April 26, 2017

"My every day reactions testify to the kind of relationship I have with Jesus and the kind of effect He has on my heart." - Lysa TerKeurst

April 16, 2017

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home
You see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I’m not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

You see your worst mistake
But I see the price I paid
There’s nothing you could ever do
To lose what grace has won

So hold on, it’s not the end
This is where love’s work begins
I’m making all things new
And I will make a miracle of you

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home
You see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I’m not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

I see my child, My beloved
The new creation you’re becoming
You see the scars from when you fell
But I see the stories they will tell
You see worthless, but I see priceless
You see pain, but I see a purpose
You see unworthy, undeserving
But I see you through eyes of mercy

When you see broken beyond repair
I see healing beyond belief
When you see too far gone
I see one step away from home
You see nothing but damaged goods
I see something good in the making
I’m not finished yet
When you see wounded, I see mended

- Matthew West

April 12, 2017

All about focus!

The last few weeks have been a bit of a challenge. My vision is better (continuing with eye injections) but there are other health issues popping up that are really challenging me in efforts to choose joy. Honestly, it has been a struggle. This morning as I was trying to sort things out, I heard that still small voice that has become so familiar over the years. The answer was incredibly simple:

Change your focus. 

In the last few weeks, I have been increasingly frustrated by what I seem to have lost - and I'm not even going to go into that, because it's not the point. I can keep looking back at those things, or I can look ahead and around me at all the blessings that are here, right in front of me. The frustrating things aren't permanent - they are temporal parts of this world. The eternal things? Nothing has changed there. God is still God, He is still good, and He still has a plan and a purpose!

That's true for all of us. No matter how frustrating the day may seem, God has this. In the end, we win! And it's up to us to decide how we will spend TODAY - covered in frustration or focused on the blessings that are all around us!

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"

God, help my focus to stay on you! And help me to choose joy!

March 26, 2017

This has been a very special day! Awesome services at LF West, followed by lunch with a new LF West family and dinner with another new LF West family. Could it get any better??

Yes. 

I got a phone call tonight from Tucker. He wanted to tell me that he had prayed and asked Jesus into his heart. We had talked quite a bit about heaven on our Nashville trip last week, and we could tell that he was thinking a lot about it. When he called tonight, he was so excited and said that we could all be together forever and have sleepovers every day, not just on Fridays!!

I want to store my treasure in heaven!!

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” Matthew‬ ‭6:19-21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

March 16, 2017

"Just because we feel offended doesn't mean we must be offended. It's a choice." - Lysa TerKeurst

February 23, 2017

This has been such an incredible week. Out of so many great moments, here is one of my favorites!!

Tony and I love the Toungett family. Nick and Sarah have been a huge blessing to us, and we have had so much fun together opening the West campus. They have two sweet girls, and Payton loves Tony. She always checks in with him when she gets to church, and likes to keep up with what he's doing. 

Last Sunday, we ate lunch with them at a buffet. After one trip through the buffet, Tony sat down with a new plate. Payton said to Sarah, "What does Pastor Tony have on his plate?" Sarah said, "Pudding and eggs." That's right - this course consisted of hard boiled eggs and chocolate pudding. 😁

Payton said, "I want pudding and eggs." And she ate every bit. 

Someone is always watching! 😂

February 16, 2017

It's funny how you don't know when you wake up, what the day will bring. For the most part, I've found that's a good thing.  :) I had no idea when I woke up today that it would be as meaningful as it has been. 

In September of last year, I went for a routine eye doctor visit, ended up being referred to a specialist and the eye injection adventure began. It's not a huge deal - but I can think of things I would rather be doing. :) The next month, I found out that I would need to have a surgery related to my initial cancer surgery; I had that in early December. In January, I had shoulder surgery. And every four weeks since September, I've had an eye injection. The surgeries were not so major, but the combination of injections and surgeries has felt like a step backwards. And every injection appointment, both the scan of my eye and my vision have been worse. 

