This month, I will be writing on men that are special to me.
Psalm 119:72
The law of Your mouth is better to me
Than thousands of gold and silver pieces.
Chester L. Rainey
In the late 70s, early 80's, my dad invested in silver. Every night, I'd watch the news, waiting for the stock reports and for a report on if silver was up or down. I'd watch as it seemed that silver kept going lower and lower, until, it was nothing more than mere cents. Then I'd giggle and tease dad about what a great investment he made. But he actually made much better investments than that little bit of silver he tried to invest in. He invested in our family. He lived his life as a good man, an upstanding citizen and a great father. Dad has invested his time, his love, and his teachings of what he has learned in me, my husband, my kids and all that know him. That is better than gold or silver.
Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts
Monday, June 6, 2011
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Get to the Other Side
Today, my dad gets his port out. Dad was diagnosed with throat cancer in February 2009. He had a feeding tube, and a port put in to his body. He went through strenuous chemo and radiation from April to June or July. He lost his saliva glands because of the radiation, he lost his taste buds and 40 or 50 pounds. But now, we are blessed that he is still recovering, did not have to lose his voice box, is starting to gain weight and is cancer free! We still have 4 more years before the doctors will totally say he is cancer free, but we are grateful for every day that God gives him and us.
I know a lot of you are going through scares right now or are in the throes of this horrible disease. Most of my dad's family has died from cancer. In my lifetime, I have at least 2 great-aunts, 4 great-uncles, a grandfather, an uncle, a 9-year old cousin that all passed. I have another 2nd cousin going through the treatments, and even though I have not experienced the horrible enemy in my body, I have been right there with my parents, learning everything I need to. I wanted and still want to be the one they call when there is a problem. My parents mean the world to me.
I have a friend who's husband is going through all of this right now. They are hoping that he can get the bone marrow transplant he needs to go into remission. But as for all cancer patients, the future is uncertain. Once you have been diagnosed with the "C Word", it is always there. At times it is larger than life and it is all you can focus on, and other times it is in the background of your mind, quietly sitting. You know that it is there, but you don't think about it and you don't talk about it. But every abnormal thing that happens can push you toward it. It's not fun. It's scary.
There were times when my Dad asked God to just let him die. He didn't want to hurt from the radiation and chemo. But God spared him for another time. My dad has had quadruple by-pass surgery, a hole poked in his aorta, and now cancer. He also was in a terrible car accident where it broke his lower back and his jaw. He was told he would never walk again. But every time he was told he wouldn't, he would set his mind to "Oh yeah? Well watch this!" He would walk, talk, and learn to eat and drink better and now lives his life fully as God has intended. He isn't perfect and many of you have similar stories of someone in your life that you totally feel is just a wonderful and courageous. I commend all of them and you.
For those of you just starting out on this journey, I want you to see that there is hope. There is those who do get to the other side. I've been there for both. My grandfather died six weeks after his diagnosis. We spent 5 weeks in California and my dad and mom took care of him. It was hard to see my grandpa go. It was hard to watch my dad take care of his dad. It was hard to encourage and help dad through this last year. But we put our faith in God. We prayed and we are here as a testimony not to ourselves, but to God. We give him all the Glory that he deserves. For those of you in middle. I pray that you will keep pressing on. For those of you that came out the other side, remember, God has a plan for you.
I know a lot of you are going through scares right now or are in the throes of this horrible disease. Most of my dad's family has died from cancer. In my lifetime, I have at least 2 great-aunts, 4 great-uncles, a grandfather, an uncle, a 9-year old cousin that all passed. I have another 2nd cousin going through the treatments, and even though I have not experienced the horrible enemy in my body, I have been right there with my parents, learning everything I need to. I wanted and still want to be the one they call when there is a problem. My parents mean the world to me.
I have a friend who's husband is going through all of this right now. They are hoping that he can get the bone marrow transplant he needs to go into remission. But as for all cancer patients, the future is uncertain. Once you have been diagnosed with the "C Word", it is always there. At times it is larger than life and it is all you can focus on, and other times it is in the background of your mind, quietly sitting. You know that it is there, but you don't think about it and you don't talk about it. But every abnormal thing that happens can push you toward it. It's not fun. It's scary.
There were times when my Dad asked God to just let him die. He didn't want to hurt from the radiation and chemo. But God spared him for another time. My dad has had quadruple by-pass surgery, a hole poked in his aorta, and now cancer. He also was in a terrible car accident where it broke his lower back and his jaw. He was told he would never walk again. But every time he was told he wouldn't, he would set his mind to "Oh yeah? Well watch this!" He would walk, talk, and learn to eat and drink better and now lives his life fully as God has intended. He isn't perfect and many of you have similar stories of someone in your life that you totally feel is just a wonderful and courageous. I commend all of them and you.
For those of you just starting out on this journey, I want you to see that there is hope. There is those who do get to the other side. I've been there for both. My grandfather died six weeks after his diagnosis. We spent 5 weeks in California and my dad and mom took care of him. It was hard to see my grandpa go. It was hard to watch my dad take care of his dad. It was hard to encourage and help dad through this last year. But we put our faith in God. We prayed and we are here as a testimony not to ourselves, but to God. We give him all the Glory that he deserves. For those of you in middle. I pray that you will keep pressing on. For those of you that came out the other side, remember, God has a plan for you.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Prayer Works!
I had a whole other devotion planned for today, but then I got a text message from my mom that says..."Dad gets his port out next Wednesday. His white blood cell count is back to normal!" Praise God! That is the best news I have heard in a long, long time. Dad and Mom have weathered this scary storm and made it through!
We have so many friends going through such terrible things, and in the midst of helping them and praying for them, God still remembers Dad and answers a prayer! One of the songs on the cd my mom gave me is called I'll Pray for You. It's about all of us lifting each other up to God in prayer each day. Here are the lyrics.
