40°F Cloudy 
What's happening in:
7/4/09
|
570 comments
voices On earth, traveling toward heaven
It’s going to happen very early next Wednesday morning. It has never happened before. It will never happen again. At five minutes and six seconds after 4 a.m. on July 8, the time and date will read: 04:05:06 07/08/09.
That sequence will never repeat. Some things in life are just for once.
In fact, life itself is just for once. Sally Field knows that. “I only have this one body and this one life,” she says in her profusive ads for Boniva, which is used to treat osteoporosis.
And she’s right. One life it is. No reruns. No returns. “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27, English Standard Version).
So what are we going to do about it? Is the eternity factor going to make any difference in what we buy today, where we go this week, or what we plan to do next year?
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
That sobering line was penned by Charles Studd, a popular 19th-century English cricket player. It is part of a larger verse written after he decided to give up playing cricket. Why did he do that? “I knew that cricket would not last, and honour would not last, and nothing in this world would last. But it was worthwhile living for the world to come,” he explained.
So C.T. Studd became a missionary to China, to India and then to Africa. He told someone, “Some want to live within the sound of a church bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.” He did just that, serving in foreign missions until his death at the age of 70.
On this Independence Day weekend, you may be saying, “So we’re to live for eternity. OK. But isn’t it possible to be so heavenly minded that we’re no earthly good? Doesn’t God also expect us to leave this world a better place? Aren’t we to be good American citizens, too?”
Of course. Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in this world. The Bible advocates compassion for the poor and needy, here and now. There is a great deal of truth in the words of that old Glen Campbell tune: “I will pass this way but once. If there’s any good that I can do, let me do it now. Reach out to those who need you and lend them a helping hand. I will know this world but once. If there’s any love that I can give, let me give it now.”
But let’s never forget the best way to be a good citizen of this world is to remember we are first and most importantly citizens of the world to come.
In his most notable work, “The City of God,” Augustine wrote about an earthly city — perishing, imperfect, ruled by humans. And he wrote about a heavenly city — imperishable, perfect, ruled by God.” He claimed that Christians make the best citizens because of their eternal perspective.
Many of the all-time great men and women of faith are listed in Hebrews 11. These were heroes who kept believing without ever having reached their ultimate goal. “How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world. People who live this way make it plain that they are looking for their true home. If they were homesick for the old country, they could have gone back any time they wanted. But they were after a far better country than that — heaven country. You can see why God is so proud of them, and has a City waiting for them.” (Hebrews 11:13b-16, The Message)
As the cultural wars intensify, Christians should not forget their primary marching orders. The Great Commission is to proclaim, not protest. Our priority should be evangelism, not activism. We are to make Christian disciples, not power plays. “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world” (2 Corinthians 10:4a, New International Version).
On this Fourth of July, let’s enjoy the fireworks. Let’s sing “God Bless America.” Let’s stand up and speak out for historic values and biblical morality. Let’s write our letters to the editor, sign worthy petitions, and pray for our rulers. But let’s also never fail to remember we are ultimately only poor wayfaring strangers in this world, traveling onward with our eye on heaven country.
The Rev. Daryl E. Witmer is founder and director of the AIIA Institute, a national apologetics ministry, and associate pastor of the Monson Community Church. He may be reached at the Web site AIIAInstitute.org or by e-mail at AIIAInstitute@aol.com. Voices is a weekly commentary by Maine people who explore issues affecting spirituality and religious life.
Not registered? Click here
|
E-mail this
|
Print this
|
Rev. Witmer - Great article. Very well written. May I add a little to your last paragraph? We do need to stand up and speak out for historic values and biblical morality, but we need to start in our own churches, especially with the biblical morality. After reading and interacting with many of the commenters to the BDN, it's obvious that many self-proclaimed Christians have forgotten about history and have left biblical morality at the door. We, as Christians, followers of Christ, need to connect with and educate ourselves on what it really means to be a Christian. And we need to recognize the talons of Satan and how he has infultrated far too many of our houses of worship, and our lives. All we need is Jesus Christ, the Holy Bible, a heart for obedience, a willingness to be discipled, and a willingness to let Him be our Lord, our Savior, and our Guide. All else will fall into place. Amen.
the rapture.......
think about it
One of the best articles I've read lately. . .
Nice article, but the good Reverand got it wrong right from the start. The sequence 04:05:06 07/08/09 is a repeat of itself and will repeat every 100 years. I'm fairly sure the world was telling time on July 8, 1909, and in 1809, 1709, 1609, 1509.......
also, the universe is FILLED with repeating patterns, hence the phrase "on earth as it is in the heavens".
FF - You're right in pointing out the error in the article. But what about the rest or what was written? Don't let something that minor overshadow the truth that was written.
Sharonfaith, hope all is well with you and family.
EJParsons,
That depends on what you think ha'olam haba means (the world to come).
Sharonfaith doesn't post anymore 4Him, since you slammed her for speaking.
karenlite: I think you are thinking of someone else; they "backed each other up." Must have been someone else.
It happened, I saw it, she backed off. They did stand together and something went wrong, someone said something and the other said to back off.
I like her, she was kind, like you cher and I, she did quote scripture but she also talked kindly from her heart. Talking from the heart is something the other has told me is a sin against God. Of course I don't believe it. I guess that means I will suffer eternal damnation. : )
karenlite: Sure you are right. I miss some things.
And, no, you will not suffer eternal damnation.
Yes, she was kind, as you say. I do not have good things to say about the other, and I can find something good to say about most everyone!!
karenlite: And some people ostracize others.....not a good or Christian thing to do. sharonfaith did not do that.
Good night.
You are right cher. The way it plays out is very passive/aggressive, like a black cloud hovering over a parade waiting to spoil the joy, all in the name of god.
Karenlite, I don't usually feel the need to defend myself here, but some of your statements are blatantly false. I never slammed sharonfaith. In fact I consider her to be my sister in Christ and feel blessed for having known her here. I did try to warn her of a certain poster and that was all there was to that. Sharonfaith was more than aware of the spiritual warfare that takes place here. She got slammed by many people including chersully. I for one don't blame her for not wanting to post here anymore.
Karen never have I said that talking from the heart is sin against God. What I did say is that our "feelings" are unreliable. You may "feel" something is right, when in reality it might be totally wrong in God's eyes. I trust what the bible say's before I would trust my feelings. If you don't hold to the position that the bible is the inerrant word of God, I can certainly understand how you would disagree with that.
I hear a buzzing sound, cher, do you hear it too? : )
Have a wonderful, beautiful day, cher, there's a bright light in the sky, you probably see it too as I think we live near each other, I'm a little north of you I think, near 'whoopie pie' contest country.
Love ya.
Karen
karenlite: On top of everything else, he is a liar. I never "slammed" Sharonfaith. She and I had quite a few moments of understanding and were just about always civil to each other. SharonFaith knows that, and that is what counts. I do not go by what the individual above says or thinks. You are speaking above to a not good person. This is no real Christian, karenlite (but of course you know that.)
Have a great day. Not sure where you live but we probably all (or most of us here)live within a fairly close geographic area. But either way, we are neighbors! (and glad to call you my neighbor!)
Cheryl
karenlite: It is telling when one cannot take responsibility for their own actions.
Hope all is well with you and your family.
Thank you, Cheryl, neighbor!, for sharing your views and your name. I've noticed a few posters live with in a short distance, 50 miles or so. I noticed as well Rev. Witmer mentioned historic values, biblical morality, letters to the editor, and the signing of worthy petitions... I wonder what petitions those would be, the negative ones?.. I think so as most of the religious leaders and their churches are standing on the values of biblical morality which seem to be not about love and happiness but rules of many kinds.
More of that black cloud mentality disguised in a playful sing songy way.
karenlite: Thanks. There are many Christian leaders who do not tell their congregations how to vote,etc. And, you know what petition (among others) he (Witmer) was referencing here.
Yes, some of us live near "the city"; others out in the more rural areas. How are the black flies and mosquitoes this yr where you live? No problem here!
Chersully, you really need to be more careful before you go calling me a liar, and stating you never slammed sharon. You did indeed slam her and I can show you where.
Here the flies get their nourishment for sure! I live in town so they're not too bad, I am near trails and woods, the best time to walk there would be late summer thru spring otherwise you'd get eaten alive. I like this area north of Bangor, like Bangor too, go there often. Switching gears here, I do find it despicable that some christian leaders would tell their congregations negative things about others, an entire group of human beings made of god, that are not heterosexual. It comes off as flamboyant, the Witmer article, and yet it smacks of discrimination and intolerance.
Heaven is here on Earth.
blueskiesaboveme: Yes, it is good here on Earth, isn't it? Most of us find it astounding.
karenlite: I know what you mean; people camping out may be experiencing more of those pesky bugs though.
Most Christian leaders do not; do not forget that. You get a skewered view from some on here, but you know that.
