Have Joy, Pray, Give Thanks

Well, I apologize for being away for a spell, but you can say I truly enjoyed my break for the Thanksgiving holiday and look forward to the next one, Christmas! I have so much to be thankful for and love this time of year. Maybe that's why God chose the Thanksgiving season for my birthday LOL. Yes, I had a birthday on November the 26th, and was truly given the most wonderful blessing. I went to MD Anderson for my routine 6 month PET scans. I had been studying God's word each morning, praying and focusing on his presence in my life before going to my  appointment. This time, I felt such a peace about it. The verse that kept coming to my mind was 1Thessalonians 5:16-18, a very timely scripture for this time of year: "Be joyful always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." As I memorized this verse, the part that was difficult was the "all circumstances". We readily accept good from God, but rarely thank him for the bad. I have Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and could not imagining thanking God for that. But in time, I could because my battle and bout with chemo drew me ever so closer to Him. That I can say I am thankful for. If it had not been my cancer, then maybe I would not have grown in my faith. So, to the main point...my doctor came in to share my news that the spot  that we have been tracking for more than two years had completely disappeared! Now that's what I call a great birthday blessing!

As if that was not enough for this season of thankfulness, I was blessed with a new grandson (number 6 grandchild) born on November 29th, which had us traveling to Austin for his birth. There's just nothing like snuggling with a newborn baby. I miss him already, but do have to get back to work.

May you enjoy the upcoming season and focus on Jesus which should be the main reason we celebrate Christmas!

Isaiah 40:31

Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. -Isa 40:31— Follow Jesus (@FwJesus) November 12, 2013   I needed to read this, how timely for me.


Oh Lord, do I need extra strength today, but more so I pray that you renew strength in my husband and brother as they care around the clock for their father who is critically ill. We are in week 5 and it has been a very stressful and sad time for our family. Please Lord, we know you are in control and your plan we have to trust. In your son's name I pray, Amen.

Your Talent(s) from God

God gives different people different talents. Wherever He has you, He has you there for a purpose.

— Bible Time (@Bible_Time) November 4, 2013

A Thief in the Night

1 Thessalonians 5:2 talks about the "day of the Lord" (punishment and/or blessing) will come like a thief in the night. That scripture has been on my mind lately, when Christ will judge sin and set up his eternal Kingdom. We had an unfortunate event in our family with my father-in-law who fell and received a brain bleed. He is 85 years old and has been living alone for approximately 17 years. He has been in ICU for a week and a half and just recently we had him moved in a rehabilitation hospital. This event has changed our lives and as well as all of his immediate family. From our experience with this, I have one thing to say to anyone who has elderly parents. Get involved! Know where they bank, where they keep important papers, and by all means offer to help them. My husband (he is the eldest, only one other brother) did not expect for this to happen so suddenly: like a thief in the night! Doctors kept asking them if he had a living will or power of attorney. We had to go to the house on a scavenger hunt until we were able to locate the living will. We realized how unprepared we were for such a sad event. Please don't wait for you to get prepared. Write down the information where you can locate it when needed. Don't wait until they get too old to remember and answer your questions. I pray this will inspire someone to get prepared and enjoy your aging parents NOW!

A Thing of Beauty (Controversy)

There are two opposing views on the beauty of the Cross...one considers that it is NOT beauty, but ugly, horrifying death of torture and pain. The other view considers the crucifixion in another light and that's the thought of the cross after Jesus overcame death and was risen! It looks at the saving grace He provides for us. The first article (View 1) was read before our Lord's Supper Sunday. See what your view is:

View 1: Taken from Communion Meditations (blog by George)  "A Thing of Beauty"

View 2: Taken from Pastoral Meanderings (blog by Pastor Peters) "The Cross is Not Pretty"

Is it Good Luck?

I was reading an article about luck and how that having luck is not really how you should look at things. For someone who is a child of God, luck has nothing to do with it. You should see things as blessings from God whether or not you expected it or if it came as a complete surprise. God blesses His children and many times we have to wait on God, and accept His timing. God's answers are not always immediate. In Romans 8:28 we can read:

Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

So the next time someone tells you "Good luck" or says you are "lucky" set them straight by sharing God and explaining that God is good.

Esther 4:13