A Borrowed Facebook Status

"Prayer is not about a duty; it is about a relationship. When we neglect to pray, we should not feel guilty; we should feel lonely."

Our Thinking, His Promise

It's impossible.
All things are possible.  (Luke 18:27)

I'm too tired.
I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28-30)

Nobody really loves me.
I love you.  (John 3:16)

I can't go on.
My grace is sufficient. (II Corinthians 12:9)

I can't figure things out.
I will direct your steps. (Proverbs 20:24)

I can't do it.
You can do all things. (Philippians 4:13)

I'm not able.
I am able. (II Corinthians 9:8)

It's not worth it.
It will be worth it. (Romans 8:28)

I can't forgive myself.
I forgive you. (I John 1:9, Romans 8:1)

I can't manage.
I will supply all your need. (Philippians 4:18)

I'm afraid.
I have not given you a spirit of fear. (II Timothy 1:7)

I'm worried and frustrated.
Cast all your care upon me. (I Peter 5:7)

I'm not smart enough.
I've given you wisdom. (I Corinthians 1:30)

I feel so alone.
I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

I've had these written in the back of my Bible since I was in high school.  They are an encouragement to me.  I hope they will be to you as well.

Thought for Thursday

"You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body."~C. S. Lewis

Give Me Jesus

Hug Him Once for Me

"Class Stand and Recite..."

I have fond memories of the words in the title of this post. My high school English teacher used them frequently, especially when she wanted the entire class to recite a poem or verb list. I learned Crossing the Bar in one of her classes. I can almost hear her reciting it--with excellent expression and enunciation.  This morning that sweet lady crossed the bar and is now home in Heaven. My heart is heavy for her family, especially her husband, but at the same time, I am excited for her. Her love for Christ was evident in her life and now she is rejoicing in His presence.  Her signature smile is most likely a little bit bigger now that her journey is complete. 

Crossing the Bar 

~Alfred Lord Tennyson~

Sunset and evening star, 

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that the dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my Pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.

Positive Thinking--God's Way

People talk alot about the power of positive attitude when going through cancer treatments.

I've always liked the Pollyana glad game of finding the silver lining in the storms God brings us through. Here are the keys that are helping me have a positive attitude even through this difficult time:

1. Proverbs 17:22--A merry heart doeth good like a medicine but a broken spirit drieth the bones. Okay--there are some gross things about chemo--like having to call an aide to measure and flush all the "output" of the body. But being able to laugh about it makes it better.

2. Ps. 103:1=5 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction, who crowneth the with lovingkindness and tender mercies, who satisfieth thy mouth with good things, so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.

God gave me a beautiful year (with just a few miserable days) with which to step out of my busy and stressful life and to reflect on Him, fellowship with my family (wonderful husband) and friends, enjoy my garden and beautiful butterflies, birds and lizards.

( I am so happy--we have a little sanctuary for the green lizards (are they chameleons?) that are being destroyed by the big bad brown lizard immigrants from Cuba) All spring I watched a single adult do his red throat call and felt sad that he was alone, but this summer we realized he did find his true love because we had tiny greenie lizzies all through the garden! ;) )

We traveled to Michigan and saw family on the Greene and Leonard side of my family that I have not seen for two years and had sweet fellowship, especially with Mom and Dad's oldest living relatives.

I was able to organize photo albums and record memories and sort through drawers and type up our family recipes (those of you who know me, know I love oraganizing--just a little ocd) and pass on teaching materials to my replacement teacher and good friend Karmen and set up the rehearsal dinner in a sweet spot for Jeremy and Sarah next June. So I am very content. God gave me time and good things to do and that makes me happy looking back!

3. Psalm 42:5, 8,11--Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why are thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God; for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.



It's all good! I do feel that there is still work for me to do here on earth, but I realize that God's ways and plans may be different from mine. But whether I serve Him here or sing His praise in Heaven, it's all good. He has answered so many prayers and shown me that He can take care of my family and my responsibilities and so there are no worries.

5. One day at a time--Isaiah 43:1b,2--Fear not, for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou wlkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

God has proved this promise true already and I know He is walking with me now. That's where the power of positive thinking comes from!

*This was written by one of my highschool teachers. Please remember this dear lady in your prayers!*