We have so many friends going through such terrible things, and in the midst of helping them and praying for them, God still remembers Dad and answers a prayer! One of the songs on the cd my mom gave me is called I'll Pray for You. It's about all of us lifting each other up to God in prayer each day. Here are the lyrics.
I’ll Pray for You
By Marcia Henry and Barbara Huffman
I saw an old friend at the market standing in the check-out line
She began to share her story and then I told her mine
It was clear we both knew heartache so before I turned to go
We made a simple promise that would lighten both our loads
Chorus
I'll pray for you, you pray for me
And together we'll touch heaven from our knees
Anything can happen in His name when we agree
I'll pray for you, you pray for me
Verse 2
What a privilege and an honor to know that God is there
And to have His full attention anytime and anywhere
Sometimes when we're talking the conversation turns to you
As your name and needs are mentioned, God lifts my spirits, too.
She began to share her story and then I told her mine
It was clear we both knew heartache so before I turned to go
We made a simple promise that would lighten both our loads
Chorus
I'll pray for you, you pray for me
And together we'll touch heaven from our knees
Anything can happen in His name when we agree
I'll pray for you, you pray for me
Verse 2
What a privilege and an honor to know that God is there
And to have His full attention anytime and anywhere
Sometimes when we're talking the conversation turns to you
As your name and needs are mentioned, God lifts my spirits, too.
You, too can have God's attention anytime you want. Just start talking to him. Thank him for your blessings, for your trials, pray for those on our prayer list, for anything that you are concerned with. God knows the needs of each person and he will listen to us, if we ask.
I thank each of you for your prayers over the past year and a half. God truly performed another miracle here. I hope each of you will stop today and thank him. And keep praying. There are a lot of people out there that needs our prayers.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Psalm 42:1
Today is April 21, 2010. I decided to look up a passage, so I typed in Psalm 42:1. Here is what that is.
1As the deer pants for the water brooks,
So my soul pants for You, O God.
So my soul pants for You, O God.
Isn't that strange? I honestly didn't know what to expect, but what a wonderful verse! I love the song that was made from this psalm. This verse always make me think of spring. I think because of the warmer weather, when it is easiest for most of us to become thirsty. We sweat as we work outside in the yard, and then we go get a drink to quench that desire.
During Dad's days of treatment, the radiation killed his saliva glands. He has none. His mouth is always dry and he has to have water with him constantly. The doctor told him that if he goes eight or more hours without liquid, he would be in serious jeopardy. Dad always has the metal coffee cup or a bottle of water with him. He prefers ice water, and almost always asks someone to fill his cup with ice and water. I scares me sometimes when I think about how close Dad could be to dehydrating. But, there are so many people around him that will make sure he is taken care of.
This verse is a good picture. I see a young doe, down by a stream, dropping her head to take a drink of the cool water. I see my spirit, delving into the Word, getting another glimpse of what God has for me to learn today. That is how I see reading the Bible. Each day that I read, I feel God has something for me to take from that reading. Sometimes it is private and something I need for me. Sometimes it is something for me to teach my kids or talk over with a friend. But each time I read, I know I want more.
Here are the words to the praise song that I love to sing.
As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
(Chorus)
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee
You're my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a king
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything
I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joy giver
And the apple of my eye
Monday, February 8, 2010
Family Connection
My father makes quilts for wounded soldiers. He picks out the material, designs the pattern (no two are alike) and sews them together. Then he sends them to an organization called Soldier's Angels. They put them in a pack with other things that wounded soldiers may need and when the soldiers gets to Germany, they are given the pack. He has designed over 50 of these wheelchair quilts.
Last week, my father was contacted by solider in Afganistan. Someone gave her one of his quilts. She found the label dad puts on each of his quilts and she sent him a postcard thanking him for making it. Then she decided to send an email to them. It gets better.
She is a Major at Ft. Eggers, Kabul. She helps the Afgan soldiers keep prisoners in line at a prison. She writes a weekly update about her daily life in Afganistan. Major loved the quilt and the coorespondence. She saw where Dad and Mom live and had friends there in Middletown. She is from Colorado. She had her friend call them and Mom spoke briefly with her. Major is quickly becoming a favorite person of mine to read about. She is very special because she loves what she does, she is thoughtful enough to thank my parents for their service, and she really seems to love her job in that foreign country. It is people like Major that makes us all stop and think about why our country is terrific!
Dad is just beside himself with this new friend. It shows us that this world isn't as big as we sometimes feels it is and that our little bit of service really does help make others have a great day. I believe God had a hand in this. He definitely brought us all together for something. Now we get to wait and see what that is. I think that a family connection is here as Christians it is our duty to keep that feeling going.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Last week, my father was contacted by solider in Afganistan. Someone gave her one of his quilts. She found the label dad puts on each of his quilts and she sent him a postcard thanking him for making it. Then she decided to send an email to them. It gets better.
She is a Major at Ft. Eggers, Kabul. She helps the Afgan soldiers keep prisoners in line at a prison. She writes a weekly update about her daily life in Afganistan. Major loved the quilt and the coorespondence. She saw where Dad and Mom live and had friends there in Middletown. She is from Colorado. She had her friend call them and Mom spoke briefly with her. Major is quickly becoming a favorite person of mine to read about. She is very special because she loves what she does, she is thoughtful enough to thank my parents for their service, and she really seems to love her job in that foreign country. It is people like Major that makes us all stop and think about why our country is terrific!
Dad is just beside himself with this new friend. It shows us that this world isn't as big as we sometimes feels it is and that our little bit of service really does help make others have a great day. I believe God had a hand in this. He definitely brought us all together for something. Now we get to wait and see what that is. I think that a family connection is here as Christians it is our duty to keep that feeling going.
Galatians 6:10
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
As I started to read the second chapter of the Song of Solomon, the first two verses jumped out at me.
1"I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys."
2"Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the maidens."
