Like so many of my church family and community members, I find myself reeling today from the sudden death of a dear lady. After several days of feeling like she was coming down with something, she received a shocking diagnosis of acute leukemia on Friday, was admitted to the hospital that very night, and passed away on Sunday.
How does that even happen?
The blessing for Pat is she didn't have to endure prolonged suffering. Though I am sure with every fiber in my being that she would've given anything for more time with her beloved husband and children, I'm equally sure that she is now experiencing joy in Glory that is beyond anything we can fathom.
I'm praying her family will find comfort in that knowledge as well, and that God's love and peace will cover them like a warm blanket in the days to come.
Meanwhile, I'm also praying for a childhood friend who has been at the bedside of her dying father for weeks. Today she blogged that nothing has been left undone or unsaid, and though this time with him has been treasured and sweet, the agony of watching his suffering and waiting for his release to that eternal joy in Glory has become nearly unbearable.
Two special people, loved by their families and so many others and especially by God. One is taken so quickly our heads are spinning, and the other, ready and eager now to be reunited with his precious wife in Heaven, suffers and waits.
I don't understand why in either case. As I have pondered it, however, God has reminded me of two things.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants." Psalm 116:15. They are HIS servants, HIS children, and I fully trust that he sees them and loves them through the transition from this life to the next, no matter how fast or slow that may be.
Second, I am reminded of God's words in Isaiah 55:9, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." God knows what he is doing, whether or not I understand it. And I take great comfort in that. How could I worship a God small enough for me to wrap my brain around? That would put God on my level, and, well, I think you can get my point.
My faith tells me that God is sovereign, so I can trust that there is a divine purpose in all he does in life and death. My faith reminds me that God loves his children, so I can trust in his promise of salvation and eternal life. My faith upholds me, so in my weakness I can rest in the sufficiency of God's grace.
For all those who are hurting, who are questioning, who are waiting, who are struggling: may you choose faith in the sovereign God who loves you, rest in his grace, and be comforted by his peace.
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label faith. Show all posts
Monday, October 20, 2014
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Minding the Head and Heart
I had to get my head examined today...again. I can just hear the jokes and wisecracks, thank you very much.
It was the annual brain MRI to keep an eye on things upstairs. I really do not like those things. Fortunately I don't get claustrophobic, as some people do. It's just really not comfortable lying on that hard table, and having to keep your head in one position without moving it for an hour. And then there's the dreaded IV, for the contrasting dye they have to inject at the halfway point. Definitely not an enjoyable way to start the day!
As I lay there grumbling in my mind about it, my thoughts drifted to a childhood friend. She has fought a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer, which now appears to be winning. Her doctors have exhausted every treatment and clinical trial available, and now she is at home, drifting in and out of consciousness, her heartbroken family gathered around to soak up every precious moment they have left with her.
While we continue to pray for healing this side of heaven for my sweet friend, it's entirely possible that she will, soon, be entering the arms of her Savior. There is deep sorrow in that, but deep joy, for her, as well.
Suddenly I began to feel a lot more comfortable in that cold, hard, magnetic imaging machine. My grumpy attitude turned to one of thankfulness for my own life and its many blessings. I am well, my MS is stable (I think), and even if it's not, hopefully the MRI will reveal to my doctor any concerns we may need to address. For all my friend has gone through, all I have heard for so long is how amazing her attitude has been, how she has kept her infectious smile and freely shared her faith throughout the whole ordeal.
So I started singing praise songs (to myself), and promptly settled into a place of peace.
Funny how I thought I was just getting my head examined. My heart got a check-up, too.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
It was the annual brain MRI to keep an eye on things upstairs. I really do not like those things. Fortunately I don't get claustrophobic, as some people do. It's just really not comfortable lying on that hard table, and having to keep your head in one position without moving it for an hour. And then there's the dreaded IV, for the contrasting dye they have to inject at the halfway point. Definitely not an enjoyable way to start the day!
As I lay there grumbling in my mind about it, my thoughts drifted to a childhood friend. She has fought a lengthy and courageous battle with brain cancer, which now appears to be winning. Her doctors have exhausted every treatment and clinical trial available, and now she is at home, drifting in and out of consciousness, her heartbroken family gathered around to soak up every precious moment they have left with her.
