I can't believe it's the last day of 2008! Where has the year gone? There are so many things I'm thankful for this year:
1. First of all, I'm thankful for salvation through Jesus Christ and my personal relationship with Him! My life would mean nothing if not for my hope I have in Jesus!
2. I'm thankful for good health...both for me and my family.
3. I'm thankful for modern medicine! Neal is a walking miracle right now!
4. I'm thankful for friends. I am blessed with many friends...some old, some new.
5. I'm thankful for my brothers! Even though we live far away, we're just a phone call away or a thought away. Even though they are much older than me (LOL) we always have lots to talk about! I always thought I wanted a sister, but I wouldn't trade my two brothers for anything in the world!
6. I'm thankful for my church! We are so blessed to be involved in a good church. Our church family was so instrumental in ministering to us during Neal's surgery and aftermath. What a blessing it is to be involved in a good church!
7. I'm thankful for my on-line friends. I've met many people "online" and a few of those are now "in real life" friends. Thank you for your friendship!
There are so many things I'm thankful for this year, and those are just a few.
This morning I went to breakfast with my best friend, Tammy. She and I have been best friends since 1982! We went to high school together in Ohio and then moved here together to go to college. We met local boys and got married, and now live about 3 miles apart. What a blessing!
Last night we got together with our good friends Bill and Colleen (and their girls). We've known Bill and Colleen for over 20 years. Our friendship has been very sweet through the years. We both have two children, and we were both pregnant at the same time -- twice! Thank God for old friends!
Tonight we are gathering with our friends the Gordons. We met the Gordons a little over four years ago. We quickly became friends and camping buddies! We have homeschooling in common and lots of other things. Even though we've only known each other for a relatively short time, we feel very close to them and are deeply thankful for their friendship! Thank God for new friends!
I pray that all who read this will be blessed with a happy and healthy 2009! Happiness does not always have the same face...sometimes it's obvious and sometimes we have to dig deeper to find it. True happiness can only be found through a personal relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I pray that if you do not know Him personally, that 2009 will be the year that you make that decision! If you want to know more about how to receive Christ as your Savior, click here.
Happy New Year!
Teresa
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, August 17, 2008
I Surrender All
After church this morning Ben came to me in tears. He said "Mommy, I'm not saved." I said something like "but Ben, you asked Jesus into your heart a couple of years ago." Then he said something that floored me "No, I did that to make you happy, but I didn't really mean it." All this said through tears. At this point we're standing outside the church, so I said "okay, let's go find someone to pray with you." The very person I had in mind was standing right inside the door. He's the father of one of Ben's friends and is very easy to talk to. He and his family are actually missionaries in Japan and are home on a furlough. He took Ben back to a room where they talked and Ben prayed and received Jesus as his Lord and Savior! When Ben came out I'd never before seen such a look of joy and peace on my precious son's face.
When I asked him about it later, he said it had been bothering him for a long time, but when we sang the song "I Surrender All" during the invitation that did it....he had to make things right with God. I'm so glad he did!
Here's the words to the song we sang:
I SURRENDER ALL
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In his presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus, take me now.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
Have you surrendered all?
When I asked him about it later, he said it had been bothering him for a long time, but when we sang the song "I Surrender All" during the invitation that did it....he had to make things right with God. I'm so glad he did!
Here's the words to the song we sang:
I SURRENDER ALL
All to Jesus I surrender
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In his presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me Jesus, take me now.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
Have you surrendered all?
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
6 Word Philosphy of Life
My friend Amy tagged me today to do this meme. This was a tough one! Here's what you have to do:
1. Link to the person who tagged you. Check!
2. Post the rules. Check!
3. Share a 6 word philosophy of life Check!
4. Tag 3 other people (I won't tag anyone, but if you do this please let me know!)
So here's my philosphy (btw, I know I cheated a bit by using a couple of contractions. ;o)
When I'm weak, then I'm strong!
On Sunday morning when we had our "church service" with the kids, everyone shared what they had learned during the past few weeks. My answer was "When I am weak,then I am strong." That comes from 2 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul wrote these words:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NASB)
7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!