Two of the names Jesus is known by is Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valleys. Two beautiful flowers. My dad use to raise roses. On our little mound in Lebanon (I say mound because the house was on a mound or hill), at one time he had up to 9 or more rose bushes growing. Most of them he rescued from The Black Barn or some other nursery that was neglecting them. Two of my favorites were Blue Girl, which was a purplish-blue flower that was right next to the porch and the Smell-Good flower. This flower was orange with yellow and white on the petals and it had the most wonderful fragrance!
My dad didn't just grow these wonderful flowers, he raised them. He lovingly planted them, fed them, watered them, pruned them and just when they were starting to bloom, he cut the first one and gave it to Mom. The rest of the hundreds of blooms he cut, he would take where ever he went and gave them away. Every time we went to the store, church, or bank, even the softball fields, he cut what blooms were ready and gave them away. He loved to give them away. He made ladies all over Lebanon smile! Now he does that with his candy. My dad loves to bring a smile to everyone.
God does the same thing with us. He raises us up to bloom. He brings people to us to plant the seeds of His Word, gently waters those seeds until we start growing and then he prunes us when we need it and then others can benefit from the blooms that we produce. Hey, that is a cool analogy, isn't it?
So for the second day of February, love is still the theme. God loves us enough to raise us, if we take root in him. He wants us to succeed. Success isn't easy, though. My dad use to tell me, you have to go through a lot of thorns to get to the rose.
1"I am the rose of Sharon, The lily of the valleys."
2"Like a lily among the thorns, So is my darling among the maidens."
Two of the names Jesus is known by is Rose of Sharon and Lily of the Valleys. Two beautiful flowers. My dad use to raise roses. On our little mound in Lebanon (I say mound because the house was on a mound or hill), at one time he had up to 9 or more rose bushes growing. Most of them he rescued from The Black Barn or some other nursery that was neglecting them. Two of my favorites were Blue Girl, which was a purplish-blue flower that was right next to the porch and the Smell-Good flower. This flower was orange with yellow and white on the petals and it had the most wonderful fragrance!
My dad didn't just grow these wonderful flowers, he raised them. He lovingly planted them, fed them, watered them, pruned them and just when they were starting to bloom, he cut the first one and gave it to Mom. The rest of the hundreds of blooms he cut, he would take where ever he went and gave them away. Every time we went to the store, church, or bank, even the softball fields, he cut what blooms were ready and gave them away. He loved to give them away. He made ladies all over Lebanon smile! Now he does that with his candy. My dad loves to bring a smile to everyone.
God does the same thing with us. He raises us up to bloom. He brings people to us to plant the seeds of His Word, gently waters those seeds until we start growing and then he prunes us when we need it and then others can benefit from the blooms that we produce. Hey, that is a cool analogy, isn't it?
So for the second day of February, love is still the theme. God loves us enough to raise us, if we take root in him. He wants us to succeed. Success isn't easy, though. My dad use to tell me, you have to go through a lot of thorns to get to the rose.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Did You Hear What I Heard?
Update on my dad. Friday he went to the radiation doctor (I think). Doc was not happy because his scales have shown that Dad is down six pounds. He is going for another PET scan on February 2nd. So keep Dad in your prayers.
Yesterday, our preacher had a good message on what was suppose to be El Elyon, God Most High. And it actually was, but that is not what my husband came away with as the important part of the sermon. LOL. Actually the sermon was based in Genesis 14, where Abram (before he was renamed Abraham) went to war and two kings, one from Salem and one from Sodom wanted his help. Well, actually the the one from Salem, Melchizedek, who was a high priest, gave Abram food and drink and blessed him. This made Abram feel good and he gave the high priest ten percent of all he had.
Genesis 14:17 - 24
17Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).
Yesterday, our preacher had a good message on what was suppose to be El Elyon, God Most High. And it actually was, but that is not what my husband came away with as the important part of the sermon. LOL. Actually the sermon was based in Genesis 14, where Abram (before he was renamed Abraham) went to war and two kings, one from Salem and one from Sodom wanted his help. Well, actually the the one from Salem, Melchizedek, who was a high priest, gave Abram food and drink and blessed him. This made Abram feel good and he gave the high priest ten percent of all he had.
Genesis 14:17 - 24
17Then after his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).
18And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; now he was a priest of God Most High.
19He blessed him and said,
"Blessed be Abram of God Most High,
Possessor of heaven and earth;
20And blessed be God Most High,
Who has delivered your enemies into your hand."
He gave him a tenth of all.
21The king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give the people to me and take the goods for yourself."
22Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have sworn to the LORD God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,
23that I will not take a thread or a sandal thong or anything that is yours, for fear you would say, 'I have made Abram rich.'
24"I will take nothing except what the young men have eaten, and the share of the men who went with me, Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre; let them take their share."
Mike took away from that sermon, that giving a tenth of all you have is an answer to a question he has had for years. Anyway, later in the day, I was telling our preacher that I appreciated his sermon and that Mike took this away from it. He made a comment about not being happy with the sermon. We talked about how sometimes, we critic ourselves and how we need that so we can do better. But what Preacher was wanting to get across to us, was lost and something entirely different was born. God totally works in mysterious ways. He always gives each of us what our heart needs to hear. I bet those of you at church with us took something totally different away from that sermon. Can you tell me what you got out of it? Email me!Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Season of Busyness
Today is the last day of September. So you are thinking, 'Big deal.' Well that means there are only three months left of this year. WOW! And they are always such busy times. With football, band functions, basketball starting, Thanksgiving, shopping, Christmas holidays, concerts, and New Year's Eve, it is amazing we will have time to breathe.
I don't see it as a man-I-am-busy kind of season, I see it as opportunities to spend it with those I like and love (and even some I don't like). I have lots of opportunities to show God's love to others and to help others. I am becoming less of a homebody and more of a on-the-go person. It makes me try and budget my time more wisely, make me plan my days and meals better and hopefully make better decisions in my life. It also makes me a little more stressful. With both kids in so many activities it makes for a careful coordination and cooperation with all of us. So we can do what we want and make sure we spend some quality, family time together.