While we continue to pray for healing this side of heaven for my sweet friend, it's entirely possible that she will, soon, be entering the arms of her Savior. There is deep sorrow in that, but deep joy, for her, as well.
Suddenly I began to feel a lot more comfortable in that cold, hard, magnetic imaging machine. My grumpy attitude turned to one of thankfulness for my own life and its many blessings. I am well, my MS is stable (I think), and even if it's not, hopefully the MRI will reveal to my doctor any concerns we may need to address. For all my friend has gone through, all I have heard for so long is how amazing her attitude has been, how she has kept her infectious smile and freely shared her faith throughout the whole ordeal.
So I started singing praise songs (to myself), and promptly settled into a place of peace.
Funny how I thought I was just getting my head examined. My heart got a check-up, too.
"You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Isaiah 26:3
Thursday, February 9, 2012
A Monumental Day...NOT!
Yesterday I heard an elderly gentleman from my church remark that he couldn't believe how fast 2012 is already whizzing by, that we're already into the second week of February. Then he looked at me with concern in his eyes and said "I think it's been a good while since I've talked to you. How are you getting along?"
By the look on his face and tone of his voice, I knew he was referring to my "condition." And that's when it dawned on me. January had come and gone and I hadn't even realized it! I mean, of course I knew January was over and we had moved full steam into February. But it's the first time in the four years since receiving my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis on January 23rd that the date had slipped by without me even giving it a thought. The date which was so monumental just four years ago had moved back to being a date on which I simply wished two special people in my life a happy birthday.
Ahh, God has been so faithful and good to me! Four years ago my life was turned upside down and I was left with a choice. I could dwell on it and let my days be all about me and my circumstances, or I could learn to truly step outside of myself and ask God to show me each day how I might be of use to Him. This blog chronicles many of those early days of my journey, and it's so amazing to me when I go back and read some of those posts to see and realize all that God has done in my life.
What I've learned is that our lives really aren't so much about us as they are about other people. I have complete trust and faith that the best life is the one that will come after my time on this earth. My days here are numbered just like everyone else's, but they are so much richer and more blessed when I commit them to the Lord for His purposes!
Does that mean every day is easy and wonderful? Of course not. Some of them downright stink. But I know where to find my joy, and it's not in my circumstances.
That's why when my elderly friend asked me so sincerely how I was getting along, as realization of the date dawned on me I was able to respond with the same sincerity, "I'm great!. Thanks for asking. I'm really great!"
Praise God, the One who brings you through what He brings you to!
By the look on his face and tone of his voice, I knew he was referring to my "condition." And that's when it dawned on me. January had come and gone and I hadn't even realized it! I mean, of course I knew January was over and we had moved full steam into February. But it's the first time in the four years since receiving my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis on January 23rd that the date had slipped by without me even giving it a thought. The date which was so monumental just four years ago had moved back to being a date on which I simply wished two special people in my life a happy birthday.
Ahh, God has been so faithful and good to me! Four years ago my life was turned upside down and I was left with a choice. I could dwell on it and let my days be all about me and my circumstances, or I could learn to truly step outside of myself and ask God to show me each day how I might be of use to Him. This blog chronicles many of those early days of my journey, and it's so amazing to me when I go back and read some of those posts to see and realize all that God has done in my life.
What I've learned is that our lives really aren't so much about us as they are about other people. I have complete trust and faith that the best life is the one that will come after my time on this earth. My days here are numbered just like everyone else's, but they are so much richer and more blessed when I commit them to the Lord for His purposes!
Does that mean every day is easy and wonderful? Of course not. Some of them downright stink. But I know where to find my joy, and it's not in my circumstances.
That's why when my elderly friend asked me so sincerely how I was getting along, as realization of the date dawned on me I was able to respond with the same sincerity, "I'm great!. Thanks for asking. I'm really great!"
Praise God, the One who brings you through what He brings you to!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Kaelie's Confirmation
What a wonderful weekend we had. I know it's Wednesday and I'm just now getting around to writing about it, but things have been a little hectic.
