lightness" comes into my spirit. On the heaviest of my days, worship has definitely parted the clouds and allowed the sunshine of God's presence to shine through.

4. Worship draws me close to the Father's heart. As I speak and sing out praise to Him, often quoting what the Word says, I feel His heart of love, care, and tender mercy for me. I know His heart is moved by what I'm going through, and that He cares for me.

5. Worship helps keep my focus on Him, not on my problems. If I focus on my problems, they get bigger and heavier. As I focus on Him, I see His power and greatness, and know He can help me with every problem, every need, every care. It changes everything when I keep my eyes on Him!

6. And, of course, worship is warfare! I think nothing sends the enemy running faster than us praising and glorifying the Lord! He hates it. One of the things I've learned on this long journey is that when I'm discouraged, when the enemy is trying to get me down.....the first thing I need to do is worship. Granted, it's not always easy - but it's so important. We "win" with thankfulness, gratitude and praise. The enemy flees.

I often start by just thanking God for the good things in my life in the past few days.  Basic, simple, every day things - and then I move on to thanking God for who He is.  Discouragement has to flee in an atmosphere of praise.  Praise drives the enemy far away!

We can worship God in any way we want - praying, singing, dancing.  We can be creative!  God loves it all.

"Sing to God, everyone and everything!  Get out His salvation news every day!  Publish His glory among the godless nations, His wonders to all races and religions.  And why?  Because God is great - well worth praising!  No god or goddess comes close in honor.  All the popular gods are stuff and nonsense, but God made the cosmos!  Splendor and majesty flow out of Him, strength and joy fill His place.  Shout Bravo! to God, families of the peoples, in awe of the Glory, in awe of the Strength: Bravo!  Shout Bravo! to His famous Name, lift high an offering and enter His presence!  God is serious business, take Him seriously; He's put the earth in place and it's not moving.  So let heaven rejoice, let earth be jubilant, and pass the word among the nations, 'God reigns!' "  1 Chronicles 16:23-31

I'm so grateful for the gift of worship and the power that it has.  We're worshipping Him - but in the process He raises us up and ministers to our needs.  Only our awesome God can do that!

Blessings Wrapped in Trials

At the start of the week Floyd was rather solemn, but seemed more content and at peace when I was last with him.  He has had some very sweet visits with carers in recent days.  During one of them, the carer took a photo of Floyd and let him look at himself on the screen.  He smiled really big, and seemed to enjoy looking at himself.  Not sure what that means. :)  Hmmmmm!

The carer also told him what a blessing our son Matthew has been during this journey.  He moved here to help and support us in any way he could.  He has been a big help to me.  Floyd cried when being told about this.

Another carer shared some special scriptures, and had a lovely time of prayer with Floyd. 

I started with all my new treatment this week.  Trusting for it to bring further strength and healing to my body. 

In times of trials and suffering, it's so easy to only see the negatives, the hard things.  But if we will allow Him to, God will bring so many positives, so many good things into our lives.

I recently saw this quote - "spiritual blessings come wrapped in trials."  I've been pondering all the blessings God has brought into my life on the unexpected journey we've been on.  As we begin this new year, I've been reflecting on all He has done in the previous year.  He's been so faithful.  I got so excited when I started thinking of all the good and wonderful things that God has brought into my life......blessings wrapped in trials.  I just have to share them with you!

• The trials have "pressed" me deeper in my walk with Him in order to survive.

• Through that has come a precious intimacy with the Lord.

• And along with it has come unexplainable joy in the midst of the trials. "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have to suffer in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:6

• God's Word, His promises have taken on new depth and such personal meaning to my heart.

• There has been a clear sense of God carrying me through the hard times and holding my hand. "I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

• In the midst of the storms, there has been a "peace that passes understanding." Philippians 4:7

• There has been a release of sweet, deep personal worship.

• I continually hear Him speaking encouragement into my heart and mind.

• I can't talk with Floyd, so I talk with the Lord. He has become my constant counsellor. "I will counsel you with my loving eye on you." Psalm 32:8

• In my "aloneness" my friendship with the Lord has grown so much deeper.

• I have experienced new, greater, deeper levels of His powerful sustaining grace.