It can be, blueskiesaboveme, if we love.
cher, I do not know that most christian leaders do not discriminate in the name of god, I think they believe they must.
karenlite: I do not exactly understand your thought at 10:26 PM
Most Christian leaders do not try to influence their congregations in how to vote; signing petitions,etc. No, they do not. Most speak for the dignity and acceptance for all people. (all of God's people.) You must know that. I do not understand your statement. All the churches are not the same.....that is why there are so many different ones. Most Christian leaders do not discriminate is correct.
I hope you have a good night.
You are probably right cher, I want to believe that.. My brother in-law is a preacher with his own church, in the past he and his wife have openly stated they do not believe in the gay life style, they told that to our gay son when he was a teenager, it was a hurtful thing to him as we love our son and accept his lifestyle in the honest way he lives it, just trying to live and do what's right.
I do wonder how christian leaders can talk acceptingly of gays when some here say homosexuality is an abomination. J C I wish people would just love. Life would be so much better.
karenlite: I guess it is partly based on one's experiences with different preachers. I repeat.....there are many churches, and you know this, where there will be no pressure one way or the other about these petitions,etc. Many. You are talking about some here who speak of "homosexuality is an abomination." Do you think the people that say that sound like good people? Are they people who you think have the answers to things? If so, it must get a little confusing for you. It doesn't for me. I do not go by what a few here say so no confusion there.
And true Christians do not keep score(nothing to do with you)......but am not going to go into that, as it is too much stuff in the past and most try to move forward and try and correct mistakes and do better.
Have a good night.
No confusion here, they are the confused ones and sadly don't know it. I do get your point.
karenlite: Good, and I get you.
Some have turned away here and have stated why....free2bee's wife, for one. No speculation...they themselves stated why.
robin56 says she just reads on...skips. Guess if one engages with someone on here, it kind of feeds into it and keeps it going. Guess you can't have it both ways. And some are going nowhere as they believe it is part of their cause. Also, unless abused, everyone can post here , as we know.
chersully, you called me a liar. Do you want to retract that?. Do you want me to show for all to see who the liar really is?
- forHIMtoday, re:7/5/09 at 7:48 AM, I perceived what you did, bossing sharonfaith, as pompous of you, IMHO. That's all. I understand what you are saying about thinking from the heart and that is your opinion. I believe there is a middle ground in soul searching and I realize there is no middle ground for you, IMO. You are true to your faith and that is respectable. I wish you well and hope for you to follow Gods path, I believe you will have to find it first.
On a freedom note, this quote from Thomas Jefferson:
"Freedom is the right to chose, the right to create for one's self the alternatives of choice."
- - - - - - - - - -
Sad how bloggers quickly depart from the premises expressed in the subject piece, and start beating up on each other.
Me thinks this truth from Psalm 18:2 applies to them...
"Fools care nothing for thoughtful discourse;
all they do is run off at the mouth." The Message
PeterK:
Thomas Jefferson never said that. It's a quote from Archibald MacLeish.
Fun to see all the churchy people, filled with the love of Christ, slam each other and call each other liars in public. ;-)
PeterK and deuxcent: I could not agree with you more. Thanks for your comments.
PeterK, Sometimes , the thoughtful discourse is in the conversations between the commenters. It is human nature to argue.
karenlite: I understand what you are saying, but I can see why they reacted the way they did to some comments. Not sure if they are regular readers/posters on the BDN site; if not, they would not be familiar with some of it and would see mostly one-up-manship here and scoring points. I can see why they would not find that "Christian-like" behavior. I can surely see how it would come across and they would not have known about sharonfaith,etc. They would not know, as you and I do, that she was not driven away by the likes of you or me!
I really do not care to engage with certain ones....as it is too much about scoring points,etc. and who cares about it. I much prefer the majority of posters who just comment on articles,etc.
Have a good night.
I read what Reverend Witmer wrote a few weeks ago and thought it was a good article, but now that I am facing a new chapter in my life, with the Lord having me go down a different road than I wanted to take--and definitely one I would never have chosen for myself, had He asked me about it--the article has a lot more meaning to me now. The new "chapter" is actually a new "journey". You see, last Thursday I had a mammogram and on Friday was notified I was being "recalled" for more testing. Yesterday I went back for the tests. Yesterday afternoon I got the bad news that there is a very good possibility I have breast cancer. I am scheduled for a breast biopsy and biopsy of the lymph nodes this coming Monday. It is so true what the Bible says about how no one knows what a day may bring forth. Life is so uncertain, isn't it? And the scariest thing to face is "the unknown." Yet to God, it is not unknown. He knows the end from the beginning. He knows the number of our days. And because of this, I can rest in the fact that He is still in control and on the throne--no matter what happens, no matter what this new chapter of my life will be like, no matter where this new journey will take me. There is always the possibility it will take me to Heaven. I cannot discount that. But even if it does, His Word declares, "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." And He says in Psalm 116:15, "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." Why is that? Because we are at last "Home" with Him--in His presence. Am I desiring to die? No. But we're all going to die some day. And if this breast cancer scare actually leads to the valley of the shadow of death, etc., I know the Lord will be there with me, carrying me through it and that at the end of the journey He will wipe away all my tears and take away all my pain. Oh, I do want to mention that a "saint" is simply anyone who has trusted the Lord as their Savior. It's not about me or my goodness or my righteousness, for I am nothing apart from Him. It is all about Him and His righteousness, and how He has clothed me with His love and with a robe of righteousness because I placed my hope, my faith, and my trust in Him.
Now, on a personal note...I want to respond to many of the comments that were made on this section. Yes, I am the "Sharon Faith" in question. And I just want to let all of you know that nobody drove me away from posting here. It was a choice I made because the Lord led me that way. The blogging was for a short "season" of my life. Today I can see how one of His purposes in leading me out was to free me up to spend more time with Him. He was preparing me for this next "season" of my life. Also, I re-registered today, because I wanted to share these things with you foks, but will not be posting much here as my life is going to be pretty tied up from now on. Don't know what my future holds, but I am so very thankful I know the One who holds my future in His hands. Prayerfully, this will lead all of you to consider your own lives and your own futures. Prayerfully, it will lead all of you to place your faith, hope, and trust in the Lord. Believe me the eternal is FAR more important than the temporal and temporary.
4Him2day, please continue to keep me in your prayers. The most important thing is that I long to be a witness and testimony for the Lord and of the Lord through this. And to 4Him2day, and also Elizabethann, Anne of MDI, Mainelyme, Tedlick, Bigfootinheels, Stevey Dee, David, Duckwa, Pabmainer, LadySlipper, Lyndemni, Free2bee, Chersully, Karen Lite, and everyone else whom I came in contact with here on BDN's comment section, am praying God's best for you all. One more thing, I know we are all different and have differing views, beliefs, etc., but am praying you will all interact with one another with love and with kindness and with understanding. Bye for now.
SharonFaith, Believe me when I say you are in Em's and my prayers. Prayers also to the medical staff working for you. God Bless and Godspeed.
Jack and Em B.
sharon_faith: Thank you for sharing what you are going through. I am sure everyone on here only wants the best for you and your family. I never knew exactly why you stopped posting (altho' you sort of said why) so was surprised by the comments of people driving you away. I don't think anyone ever believed that anyway.
Take care of yourself and hope you have really good medical care. I think you will be fine, but you have the right outlook anyway so that should only help. A few of the people you mentioned are no longer posting on the BDN site, but perhaps they still read some comments.
The best to you and God Bless You.
Sharon, I don't know if you noticed on this article 7/4/ 09 I asked for you. I had this feeling.... Well, I know you understand. Sharon don't let yourself get ahead of God on this. Don't allow your mind to play out scenario's.This is going to bring you closer to Him than you've ever been before. My wife and I went through the same scenario a few years back, everything turned out well for us. I have absolutely no doubt that you know the Lord, no matter the outcome YOU WIN! I will pray for you, and please remember to intercede for me. I've missed having you here.
your brother in Christ.
Sharon, I will check back on this post everyday, please keep me posted. I will be on vacation starting next wednesday, so will be away for a few days.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMF_24cQqT0
sharon_faith...."The Lord bless thee and keep thee, The Lord make His face shine upon thee and be gracious unto thee, the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace"....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPduF2-uDKA sharon, I know you know!!!
Sharon_Faith, Welcome back, it's wonderful to see you again.. Your post is inspiring and purely from the soul.. I hope you have a friend to go with you for support on Monday to your appt., someone who understands, it would be comforting to you.. Think always about living, healing, loving, all good things and far better than thinking of what 'could' or 'might' happen. I believe that good will come to you, in fact it already has because you have reached out here and now. My nurse neighbor had a double mastectomy and in a few weeks was playing golf! Nothing gets her down and it won't get you down either.. You're going to be fine.. Think of the best that can happen, and it will, you are already filled with God's Light.