8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
The Lord really proved this to me over and over these past several weeks, and I thank Him for strengthening me through these trials!
1. Link to the person who tagged you. Check!
2. Post the rules. Check!
3. Share a 6 word philosophy of life Check!
4. Tag 3 other people (I won't tag anyone, but if you do this please let me know!)
So here's my philosphy (btw, I know I cheated a bit by using a couple of contractions. ;o)
When I'm weak, then I'm strong!
On Sunday morning when we had our "church service" with the kids, everyone shared what they had learned during the past few weeks. My answer was "When I am weak,then I am strong." That comes from 2 Corinthians chapter 12. Paul wrote these words:
2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NASB)
7Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!
8Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me.
9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
10Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
The Lord really proved this to me over and over these past several weeks, and I thank Him for strengthening me through these trials!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Kicking Back
Neal had a great night's sleep!
It was kind of funny last night. We were told not to let him nap past 4:00 in the afternoon so that he could sleep through the night. I woke him up at 4:00 and he stayed awake a little while, then he kept dozing off. I place my hand on his arm and he'd rouse and grin a little and before long he'd be snoozing away again. Every Tuesday night we watch "Biggest Loser." Last night was the season finale. Neal was trying his best to stay awake, but I would have to wake him up just about every time someone weighed in. "Dan's weighing now, Neal." He'd open his eyes and watch. Then, "Mark's weighing in." LOL I asked him this morning if he could remember who won, and he did. I guess he was awake for the most important parts. Another funny thing was when he wanted to get his watch out of his overnight bag. He had Beth get his bag for him and she set it on the couch next to him. He would unzip it a little bit and then fall asleep. Then wake up and unzip it a little more and then fall asleep. The kids thought that was hilarious.
Neal slept until about 9:30 or so this morning. I woke him up at 4:30 to give him some pain medication. I didn't want his pain to get out of control during the night. Other than that, he slept like a baby. He tried to take a nap this afternoon, but wasn't sleepy enough. He was just exhausted after the hospital stay.
Tomorrow afternoon we go to see Dr. M. He'll do an EKG and let us know if the top and bottom of Neal's heart are communicating with each other yet. I'm not sure how long he'll let Neal go without them "talking to each other" before he'll put in a pacemaker, but our prayer is that everything will be fine tomorrow!
Now that I'm home and I have my Bible close by I want to type out those verses that Mike gave to us...here they are:
Romans 5:1-5 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.
(3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I love these verses, and I pray that they bless you as well!
It was kind of funny last night. We were told not to let him nap past 4:00 in the afternoon so that he could sleep through the night. I woke him up at 4:00 and he stayed awake a little while, then he kept dozing off. I place my hand on his arm and he'd rouse and grin a little and before long he'd be snoozing away again. Every Tuesday night we watch "Biggest Loser." Last night was the season finale. Neal was trying his best to stay awake, but I would have to wake him up just about every time someone weighed in. "Dan's weighing now, Neal." He'd open his eyes and watch. Then, "Mark's weighing in." LOL I asked him this morning if he could remember who won, and he did. I guess he was awake for the most important parts. Another funny thing was when he wanted to get his watch out of his overnight bag. He had Beth get his bag for him and she set it on the couch next to him. He would unzip it a little bit and then fall asleep. Then wake up and unzip it a little more and then fall asleep. The kids thought that was hilarious.
Neal slept until about 9:30 or so this morning. I woke him up at 4:30 to give him some pain medication. I didn't want his pain to get out of control during the night. Other than that, he slept like a baby. He tried to take a nap this afternoon, but wasn't sleepy enough. He was just exhausted after the hospital stay.
Tomorrow afternoon we go to see Dr. M. He'll do an EKG and let us know if the top and bottom of Neal's heart are communicating with each other yet. I'm not sure how long he'll let Neal go without them "talking to each other" before he'll put in a pacemaker, but our prayer is that everything will be fine tomorrow!