• He has given me sufficient strength on my weakest of days. "God's power is made perfect in our weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9

• He has healed my heart on days when my heart could only weep.

• He has collected my tears in a bottle. "You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." Psalm 56:8

• He has renewed my strength and energy after I had gone so, so low.

• He continually lifts my head when it droops from weariness. "But You, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." Psalm 3:3

• He carries my burdens that at times seem too heavy to bear.

• He relieves my anxieties if my mind wanders into fields of worry. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." I Peter 5:7

• I've experienced new depths of trust. I never knew it was possible to trust so deeply and intensely.

• I knew He was faithful, but He has exceeded all my expectations.

• He has helped me have patience when mine was all used up.

• He has renewed my hope when my hope dimmed. The wick of hope may flicker, but it won't be quenched if we keep our focus on Him.

• He has given me sweet "gifts" to warm my heart - whales, rainbows, beautiful sunsets, and even a huge owl flying right by my window.

• I've been carried by the prayers of others in ways I never dreamed possible.

• Friends (both hear and far) have loved and supported me at new depths. Friendships have become one of my sweetest treasures.

• Friends, and even complete strangers, have helped provide for us. Early on God spoke to my heart that He would take care of us in our old age. "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you." Isaiah 46:4

I better stop because I think my list could just go on and on and on!  And there are so many verses of promise in the Word that He'll do these things for us in the midst of trials.  I've only quoted a few.  

I keep thinking of more and more good things that have come into my life in the midst of the painful journey.  The blessings that have come wrapped in trials have been amazing - and abundant.

I don't know what's ahead.  My life could end tomorrow.  But, if so, it would be with my heart full of gratitude for God's faithfulness and goodness.  He has poured a multitude of blessings into my life on this unexpected journey.

And, yet again, I must quote Jeremiah 29:11:  " 'For I know the plans I have for you,"  declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' "

There is a prayer ringing in my heart that each of us will find blessing in the trials that come into our lives this year.  I know God wants to pour out those blessings into our hearts.

While God has been refreshing and renewing hope in my heart, I've been asking Him how I'm to pray in this new year.  I've felt clearly led to go back to the prayer of "breakthrough."  The breakthrough I'm praying for Floyd is healing or heaven.  I trust in the sovereignty of God and what He knows is best for Floyd.  I'm praying for that breakthrough to come this year. 

I'm praying for breakthrough for me too - a healing breakthrough.  I'm praying for the cancer to be fully cleansed from my body, and I'm also praying for healing from the still-lingering side effects from the chemo that are weighing my body down.

A friend recently sent me a video clip by the speaker Louie Giglio.  He shares about a protein molecule in our bodies called "laminin."  I had never heard of it before.  I've watched the video clip several times and have ended up crying and worshipping the Lord each time.  You have to take a few minutes to find it on Youtube and watch it!  I guarantee you will be blessed.

We are truly "fearfully and wonderfully" made.  Psalm 139:14  And the God who made us with laminin knows every cell in our bodies that needs His healing breakthrough touch!

"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise."  Jeremiah 17:14

" 'I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,' declares the Lord." Jeremiah 30:17

"Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me."  Psalm 30:2

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."  Psalm 73:26

There is, of course, no magic button to push for God to heal us, but I do believe He loves it when we ask.  I always ask by telling Him that I trust whatever outcome He brings.  I know He has plans "to give us a hope and a future."

Keep Hoping

I had a sweet time with Floyd this last weekend - thanking the Lord for His goodness and faithfulness this past year, and committing the year ahead to Him.  I recounted all the ways the Lord has sustained us on this unexpected journey, and worshipped Him for His help and grace.  We both cried a bit, but mostly it was lovely just to thank the Lord for all He's done!

As I think about the year that has just ended and the aspects of Christmas that we have celebrated, the trurh of "Immanuel - God with us" has blessed my heart.

"The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel, which means God with us."  Matthew 1:23

I am so grateful that in all that I have walked through, God has been with me!  I could never have made it on my own.  

Ending one year and beginning a new one can be kind of unsettling and daunting.  It's a bit unsettling because things you hoped and dreamed for may not have happened.......and it can be daunting because you have things you hope and dream for in this new beginning.  It's starting all over again, and you realize the same thing could happen again with expectations not being fulfilled.