Karen
free2bee, chersully2000, forHIMtoday, PabMainer, and Karenlite:
Thank you all for your prayers, words of encouragement, and support. It means more to me than you realize. Free2bee, thank you for also praying for the medical staff--it was a reminder to me of the importance of asking the Lord to give them wisdom, etc. as they seek to diagnose/treat this. (Prayerfully, it WILL be resolved like it was for you and your wife, 4Him2day.) Cher, please be assured no one--not you, nor 4Him2day, nor anyone else--is to blame for my departure from the blog scene. And thank you for your words of encouragement. PabMainer...I LOVE that scripture. Thank you for sharing it. It's a keeper and one I will definitely cling to. Karen Lite, my husband, Mom, and possibly my daughter will be there with me on Monday. And all of my family, friends, and doctor, and all the other medical people whom I've seen have ALL been VERY supportive! Am so blessed, to be sure. My Mom is a breast cancer survivor, so know for a fact that breast cancer is not only treatable, but most always cureable when detected early enough. Had a bit of a rough time yesterday when I first got "the news", but definitely know many prayers are going up and being answered as today am so filled with the Lord's peace and am being undergirded by Him.
4Him2day, I understand what you mean about the "feeling" you had and know it was the Lord making preparations and getting the prayers started even before the problem was revealed. I checked out both YouTube videos. I especially liked the Nicole C. Mullen one. I love her singing. I love that song. And I definitely DO know my Redeemer lives and, as Job said, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me" (Job 19:25-27). Also, the Lord has reminded me of Jeremiah 29:11. So, the bottom line is: It's all good! Yes, 4Him2day, I WILL continue to intercede for you as well.
Love in Christ to all of you,
Sharon Faith
P.S.
Just wanted you all to know that I called Mr. Alves a couple months ago and asked him to cancel my account, which he did. I called him again last week after seeing the comments here and asked if he could post something for me to you folks as I wanted to clear up the misconceptions that I stopped blogging because of this person or that person when, in all actuality, it was nobody's fault. He said he had to check with his boss, but didn't really think the BDN could do that. What I wanted him to post never got posted, so I left it at that. I understand the BDN's position. They are seeking to be fair and unbiased. I wasn't going to re-register, but then this breast cancer scare cropped up, and wanted to share it with you folks, knowing many of you would pray, and also wanted to set all your minds at ease that I didn't stop blogging because of any of you folks, but for the reason I mentioned above.
One more thing....the BDN people ARE trying to find out what works here on the comments section. They ARE doing their best to be fair, unbiased, and to maintain a comment section where differing views, opinions, etc. can be voiced, shared, and heard. And am sure it is not all that easy to do. So I hope all of us can respect their position and be patient as they try to find what works. (Sometimes finding out what works comes by trial and error, but eventually it all usually DOES work out.)
Okay, BDN, you can now pay me for that plug. Just kidding. :)
sharon_faith: Thanks for your understanding remarks about the posting here, etc. You are so right. I am sure it is a bit challenging for those folks, including Mr. Alves, in trying to work out the most workable,fair forum here, allowing as many people to post their thoughts, but within limitations. Overall, the tone on the BDN forum pages certainly seems to have improved and is much more pleasant; not so many personal insults , hostility and nastiness. But I do not have to tell you that, as you most likely have seen the difference.
Glad you were able to come back on and let people on here know how you are doing. You were one of those on here who was consistently fair and decent, as everyone knows.
Take care, and am sure you will be able to come through this with flying colors and be just fine. Sometimes people just have a very strong feeling about these things.... and everyone will be rooting for you and have you in their prayers.
"ditto", chersully's post..
Sharon, hope you and your husband are doing well emotionally. The wait for monday and the results can be torture in itself. How is your husband doing? Hows the work situation? Been praying for you on my daily walk.
4Him2day,
Just saw your message. It's been a roller coaster ride this week, which I'm certain does not surprise you, for you mentioned you and your wife went through a similar thing a while ago. Lots of miscommunications. It would take forever to explain it all. Bottom line is, this Monday I will be having a "stereotactic breast biopsy", which they say is the only way they can determine it's NOT cancer. The radiologist who read the report recommends that a lumpectomy and also removal of the lymph nodes should be done if cancer is confirmed as he suspects. Talked to a nurse today at EMMC who works in the BOC department, and she said 2/3 of the women that have biopsies because of micro-calcifications like I have end up being cancer-free--that the micro-calcifications are benign.
The Lord has so strengthened me through this and has brought many comforting verses to remembrance. And earlier today I HEARD His voice--you know...not some deep booming voice from the sky but a quiet voice that said, "You haven't walked this way before." (It's only the second time since I've known the Lord that I have actually HEARD His voice. The other time was shortly before my husband got saved....Hope you understand what I mean. We "hear" Him speak every day through His word, through sermons, through other people, and in our hearts....but this is different.) Anyways, I knew what He told me was in the Bible, but didn't know where. Had to use the concordance. Found the scripture in Joshua 3:4. The whole chapter actually is a comfort to me. The Lord has shown me that, no, I have NOT walked this way before, but He will lead me and guide me and show me the way. All I have to do is keep my eyes on Him and my hand in His hand.
A couple of other things He has pressed upon my mind of late. The first one is this: You know how people are always saying (and I've said it to others as well) that God will never give us more than we can handle? Well, He's shown me how that is not true. He WILL give us more than we can handle, for if we could handle it on our own, we would not need Him. Plus others would not see Him in it. He gives us MORE than WE can handle so we run into His arms, and He handles it all for us. Then others see Him strenthening us through it, etc. and they KNOW it has to be the Lord doing it! Next thing He's shown me is how my doctor told me this is a wilderness time and I will feel like I am walking through it alone. The Lord reminded me of Hagar when she fled from her problems and was in the wilderness. But in the wilderness she was "by a fountain of water". The Lord met with her there. He asked her where she was coming from and where she was going. She told Him. And He basically let her know she needed to return and face her problems full-on and that HE would be with her. That's when she called Him, "Thou God that seest me." God sees each one of us. His eyes are upon us. And He IS there for us every step of the way. (Also, Jesus is the living water! He is the water in the wilderness--that "fountain of water" that was Hagar was by in the wilderness.) So, in a nutshell, that's how the Lord has been helping me and comforting me and speaking to me these past few days.
You asked about my husband...Monday he was in shock, Tuesday he had some "tears" when he was in the truck at work and had time to think. Yesterday he was starting to come to terms with everything. And earlier today I called him at work and shared with him how the Lord spoke to me, and I think it helped him because he sees the Lord helping me. My husband has been very supportive. Also, his job is going well right now. Steady work. We still have no insurance, but have talked to a woman at MBCHP and although they don't cover this, if it turns out to be cancer, MBCHP will get paperwork done with Maine Care and from what she told me it will be "treatment care" through Maine Care for a year. Don't really know if that will be the case, but can't think about that right now. God will provide one way or the other. That's why one of His names is "Jehovah-Jireh", right?
Thank you again for your prayers. There are so-o- many people who have told me they are praying, and I definitely can feel that. I have that "peace that passes all understanding"--and you and I both know where that comes from, huh? Praise God!
Well, better stop for now. I don't want to misuse the comment section, so will probably be checking out at some point when I get a chance about posting stuff on the Maineville section. (Don't know how that works so will have to see if it explains it. Either way, will update you when I can.)
God bless. Oh, your vacation is looming on the horizon, huh? Hope you have a great vacation and come back from it well rested, refreshed, and revived.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
Sharon, I shared the wrong song with you, this is the one I meant : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJMbk9dtpdY Jesus is like the father in this video, and sometimes we are the son in the video. Let Him do the work, He'll get you where you need to be. He will get us to the finish line. I think you are spaeking of the book of James where God say's he won't allow any temtation that we can't handle, that is far different from Him giving us more than we can handle.... We can't go it alone, we need Him, always, not only in times of trouble but probably even more in times of prosperity. Sounds like you're doing well despite the setback. Glad to hear your husband is working. Don't even begin to worry about the bills, It all belongs to God! Sharon please use discerment when asking people to pray for you, you need solid prayer warriors now more than ever.
God bless
4Him2day,
Hello again. In regards to your last posting at 5:06 PM...No, I wasn't referring to the temptations in our lives, I was referring to the trials in our lives--the Job-like trials. It was more than Job could handle on his own, and it brought him to a place of complete surrender and dependence upon God. (Like that video you mentioned--which I just got done watching--where the father in the video is like Jesus and how he was doing all the work for the son with the son resting in him. And that IS what is taking place in my life right now. He is CARRYING me, sustaining me, undergirding me, etc., and I am letting go of more and more stuff in order to cling to Him and allow Him to take control.) As for times of prosperity...What's that? :)
Anyways, thank you again for your concern and your prayers. And I also understand what you are saying in regards to discernment when asking people to pray for me, and yet, perhaps, this will draw them to the Lord. Who knows, right? God knows peoples' hearts and true intents, even if we don't. And I truly believe He can use situations and circumstances to draw the lost to Himself and bring them to a place where they realize He is real, and realize their need of Him. So am praying for salvations to take place through this. That would be awesome, huh? (Don't worry, my brother, it's not a matter of me being too trusting of people...it's a matter of me trusting more and more in God and in Him working out His plans and purposes in whatsoever way He desires. I know you worry about me that way--in regards to being too trusting, because you have shared that before. But please know I'm in good hands--God's hands. He'll protect.)
