Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Hello,

Dennis continues to rest and is beginning to sit-up a little longer between sleeps.  We actually spent a couple of hours listening to Worship music last night and spending time together praying.  I hope I never take for granted again the special moments I get to converse with Dennis.    I love to hear him pray and hear his heart.  In the past, I have taken for granted our prayer time each night.  Lord, forgive me!  One of my favorite times each day is the time we spend together in God's presence.  If you are married and do not pray with your spouse, do so!  There is nothing like hearing your husband pray and hearing his heart and knowing his passion.  It brings us closer to God and each other, and I learn so much about him when he is praying.  It is so awesome when we agree together in prayer, and then watch what God does!  And boy, is God working or what?  

Dennis goes to the doctor on Saturday for an update on his: low heart rate, high blood pressure, anemia, and kidneys.  I will have more to share Saturday night.  Today, I received approval for his next visits and testing with the Eye Specialist, Neurosurgeon, and OMFS doctor--all at LLMC.  Those appointments with take place over the next two weeks.  In the meantime, we continue to take it one day at a day--trying to rest and allow God to do the healing.  

Megan goes back to our co-op (homeschool enrichment program) tomorrow and back to college classes on Monday.  All of our friends at our homeschool group have been soooo supportive.  I cannot leave Dennis alone, so Megan will be going off tomorrow without me.  We have been so blessed by so many people who have stood with us and supported us in every way.  As we head into the quiet of the evening, I wonder what tomorrow will bring and what God has in store for us.  I am at peace knowing God IS in control.  I am so glad for that!  There is just no other way to live!

In my time with the Lord this am, I read (James 1:2-4) "Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy.  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."  This FIRES ME UP!  I want to shout right now..."SO, BRING IT ON!" (That is God in me speaking!) I desire to be strong in character and prepared for anything!  BUT, my "human" side cries out, Lord, do I really need more testing?  I think I am where you need and want me to be already!  Right, Lord? (sigh; smile)  I am reminded of Paul and the trials and difficulties he faced during his ministry,  I am encouraged to know he kept his eyes on the goal and continued with his call!  PTL!  Lord, I have stupidly asked for greater patience, but, endurance, I didn't sign-up for!  I can say that God has been faithful to bring us "through" the circumstances of the last five weeks, BUT, why couldn't He have taken us "AROUND" them?  If He had of, we would not have learned to endure in the mist of our challenging times.  I get excited about the spiritual journey I have been on--just me and Jesus!  As many of you know, my beloved friend was called to another state about eight weeks ago, and I wondered how I would possibly survive without her!  Then, less than a month after that, Dennis was attacked!  Lord, what is going on?  Who can I possibly confide in now? Who will be there to hold me up?  (smile, sigh)  Don't get me wrong, I so miss my confidants, BUT God so revealed himself to me mightily!  I have been reminded what a great listener He is, He never leaves me, and He always points me in the right direction.  Wow!  It is so amazing to have a personal friendship with my Creator and King.  

I do want to add that I have not only been overwhelmed by my God, but also how He has touched me and my family with the love and support from so many people who have come along side to support us.  Tears come quickly when I think back to the many friends and family that have given their love, time, prayers, shoulders to cry on, and a piece of themselves to us over these last weeks.  I AM SO BLESSED and IN AWE of the outpouring!  I love you all so much!  

I guess when God says,"He will never leave us or forsake us," He REALLY means it!  Tonight, I am tired and spent, but I know this...THERE IS NOTHING GOD AND I CAN'T DO!  As I trust and lean in to Him, He directs my steps, He equips me, He never leaves me, and He empowers me to meet the goal.  This journey is so exciting!  I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I trust God knows what's best for me and that He WILL work it all out for His Glory and good!  On top of all that, He promises "joy" in the midst!  

So tonight, you are not alone! God loves you, and God created you for a purpose!  I know we are not the only ones facing tough circumstances right now, and I am blessed that you took the time to listen to me.  But, PLEASE know God wants to also carry you and bring you through whatever difficulty you are facing tonight.  All He is waiting for is you to ask Him!  Choose to look to the goal and not to the current circumstances you may find yourself in right now.  God desires to use you to shine His light to a dying world.  Don't miss the opportunity to impact your world with Jesus!  What is our call?   To bring glory to God in all we say and do! 

"To God Be the Glory!  Great things He has done (and continues to do)!"

Mendy