So why do we hope and dream?  Because that's how God made us.  We need to hope for the good, for making a difference, for succeeding, for having victory in life's circumstances.  God has made us to dream for changing the world.  Without hopes and dreams, life would be pretty miserable.

And when those things don't happen?  That's where we trust the Lord.  But we don't stop hoping and dreaming!  When difficult things come our way, God hasn't lost control.  He hasn't forgotten us.  He hasn't stopped being with us!  In even the most difficult of circumstances, God is at work.  He will somehow bring good out of it into our lives.

God doesn't always take us on a detour around troubles.  Sometimes He allows us to walk right into the fire, into the middle of dark, difficult times.  But  He's always with us!  He's our help, our refuge, our strength.  I could not have survived the last 22 months if He had not been with me.

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."  Isaiah 41:10

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you."  Deuteronomy 31:6

I am so grateful that "Immanuel" has been with me this year - and I know He'll continue to be with me in the days ahead.  I'm glad we can face a new year with that confidence. 

As the new year is getting under way I'm starting with my medical appointments and I can't go to Floyd as often because of them.  I've found I have to entrust Floyd to God's care (and the angels He sends to be with him!) when I can't be there as much.  And I'm so grateful for the wonderful nursing staff who talk and sing to him. 

I am praying for the Lord to give me wisdom and direction as I go to all my medical appointments to finalize my ongoing care.  I have a clear sense that He's been directing my path.  I'm so grateful for that.  I couldn't make all these decisions without His wonderful counsel.

At the beginning of last year, someone sent me a verse from "The Passion Translation" of the Bible.  "Here's what I've learned through it all - don't give up; don't be impatient; be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous and never lose hope.  Yes, keep on waiting - for He will never disappoint you!"  Psalm 27:14

I felt it was my theme for the year.  Being one with the Lord, keeping hope alive, and waiting to see what God had in store for us.  That was a good plan for the year.  I read the verse frequently, proclaimed my trust in the Lord, and tried to be patient.

As the new year of 2018 rolled around, I wondered what God would say for this year.  As I was getting my agenda ready for the year (I'm very old fashioned in that I still love a paper agenda!), I was praying over the month of January and I felt the Lord put into my heart that He wanted to renew and refresh hope in my heart!  I even had a little sticker that said "hope" that I felt I was to put on the page for the month.

It's easy to lose hope - or to have it grow dim when the journey is long and setbacks come.  Having cancer return to my body this past year was definitely a setback!  As all this came to me, I realized that I needed a refreshment of hope in my heart.......so I opened my heart to receive that from the Lord as my word for the year.  Once I did that, it swelled in my heart - trusting anew in the God of hope!!

Imagine my sweet surprise when I had an email the next morning from a friend who said she'd been feeling to pray for fresh hope for me and that God wanted to give hopeful fresh beginnings, great surprises, and unexpected joy to me.  It was such a sweet exclamation point to what God had been saying to me.  I love it when that happens!

Then my daily reading said that God can "weave miracles into the most mundane day" if we keep our focus on Him.  I'm continuing to trust Him, with renewed hope, and watching for the surprises, joy, and miracles that He has in store - even in ordinary days. 

Just a few days ago, on a very ordinary day, I was glancing out the window early in the morning, and a huge owl flew by with "breakfast" in its talons.  The wing span of the owl was at least a meter and a half (yard and a half).  It was magnificent and beautiful!  It flew by so fast, but so close - I just stood there in awe.  God knows how I love to see the beauty of His creation and creatures.  It was such a special gift.  A few seconds later, and I'd have missed it.

So, in this new year - I wait.....to see what little things and big things He has in store for me and for our family.  I'm praying God will let hope grow in all our hearts.

" 'For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' " Jeremiah 29:11.  I never get tired of this verse.  Every time I read it something rises in my heart!  God's plans for good for us never end!

"The hope of the righteous brings joy."  Proverbs 10:28

"That is why I wait expectantly, trusting God to help, for He has promised."  Psalm 130:5

Hope is being refreshed in my heart as I spend time with Him.  I can have hope in this new year because our story isn't finished yet.  God is still at work!

In this new year may the Lord bless you and keep you, make His face to shine upon you, and give you peace......as the beautiful blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 says.