Four weeks ago, my vision was worse but the scan showed improvement. And today, the scan was stable AND my vision was much better. 

That is a WIN!!!

Today, they didn't schedule me for an injection in four weeks!! I have an exam and scan instead. And my eye doctor said it's most likely that I will need more injections - but even a few weeks' break is so awesome and I am thrilled!!

It seems like a another chapter closed today on this medical journey. And while we never know what will happen in the future - I am CELEBRATING today!!

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." - Philippians 4:4-7 (The Message)

February 11, 2017

“Choose to always look for the best in your spouse’s intentions.”

Every day in our relationships, there will be moments when we are hurt. And that will certainly happen in the most intimate relationship of all. But when someone causes us pain, our human tendency is to ascribe a hurtful motive. They hurt me, therefore they don’t really care about me....

"He doesn’t care." "She doesn’t appreciate me." Those thoughts are so subconscious we may not even realize that’s what we’re assuming – but that is why we’re hurt. It turns out that one of the main things making people unhappy in marriage is believing the “he/she doesn’t care” lie that just isn’t true. Because in the vast majority of those surveyed, even in struggling marriages the spouses deeply care for one another. But to have an abundant marriage, you have to believe that truth even when you’re hurt.

This is where we remember what God’s Word asks: rather than judging the situation and our spouse for the hurt they have caused, we can choose to believe the best of their intentions. Even when there is a very real issue to work through, it doesn’t mean they do not care. We can choose to let mercy triumph and let love reign. Just as He showed us mercy and love in our moments of weakness, we can do the same for our spouse!

Sure, we may feel hurt, disappointed, or angry, but we can make the choice to believe what is almost certainly the truth: that our husband or wife really does have our best interests at heart regardless of what our emotions – or the situation -- might be telling us at the time. Biblical Secrets to a Happy Marriage, You Version Devo

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

January 30, 2017

"There is a depth of God's love that we get to experience only on a 'need to know' basis." 

I read this a couple of years ago as I was going through chemo - and it resonated with me as I reflected back. At THE most difficult times in life - my mom's illness and death, Clara's hospitalization as a newborn baby, Tucker's heart problems, my cancer journey - God has been SO PRESENT, covering us with His love and protection. 

It may not be what we planned. It may be that we can't see what's ahead. But He is right there with each of us, during the hardest days. He wants to comfort us, if we will take a minute to be still, to read His word, to let Him speak to us. 

He is a good, good Father!

“God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.” 2 Samuel‬ ‭22:31‬ ‭NLT‬‬

January 24, 2017

Monday was a miracle day.

I was scheduled for a rotator cuff repair. When they did a CT, the surgeon said the tear was bigger than the tear that necessitated surgery on my other shoulder in 2010. That time, I was in an immobilizer for six weeks and it was a slow and painful recovery. It's not easy when you can only use one hand/arm, and I have been dreading it. 

We have been doing a series on prayer this month. This past weekend, Pastor Patrick talked about how God WANTS us to pray specifically. We looked at James 5 - and these verses really spoke to me:

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5:16-18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I do not normally pray specifically for things - but on Sunday, I asked God to heal my shoulder, and that I wouldn't have a long recovery. It was a bold and specific prayer. 

Fast forward to yesterday. Tony didn't get to see the doctor after surgery, and I came home with the immobilizer on (I'd had a nerve block and had no control of or feeling in my arm so the immobilizer was helping my arm stay in place). 

Yesterday afternoon, the doctor's office called and said that they DIDN'T DO A REPAIR - that he cleaned up the shoulder, trimmed the area and removed bone spurs, but the tear in my rotator cuff was very small and it could heal on its own. I'll need to do physical therapy but I DON'T HAVE TO USE THE IMMOBILIZER!!

God answered my specific prayers and I am so grateful! 