God puts such seasons in our lives to make us appreciate the times we are slow, the times we spend together as a family, and to let us know that we are not in control. I hope that as we start toward the end of 2009, all of us can reflect on some of the important things of our lives and not on worrying on how to get it all done. If something doesn't get done, then it wasn't meant to be. But that's a whole other devotion!
Psalms 104:19 The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
UPDATE: Dad is taking the meds that the doctor order him to. Mike talked to him yesterday and said that his voice and breathing are much better and he is eating more! This is wonderful news. Say a prayer of thanks to God for this and that he will have a complete recovery from all of it soon.
I don't see it as a man-I-am-busy kind of season, I see it as opportunities to spend it with those I like and love (and even some I don't like). I have lots of opportunities to show God's love to others and to help others. I am becoming less of a homebody and more of a on-the-go person. It makes me try and budget my time more wisely, make me plan my days and meals better and hopefully make better decisions in my life. It also makes me a little more stressful. With both kids in so many activities it makes for a careful coordination and cooperation with all of us. So we can do what we want and make sure we spend some quality, family time together.
God puts such seasons in our lives to make us appreciate the times we are slow, the times we spend together as a family, and to let us know that we are not in control. I hope that as we start toward the end of 2009, all of us can reflect on some of the important things of our lives and not on worrying on how to get it all done. If something doesn't get done, then it wasn't meant to be. But that's a whole other devotion!
Psalms 104:19 The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.
UPDATE: Dad is taking the meds that the doctor order him to. Mike talked to him yesterday and said that his voice and breathing are much better and he is eating more! This is wonderful news. Say a prayer of thanks to God for this and that he will have a complete recovery from all of it soon.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Another Birthday!
Well, tomorrow is my Dad's birthday. He will be 67. It's a relief to say that. This as you know has been the hardest year I have ever seen him go through. There have been some hard years. Like when his Dad died. He went into such a funk for a long time over that. But who wouldn't?
This year has also seen some wonderful times. I know that's hard to believe but I try to see the good in almost everything. This year our church really has pulled together and made it easy for us to love them and feel loved. It has brought Dad and Mom some faithful and caring friends that proved themselves. I believe it brought my family closer too in many ways.
Dad, Allie and I got to go to Washington D.C. for a trip we will never forget. We just found out about his cancer and had not really coped with it and he had not started his treatments. We didn't even know what the rest of the year would bring, but we definitely made the most of that trip. Even though Dad and I didn't really talk about anything in particular or get too serious, it was a trip we had always wanted to take. Now he is talking about going back when Timm goes. Wouldn't that be great? Timm, Mike and Dad in D.C.. Timm is looking forward to that.
All my life, I have been Daddy's little girl. In fact, one of our exchange students said that we were "Xerox copies". We are so much alike in so many ways. My attitude is like his, my outlook on people and life are like his, and my sense of humor is like his. I am proud to be his daughter.
He has shown me what a father should be like and that has helped me all my life imagine what God, as a father, is like too. I think he has made it easy for me to accept that God is my father and that he loves me, all because Dad loves me. I love him too, and hope that he has many more birthdays to come!
This year has also seen some wonderful times. I know that's hard to believe but I try to see the good in almost everything. This year our church really has pulled together and made it easy for us to love them and feel loved. It has brought Dad and Mom some faithful and caring friends that proved themselves. I believe it brought my family closer too in many ways.
Dad, Allie and I got to go to Washington D.C. for a trip we will never forget. We just found out about his cancer and had not really coped with it and he had not started his treatments. We didn't even know what the rest of the year would bring, but we definitely made the most of that trip. Even though Dad and I didn't really talk about anything in particular or get too serious, it was a trip we had always wanted to take. Now he is talking about going back when Timm goes. Wouldn't that be great? Timm, Mike and Dad in D.C.. Timm is looking forward to that.
All my life, I have been Daddy's little girl. In fact, one of our exchange students said that we were "Xerox copies". We are so much alike in so many ways. My attitude is like his, my outlook on people and life are like his, and my sense of humor is like his. I am proud to be his daughter.
He has shown me what a father should be like and that has helped me all my life imagine what God, as a father, is like too. I think he has made it easy for me to accept that God is my father and that he loves me, all because Dad loves me. I love him too, and hope that he has many more birthdays to come!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Anxiety Trip
Yesterday, Dad and Mom went to the radiation doctor. He's the doctor who's been monitoring Dad the closest. So I have some updates for you. First, his PET scan will be September 4th. This is the scan that will tell if there is any cancer anywhere else in his body. They will get the results of that on September 11th. Then on September 8th, they will go for either a consult or the removal of the peg tube. I know Dad is hoping they remove it. So this is good news.
Dad ate a six-inch sub Sunday for lunch. That is awesome. The biggest problem he is facing is that because he hasn't really eaten since March, he isn't that hungry and doesn't think about eating unless someone reminds him. The thing is before the cancer, he only ate a couple of cookies with his coffee and supper. Maybe a piece of fruit for lunch during the week. So I am not really worried about that.
Anxiety is a funny thing. It can make you sick to your stomach, it can make you unable to concentrate on the task at hand, and it can leave everyone around you uneasy. In our family, there has been a lot of anxiety in the past few months because of several things. Family members having problems, injuries, and physical and mental health of my parents. But as you all know, I try to hold a strong faith in God and I know that he will carry all of us through these storms.
Psalms 94:14 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
Pray for Mom and Dad during this time. Pray that God's healing hand is on them and that His will will be done through them.
Dad ate a six-inch sub Sunday for lunch. That is awesome. The biggest problem he is facing is that because he hasn't really eaten since March, he isn't that hungry and doesn't think about eating unless someone reminds him. The thing is before the cancer, he only ate a couple of cookies with his coffee and supper. Maybe a piece of fruit for lunch during the week. So I am not really worried about that.
Anxiety is a funny thing. It can make you sick to your stomach, it can make you unable to concentrate on the task at hand, and it can leave everyone around you uneasy. In our family, there has been a lot of anxiety in the past few months because of several things. Family members having problems, injuries, and physical and mental health of my parents. But as you all know, I try to hold a strong faith in God and I know that he will carry all of us through these storms.
