July 22, 2018

Lots of people have asked us how we are coping so well with tough news and the answer is simple:

1) God is in control. We are surrounded by our church family and a body of believers, both locally and literally around the world, who truly care for one another. I could never tag all the people who have reached out, encouraged us and prayed for us!
2) Tony Boyd is amazing and his perspective on situations (“God is not surprised”) has shaped my perspective!
3) Biblical teaching. The message this weekend was the perfect word not only for us, but for anyone in a situation where they are discouraged or tempted to give up. Thank you to our friend and Pastor for an incredible message!

Cancer is back - July 21, 2018

It appears that cancer has returned. Additional testing will happen before we know exactly what is going on. Those are the facts. 

However, the TRUTH is that while we were surprised, God is not surprised. He planned my days before I was born and I have no doubt that He knows the future. 🙂

I am feeling good, our family is strong, and we will update in early August when we know more. We appreciate your prayers!

“For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything.” James 1:3–4, NLT

July 21, 2018

Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLT

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 NIV

“Some things we face in life are just plain tough. And with all that is going on in the world today – there actually IS a lot we could potentially worry about. It’s not always easy, but we must make a choice. Choose NOT to allow fear and anxiety to control your life. Guard your heart. Focus your mind on what is truth in the midst of an uncertain world. We may be afraid but we can believe that God is with us. We may not be in control but we can trust the One who is. We may not know the future but we can know the God who does.” Debbie McDaniel

July 19, 2018

Last fall, I found the sign that T is holding - and it is so applicable for situations we all face! It also fits so well with the verse and devo that I read this morning. I am very thankful for God’s words of wisdom and for the daily reminders that He has it all in control!!

“Waiting. Is there anything harder than being patient? Joyce Meyer said once that ‘Patience is not simply the ability to wait - it's how we behave while we're waiting’. 

imagine holding a baby. Perhaps just a few months old. Very aware of being lifted. Very unfamiliar with time. A baby loves being lifted, tossed in the air, and cradled in caring arms. They laugh. They giggle. When you place them back on the floor they look at you with longing eyes. They want to experience that again but don’t know how to ask. They don’t know when. But out of care and joy in your heart, you pick up the child again...

Today you have the opportunity to be lifted up by God as he is mindful of time. He knows your needs, far better than you. He is aware of time, much more than you. He created you. He created time. And he created time to be with you. Turn away from the clock today and focus instead on an encounter with God as he lifts you at the perfect time.” This Seems Impossible devo, You Version 

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

July 17, 2018

For those times when we think that we know more about our life and our situations than God does, when we think that we are in control - I love the way that God “explains things”!!  🙂

“Have you explored the springs from which the seas come? Have you explored their depths? Do you know where the gates of death are located? Have you seen the gates of utter gloom? Do you realize the extent of the earth? Tell me about it if you know! “Where does light come from, and where does darkness go? Can you take each to its home? Do you know how to get there? But of course you know all this! For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced! “Have you visited the storehouses of the snow or seen the storehouses of hail? (I have reserved them as weapons for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war.) Where is the path to the source of light? Where is the home of the east wind? “Who created a channel for the torrents of rain? Who laid out the path for the lightning? Who makes the rain fall on barren land, in a desert where no one lives? Who sends rain to satisfy the parched ground and make the tender grass spring up? “Does the rain have a father? Who gives birth to the dew? Who is the mother of the ice? Who gives birth to the frost from the heavens? For the water turns to ice as hard as rock, and the surface of the water freezes. “Can you direct the movement of the stars— binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth? “Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain? Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct? Who gives intuition to the heart and instinct to the mind? Who is wise enough to count all the clouds? Who can tilt the water jars of heaven when the parched ground is dry and the soil has hardened into clods?” Job‬ ‭38:16-38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” Job‬ ‭40:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

July 16, 2018

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord GOD is the eternal Rock.” Isaiah‬ ‭26:3-4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“I love you, Lord; you are my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalms‬ ‭18:1-2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me.” Psalms‬ ‭61:2-3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

July 12, 2018

For the days we wonder if God knows where we are and what we are facing:

“GOD, investigate my life; get all the facts firsthand. I’m an open book to you; even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking. You know when I leave and when I get back; I’m never out of your sight. You know everything I’m going to say before I start the first sentence. I look behind me and you’re there, then up ahead and you’re there, too— your reassuring presence, coming and going. This is too much, too wonderful— I can’t take it all in! Is there anyplace I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there! If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting! Then I said to myself, “Oh, he even sees me in the dark! At night I’m immersed in the light!” It’s a fact: darkness isn’t dark to you; night and day, darkness and light, they’re all the same to you.” Psalm‬ ‭139:1-12‬ ‭MSG‬‬