The weekend was so wonderful because I got to see my daughter confirmed in church on Sunday. What a privilege it was to be able to witness her and 16 other seventh graders stand before the congregation to publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ. It was made extra-special by the fact that Joey's mom and her husband were able to come, and my parents had recovered enough from Dad's back surgery in March and Mom's hospital stay a couple of weeks ago for diverticulitis to be able to make the 5 1/2 hour trip from Virginia Beach. It was a really great family weekend!
I must say that regrettably, I don't recall my own confirmation. I vaguely remember sitting in some boring classes, and I'm sure they must have done something special during a church service, but it obviously wasn't something that stuck with me.
This group has attended 13 weeks worth of classes, and they also went on a special trip to Washington D.C., where they visited the National Cathedral and the National Holocaust Museum. They worshipped at Rising Hope Church, where they heard some powerful testimonies from homeless people and recovering addicts and also performed service projects in the church's food pantry and clothing bank.
In addition, their confirmation journey also included time with mentors, church members who gave of themselves every Sunday evening to help shepherd these kids in their faith. Kaelie's mentor, Kristie, was wonderful. I'm so grateful to her for the ways that she has reached out in love to Kaelie.
As part of the confirmation church service, each mentor selected a verse for their confirmand. For Kaelie, Kristie selected Matthew 5:5 from The Message translation. "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more--no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."
The more familiar NIV translation says "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." I think of that as being humble, recognizing that God is sovereign and I am not, that I can do nothing on my own, but only by his grace and power.
I like the Message translation for reminding us also to not think of ourselves as any less than we are. I think it is especially wise counsel for a seventh-grade girl. Girls that age are always comparing themselves to other people and worrying about popularity and how they measure up. I have prayed so many times for my girls to always be able to see themselves through God's lenses and not to judge themselves by the world's standards..."being content with just who they are--no more, no less."
I also pray that they will always know my love for them for just who they are, beautiful children of God with their own unique personalities, gifts and abilities. I'm so blessed and grateful that I get to be their mom, and for the times like confirmation when God lets me see the great things he is doing in their lives!
The weekend was so wonderful because I got to see my daughter confirmed in church on Sunday. What a privilege it was to be able to witness her and 16 other seventh graders stand before the congregation to publicly profess their faith in Jesus Christ. It was made extra-special by the fact that Joey's mom and her husband were able to come, and my parents had recovered enough from Dad's back surgery in March and Mom's hospital stay a couple of weeks ago for diverticulitis to be able to make the 5 1/2 hour trip from Virginia Beach. It was a really great family weekend!
I must say that regrettably, I don't recall my own confirmation. I vaguely remember sitting in some boring classes, and I'm sure they must have done something special during a church service, but it obviously wasn't something that stuck with me.
This group has attended 13 weeks worth of classes, and they also went on a special trip to Washington D.C., where they visited the National Cathedral and the National Holocaust Museum. They worshipped at Rising Hope Church, where they heard some powerful testimonies from homeless people and recovering addicts and also performed service projects in the church's food pantry and clothing bank.
In addition, their confirmation journey also included time with mentors, church members who gave of themselves every Sunday evening to help shepherd these kids in their faith. Kaelie's mentor, Kristie, was wonderful. I'm so grateful to her for the ways that she has reached out in love to Kaelie.
As part of the confirmation church service, each mentor selected a verse for their confirmand. For Kaelie, Kristie selected Matthew 5:5 from The Message translation. "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are--no more--no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought."
The more familiar NIV translation says "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." I think of that as being humble, recognizing that God is sovereign and I am not, that I can do nothing on my own, but only by his grace and power.
I like the Message translation for reminding us also to not think of ourselves as any less than we are. I think it is especially wise counsel for a seventh-grade girl. Girls that age are always comparing themselves to other people and worrying about popularity and how they measure up. I have prayed so many times for my girls to always be able to see themselves through God's lenses and not to judge themselves by the world's standards..."being content with just who they are--no more, no less."
I also pray that they will always know my love for them for just who they are, beautiful children of God with their own unique personalities, gifts and abilities. I'm so blessed and grateful that I get to be their mom, and for the times like confirmation when God lets me see the great things he is doing in their lives!
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