God bless you, too.
4Him2day,
Don't have much time as my Mom's coming over to "daughter-nap" (instead of kidnap) me this morning and take me to Bangor--out to eat and to check out the new super Wal-Mart. I hate crowds, but she's making me go. Whaddya gonna do? You can't argue with "the Mom", right? Anyways, the Lord gave me another verse this morning, and it reiterates what He's already been speaking to my heart about. It's found in 1 Kings 19:7. It says, "And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee." See, that's what I was trying to explain to you yesterday--how in our weakness, God will come and strengthen us, and give us what we need for "the journey". Am sure you are familiar with 2 Corinthians 12:9, which says, "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." And it IS His power that is resting upon me. It IS the Lord who is strengthening me. I can feel it. And I know it is in answer to all of the prayers that you and others have been praying.
Years ago, the Lord gave me 2 Chronicles 16:9a when I was going through a different "valley" time (you know--the abuse one that I shared with you and told you about quite a while back) and it says, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him." He reminded me this morning of that verse, and when I thought about it, I remembered what He had given me the other day about Him seeing me, and His eyes being upon me. I shared that with you yesterday in regards to Hagar in the wilderness, etc. and the verse that really stands out today from Hagar's situation is found in Genesis 16:3. It says, "And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?" The first half of the verse, "Thou God seest me" was my focus the other day. But this morning, the Lord drew my attention to the last half of the verse, which says: "Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?" And it is that part of the verse I know the Lord wants me to focus on. Yes, His eyes are upon me and He sees me and what I am going through and is here for me, etc., but am I also here in this place of trial and uncertainty, "looking after him that seeth me?" Am I making Him my number one priority? Am I still seeking to get as close to Him as possible and to continue loving Him, serving Him, TRUSTING Him, following Him, and to keep my eyes upon Him? Do you see what I mean?
Well, gotta run or I won't be ready when my Mom comes to pick me up. Will check back with you later. Have a great and blessed day!
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
Karen Lite,
Thanks for sharing that info about your neighbor who had a double masectomy and is a breast cancer survivor. Yesterday a woman who works at one of the stores in Bangor started chit-chatting with us. Somehow we started out on one subject, but we ended up finding out that she is a breast cancer survivor. She had to have a masectomy 2 1/2 years ago, but is cancer-free and doing great! I don't believe in coincidences, so know this was a "divine appointment" and not a "chance encounter". I know the Lord orchestrated it. And it was yet another reassurance and comfort for me to know that, even if it DOES turn out to be cancer, it doesn't mean an automatic "death warrant." Praise God for all the technology, etc. they have nowadays to treat these things and for the wisdom He has given doctors to know what to do when these things arise. Anyways, wanted you to know that when I heard that lady's story, it reminded me of the story you had shared about your neighbor.
Take care,
Sharon Faith
Sharon, Thank you, I am touched by you. I do believe, there really are no, as you say, 'chance encounters'. They are meant to be by those we love, watching over us, our guardian angels. I feel it always, even unpleasant meetings can be a chance to make good in someones life, including our own.
I respect the way you view the Bible, you find love there and all that is positive to guide us in our lives. I know we are meant to enjoy all the blessings we have been given, including the people in our lives and the love we share. I am thankful for people like you, who live every day with a joyous heart, it means there is hope in the world.
My prayers and thoughts are with you, friend,
Karen
Sharon, have been praying for you everyday. Tommorrow is the big day right? Hope the outcome is good. You probably won't know anything for a few days. The waiting can be the hardest part. Will keep you and your husband in my prayers.
In Christ
4Him2day
Karen,
Thank you for your sweet words. Sadly, my heart wasn't all that joyous yesterday afternoon. Kinda got downhearted, to tell you the truth. Cried. But even then the Lord ministered to me in ways that only He can do. (Am in major rush right now trying to get everything ready for tomorrow that I need to bring with me, so can't share more than that.)
Thank you for your prayers and that you are thinking of me. Thank you for calling me your friend. That blesses my heart. And I feel the same way about you.
Don't know when I'll be able to give an update. Am sure tomorrow will be crazy! Will let you know what I find out as soon as possible.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
4Him2day,
Thank you for continuing to keep me in your prayers. Yup, tomorrow's the big day. God says He hasn't given us the spirit of fear...Am kinda struggling with fear. Please pray I'll have more faith. Anyways, I am also praying the outcome is good. They did say the other day it will be about 3 days before I find out anything. The waiting is definitely the worst! But am going to ask the one doing the biopsy if he can tell me what he thinks from what he sees. (I want to have some idea when I leave there tomorrow as to whether it's an "all clear" or a "not so good."
Everyone's been so supportive--my husband, family, and friends (and I am including my friends on here as well.)
Well, guess I'd better go finish getting everything ready so I can get SOME sleep tonight. (Prayerfully, I'lll sleep....)
Will give you an update just as soon as I am able to.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith (who needs a little more faith tonight)
:(
Hey Guys,
I had to come right back on 'cause the Lord just gave me the boost I needed....Got done posting the message to 4Him2day and then opened up my day planner to tomorrow's date where I had written the biopsy time down and had also written down a scripture that I had forgotten I'd written, but one the Lord just used to encourage me. It is Psalm 56:3 and it says: "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee."
Is God good, or what?
:)
sharon_faith God is truly good ALL the time! God bless....
Sharon, thought my devotional today was appropriate for you, hope you get to read it before you go today
Dependent on God’s Presence
Those who wait on the Lord . . . shall walk and not faint —Isaiah 40:31
There is no thrill for us in walking, yet it is the test for all of our steady and enduring qualities. To "walk and not faint" is the highest stretch possible as a measure of strength. The word walk is used in the Bible to express the character of a person— ". . . John . . . looking at Jesus as He walked. . . said, ’Behold the Lamb of God!’ " ( John 1:35-36 ). There is nothing abstract or obscure in the Bible; everything is vivid and real. God does not say, "Be spiritual," but He says, "Walk before Me. . ." ( Genesis 17:1 ).
When we are in an unhealthy condition either physically or emotionally, we always look for thrills in life. In our physical life this leads to our efforts to counterfeit the work of the Holy Spirit; in our emotional life it leads to obsessions and to the destruction of our morality; and in our spiritual life, if we insist on pursuing only thrills, on mounting up "with wings like eagles" ( Isaiah 40:31 ), it will result in the destruction of our spirituality.
Having the reality of God’s presence is not dependent on our being in a particular circumstance or place, but is only dependent on our determination to keep the Lord before us continually. Our problems arise when we refuse to place our trust in the reality of His presence. The experience the psalmist speaks of— "We will not fear, even though . . ." ( Psalm 46:2 )— will be ours once we are grounded on the truth of the reality of God’s presence, not just a simple awareness of it, but an understanding of the reality of it. Then we will exclaim, "He has been here all the time!" At critical moments in our lives it is necessary to ask God for guidance, but it should be unnecessary to be constantly saying, "Oh, Lord, direct me in this, and in that." Of course He will, and in fact, He is doing it already! If our everyday decisions are not according to His will, He will press through them, bringing restraint to our spirit. Then we must be quiet and wait for the direction of His presence.
PabMainer,
Re: 7/19/09 at 10:46 PM...I most definitely agree with you that "God is truly good ALL the time!" God bless you as well.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
Hi 4Him2day,
I survived yesterday!!! :)
But seriously, all went well and I actually came away encouraged because they told me about 80% of the time, the microcalcifications turn out to be benign and NOT cancerous. So, based on that knowledge, today I am an "optimisitc realist" in that I am praying I will be in the 80% category but am well aware there is a possibility I could be in the 20% category. But either way, I will be in good hands--the Lord's hands (number one!), and the hands of a whole team of highly capable medical people.
One thing that I loved about yesterday is that they told me I had to take it easy for 24 hours and that my husband had to wait on me. :)
Anyways, I didn't see the post you made at 7:11 yesterday morning as I was already on my way to Bangor at that time. But I just got done reading what you wrote. Thank you for sharing it. And, amazingly, that's the devo my husband had read, before we went to Bangor, in "My Utmost for His Highest" by Oswald Chambers, and he had told me the gist of it when we were heading to Bangor. So now I've gotten that message twice.
Oh, yesterday they told me that it will be about 3 business days before I find out the results of the biopsy, so will prayerfully hear something on Thursday. If not, I'm going to be on the phone trying to find out something.