"You have no rival, You have no equal
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the glory
Yours is the Name, above all names

What a powerful Name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful Name it is
The Name of Jesus" - What a Beautiful Name, Hillsong

January 22, 2017

''Twas the night before surgery..."

I was thinking today - this will be the 10th (correction - just listed them and it's the 12th!!!) surgery that I've had since 2010. That's a lot of surgeries!! The first one was shoulder surgery - basically the same surgery I'm having tomorrow but on the other shoulder. 

I have the same surgeon as the last shoulder surgery, but the way he does things sure has changed since 2010! There are many more "comfort" steps now - I already have my pain meds, they are doing a nerve block before surgery and sending me home with a "cold compression therapy unit" instead of the packs of frozen vegetables that I used on my shoulder last time around. Very high tech!!

If you had told me in 2010 how many surgeries were ahead - and WHY - it would have frightened me. And I am definitely hoping that this is the last for awhile!!  :) But through all the crazy ups and downs of the past few years, the steadfast love of the Lord has never ceased and His mercies have been new every morning. I am so thankful for that assurance - that He is always with us!

Thanks for all your prayers for us! I'm sure Tony and Mindy will keep everybody updated tomorrow. :)

"I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side"

January 11, 2017

Something has been on my mind this morning and just want to share it. This applies to anyone who is a Christ-follower, not just my local LF friends (although I definitely include you!!). Just pretend your mom is giving you some advice.  :)

It is very good for us to get outside of ourselves. To give of our time to something that isn't our "job". We can think "I am too busy - too tired - too unqualified - my marriage is too messy - you don't know what I'm going through with my kids" - but there is never going to be the perfect time to invest in someone other than yourself. 

Locally, Desoto Grace is a great way to get involved. This is a ministry that is truly reaching out to their community. They work with kids on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. You think you will be helping them - but they will touch you. If you need info, let me know!

You can lead a small group or serve on a team at your church. Again, you might think that you are helping the church - but you will get much more out of it than you ever give.

"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Luke 6:38

December 30, 2016

"When we know that our strength is in God, we no longer rely on ourselves. We don’t rely on ourselves for anything--not the work presentation we’ve been losing sleep over, not the big move we’re about to make, not even the illness we’ve been diagnosed with. We apart from God do not have the strength to overcome obstacles. But if we believe God’s strength is endless, we do not fear our own weakness." - Chris Tomlin

December 27, 2016

I am so excited for 2017! I feel good physically - without going into lots of boring medical details, the coming year seems very "do-able".  😁 I am tapering back my work schedule (so very thankful for a wonderful pastor and team to work with) and I think that will be a big help with energy levels. 

The most amazing part - while I would never pretend that I have figured everything out, it is becoming more clear to me every day that God can be trusted, that He has a plan for our lives, and that we don't have to carry burdens of worry and stress but that we can give them to Him. 

I am so thankful for our friends and family. Thank you for the sweet FB posts, texts and messages! Today has been a great birthday! But even more, thank you for the love and support that you have shown us through the last two years. I have truly learned what JOY is all about because of the lessons learned on this journey, and you have been such a big part of that!!

"I Will Praise You" - Ginny Owens

When there’s no cloud in the sky
When the world is on my side
And I feel Your hand in mine
I will praise You
And when my day becomes a night
And I cannot see Your light
I will walk by faith not sight
I will praise You

Oh I will praise You in the deep
For it’s there that my eyes see the truth
When I dance for joy or when I weep
I will praise You

On the mountain when You speak
In the valley when You’re silent
I will praise You, I will praise You
For the pain that’s yet to heal
For Your peace that’s deeper still
I will praise You

So from now until that day
When the darkness fades away
And I see You face to face
I will praise You

December 24, 2016

"From God’s perspective, the wilderness is the proving ground of our identities; it’s the place where we pass or fail the test of knowing who we really are. The destiny to which you are appointed demands you know who you are, and identity that has not been tested is not identity at all. 

