February 9, 2018

In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind. 2 Corinthians 6:4 (NLT)

“We work hard to build physical endurance. Waiting helps to build our emotional endurance. What happens while we are waiting is sometimes more important than what we are waiting for." Brandi Wilson

February 8, 2018

“He who does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:5)

“The Hebrew term rendered ‘shaken’ is a figure of speech describing great insecurity. Think of a pole used by two people to carry something heavy, wobbling and bobbing up and down with each step. That's the word picture of instability. Those who bring these areas under the control of the Holy Spirit will enjoy a sense of stability despite the shaky, chaotic world around them. They live stable, solid, dependable lives. They don't wonder if God is angry with them when bad things happen. They don't question the goodness of God or suspect His absence during sorrowful times. They aren't tossed about by the winds and waves of circumstance. Their thinking remains solidly anchored in God's Word, which they obey with consistency.” - Charles Swindoll

February 7, 2018

“It’s when we are most pressed that we have the clearest insight to what’s really important.” - Bryan Stevenson 

February 5, 2018

So good!!

“God is far more interested in changing your mind than changing your circumstances. We want God to take away all of our problems, pain, sorrow, suffering, sickness, and sadness. But God wants to work on you first, because transformation won’t happen in your life until you renew your mind, until your thoughts begin to change.

Why is it so important that you learn how to manage your mind? Let me give you three reasons.

1) Manage your mind, because your thoughts control your life.

2) Manage your mind, because the mind is the battleground for sin.

3) Manage your mind, because it’s the key to peace and happiness.

An unmanaged mind leads to tension; a managed mind leads to tranquility. An unmanaged mind leads to conflict; a managed mind leads to confidence. An unmanaged mind leads to stress. When you don’t try to control your mind and the way you direct your thoughts, you will have an enormous amount of stress in your life. But a managed mind leads to strength and security and serenity.” - Rick Warren 

“Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace” (Romans 8:6 NLT).

February 4, 2018 - Adjusting My Perspective

I have struggled with perspective the last few months. Between cognitive and vision challenges which can make it difficult for me to recognize people (I’m sorry if I call you the wrong name!! 🙂 ), as well as chronic ear infections and other health issues, I sometimes feel that I’m not accomplishing what I need to accomplish. I’ve struggled with this since I was diagnosed with cancer - wanting to get back to “normal”. 

Last week, I had an eye doctor visit. Fluid under the retina in the “injection” eye has increased. Scar tissue in my “surgery” eye is causing reduced vision and my doctor would like to schedule another surgery; however, because the injection eye is unstable, he doesn’t think that’s wise. By the way - I am so thankful for my eye doctor!! He and his staff are amazing and top-notch. 

But once again, I find myself needing to adjust my focus - both literally and figuratively! 

What I am “seeing” in this season, and slowly learning, is that the issues of the day will be what they are, whether I like it or not. That I am not in control. That the “normal” that was life prior to the side effects of chemo is probably not going to return. 

And none of that is a surprise to God.  🙂 And it’s all okay. 

We can only hold our breath for so long, waiting for a return to the “known”. At some point, we have to understand and accept that circumstances are what they are, and we begin to adjust to that “new normal”. In time, we start to see all the ways that God is providing and all the things that He is teaching us. All the blessings that He is putting in our paths. We finally take a deep breath - and relax. And enjoy the view from the “new normal”. 

That is where I’ve been lately. We all have a choice - we can become angry and bitter at circumstances we face and are unable to change, or we can choose (and maybe choose over and over again) to lean into God, the one who loves us with a love that we can’t even comprehend. Who is worthy of our praise and our trust. And we can find joy - real joy - in the time of waiting. 🙂

I am so thankful for friends who walk with us and help us to see the big picture when our focus is skewed. And for a patient and loving God who is with us each step of the way. 

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah‬ ‭31:3‬ ‭NIV

February 3, 2018

“Weakness is not a symptom of a terminal disease. It is simply tangible proof of our humanity. Better still, it is the platform upon which God does some of His most magnificent work.” - Charles Swindoll

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” 2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

February 1, 2018