Gotta go for now. Thanks again for praying and for your support!
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
P.S. Hope you are enjoying your vacation.
Sharon, you sound upbeat, that's great! Will continue to pray for you. Keep up the good work.
God bless
Sharon, heard any news yet?
4Him2day,
Hi. Got the results this afternoon. It is malignant. It's "ductal carcinoma in situ". I have to have surgery. But as to what type of surgery and what type of treatment, I have no idea. They've referred me to a breast surgeon and I have an appointment with her for a consultation on Monday, August 3. When I had the biopsy the other day, the nurse at EMMC told me that this week's cases get reviewed next week by a whole team of medical people--oncologist, radiologist, etc.--and that they will look at all the results thus far and will decide on next course of action. So it won't just be one person making any decisions, it will be a whole team. That in itself is comforting to know. Anyways, I haven't fallen apart. The Lord is holding me together. He'd already been preparing me for this. Plus there's tons of people (like you) who've been praying, and the Lord's answering. He is seeing me through this and is helping me to deal with it.
I'll try to write more tomorrow. Am exhausted right now. It was a long day. Thanks again for praying. And thank you for your friendship and support.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
Just a quick note to all my other BDN friends....I just want to thank all of you for being there for me through this. May God bless each and every one of you who have encouraged me, supported me, shared scriptures with me, prayed for me, and have been so loving, caring, and kind. Prayerfully, I can be there for all of you folks as well.
In His Love,
Sharon Faith
(P.S. free2bee....are you still around? Have not seen you posting anywhere on the BDN for quite some time. Hope all is well with you and your family. Let me know if you folks have something going on that you need prayer for, as I will gladly pray about it.)
sharon_faith: A lot of people on here are thinking of you and pulling for you. Just wanted to say that. Will be hoping for the best for you. I think you will hear from others on this site as well.
Just wanted to address your remark about free2bee. He still posts at times; some days more than others. I hope you will connect with free2bee again soon.
Cher,
Thank you. It means a lot to me to know you care. The Lord has given me peace. Today I'm spending a quiet day alone with Him--reading the Bible, journaling, and reflecting on everything. One thing I've learned through this is that there are many, many people out there who are going through things that we don't know about. There are many hurting people who are facing breast cancer, or some other form of cancer, or who have other personal trials going on--like the death of a loved one, or financial problems, or uncertainties regarding their future, or depression, or an addiction, or who knows what. And many of them don't have the Lord, loved ones, or friends to support them and love on them and encourage them and are having to go it alone. I can't imagine what THAT must feel like! Maybe the Lord is allowing me to experience this so that I can better understand peoples' pain and can see through His eyes the suffering and pain that is all around us yet we tend to be so unaware of and completely oblivious to when all is going well in our own lives. If my heart can be changed to be more sensitive and caring, and more prone to think of others and their needs rather than to think of myself and my needs, and God can be glorified in this, than it will all be worth it.
I do want to encourage you, Karen, Anne, Lyndemni, and all women reading this to keep on top of things and have regular check-ups and mammograms as breast cancer can oftentimes have no visible symptoms (like in my case) and the only way to detect this "intruder" is with the mammograms, magnification views, biopsies, etc. What we don't know CAN hurt us. And so it is imperative to take precautionary measures by having routine examinations and mammograms. I've found that the earlier they detect breast cancer--or any type of cancer, for that matter--the better off you are and the chances of surviving are astronomically increased! Well, that's my "Mom" lecture to all you young ladies for the day.
Thank you for letting me know that free2bee still posts on here. Am not really spending much time on here reading articles, so that's probably why I've missed the postings he has made. Was wondering...do you know what happened to Mainelyme? Do you know if he is okay? Would just like to know as I DO care about him--even if he is a little bugger. :)
Talk to you later. God bless. And thanks again for your words of encouragement and concern.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
P.S. And don't forget what I said about getting regular mammograms, okay?
sharon_faith:
Good to hear from you. And thanks for your words and encouraging women to keep on top of their health, with regular check-ups,etc. I know you mentioned something before about not having health coverage but then you luckily got some, I think you said. Did you have regular check-ups prior to this? You probably did as I think you mentioned family members (your mom) having gone through this.
free2bee still posts sometimes, but not too much recently. Maybe on vacation?
No, Mainelyme no longer posts on the BDN site. I believe he was kicked off about 6 wks ago or so. I was not online that day and am not real sure what happened. He is an older man , of course, and am sure life is not always easy for him either. I do not believe he will be posting any longer on the BDN one but he does post on some newspaper sites in New York City where he lives. It is really too bad what happened.
I think you are already very sensitive to others' feelings and so do not think that this happened to you for the reason you speculated, but I am not sure, of course. I would not dare speak of those things as I am not an authority on what and why things come our way in our lives. I do know what you mean, however, about how often so many people are oblivious to the suffering and hardships of others. We go about our daily lives (working, cleaning, preparing meals,etc.) and just do not stop to think of those things sometimes....until we are brought up short, so to speak.
I hope for the best for you, and just feel that you will come through this fine.
Thanks for all your words and encouragement to others, when you are going through so much yourself. Hope you are taking care of yourself. I am sure you are and having the support you have from family , friends and your faith is so major. Some people do not have that and it makes their trials that much more difficult.
Cher (Cheryl....but go by cher on here!!)
Dear Cher (Cheryl),
In regards to the health coverage…We have no regular health insurance. They don’t offer it where my husband works, and it is too expensive for us to get. However, I did meet the guidelines of the MBCHP, and they DO pay for mammograms. They also paid for the radiologist and pathologist fees when I had the biopsy. But they don’t cover the hospital costs. But the Lord provided for that as well in a very unexpected way. When I was there on Monday having the biopsy, the nurse told me that EMMC had reviewed my case and had some available funds and had given me a “scholarship” and the hospital bill was paid! That was definitely an answer to prayer, and am so grateful to the Lord—and to EMMC—for it! MBCHP does NOT cover the costs of anything related to the breast cancer end of this. But they DO fill out paperwork and they have set me up on “Treatment Care” with Maine Care. (I talked to the director of MBCHP yesterday afternoon.) They are sending me a paper to sign, and once I send it back, everything will be “good to go” and Maine Care will cover all the costs of my treatment, and the lady told me I will also have full medical coverage for a year. At the end of a year, they will review my case, and if I am still having treatments (prayerfully not) they will continue the coverage for another year, and so on…Again, this is much appreciated and just further proof of how the Lord DOES provide. Also, I am counting my blessings in that the cancer was not in any other part of my body, for if it had been, we would have been dealing with tons of medical bills all on our own. And it is difficult enough just trying to deal with the cancer, the emotional upheaval, and so on, without having to have a financial burden added on top of that. My husband will still have times when he’ll have to take time off from work through this, and he has no vacation pay accrued so it will be “without pay”, but we are fully assured the Lord will still see to our every need.
I had a mammogram in 1998, and another one in 2004, but had not had another one until this recent one that showed there was an “abnormality”. Praise the Lord, though, that I went when I did. Prayerfully, this has been caught in the earliest stage possible! Don’t know if that’s the case, but pray that it is. Will know more, I’m sure, when I see Dr. O’Connor.
There may be women out there in the same boat that I was in—no insurance, yet in need of mammograms. The MBCHP may be able to help them. This is the website address of the MBCHP (Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program), for anyone who may be reading this and interested in finding out more about the program: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/bohdcfh/bcp/index.htm
Here’s a little bit of info about the program:
The MBCHP pays for these services if you see a Participating Health Care Provider:
• Breast Exams
• Pap Tests
• Pelvic Exams (internal exams)
• Mammograms (breast x-ray)
• Limited Diagnostic or Follow-up Services
You May Get Free Services If:
1. You are a Maine woman, age 40* or older, and
2. You have no health insurance, or your health insurance does not cover mammograms or Pap tests or you have a high deductible, and
3. You meet income guidelines at or below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level
4. * Limited openings for women age 35-39 who have seen a doctor and need additional tests for a possible breast or cervical cancer
OR if they have not had a Pap in 5 or more years
Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program
11 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0011
Phone: 1-207-287-8068
Toll Free in Maine: 1-800-350-5180
TTY: 1-800-438-5514
Cher, the Lord has met with me—even today—and he has let me know that I can have peace because I am in His hands. Don’t know if you’ve ever seen 3-D ultrasound images of a baby in its mother’s womb, but my daughter, who is pregnant and due in October, sent me some ultrasound images of the baby, and in one of the pics, the baby has his head resting on his arms, and he’s all snuggled up within his mommy’s womb, and he has a smile on his face, as though he doesn’t have a care in the world and he looks all happy and content, and looks like he feels very safe and protected and relaxed. Well, I have that picture on my computer desk, and earlier today, when I glanced down and saw it on the desk, the Lord spoke to my heart and let me know that I need to be snuggled in His hands, safe and secure, not fearful or afraid, just trusting Him, resting in Him, and abiding in Him, similar to how our grandson is snuggled up in his mommy’s womb, and without a care in the world, content to just rest and abide in his mommy. (Hope you understand the analogy I am trying to make….I know what I mean, but am not sure I can explain it very well.)