Your identity is not determined by what you say or what others say about you. It has to be confirmed and sealed in your heart. There’s no better place for that to happen than the wilderness. 

The wilderness may look desolate, but be encouraged: it’s designed to help you grow, and on the other side of this growth process, God has something great for your life." - Van Moody, The I Factor

December 19, 2016

It's almost Christmas! It's the most wonderful time of the year! And sometimes one of the most difficult times of the year. The season can be described with many other adjectives as well, depending on what's happening in our lives. 

The past week has been challenging. I had surgery a week ago today. It's the only surgery I've had in 2016, so compared to last year, I was thinking this is nothing. I had allocated myself time off, but decided I was better earlier than scheduled so I hit the ground running on Friday morning. And hit the wall by Saturday night. 

I have an eye injection on Thursday (so far, there is no improvement in my eye - no end in sight for monthly injections). Shoulder surgery is scheduled for January; I will have my arm in an immobilizer for 6 weeks, and at least 4 weeks of PT, 3 times a week.

The combo of not feeling good and upcoming medical stuff set me up for a bit of a pity party on Sunday. I've been trying to sort out a lot of things, including figuring out a work schedule that makes sense with my continuing medical stuff. As I was thinking, I felt like God was reminding me of something that I had heard Him say about a month ago. 

"Quit focusing on what you can't see / what you've 'lost', and think about all the blessings in your life." As I went to sleep last night, that's what was on my mind. 

This morning, I noticed a Proverbs 31 devo talking about not being able to see the road ahead. I thought the title was interesting but didn't take time to read it. Then a few hours later, a good friend sent me a message which included that very devo; she talked about how God had been prompting her to pray for me and how the devo was so timely. As I read it, so many things on my heart were confirmed. Here are excerpts from the devo:

"In Mark chapter 10, a blind man named Bartimaeus sat beside the road — as he normally did — when he heard a commotion. He soon discovered the large crowd of people following Jesus. And they were all headed his way.

Bartimaeus had no idea what was going to happen. Having no sight, he could have felt threatened and anxious, fearful the crowd might trample him. He could have been concerned he’d be unnoticed and overlooked, yet again. Instead, he focused on what he could see with his heart rather than what he was unable to see with his eyes...

I love that. The blind man threw aside anything that might hinder his running, jumped up all on his own and blindly ran to Jesus. He ran solely ahead by faith, not by sight — unafraid of falling or bumping into things, nor fearing what might be ahead of him, simply because He heard Jesus’ voice and knew He was there.

We can always choose to follow Jesus’ voice, rather than let our blindness keep us paralyzed in anxiousness and pessimism. Just like the blind man, when we choose to follow Jesus’ voice instead of our eyes, our faith can be life-changing, helping us discover peace and blessing." - Tracie Miles, Proverbs 31 ministries 

WOW! In this up and down journey, once again the God of this entire universe cares enough that He spoke to me in that still, small voice of His. Then He sent me an email - 😃 - and when I didn't read that, He sent me a message to remind me that I can choose whether to trust or rest, I can be stressed or be peaceful. I have the freedom to set the tone for how I "see" this season and the year ahead. 

Thank you, God, for your patience with me. Thank you for giving us the gift of your Son, and for the assurance that you are with us today, tomorrow, and for eternity!!

Merry Christmas!!

December 12, 2016

"I am inwardly fashioned for faith, not for fear. Fear is not my native land; faith is. We do not know why it is that worriers die sooner than non-worriers, but that is a fact. But I who am simple of mind think I know; We are inwardly constructed…for faith and not for fear. God made us that way. To live by worry is to live against reality." Dr. Stanley Jones 

“Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Philippians‬ ‭4:6-7 ‭MSG‬‬

December 10, 2016

"Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9–10

The very things we dread and run from in our lives are precisely what brought contentment to Paul. Look at the list: I am content when I lose. I am content when I am weak. I am content with insults. I am content when I'm slandered. I am content in distresses. I am content with persecutions. I am content with difficulties and pressures that are so tight I can hardly turn around. Why? "Because when I am weak then I'm strong." Knowing that brought the apostle... to his knees. What a way to live your life - content in everything - knowing that divine strength comes when human weakness is evident. - Chuck Swindoll

