May 16, 2018

“For the Lord your God is living among you.  He is a mighty savior.  He will take delight in you with gladness.  With His love, He will calm all your fears.  He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”  Zephaniah 3:17.  

Last night we were able to work in our garden after we came home from work.  It had been such a bad winter and we were disappointed to see the damage that many of our fruit trees and bushes had received.  While trimming the blackberry bushes of their dead branches, my husband sighed and said, “It’s a shame we have to cut these back – they had been doing so well last summer.”  His comment reminded me of what a friend said to me when I told her about the cancer.  She said, “That’s terrible – you’ve been doing so well since your kidney transplant”.  Just like Skip had to cut off the dead branches, this cancer is going to need to be cut out of me.  But the good news is that pruning away the bad stuff, usually produces healthy growth – even if it seems like you are starting over.

Lord, I am willing to be pruned – physically and spiritually.  I know you will bring about an abundant harvest in your time.

May 17, 2018

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”  James 1:2

We lead a small group on Wednesday nights and most of the time our focus is on marriage and parenting.  Last night was our last class for the semester and as we discussed the lesson, the topic of joy came up.  Specifically, joy during troubling times.

We don’t usually think of being joyful during tough times.  But I’m finding that this “pure joy” is welling up inside of me.  It is evidence of the Holy Spirit at work in me.  I know that God will use this trial to develop good things in my life – especially perseverance.

Pressing on.  Pressing in.  Leaning on Jesus who gives me strength.

Lord, you are my strength.  You give me joy when this life doesn’t make sense.  You are strong enough to carry me through this.

May 18, 2018

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.  I will sing the Lord’s praise, for He has been good to me.” Psalm 13:5-6

We’ll be heading to the hospital soon for a biopsy.  The medical team will search for cancer.  My doctor needs to know what it is and where it is so we can begin the treatment.

Psalm 139 reminds me that God doesn’t have to search for hidden things. He made me and knows every part of me.  He knows what is going on in my body and what every scar I have represents.

Lord, I pray that you will guide the medical team today as they perform the biopsy.  I ask that you would uncover any hidden cancer or other problems so they can be found.   I want to be a light for you today.  I want to share the hope I have.  Please give me the opportunities and words to do so.  Give Skip and our girls a sweet time together as they wait at the hospital.