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith (Vicki)
Sharon Faith (Vicki)
I just have this strong sense that since you caught it in the earlier stages, that the outcome will be good. That is most often the case when it is caught early. That is why, as you say, having the check-ups,etc. is so important.
Yes, I knew there were resources and programs out there for low-income women, so they do not have to go without mammograms,etc. Thanks for sharing that for others too. It can make a big difference.
That is so great that you have a grandson on the way. It is so special. Not sure if you have any other grandchildren. I have one, a granddaughter who turned 6 in May. She is a real joy! (I raised sons so nice to have a granddaughter, but the gender does not matter that much to me;just to have a grandchild is such a wonderful gift!)
Some of the regular posters are, I think, not posting quite as much right now due to summer vacations,etc. I am sure they will drift back in though, as time goes on.
I know you will know more when you see the doctor next. You are in good hands, as you say. In the meantime, just be with those who love you and take care of yourself. Congratulations on your grandchild! (My oldest son was born on October 6th - love that month.) What a happy day that will be for you and your family.
Thanks for sharing all that valuable information.
Cher
Hi Cher,
Just wanted to touch base with you. I do have other grandchildren. They are both boys--the younger one is 2 and the older one turned 11 not that long ago. They belong to my son. This will be my daughter's first child. Grandchildren ARE special. And, like you also said, "a real joy". Do you get to see your granddaughter much? My son and his wife live across the country, so have not seen my grandsons for quite a while. :(
Also, just wanted to tell you that the Lord used what you wrote in your 7/24/09 at 4:41 PM posting to speak to my heart in regards to the reasons why stuff comes into our lives...What you wrote reminded me of how there are times when the Lord will allow things to come our way that we may NEVER understand or know the reasons why He allowed it. And so I really don't need to know why He has allowed this current difficulty, yet I can be assured that because He's allowed it, there is most definitely a reason and a purpose for it. And that is all I need to know. So, the Lord used you to convey that message to me. It is a message to simply abide in Him and to leave all the details, reasons, and working out of His will through it in HIS hands. He knows what He's doing, even if I don't. And that is good enough for me.
Cher, there's a song that I just heard the night before I got the results of the biopsy, and the Lord has been ministering to me through it ever since. It's by "Point of Grace" and it's called "How You Live (Turn Up The Music)". I found the video. I want to share it with you. I think you'll like it. Let me know, okay? Am going to paste the link here. There will be a few videos to choose from. It will be the first one that says "Point of Grace-How You Live" and it's the one posted by "Hits Online". Pay close attention to the lyrics. The message is totally awesome. And it really goes hand-in-hand with what you said about being with those who love you (and who you love).
http://www.tangle.com/search?page=1&search_type=all&search_text=point+of+grace
Will talk to you later--probably sometime tomorrow. Not sure.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
sharon_faith: Thanks for sharing that, but for now, I only have dial-up for my laptop and it is real difficult to hear any videos. I rarely try. But I will try with this sometime .....it will just take some time, and it will be pause, and pause......etc.....hard to explain....you get one or two words, and then 5 mins later, a few more! Dial-up does not provide enough power I guess for those. When people on the BDN comment pages,etc.. leave different links,etc for videos I have not been able to find out what they were talking about!
Now, I do recall your 2 grandsons! My granddaughter does live here, but they are very busy so I do not see her as often as I would like but not complaining. Just glad to have her! Unbelievably , she starts first grade this fall. You will love having a granddaughter as you love having your grandsons.
I have a strong feeling they caught it early and you will come out of it well. I just hope maybe you can get all this behind you by the time your granddaughter is born.
I know you are dealing with a lot; it is so good you have your strong faith, family and friends to give you support and caring.
I honestly don't speak of praying here anymore and I have my reasons. I do pray, though, for friends , family,etc. A sister of a friend of mine (well, my friend too) just has triple bypass surgery. She is now doing well. She is also a diabetic which complicates things. She also has a lot of friends and family who are there for her.
Someone earlier on here referred to your being careful of who prays for you.... "warriors"...you should use "discernment" etc. karenlite and I were two of the very few who had been on this one, but really do not care who it was in reference to (not really my business and not interested).....I do not see your friend the way you do and that is that. I have a right to follow my instincts as well and what I know to be right and wrong. Please, do not even try to defend such comments. It spoke volumes....nothing more to be said. I just wanted to say , I do not mention prayer,etc. here. So be it....it doesn't bother me....it was just what I have never heard from a true Christian before. To try and pit people against each other, so to speak. The Christians I know are loving , compassionate, good people. They can pray for me any day and I for them. I think a true Christian respects others as they would wish to be treated, and does not try and goad others or tell someone to distrust others. Wow....as far as I know, you can make up your own mind about such things! Oh well....
Please do not try and "defend" your friend to me, with a Bible quote,etc. There is no adequate defense. Not in this case. Believe me.....I don't mind at all the Bible quotes at other times, and read the Bible myself, but this particular situation is just somethiing I do not care to get into further. Just do not have the interest or desire. Hope you understand that. I just wanted to explain why I am not going to vocalize here about prayer,etc. God knows what we think and feel and believe. I do not need to prove that to someone on this BDN site, especially someone I honestly do not see as any kind of good model for anything.(and of course, I am not talking about you which goes without saying. ) And I have a right to think as I do, just as you do.
You do what is best for you, as you should. I hope you take care of yourself and I would not let any comments on the BDN site bother you, (I don't mean this one, but some other articles, etc.) You have more important things right now. Anyway, it is good to have some of the nastiness gone from the site. As for Perley/Mainelyme , he did have a dirty mouth, and sometimes I did not like that at all, and just read quickly over those kind of remarks, but for the most part, just an older gerntleman who lives alone in NYC,etc. and a good person at heart, I am sure. I think he sometimes misses Maine where he grew up. I have seen some of his comments on a New York newspaper blog, and they are very tame in comparison!
Just keep us posted and updated. I wish this whole thing was behind you already, but it will be one of these days!
Cher
Cher,
You don't have to explain anything to me. God has given each of us free will. He doesn't force us to think one way or another. Sharing God's love and what He has said in His word is something I want to do. People then have a choice as to what they do with it. By the same token, when someone who believes differently then I do shares something on here, I have the same free will they do and am free to continue believing as I want. One thing all of us on all sides of any issue can do is to not get twitterpated because someone doesn't agree with us or see things the same way we do. And it's better to let go of animosity, bitterness, a critical spirit, etc., and not to hold grudges, because we all can disagree yet still be amiable. We don't have to be enemies. We can agree to disagree, and move on from there. It doesn't have to put a wedge between people. It doesn't have to lead to everyone being at each others' throats.
The person to whom you referred IS my friend. He may not be a mutual friend of ours, but there is still no reason for that to hinder our friendship. There is one thing that needs to be mentioned, and that is how the very thing you didn't like him doing (talking about you anr Karen Lite) etc., is what you just did where he is concerned. Sometimes the very thing we dislike is the thing we ourselves sometimes do. (Believe me, I've found this out first-hand about myself, so am not condemning you, or anyone else, in regards to that.) Anyways, I hope our friendship can continue in spite of the fact we disagree on some issues and disagree on who is a friend, etc. If you don't want to continue this friendship, please let me know, and I will respect your wishes.
I'm sorry. I think you misunderstood....my daughter is having a boy, so I'll soon have 3 grandsons. Maybe someday I will have a granddaughter. Am sure they are just as lovable.
In regards to Mainelyme...Evidently he was kicked off because of his off-color comments? They must have warned him about it first. Too bad things hadn't turned out differently. I pray he is okay. My heart always did go out to him. I just felt that he was someone who had been hurt by others and had been scarred emotionally by it. You've probably heard what they say about how "hurt people hurt people." Anyways, I pray the Lord will minister to him.
I, too, wish this whole thing was behind me already. However, am certain it won't be a short journey. Yet the Lord has said that as our days, so shall our strength be. That's a promise I am holding on to! Take care. Have a great day. And God bless.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
sharon_faith: Yes, I believe it is strange and , well, I don't have the words....to tell someone they should be careful who prays for them,etc. That is not necessary and the Christians I know do not do things like that. I am glad I know those kind of people and Christians. Each to their own. No grudge.....just cannot be bothered and I say that not about hardly anyone.That is all I am going to say about it. For the most part, I do not get involved in some of the discussions that go on on the BDN site.....some I do, many not. It works out for the best.