December 9, 2016

"Suffering isn’t an obstacle to being used by God. It is an opportunity to be used like never before. You’re actually better fit for ministry in the crucible of pain. You have a stronger voice to project and to declare, and it’s easier to belt from the diaphragm of your soul when you’re hurting. It’s counterintuitive, but in the middle of my hardest mess, I’ve found ministry to be a great strength waiting to be tapped into. It was welling up within me—a greater desire than ever before to tell the whole world that Jesus Christ can turn off the dark—because I experienced it myself." - Levi Lusko

“If your heart is broken, you’ll find GOD right there; if you’re kicked in the gut, he’ll help you catch your breath.” Psalm‬ ‭34:18‬ ‭MSG‬‬

December 8, 2016

This has been a good news/bad news kind of week!

I had a sobering visit to the eye doctor on Monday. The condition I have often leads to central blindness. The best case scenario is that the injections slow down the process, but the vision I've lost will not return. The next injection is Dec. 22. The good news? It is only in one eye. 

I found out on Tuesday that I have tears in the labrum and rotator cuff of my right shoulder. Repair surgery is scheduled for early January. The good news is that I had a similar surgery on my other shoulder several years ago and regained full range of motion. 

Added to the already-scheduled surgery of next Monday, I have felt a little overwhelmed. It's taken me a couple of days to wrap my mind around the next few weeks. 

Those are all facts, but here is truth. Here is the good news. We are so blessed by family and friends who love and encourage us, and I know that this will all work out just the way it's supposed to. God has a plan, He's not surprised by one bit of this and He can use it for His glory. 

We can't choose what happens to us. We can always choose our attitude and our response. And I will continue to choose joy!  :)

“Because you are my helper, I sing for joy in the shadow of your wings. I cling to you; your strong right hand holds me securely.” Psalms‬ ‭63:7-8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

November 18, 2016

I read this today and thought how well it ties in to what we were talking about last night. So thankful for the example that Jesus gave us of how to live!

"Some people have been taught that the Christian life makes no room for sadness, gives no permission to mourn, allows no time for lament. This kind of mental toughness might seem a practical approach for immediate survival, but unexpressed grief can become a bitterness that chokes us. When we dull our pain, we dull our joy. When we numb our lows, we numb our highs. 

Jesus has a different perspective on grief. He never lacked emotion or expression. He “was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). And in His impassioned Sermon on the Mount, He gives us this promise: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).

When we grieve—not if—we will be comforted. 

Not long after His sermon, Jesus experienced this for Himself. “He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. He told them, ‘My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me’” (Matthew 26:37).

Jesus wept from empathy, from disappointment, from pain. He mourned, and when He was finished mourning, He surrendered to the work of God—work that brought great freedom to all of us. 

None of us wants to encounter such deep grief in our lifetimes. But the more we mourn our sin and need, pain and loss, the more we can trust and anticipate the gracious comfort Christ Jesus promises to bring." - Rebekah Lyons

November 17, 2016

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him... He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalms‬ ‭91:1-2, 4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

October 31, 2016

"Most things in my life today are not in my control. I cannot control the choices my kids, spouse and boss make. I cannot control traffic, weather or politicians. But I can always control myself. No matter what anyone else does, I have the power to choose my response. No matter what circumstances come my way, I have the power to be grateful, serve others and respond with dignity. That's true control." - Kirk Martin

October 30, 2016

"I write about the power of trying, because I want to be okay with failing. I write about generosity because I battle selfishness. I write about joy because I know sorrow. I write about faith because I almost lost mine, and I know what it is to be broken and in need of redemption. I write about gratitude because I am thankful - for all of it.” - Kristin Armstrong

October 29, 2016

The last few weeks have been challenging, both physically and emotionally. I've been overwhelmed at times. I've felt weak. There are ongoing eye/vision issues (my next eye injection is Monday) with no discernible improvement. A problem with my "good" shoulder which led to a steroid injection and a discussion about possible surgery. And a follow-up surgery scheduled related to my initial cancer diagnosis. 