Psalms 94:14 "When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul."
Pray for Mom and Dad during this time. Pray that God's healing hand is on them and that His will will be done through them.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
I'll Be Home - July 20, 2009
In his sermon yesterday, Larry Holmes talked about what our purpose for being here is. Most of us have gone through the book, “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren. Larry made reference to this book. If you have not read it, then I urge to you do so. It is insightful and helps put perspective on life.
One thing he said that struck me for some reason was that some people go home to die, but we, as Christians, die to go home. Isn’t that interesting? The one thing throughout Dad’s illness that I have tried to not think about and deal with is the possibility that he may die from this. In fact, someday he will die as will all of us, if the Lord tarries. Larry talked about how his brother had been diagnosed with cancer and three weeks later he was home, in heaven. It was Christmas time and Larry said “We sing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’, but my brother really is having Christmas at home.” What a beautiful thought.
Now, I know my dad is getting his strength back and slowly trying to eat, and his voice, though still gruff is there. But, someday, he won’t be. He’ll be home. I know that it is something that I must think about then, but not now. I will deal with that another time. For now, I will cherish the time we do have. I will sing Christmas songs with him and make sure I am there for him through everything.
“But until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then, with joy I’ll carry on. Until that day my eyes behold that city, Until the day God calls me home.” Ray Price
Revelations 21:4 says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
One thing he said that struck me for some reason was that some people go home to die, but we, as Christians, die to go home. Isn’t that interesting? The one thing throughout Dad’s illness that I have tried to not think about and deal with is the possibility that he may die from this. In fact, someday he will die as will all of us, if the Lord tarries. Larry talked about how his brother had been diagnosed with cancer and three weeks later he was home, in heaven. It was Christmas time and Larry said “We sing ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas’, but my brother really is having Christmas at home.” What a beautiful thought.
Now, I know my dad is getting his strength back and slowly trying to eat, and his voice, though still gruff is there. But, someday, he won’t be. He’ll be home. I know that it is something that I must think about then, but not now. I will deal with that another time. For now, I will cherish the time we do have. I will sing Christmas songs with him and make sure I am there for him through everything.
“But until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then, with joy I’ll carry on. Until that day my eyes behold that city, Until the day God calls me home.” Ray Price
Revelations 21:4 says “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
Doctors and Nurses - July 17, 2009
Dad went to the chemo doctor for an update yesterday. He said that he had lost another 3 to 4 pounds and the doctor asked him when he was going to stop losing weight. I told Dad that I would have told him “when my throat stops hurting and I can eat.” Dad agreed with that. Other than that, the doctor told him he was doing great. Dad feels good and other than not being able to eat much he is still on the mend. Praise the Lord!
Mending and healing is always been something that amazes me. Doctors learn so much and solve so many problems. They have to keep up with the latest and greatest in their field. Most of them are experts at something. It is truly amazing. It is a little scary too. What if they miss something? What if the medicine doesn’t respond right. Lot’s of what if’s going on. I am so glad that our God doesn’t play the what if game. In Acts 10 verses 37 and 38 Peter tells what and how Jesus did what he did. "You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."
I am thankful that God gave Jesus the power and gives doctors (and nurses) the knowledge and will to want to be in the profession. I sure could not do that. So next time you see a doctor or nurse, thank them.
Mending and healing is always been something that amazes me. Doctors learn so much and solve so many problems. They have to keep up with the latest and greatest in their field. Most of them are experts at something. It is truly amazing. It is a little scary too. What if they miss something? What if the medicine doesn’t respond right. Lot’s of what if’s going on. I am so glad that our God doesn’t play the what if game. In Acts 10 verses 37 and 38 Peter tells what and how Jesus did what he did. "You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him."
I am thankful that God gave Jesus the power and gives doctors (and nurses) the knowledge and will to want to be in the profession. I sure could not do that. So next time you see a doctor or nurse, thank them.
Renew Your Spirits - July 16, 2009
Well, I am back from much needed and fun vacation. At least Mike and I had a great time. The kids were ready to come home. We went to Birmingham, Alabama for our nephew’s wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony. The festivities surrounding it were wonderful and we got to catch up with our family and friends. We got pampered a bit and drove a lot and saw new places. I had fun just not being home and in the same old grind.
Sometimes just getting away is nice. Mom and Dad are back too. They had a great time touring every battlefield in Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as some naval bases and such. After all they’ve been through, it’s amazing how much a week away has lifted his spirits. He is not out of the woods yet, though. So keep praying for him and Mom.
Renewing our spirits is something that all of us need from time to time. It rejuvenates us, makes our minds and bodies slow down and rests. Renewing our spirits gives perspective to our lives and helps us through life’s journey. Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite verses and it talks about being renewed.
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
I hope I can soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. It is my hope that each of you take some time and renew yourselves. It is sometimes just what is needed when you have reached the end of your rope.
Sometimes just getting away is nice. Mom and Dad are back too. They had a great time touring every battlefield in Pennsylvania and Virginia as well as some naval bases and such. After all they’ve been through, it’s amazing how much a week away has lifted his spirits. He is not out of the woods yet, though. So keep praying for him and Mom.
Renewing our spirits is something that all of us need from time to time. It rejuvenates us, makes our minds and bodies slow down and rests. Renewing our spirits gives perspective to our lives and helps us through life’s journey. Isaiah 40:31 is one of my favorite verses and it talks about being renewed.
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
I hope I can soar on wings like eagles, run and not grow weary, and walk and not faint. It is my hope that each of you take some time and renew yourselves. It is sometimes just what is needed when you have reached the end of your rope.
All I Need Is A Miracle - June 30, 2009
There was a song released in the 80’s called “All I Need Is A Miracle.” This song has been going through my head for the last 15 minutes as I was preparing to start this devotion. I was thinking about what to write about and I realized that I had not told you all how great God is and has been, and will be for our family. Dad went to the ENT last week and the doctor ran that scope down his nose and throat. He said that Dad’s throat is still really swollen and burnt, but he could not see the tumor!