Your friend has warned people on the BDN site to "watch their back about chersully." I have never been the "target" of such a thing in my life (and I am not young.) They laughed him out of the water. I am use to respectful people. It shows what different people he is from the people who know me,etc (and JD2008 and most others on the site.) They can tell I am not like your friend seems to "depict" me. Therefore, I know with certainty, your friend has faulty judgment among other things. I am afraid his words ring very hollow with me and some others.
I wish no one ill though. I have been accused by him of talking "behind his back," Ludicrous! He has remarked about me when I was off line....anyway, how the heck would we know when someone is online?! This is all rather "anonymous". I was simply telling you why prayer,etc. will not come up with me, and probably not with karenlite either. I will, however, remain just the way I have always been with my Christian friends and others. I was glad to pray for my sister's friend who just has the very successful bypass surgery and is doing so well now.
I trust and like most people, that is all I will say.
I feel badly for Mainelyme as well. I just do not have the answers about that, and hope he is doing well .
I am sorry.....why did I think you said granddaughter? Yikes, I really had that in my mind for some reason I will reread it sometime (about the "photo" of him,etc, in utero). Either way, grandchildren are great. And from what I have heard from most, when they become teenagers these days, although you worry about all of them, it is even sometimes more of a challenge and worry with teenage girls,( if you know what I mean.)
I am going to move on from this now.....and in the future will be glad to read of your progress, and will be wishing only the best. So glad you have such a supportive family,etc.
Best to you......and everyone will be rooting for you.
cher
4Him2day,
Checked things out, and found out you haven't posted since July 23. Am praying all is well with you. Am praying it is just because you are enjoying your vacation. Of course, it has run through my mind that it could be you are not posting because of:
1. Illness.
2. Choosing not to post here anymore.
3. Having your account suspended by the BDN for whatever reason.
Prayerfully, it is just because you are enjoying your vacation. But I WILL be praying for you--that all is well. (God knows.) Please let me know you are alright. I'm kinda getting a complex here 'cause many people I've interacted with on here have suddenly disappeared--like you, free2bee, BFIH, Mainelyme, etc.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
I think free2bee is on vacation. His sister stopped posting because of a certain poster.....and they have stated who and why often so I will not go into it.(and I am sure you would not understand, but I respect free2bee's sister. Perhaps she also just got tired of posting.)free2bee (man) still posts however , especially on certain topics. He is probably on vacation.
BFIH was kicked off for his nasty remarks over and over again. Maybe he will be back one day.
Mainelyme: Not sure if he is going to come back or not. Also kicked off. I do not think he wants to be bothered any longer (he is older and probably does not need the stress,etc.) I read a post of his on a NYC newspaper, and Mainelyme seemed quite down on the BDN. Oh well.....it is too bad.
I believe many are not present now due to vacations.
Did not mean to "butt in" but I think you hit it on the head, sharon_faith with the reasons you listed, and I would add vacations.
Take care.
Hi Sharon, Sounds like the Lord is taking good care of you like He promises to do. Have been praying for you everyday while on vacation. Just dropping a quick post to let you know All is well here. Have not had an internet connection here, so have some catching up to do. I see someone in particular has missed me :)
He lives!
Hey 4Him2day!
I'm SO-O-O glad you're back! I was getting kinda worried there. Anyways, the Lord IS taking very good care of me. No complaints here. (And He's helping me to enjoy life and to have some fun again--joking, etc.) Thanks again for your prayers! They DO make a difference! I DO feel undergirded.
Well, continue enjoying your vacation! And as for someone in particular missing you....Like I said to Mainelyme a long, long time ago....Either he loves to hate me, or hates to love me...So maybe that's the case with that particular someone whom you are talking about. (They either love to hate you, or hate to love you. But either way, I think they actually enjoy the interaction.) :)
Gotta run. Glad you're back. Catch ya later.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
Hi 4Him2day,
Just wanted to share something with you that the Lord showed me this morning. Am sure you are familiar with Acts 27 and how the Apostle Paul was on board a ship, heading for Rome. It wasn't a journey he had wanted to make, but it was one the Lord allowed. He was a prisoner at the time. And the voyage got quite scary. They ran into foul weather--hurricane force winds, raging waves, and in danger of losing their lives. But the Lord let Paul know it was going to be quite the ride. He shared what the Lord had told him with the others who were on board. He said, "Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives." And the voyage DID get worse (see Acts 27:14-21). But "when "all hope that they should be saved was taken away", Paul encouraged them with these words: "And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast (shipwrecked) upon a certain island."
4Him2day, I believe the Lord has let me know today via these passages along with what He showed me last week in regards to how He added 15 years to King Hezikiah's life, that, yes, I am going to have to go THROUGH a terrible, hurricane-force storm, and there will be much I lose (prayefully it doesn't mean masectomy and chemo, but if it does, and the Lord takes a part of my body from me and also takes away my hair for a season, then I am ok with that). One thing is for sure...the Lord is "shaking" my life in order to remove all I am clinging to and hanging on to that stands in the way of my complete submission and surrender to Him and to His will for my life. It's another "faith-quake", and it is scary. Yet HE is the anchor of my soul. And He has assured me that I can be of good cheer, and believe what He has told me in regards to how this storm is going to take a lot, yet my life is going to be spared--and that those who are with me shall be spared as well. (I take that last part to mean the Lord is going to work through it to lead others to Him, or to strengthen those who are already His in their faith, knowing that whatever THEY will eventually have to face and go through, they will be able to do it because God is on there side and HE will carry them through the storms of life to the other side.) Yes, I am going to be "cast upon a certain island" for a time, but it won't be forever--and the storm won't be forever either!
Right now I feel like I am "in the eye of the hurricane"--a time of quiet and a lull in the storm in order that the Lord might help me to get rested and ready for the next leg of the journey. Next Monday, the "hurricane" will resume--in full strength. But I have a promise from the Lord that all will be well at the end of the voyage.
"And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violvence of the waves. And the soldiers; counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land: and the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped ALL SAFE to land." --Acts 27:33-44
While "the day is coming on" (fast approaching) where the fiercest part of the storm will be upon me, I am spending the "lull"--the eye of the storm--to "take bread" (Jesus is the bread of life) and to "take some meat" (the Word of God) and to "give thanks to God", and to "be of good cheer", and to share that cheer and hope with others. And I am committing my life into the Lord's hands, and I know that--after the storm and after the struggles--I will "escape" all "safe" to land.
I guess I truly am living the title of this article: "On earth, traveling toward heaven..." even more than I realized. But I am in God's hands, and that is such a comfort!
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith (Vicki)
P..S. Just noticed while I was typing it how it says in the last part of Acts 27:34, "...for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you." Oh, I pray this will LITERALLY be true in my case. :)
(But if God chooses to take my hair--or anything else--then I will be okay with that as well, for I am bought with a price, and I am not my own. I am His. I belong to Him. And He can do with me as He deems right. His will is perfect, as are His ways. My times are in His hands.)
Hey Sharon. Like the story you shared about Paul and his shipwreck. Hoping Acts 27:34 will apply to you....but there are worse things. Went to a small evangelical church while on vacation, what an amazing service!! They were on fire for the Lord as was evident in the praise and worship and the sermon itself. The pastor spoke of how the name of Jesus conjures up hate in people when you mention His name. How it offends people when you talk of Him as Lord and Savior. I thought about the posts here on the BDN and could relate to what he was saying. We live in such a lost world, and I feel so grateful for my salvation and that of my family and for those here that aren't ashamed to stand up and speak God's truth. I thank God for you, EJParsons, elizabethanne, Dirigodad and a few others here that boldly speak God's word.
Sounds like your doing as good as can be expected considering what your up against. NEVER, NEVER forget that God is fully aware of even the tiniest detail that your facing. HE knows, He cares, and He is in charge. Not even a sparrow falls to the ground without His Knowing and allowing it. I think I've shared this with you before, but it bears repeating. I have this written on the inside cover of my bible: Prayer is not the means of bringing our wills to pass, but the means by which He brings our wills into line to gladly receive His will...Ravi Zacharias.
Am praying for you! What is next on the agenda for you as far as treatments? When do they start? Are they going to send you to Boston for any treatment? Keep me posted please.
Your brother in Christ
4Him2day,
Thank you for praying. "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (Can't recall right now where that scripture is found, but am sure you know it--and I want to tell you that you also live it.) Thank you for your words of encouragement and for keeping me ever looking upward to the Lord and for always reminding me that He is here with me each and every day, each and every step of the way. I REALLY like that Ravi Zacharias quote! It's a keeper! And I'm going to write it down and keep it with my special treasures. Am putting a "blessing box" together--scriptures people have shared, cards, gifts--so that I can go through all those things when I have "the bad days" that I know are bound to come, even though I don't want them. But I know the Lord will use everything in that "blessing box" to remind me yet again of His love and that He will never leave me nor forsake me.