Now that I'm home and I have my Bible close by I want to type out those verses that Mike gave to us...here they are:
Romans 5:1-5 (New Living Translation)
Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. (2) Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory.
(3) We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. (4) And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (5) And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
I love these verses, and I pray that they bless you as well!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Day Two of Recovery
I talked to the nurse a little while ago and Neal had a good night! He's still on oxygen, but it's at 99% (it was in the high 80's with oxygen yesterday). His bloodwork this morning was good, and he slept well.
The kids and I will be heading out in a few minutes!
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by Faith, not by sight."
The kids and I will be heading out in a few minutes!
2 Corinthians 5:7 "For we walk by Faith, not by sight."
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
New Prayer Request
The surgeon came in to talk to us tonight. He told us a new possibility. There is a chance that once he gets a good look at Neal's heart that he can repair the aortic valve (the defective valve -- not the aorta) with Neal's own flaps. Don't ask me how, but just know that this could be a very good thing. The reason this could be good is that by using a pig valve Neal will have to have open heart surgery again in another 15 years or so. If they can use Neal's own parts to repair the valve (instead of replace it)there's a possibility it could last a lifetime...or at least much longer than the pig valve. We are praying that when he gets in there that he will find this to be the case and that he can indeed repair it instead of replace it! It's one of those things that the doctor won't know until he's in there.
We had an awesome opportunity to pray with the doctor tonight. After the surgeon finished talking to us we asked if it would be all right if we prayed with him. He said that would be fine, so we asked our dear friend Gary Lawhorne (who came in from SC for the surgery) to pray for Dr. M. Our kids and my mom were there at the time, so we all gathered around Neal's bed and Gary prayed for the doctor and for the other staff. It was such a special time!
Well, I've gotta run. I'm at home right now. I brought Ben home and I'm going to get a shower and go back to the hospital. I'll update tomorrow as we know what's going on!
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
We had an awesome opportunity to pray with the doctor tonight. After the surgeon finished talking to us we asked if it would be all right if we prayed with him. He said that would be fine, so we asked our dear friend Gary Lawhorne (who came in from SC for the surgery) to pray for Dr. M. Our kids and my mom were there at the time, so we all gathered around Neal's bed and Gary prayed for the doctor and for the other staff. It was such a special time!
Well, I've gotta run. I'm at home right now. I brought Ben home and I'm going to get a shower and go back to the hospital. I'll update tomorrow as we know what's going on!
The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2
Jehova-rapha
As we get ready to leave for the hospital this morning I want to leave with one more reference to the names of God. Jehova-rapha is the Lord who Heals!
There are various ways God heals us...not just physically. Right now, of course, that's mostly where my thoughts and prayers are focused. Here are some verses in the Bible where Jehovah-rapha heals...some physically some in other areas. Do you need Jehova-rapha today?
2 Kings 20: 1, 4-5
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'"...The word of the LORD came to him (Isaiah), saying, "Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of yoru father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD."'"
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 103: 1-3
Bless the LORD, O my sould; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases.
Luke 4:18
"The spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He annointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD."
1 Peter 2:24-25
And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Where are you hurting today? Is it physical or spiritual? Do you need to be healed by the great Physician? Call on Jehova-rapha! "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for Thou art my praise." Jeremiah 17:14.
Neal has shown such calm through this past month, and he continually says he's not worried. When I asked him about that this week he said it was because he was prepared either way. He has faith that everything will be fine and truly believes it will be, however, if the Lord chooses to take him home to heaven at this time he's ready for that too. It's a wonderful peace to have.
Thank you, LORD!
There are various ways God heals us...not just physically. Right now, of course, that's mostly where my thoughts and prayers are focused. Here are some verses in the Bible where Jehovah-rapha heals...some physically some in other areas. Do you need Jehova-rapha today?
2 Kings 20: 1, 4-5
In those days Hezekiah became mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, "Thus says the LORD, 'Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.'"...The word of the LORD came to him (Isaiah), saying, "Return and say to Hezekiah the leader of My people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of yoru father David, "I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the LORD."'"
Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 103: 1-3
Bless the LORD, O my sould; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; who pardons all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases.