Now, the skeptic in me says, “Well, maybe that is because it is so red and swollen. Maybe that is because he just can’t see it with all the phlegm down there. I won’t believe this until Dad’s PET Scan.” Why am I such a skeptic? I hate to get my hopes up and then have them dashed away. I would rather be surprised by happy news than saddened by news that things aren’t as good as they could be.
The chorus of this song is “All I need is a miracle, all I need is you. All I need is a miracle, all I need is you. All I need is a miracle, all I need is you.” Isn’t that the mantra for a lot of people today? If I get that miracle of healing, or whatever they are asking for, then I know that I need you. But what if they don’t get that miracle they want? I have said all along, that until all the results are in, I won’t believe anything. My soul is a little excited about this great news. And when I talked to Dad yesterday, his voice was the strongest it has been in months. Still gravelly, but I heard and understood every word on the phone with him. That’s exciting to me. Seeing the results of healing is always wonderful! It’s the process that is the killer.
I look at this song a different way. “Lord, all I need is you, a miracle is needed, but your will be done.” That is how this song should be sung by Christians. The Psalmist says in chapter 77:11 - 14 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
So rejoice that so far, the cancer (to the eye) is not detected and Dad is getting stronger and in better voice every day. God’s been good!
Now, the skeptic in me says, “Well, maybe that is because it is so red and swollen. Maybe that is because he just can’t see it with all the phlegm down there. I won’t believe this until Dad’s PET Scan.” Why am I such a skeptic? I hate to get my hopes up and then have them dashed away. I would rather be surprised by happy news than saddened by news that things aren’t as good as they could be.
The chorus of this song is “All I need is a miracle, all I need is you. All I need is a miracle, all I need is you. All I need is a miracle, all I need is you.” Isn’t that the mantra for a lot of people today? If I get that miracle of healing, or whatever they are asking for, then I know that I need you. But what if they don’t get that miracle they want? I have said all along, that until all the results are in, I won’t believe anything. My soul is a little excited about this great news. And when I talked to Dad yesterday, his voice was the strongest it has been in months. Still gravelly, but I heard and understood every word on the phone with him. That’s exciting to me. Seeing the results of healing is always wonderful! It’s the process that is the killer.
I look at this song a different way. “Lord, all I need is you, a miracle is needed, but your will be done.” That is how this song should be sung by Christians. The Psalmist says in chapter 77:11 - 14 “I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples."
So rejoice that so far, the cancer (to the eye) is not detected and Dad is getting stronger and in better voice every day. God’s been good!
Our Adversaries - June 24, 2009
Have you ever read Psalm 108? It has some interesting wording in it. My favorite is verses 8 and 9. He sounds like God is throwing a temper tantrum. He throws a shoe, he shouts. The Psalmist is talking about how God will deliver him from his enemies because man can not win without Him.
My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.
That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and answer me!
God has spoken in His holiness:
"I will exult, I will portion out Shechem
And measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is the helmet of My head;
Judah is My scepter.
Moab is My washbowl;
Over Edom I shall throw My shoe;
Over Philistia I will shout aloud."
Who will bring me into the besieged city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us?
And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?
Oh give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.
Through God we will do valiantly,
And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries.
Sometimes I need to read the verses over several times to get the true meaning. Praise God that he will deliver us from our adversaries. Praise God for His saving grace!
Pray for Dad today. He is so tired of feeling bad. He needs our encouragement everyday. Pray for Mom too. She needs just as much encouragement to get Dad through this.
My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre;
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples,
And I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens,
And Your truth reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
And Your glory above all the earth.
That Your beloved may be delivered,
Save with Your right hand, and answer me!
God has spoken in His holiness:
"I will exult, I will portion out Shechem
And measure out the valley of Succoth.
Gilead is Mine, Manasseh is Mine;
Ephraim also is the helmet of My head;
Judah is My scepter.
Moab is My washbowl;
Over Edom I shall throw My shoe;
Over Philistia I will shout aloud."
Who will bring me into the besieged city?
Who will lead me to Edom?
Have not You Yourself, O God, rejected us?
And will You not go forth with our armies, O God?
Oh give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain.
Through God we will do valiantly,
And it is He who shall tread down our adversaries.
Sometimes I need to read the verses over several times to get the true meaning. Praise God that he will deliver us from our adversaries. Praise God for His saving grace!
Pray for Dad today. He is so tired of feeling bad. He needs our encouragement everyday. Pray for Mom too. She needs just as much encouragement to get Dad through this.
God the Father - June 19, 2009
This coming Sunday is Father’s Day. I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a husband who is a good father to his children. He supports them, loves them and wants to be with them. I have a father who is a great dad to me and Mike. Even though he’s been ill and feels like his body has been run through the ringer, he still has tried to always be someone I can count on. He loves me, cares for me and does what he can for me. I love both of these men.
I have another Father too. Though I can not physically see him, I know he’s there. I can sense he’s there. He adopted me as his own. He wrote me a love letter and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for me and for you. I don’t know many Father’s who would do that. Take some time this weekend and thank your dad for all he’s done for you. It’s was a hard job raising us to be Christian men and women, but somebody had to do it.
Galatians 3: 26 – 27 says “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
It is through our faith and obedience that we are sons (and daughters) of God. What a reason to celebrate!
I have another Father too. Though I can not physically see him, I know he’s there. I can sense he’s there. He adopted me as his own. He wrote me a love letter and he gave the ultimate sacrifice for me and for you. I don’t know many Father’s who would do that. Take some time this weekend and thank your dad for all he’s done for you. It’s was a hard job raising us to be Christian men and women, but somebody had to do it.
Galatians 3: 26 – 27 says “You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
It is through our faith and obedience that we are sons (and daughters) of God. What a reason to celebrate!
