Showing posts with label Cousin visits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cousin visits. Show all posts

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Sunday Praises. . . Day #10 of Thankfulness

It is Sunday Morning.
My coffee is ready.
I am heading to read God's Word.
My source of encouragement

This has been a week of waiting.
A week that, really, has been filled with grace.
I am grateful for the hugs and meals, visits and prayers.

I am weary and torn.
I want to see beauty from these ashes.
As we continue to wait we will keep our eyes focused.
We will continue to give thanks.
Have you felt the difference in naming the things you are grateful for?
It is a practice that I want to never forget.


Day #10 of Thankfulness:
A Holy Experience
I am thankful for:

The beauty of Vermont
The stark contrast of the gorgeous foliage a few weeks ago to the barreness now


Unseasonable warm days
Cousins who come to visit, just to be together and encourage
Finding what was lost
(so grateful)
Beautiful views from my window
Cheesy Christmas movies with the kids
The reminder that we are being prayed for. . .
unceasingly
That even though my heart aches, there is One who knows my pain
Coffee and people who share that love
My little girls who love to curl up in my lap and snuggle



This week I have read things that were encouraging to me.
They have spurred me on in my struggles.
Click on the links for encouragement, strength, or just something to ponder. 

*My cousin Dawn sent this link. It is beautifully written.
An Open Letter to grief

*And this little gem for some smiles. This is the story of my life. 




*Here is an article from Michael Hyatt about getting moving. . . something I struggle with greatly.









Finally here is a post from Dawn herself. Full of wisdom and honesty. We are all on a journey. We need to make our life count. Life can be overwhelming. Where do we go with those real emotions and how do we continue to nurture our families, be a contributing member of our society when we feel haggard and used up? 
The Way to Guaranteed Victory


May all that you do this day be in obedience to the giver of life.
May your joy be deep. 

Micah 6:8
He has declared unto thee, O man, what is good and what the LORD requires of thee: only to do right judgment, and to love mercy, and to humble thyself to walk with thy God.

Saturday, November 9, 2013

To Despair is to Turn Your Back on God. . . Day #9 of Thankfulness

To despair is to turn your back on God.
                                   -Marilla Cuthbert Anne of Green Gables

If I despair. Not only do I turn my back on God but I take away the hope that he has promised. 
Will I only take the good in this life and not the bad? 
Though it seems like the bad has tipped the scales.
But has it? 
Who am I to decide what is enough?



John 16:33
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

God himself is no stranger to the death of a son. 
He himself bore the pain of the sins of this world.
For me.
For you. 
And with every breath I have left I will praise Him.


Take a moment if you will. . .to listen to this to the end. 
John Piper finishes the video with powerful words for all of us. 

 The Lymphnodes they took, are cancerous.
Another bout of bad news in the litany before us.
Another battle to face. 
A battle we enter tired and worn.
And though you slay, yet I will praise you
Though you take from me I bless your name.
Though you ruin me.. .still I will worship. 

Because. It's not about me. 

Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, 
but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, 
I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Day #9 of Thankfulness
I am thankful for:
Cousins who stop in to visit just at the right time
Another cousin that had planned to visit so we don't have to be alone-
even before we knew the results
And yet another cousin-across the miles that breathes the Word into my soul
A faithful God forever
Nothing to fear He has it all covered
Even in death. . .there is life
Hope
Sisters in laws that will never let me go
My farmer 
 another journey where God can manifest his grace in so many ways
My mom who said, "My cancer has become a blessing"
My children who face adversity with such resolve and grace 
This community, while even in the waiting, reminds us of how close they are
God's word, it is never failing

We will walk step by step in his grace
Praising God for His presence in our life



Psalm 107:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.