In the midst of these challenges, God has given us so many blessings. A trip to Chicago to reconnect with long-time friends who are like family, and to meet new friends. Time to rest. And back at home, life groups with dear friends, as we are reminded of how much we need each other. 

Life on this earth is temporary, and it is challenging - but our challenges are not a surprise to God. He tells us that in this world, we will have trials. He also knows that we need people to encourage us - that isolation is not good for us. He gives us the gentle reminder that our goal is not comfort - not to make it through "safely" and without battle scars. Our goal is to reflect His glory, no matter what we face. And He reminds us that He will be with us. In our weakness, He is strong. 

I've been reading a devotional by Chris Tomlin called "Never Lose Sight" - a bit ironic, given my vision issues!  :) But what he says sums it up so well:

"In heaven, every chain is broken, every fear is gone. The things of this world that enslave us today—our sin, our circumstance, our mortality—will have no hold over us in eternity. Whatever feels broken here will be made whole in our eternal home."

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” ‭Revelation‬ ‭21:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

October 28 .2016

“If you’ve gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care — then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don’t push your way to the front; don’t sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don’t be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”  Philippians‬ ‭2:1-4‬ ‭MSG‬‬

October 26, 2016

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress.” Psalms 59:16 NLT

October 23, 2016

"God is fighting your battles, arranging things in your favor, and making a way even when you don't see the path. Faith is knowing He can even when you can't." - Do Something Church

"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." - Philippians 4:4-7 (The Message)

October 16, 2016

"Choosing joy in your everyday life means more than just knowing the right things to think. The correct passages to quote. The theological doctrines of joy. 

Choosing joy is a radical decision to honor God by experiencing the depths of God's promises to us. It's desiring Him above all else, rejoicing in His character, and living joyfully, according to His Word.

Radical joy is sin-destroying, world-changing, wound-healing, other-centered, and mission-minded. Radical joy creates a God-glorifying life." - Angela Thomas

October 14, 2016

"One of the marks of spiritual maturity is the quiet confidence that God is in control... without the need to understand why He does what He does." Chuck Swindoll

September 24, 2016 - An Eye Update

When we follow Jesus... we begin to calm down. We become more peaceful because we let go of our pretensions to rule the universe. We leave what belongs to God in God’s hands. We also listen for his voice because we know that Jesus can help us navigate our present. Following him makes us peaceable and teachable, even in the most unpredictable and frightening of circumstances." - Ann Spangler

I had an appointment with the retina specialist yesterday to see what the problem is with my good eye. When I last saw him in January, that eye was exhibiting some symptoms but there wasn't anything to treat - he said either it would settle down or it would cause some trouble. Apparently it chose the trouble route. :)

I have choroidal neovascularization (CNV). There are different causes; mine is not due to macular degeneration but the treatment is the same - injections in my eye. I had the first one yesterday and will have another one next month. Injections in your eye are not for wimps. I have a whole new respect for my dad as well as for my friend, Brother Ken; they do this every month, in both eyes!

Before I went to the doctor on Wednesday, I just thought my bad eye was getting worse and I needed new glasses. To learn that the good eye has a pretty substantial problem, was sobering. To know that this is probably the best that my vision will be, was sobering. 

I had a little pity party for a few hours and now we move on. Because once again, God is here and He prepares us with what we need. A verse we need to hear. For me, a message on the radio reminding me that no one is better equipped to deal with adversity than a believer. 

I am SO thankful that God is walking with us each day and in every situation!! 

"God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)