Update - June 15, 2009
Today, I will give an update on Dad. He is slowly recovering. Friday night after supper, we went over to Mom and Dad’s for a visit. I walked in and he said, “Hi.” I was so happy because I could hear him! His voice was stronger. It didn’t last long though. His voice is getting stronger, but the more he uses it, the less strong it is. But for the first time in six weeks, it was more than a whisper! That is enough to give us hope. He is also feeling better. His energy is coming back little by little, his sense of humor is coming back and you can tell he doesn’t feel sick as much. His energy coming back is great, but he doesn’t like that he can do a little and then tires out so quickly. He also is trying and with a little success, eating. He can eat easily tomato soup. He had a ¼ of a pancake and some scrambled egg. That is encouragement.
Immediate results are what is wanted. But he knows that it took 40 days to get this way, and it will take a lot more before he is totally back to his norm. He probably will not be at his norm ever again, at least physically. But he is still Lew, he is still the same man that he has always been. His voice will probably be a bit different. His eating habits may change because of what he will be able to eat and what he can’t eat.
I am just thankful that he is still here. I am grateful that through this whole situation we have not been alone. I hope that we can say we are thankful for our God and the situations he leads us to. He has helped each of us develop a prayer time and a prayer list. Each of you pray for Dad and Mom. You are like this verse from Colossians: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” You have been watchful and devoted yourselves to prayer and being thankful.
Thank you for your prayers, cards, concerns. It’s not over, so keep it up!
Immediate results are what is wanted. But he knows that it took 40 days to get this way, and it will take a lot more before he is totally back to his norm. He probably will not be at his norm ever again, at least physically. But he is still Lew, he is still the same man that he has always been. His voice will probably be a bit different. His eating habits may change because of what he will be able to eat and what he can’t eat.
I am just thankful that he is still here. I am grateful that through this whole situation we have not been alone. I hope that we can say we are thankful for our God and the situations he leads us to. He has helped each of us develop a prayer time and a prayer list. Each of you pray for Dad and Mom. You are like this verse from Colossians: “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” You have been watchful and devoted yourselves to prayer and being thankful.
Thank you for your prayers, cards, concerns. It’s not over, so keep it up!
44 Years and Holding Strong - June 11, 2009
Today marks the forty-fourth year of my parents life together. There have been many happy times, some sorrow and some times that would have shaken the faith of anyone. There were even predictions before and early on in their marriage that they would never last. Thank goodness those people were wrong!
Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. As most of us know it takes hard work on the part of both spouses. For some couples, doesn’t seem to be effortless? Just watching them you get the sense that they are meant for each other and that they are both giving, caring, and just wonderful? I think each of us know couples like that. I think I pray that no one thinks that of my marriage! I am the first to say that Mike and I love each other, but some days it is not as much fun as others. I know Mom and Dad think that too. I am here to tell you that they are both humans, they love each other more than anything, but that they definitely are not perfect and make messes of each other’s lives as well as their own. The plus is that they have a God who has taught them to love, forgive and repent. But more than that, I believe that God put them together to help each other and help those whose lives they have touched.
How many of you have had some kind of problem and came to both of them for advice. How often do you say just one of their names without the other? I think God looks at these two and smiles when he sees them. They are strong when they need to be, compassionate when it is called for and they let you know when you are out of God’s teaching. They love each and every one of us.
As a child, they were good at keeping their martial differences away from me. But they also didn’t hide the fact that it is one of the hardest things you will encounter. Living with someone else who was raised with a different set of rules, beliefs and morals sometimes make marriage a challenge. Making your own new family rules takes a lot of time. Mike and I are still doing that. Our kids have made new dynamics in that part of our marriage.
The most important words for marriage are trust, faithfulness and love. God does speak on this: Ephesians 5:33 states: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.“ 1 Corithians 7:3 says…”The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
How is your marriage? Will it stand the test of time? Will you be around for your next anniversary with your spouse? I hope and pray each of us are. But remember, you gotta work at it!
Marriage is not something to be taken lightly. As most of us know it takes hard work on the part of both spouses. For some couples, doesn’t seem to be effortless? Just watching them you get the sense that they are meant for each other and that they are both giving, caring, and just wonderful? I think each of us know couples like that. I think I pray that no one thinks that of my marriage! I am the first to say that Mike and I love each other, but some days it is not as much fun as others. I know Mom and Dad think that too. I am here to tell you that they are both humans, they love each other more than anything, but that they definitely are not perfect and make messes of each other’s lives as well as their own. The plus is that they have a God who has taught them to love, forgive and repent. But more than that, I believe that God put them together to help each other and help those whose lives they have touched.
How many of you have had some kind of problem and came to both of them for advice. How often do you say just one of their names without the other? I think God looks at these two and smiles when he sees them. They are strong when they need to be, compassionate when it is called for and they let you know when you are out of God’s teaching. They love each and every one of us.
As a child, they were good at keeping their martial differences away from me. But they also didn’t hide the fact that it is one of the hardest things you will encounter. Living with someone else who was raised with a different set of rules, beliefs and morals sometimes make marriage a challenge. Making your own new family rules takes a lot of time. Mike and I are still doing that. Our kids have made new dynamics in that part of our marriage.
The most important words for marriage are trust, faithfulness and love. God does speak on this: Ephesians 5:33 states: “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.“ 1 Corithians 7:3 says…”The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”
How is your marriage? Will it stand the test of time? Will you be around for your next anniversary with your spouse? I hope and pray each of us are. But remember, you gotta work at it!
Thankfulness June 8, 2009
Yesterday, our church members revealed how much they love my father. They signed and made a friendship quilt. It is done in red, white, and blue, as fashioned after the wheelchair quilts he makes for the wounded soldiers. We have all kept this a secret for a few months. He had absolutely no clue it was coming.
Yesterday afternoon, we were talking about it. He said he can’t even look at it because every time he tries, “something” gets in his eyes. That “something” is tears. He is so thankful that his emotions gets the better of him. It’s because he knows that the quilt was thought out and made out of love for him.