Luke 4:18
"The spirit of the LORD is upon me, because He annointed me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are downtrodden, to proclaim the favorable year of the LORD."
1 Peter 2:24-25
And He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.
Where are you hurting today? Is it physical or spiritual? Do you need to be healed by the great Physician? Call on Jehova-rapha! "Heal me, O LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for Thou art my praise." Jeremiah 17:14.
Neal has shown such calm through this past month, and he continually says he's not worried. When I asked him about that this week he said it was because he was prepared either way. He has faith that everything will be fine and truly believes it will be, however, if the Lord chooses to take him home to heaven at this time he's ready for that too. It's a wonderful peace to have.
Thank you, LORD!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Oprah
When someone as popular as Oprah speaks, people listen. Now Oprah is speaking about a lot of things including "spirituality" and politics. This clip is almost 7 minutes long, but gives you a good look at what Oprah believes about Christ and religion and faith. It's very sad...not only for her, but for the hundreds of thousands of people who hang on to every word she says.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Verses to Ponder
Our good friends Gary and Frankie sent us these verses yesterday and I wanted to share them here:
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger — so why should I tremble?”
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord is the one who goes before you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor forsake you.”
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation — so why should I be afraid?
The Lord protects me from danger — so why should I tremble?”
Proverbs 18:10
“The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe.”
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
El Elyon
The second name of God I read about was El Elyon, the Most High. He is the sovereign ruler of all the universe. There is nothing that can happen to us without God's knowledge or permission.
A good example in the Bible of El Elyon is in Job. Satan could not do anything to Job without God's permission. First God gave him permission to do anything he wanted, but not touch Job's body. Satan thought Job would curse God we he took away all of his wealth and children. But he didn't. So then Satan said it was because he didn't do anything to Job's "person." So God told him he could do whatever he wanted to Job, but not to kill him. So Satan put painful boils all over Job's body from head to toe just knowing that Job would curse God. But he didn't. Instead Job said "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"
One might wonder why God would allow Satan to harm one of His children. I don't pretend to know the mind of God, but I do know that we can bring Him glory through our trials in the way we respond to them.
My prayer is that in whatever trials I face in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, that I bring glory to my Lord and Savior in my thoughts, words, and actions.
A good example in the Bible of El Elyon is in Job. Satan could not do anything to Job without God's permission. First God gave him permission to do anything he wanted, but not touch Job's body. Satan thought Job would curse God we he took away all of his wealth and children. But he didn't. So then Satan said it was because he didn't do anything to Job's "person." So God told him he could do whatever he wanted to Job, but not to kill him. So Satan put painful boils all over Job's body from head to toe just knowing that Job would curse God. But he didn't. Instead Job said "Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?"
One might wonder why God would allow Satan to harm one of His children. I don't pretend to know the mind of God, but I do know that we can bring Him glory through our trials in the way we respond to them.
My prayer is that in whatever trials I face in the days, weeks, months and years ahead, that I bring glory to my Lord and Savior in my thoughts, words, and actions.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Blessed...Again
This time I was blessed by my husband. Last night after we climbed into bed, we prayed together. As I was listening to Neal pray I heard him say "and thank you Lord for blessing us so much...especially these last few days." And I thought wow, it would be so easy to wonder why something like this was happening, and yet he was praising God for it and thanking Him for his blessings!
But we do have so much to be thankful for. As we were sitting in church yesterday hearing other prayer requests...those with cancer, those who have lost loved ones, we know how blessed we are. Neal had a warning...so many do not!
So thank you Lord for blessing us so much...especially these last few days!
But we do have so much to be thankful for. As we were sitting in church yesterday hearing other prayer requests...those with cancer, those who have lost loved ones, we know how blessed we are. Neal had a warning...so many do not!
So thank you Lord for blessing us so much...especially these last few days!
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Precious Lord
Marsha left a comment on my last post and she mentioned this song. I thought I'd post the words here. They are so comforting:
PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND
Words & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND
Words & Music by Thomas A. Dorsey
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
When my way grows drear
Precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
When the darkness appears
And the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home.
Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I'm tired, I'm weak, I'm lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Blessed!
We started the day with a little bit of apprehension. Today was our first day at church since Neal had found out his news about heart surgery. Neal's a pretty private person, and he's not one to share prayer requests very often. We have a marker board in our Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF) room that we write prayer requests on. I can probably count on one hand how many times we've written prayer requests on there. Not because we don't have them, but because Neal always tells me to "save it for the big stuff." Well, I guess heart surgery = "big stuff." We didn't write it on the board, however. We actually stood up in front of the class and told them what's going on. It was an emotional time for Neal. I was surprised that I didn't cry. I cried a lot on Thursday. I didn't cry any on Friday, and I had a "weepy" day on Saturday. Today I was able to hold it together. I almost felt guilty for not crying if that makes any sense at all. Anyway, after Neal filled everyone in, Jim asked the class to pray for us. Neal and I sat up front and then the class gathered around us and layed hands on us. People prayed one by one as they felt led. I have to say it was one of the most humbling and precious times in mine and Neal's lives.
Our church calls our adult Sunday school classes - Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF Class). Our church is pretty large, and we consider our class our community. Today Neal and I really felt what a blessing it is to be in our class. Even though we have family here, it's such an honor to belong to a group of people who care about you and cry and pray with you.
We are truly humbled and blessed! Thank you Chara!!!
Our church calls our adult Sunday school classes - Adult Bible Fellowship (ABF Class). Our church is pretty large, and we consider our class our community. Today Neal and I really felt what a blessing it is to be in our class. Even though we have family here, it's such an honor to belong to a group of people who care about you and cry and pray with you.
We are truly humbled and blessed! Thank you Chara!!!
Friday, March 14, 2008
Elohim
A couple of days ago I posted about Elohim -- Creator God. Now I want to talk about how I came to be studying the names of God.
At the beginning of the year I started reading through the Bible. When I would come across different names for God, I kind of felt like the Holy Spirit was prompting me to learn about these names and who God is. I can remember thinking "that's a good idea, I should do that sometime." Then I'd keep on reading.
On Monday of this week, I met with a couple of ladies who are going to be speakers at our single mom's retreat next month. One of the ladies started talking about the names of God with such an intensity and intimacy that I was drawn in. She thought it would be a good idea to bring that into our retreat. I thought "aha...that's why God wanted me to learn the names of God." It could be, but yesterday afternoon I had a different idea.
After I found out about Neal's impending surgery, the Lord brought to mind the name I'd studied only the day before -- Elohim -- mighty God, Creator! And it struck me...God created Neal. God created Neal's heart. Elohim created Neal's heart! We think of Neal's heart as having a "defect," but God didn't make him and say "Oops...messed up on that one." No. For one reason or another, he allowed Neal's heart to have a "defect." God knew from the beginning of time that Neal would have to go through this surgery at this time. He makes no mistakes.
Now we just have to trust Elohim. Trust that He is in control. After all, if He can create the entire universe, I'm sure if He so chooses, he can fix a broken heart!
As Neal told the kids yesterday, "the doctors have been working on this procedure for many years now so that they'd have it down just right for me." ;o)
At the beginning of the year I started reading through the Bible. When I would come across different names for God, I kind of felt like the Holy Spirit was prompting me to learn about these names and who God is. I can remember thinking "that's a good idea, I should do that sometime." Then I'd keep on reading.
On Monday of this week, I met with a couple of ladies who are going to be speakers at our single mom's retreat next month. One of the ladies started talking about the names of God with such an intensity and intimacy that I was drawn in. She thought it would be a good idea to bring that into our retreat. I thought "aha...that's why God wanted me to learn the names of God." It could be, but yesterday afternoon I had a different idea.
After I found out about Neal's impending surgery, the Lord brought to mind the name I'd studied only the day before -- Elohim -- mighty God, Creator! And it struck me...God created Neal. God created Neal's heart. Elohim created Neal's heart! We think of Neal's heart as having a "defect," but God didn't make him and say "Oops...messed up on that one." No. For one reason or another, he allowed Neal's heart to have a "defect." God knew from the beginning of time that Neal would have to go through this surgery at this time. He makes no mistakes.
