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)