He does the same thing for other people. Did you know that? For years, after a family member was in the hospital and released, he would buy a nice box of Esther Price candy and take it to the nurses who cared for the patient. He has done that for the nurses working with the radiation and chemo doctors. He shows his appreciation and love for them by giving a little something back. It is not much and probably not something he wants to even talk about.
Thankfulness is something that we expect to be, and not as much as an act. Dad shows that he can feel thankful, but he also does something for someone else as an act. Not just an act of kindness but because he wants to show his emotion.
Many times the Psalmist(s) and others remind us to give God thanks.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:29
In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
In Psalms, the theme of giving the Lord thanks because his loves endures forever is most prevalent. The writer(s) seem to want us to know that God is good and will never not be there. In Isaiah, it is to exalt Him and proclaim His name. In I Corinthians, thankfulness goes to a new level because we now of the claim of Jesus as our Savior! I am most thankful for that!
Pray for those that you are thankful for today. Then act on it. It doesn’t have to be anything other than a card. You’ll know what to do.
Yesterday afternoon, we were talking about it. He said he can’t even look at it because every time he tries, “something” gets in his eyes. That “something” is tears. He is so thankful that his emotions gets the better of him. It’s because he knows that the quilt was thought out and made out of love for him.
He does the same thing for other people. Did you know that? For years, after a family member was in the hospital and released, he would buy a nice box of Esther Price candy and take it to the nurses who cared for the patient. He has done that for the nurses working with the radiation and chemo doctors. He shows his appreciation and love for them by giving a little something back. It is not much and probably not something he wants to even talk about.
Thankfulness is something that we expect to be, and not as much as an act. Dad shows that he can feel thankful, but he also does something for someone else as an act. Not just an act of kindness but because he wants to show his emotion.
Many times the Psalmist(s) and others remind us to give God thanks.
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:29
In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted. Isaiah 12:4
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57
In Psalms, the theme of giving the Lord thanks because his loves endures forever is most prevalent. The writer(s) seem to want us to know that God is good and will never not be there. In Isaiah, it is to exalt Him and proclaim His name. In I Corinthians, thankfulness goes to a new level because we now of the claim of Jesus as our Savior! I am most thankful for that!
Pray for those that you are thankful for today. Then act on it. It doesn’t have to be anything other than a card. You’ll know what to do.
Conversations, June 4, 2009
I talked to my parents a little bit this week. Dad has been to two doctors. The first was the heart doctor. This doctor told him that there was a blockage and one of the valves has a small leak. But he called that minor, compared to what Dad is going through right now, and they are just going to watch all of that for a while. The second doctor was the chemo doctor. He told dad that he is now in the lowest part of the valley, but just starting to slowly start making his way out. He can start trying to eat solid food in a week or so and hopefully his voice will start getting stronger, he will begin to have a bit more energy.
One thing my Mom has missed over the past four weeks is the conversations they had. That is hard for her. It takes a lot of energy to talk, especially when you are trying to talk loud and it only comes out as a whisper, so just a short conversation is enough to wear him down. He still tries, but his throat still hurts so much from the radiation that no one will ever understand unless you have been through it.
But have you ever wondered about your best conversations? I was thinking on this the other day. I have had some conversations that I don’t want to end. I have talked on the topics of customer service, family dynamics, emotions, illness, friendship and love. I speak of my faith in God and my beliefs. But speaking is only half of what a conversation is. The other half is listening. Not only listening, but letting the other person know that you are really hearing them by your body language, facial expressions, as well as your response. In my line of work, I have to be able to hold a conversation with strangers every day. If I am not listening, I could misdirect someone and that could be disastrous.
What about your daily conversation with God? Do you have one? Most of us pray everyday. Do we pray help this person, that situation or do we pray that God’s will be done? Do we sometime throughout the day let God speak? I like to think that is what my Bible reading does for me. During that early morning quiet time, I like to read and see what God has written just for me. It may be a praise, it maybe a warning, it may be a story that will help me someday. I find that if I read early in the day, then I can think about what God is saying to me all day.
God speaks to us in so many ways. It could be His Word, a song, someone else. Do we listen? We should. God listens to us. Our preacher always says that maybe God gave us two ears and one mouth is so we will listen twice as much as we talk. The Psalmist has said, “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.” Psalm 85:8. So have a conversation. Do your part to talk and to listen. It may be enlightening or even bring peace to you, His people.
One thing my Mom has missed over the past four weeks is the conversations they had. That is hard for her. It takes a lot of energy to talk, especially when you are trying to talk loud and it only comes out as a whisper, so just a short conversation is enough to wear him down. He still tries, but his throat still hurts so much from the radiation that no one will ever understand unless you have been through it.
But have you ever wondered about your best conversations? I was thinking on this the other day. I have had some conversations that I don’t want to end. I have talked on the topics of customer service, family dynamics, emotions, illness, friendship and love. I speak of my faith in God and my beliefs. But speaking is only half of what a conversation is. The other half is listening. Not only listening, but letting the other person know that you are really hearing them by your body language, facial expressions, as well as your response. In my line of work, I have to be able to hold a conversation with strangers every day. If I am not listening, I could misdirect someone and that could be disastrous.
What about your daily conversation with God? Do you have one? Most of us pray everyday. Do we pray help this person, that situation or do we pray that God’s will be done? Do we sometime throughout the day let God speak? I like to think that is what my Bible reading does for me. During that early morning quiet time, I like to read and see what God has written just for me. It may be a praise, it maybe a warning, it may be a story that will help me someday. I find that if I read early in the day, then I can think about what God is saying to me all day.
God speaks to us in so many ways. It could be His Word, a song, someone else. Do we listen? We should. God listens to us. Our preacher always says that maybe God gave us two ears and one mouth is so we will listen twice as much as we talk. The Psalmist has said, “I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly.” Psalm 85:8. So have a conversation. Do your part to talk and to listen. It may be enlightening or even bring peace to you, His people.
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