Now we just have to trust Elohim. Trust that He is in control. After all, if He can create the entire universe, I'm sure if He so chooses, he can fix a broken heart!
As Neal told the kids yesterday, "the doctors have been working on this procedure for many years now so that they'd have it down just right for me." ;o)
It's 4:45 am
and unfortunately I'm wide awake. I'm not surprised though...yesterday was one crazy, emotional day.
Yesterday was a day that I guess will change our lives around here forever.
I'll back up a bit. Just over a year ago, my husband Neal was having chest pains and went to the ER. Long story short, they don't know what caused the chest pains, but after much testing told him they needed to keep a closer eye on his bicuspid aortic valve (something he was born with). So two weeks ago he went for his yearly check-up with the cardiologist. The doctor did an echo cardiogram and said his aorta was a little big and he'd like to get a better look at it with an MRI. On Monday, March 3rd he had the MRI. The doctor told him he'd only contact him if there was a problem. When over a week had passed, we figured there was no problem and started putting it out of our minds.
Yesterday the doctor called...
It seems the MRI showed a much clearer picture. His aorta is over double in size of what it should be, and needs to be replaced. Now I don't pretend to know very much about the heart or about his condition, I'm still learning, so I may make mistakes in some of the information I give. I'll correct myself along the way if I do. But what I understand right now is that the problem is in the ascending aorta which is the main artery that pumps the blood through the heart. The doctor said while they are in there they should go ahead and replace his defective aortic valve, as well. That makes good sense, so that he has one less major surgery to deal with.
We will go to see the surgeon on Thursday of next week (3/20). We're figuring the surgery will be within the next few weeks.
The kids are handling it well, so far. It was difficult when we told them...scary for them! They truly do have such comfort in knowing that God is in control though! They were cute last night...not wanting their daddy to do anything for himself. They'll probably have a tough time this weekend. He has some things he really wants to get done before his surgery, such as planting spinach in the garden. He said he won't be able to do anything for a while, so he needs to get things done now. That's fine...just nothing strenuous!
Thank you to all who are praying. We know Who holds our future, and I can't imagine going through life without Christ to hang onto!
Yesterday was a day that I guess will change our lives around here forever.
I'll back up a bit. Just over a year ago, my husband Neal was having chest pains and went to the ER. Long story short, they don't know what caused the chest pains, but after much testing told him they needed to keep a closer eye on his bicuspid aortic valve (something he was born with). So two weeks ago he went for his yearly check-up with the cardiologist. The doctor did an echo cardiogram and said his aorta was a little big and he'd like to get a better look at it with an MRI. On Monday, March 3rd he had the MRI. The doctor told him he'd only contact him if there was a problem. When over a week had passed, we figured there was no problem and started putting it out of our minds.
Yesterday the doctor called...
It seems the MRI showed a much clearer picture. His aorta is over double in size of what it should be, and needs to be replaced. Now I don't pretend to know very much about the heart or about his condition, I'm still learning, so I may make mistakes in some of the information I give. I'll correct myself along the way if I do. But what I understand right now is that the problem is in the ascending aorta which is the main artery that pumps the blood through the heart. The doctor said while they are in there they should go ahead and replace his defective aortic valve, as well. That makes good sense, so that he has one less major surgery to deal with.
We will go to see the surgeon on Thursday of next week (3/20). We're figuring the surgery will be within the next few weeks.
The kids are handling it well, so far. It was difficult when we told them...scary for them! They truly do have such comfort in knowing that God is in control though! They were cute last night...not wanting their daddy to do anything for himself. They'll probably have a tough time this weekend. He has some things he really wants to get done before his surgery, such as planting spinach in the garden. He said he won't be able to do anything for a while, so he needs to get things done now. That's fine...just nothing strenuous!
Thank you to all who are praying. We know Who holds our future, and I can't imagine going through life without Christ to hang onto!
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