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)