Don't know the agenda for treatments yet. I have a consultation with the breast surgeon this coming Monday at 4 PM and am sure she will let me know at that time what my "options" are and what they are. Her office sent me a packet last Thursday, but I never received it, so I called them today, and they are sending another one out. If that doesn't get here in time, then they said to come in 15 minutes earlier. Probably it's the routine info they need--medical history, allergies, family medical history, etc.--that will be in the packet. Anyways, when I had the biopsy, they told me all the procedures done last week would be reviewed this week by a whole team of medical people, and that they would hash each case over, and decide what the treatment should be for each person's procedure. Even though this is a "lull" for me, there's still people "working on the case", so to speak. I know I'll be having surgery, but don't know exactly what type (lumpectomy, partial masectomy, masectomy, removal of lymph nodes) just yet. Also, from what I've discerned on www.webmd.com, the treatments depend upon a variety of factors. Also, from what I read, the "ductal carcinoma in situ" generally is pretty much contained in one place and hasn't spread--so am praying that is the case. Of course, I'm not a doctor, so I may be misunderstanding it. If you get a chance, go to that website to the breast cancer health center and look up "ductal carcinoma (invasive and in situ)" and then tell me what your take is on it.
Am not sure if I mentioned this, but my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer 5 years ago. Hers was in about the earliest stage possible. She had a lumpectomy, radiation, and then had to take Tamoxifen for 5 years, which she just finished up not all that long ago. She's doing great. So, will see what the Lord has planned for me. Been thinking about how He wants us to praise Him with BOTH arms lifted up and how, in order to do that, we have to let go of what we're holding onto. At this point in time, I think I have ONE arm lifted up and the other arm is still holding onto stuff. But am praying the trying of my faith through this will be just the amount of refining I need to get BOTH of my arms lifted up in praise to Him. Do you know what I mean? I'm praying for certain things in this, and I KNOW He ALWAYS answers prayer...but it may be "yes", "no", or "wait".
The other day I shared with Cher (that's kind of funny...shared with Cher) a song the Lord has been using to ministering to my heart. There's other songs as well. One of them Is "I Will Rise" by Chris Tomlin. Have you heard it? Am going to give you a link to a page on tangle that has videos of Chris Tomlin. The one I'd like you to watch is the second one down--"I Will Rise". It's the one posted by Chris Tomlin himself. It's so true, and so comforting, and actually goes along with the Acts 27 story about Paul's voyage that I shared with you earlier. Jesus IS the anchor of my soul! Here's the link:
http://www.tangle.com/search?page=1&search_type=all&search_text=chris+tomlin
Let me know what you think about that song and that video.
Oh, just wanted to share with you why I'm not commenting much at all on other stories and stuff....It's because the spiritual battles would be too much for me right now. Therefore, the Lord has put me "on the shelf" in regards to that arena. (Am sure you'll understand what I mean.) What I'm facing right now is a whole different battle, and I have to stay focused on the Lord. But He doesn't need me anyways. He always raises up people who can stand in the gap and who can, by His power and grace, fight those spiritual battles. Plus, I know for a fact that He has already raised those people up--you, along with the others you mentioned in your last post. And He will always raise people up.
Where is Cher today? Has she been on at all? Hope she's okay. Hope she doesn't go "missing" like the others have, or I will REALLY get a complex. Hey, but YOU came back, so maybe the others will as well. :)
(Come to think of it...where is Karen Lite? Do I offend? This is getting worse and worse!)
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith (A.K.A. "you know who")
sharon_faith: You never offend. I was not able to be online. karenlite, I imagine , is on vacation. It seems like a lot of people are....free2bee,etc. Guess it is that time of year.....that is all.
Take care. Think of how your mother is doing fine. You will too. Tomorrow is another day.
cher
SharonFaith, chersully is correct, we have been on vacation. Took a few day trips but nothing beats vacation at home. No computer, no daily tv, just a lot of family time. Still in our prayers.
Jack and Em B.
Sharon, the scripture your referenced is found in the book of James, chapter 5 vs 16. It also says in those verses starting at vs 13 Is anyone among you suffering?Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.
14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;
15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.
16Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
Sharon, you are HIS child, His daughter, you have been bought with a price. I know you are aware of that. He knew this bump in the road was coming before you even born, before the earth was even created. He has a plan, and its a perfect plan for you!
I certainly do understand why the Lord has "put you on the shelf" for now. There is a spiritual battle going on, and its getting extremely intense. I just finished a book that was all about that very thing and how God's judgement on America has already begun. We don't know the day or the hour, but we are to recognize the season and be on the alert [ Mark 13:32 ]. I for one would love for the rapture to happen today! Sharon God will raise someone to fill the gap, and he has already. You need to get about the business of prayer. When you shared with us about your cancer, I kept thinking to myself how great it would be if we all lived as if we had cancer, and lived as if we didn't know what next week would bring our way. The reality is we don't know what a day will bring. The reality is we all have a cancer [sin], and need God so desperately in our lives. This is going to bring you so close to Jesus, enjoy your day awash in His love. I watched the video you posted, I loved it. I also watched "How Great is our God". That always puts a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes every time I hear the song.
The Name above all Names!
There is no other Name under heaven by which man can be saved!
Worthy of all praise
How great is our God!
Cher & Free2bee....
There you both are!
Whew...I was getting concerned. Glad both of you are ok.
Cher, my Mom IS doing great! That is something to consider, huh? When I woke up this morning, I had just a moment of self-pity...you know.....a few tears. But prayed and gave it to the Lord again. Then I put on some worship music, and I'm "good to go" again. Hey, there's so many people out there who are going through far worse things than I am going through--and many of them are all alone in their private pain. My heart goes out to them. I am so fortunate to have the Lord, family, friends....a wonderful support group (and this includes you, 4Him2day, free2bee, etc.)
It's raining here. What's it doing where you folks are? Try to stay dry. Hopefully we won't mildew!
In His love,
Sharon Faith
P.S. This is for free2bee: How is Lyndenmi doing? Tell her I said hi.
4Him2day,
You posted while I was responding to Cher and free2bee's comments, so just saw and read what you wrote. I LOVE each and every analogy you gave! The Holy Spirit definitely gave you those things to share, and they are so true and right on!
Like I told Cher, this morning I started to have a "from-the-pit-party", but prayed and turned it over to the Lord. I DO know it is okay to shed a few tears, but NOT to be thrown into despondancy or depression or to wallow in self-pity. There needs to be a balance--can't deny what's going on with me physically, but can't fall apart because of it either. It's a reality. And yet, like I shared with you last week, I'm an "optimistic realist" right now. Also, what you shared from James 5 in regards to "singing praises"...that's what the Lord led me to do this morning when I had that temporary mini-melt-down (I wasn't crying out loud or sobbing uncontrollaby...it was just a few tears. And I asked the Lord to give me strength for this day. I know it is DAILY manna and that He doesn't give us our weekly, monthly, or yearly manna. If He gave it to us all out once, we wouldn't need to come to Him every day, would we? And it would be so easy to go about our business with nary a thought about Him. He wants us to come and spend some time with Him. He wants us to have a special, intimate relationship with Him. He is, after all, our Heavenly Father, and we are His children.)
What's the name of the book you read? I DO believe that is what's going on in our world and in our nation. I would so love for the Rapture to take place right now. Remember that old commercial where the woman said, "Calgon...take me away?" Well, sometimes I cry out, "Lord, take me away!" (rapture). But He says it will be in HIS timing, and may not be in my lifetime, and that we are to "occupy till He comes" and, like He did, we are "to be about our Father's business." But we can still LONG for that day. We ARE exhorted by Him to "keep looking up".
You are so right about the Lord using this to bring me closer to Him. And I can definitely feel His presence and His love. Do you remember that quote by C.S. Lewis in regards to God's voice and how we hear it so much better in the darkness--or something like that. Can't remember the exact quote. Will try to find it later. Also, I have a cute story to share with you about Chris Tomlin later on, but gotta go for now.
Thank you for EVERYTHING! Am so glad the Lord has brought you alongside to minister to me. Know that I pray for you, too, and am asking the Lord to bless you and yours and to give you the strength you need to meet the challenges that come your way.
Love in Christ,
Sharon Faith
Sharon, the name of the book is " Get in The Ark" by Steve Farrar. Calgon..take me away? Boy, you are up there in age! Unfortunately I too remember it, but I'm sure I couldn't have been more than a few months old when it was on T.V.
Heve you ever heard of the prayer of Agur? It's in Proverbs chapter 30:7-9.
forHim2day,
Oh boy...there's that "old hen" term of endearment again! Good thing for you the Lord says to "turn the other cheek" and also to "forgive" as I've been forgiven. Otherwise...Well, we won't go there! :)
Hey...You were a few months old when it was on T.V., huh? Now what does the Lord say about lying? :)
Yes, I have heard of the prayer of Agur. It's something the Lord showed me a while back when the financial difficulties (lay off, etc) were going on. But it also applies to my current situation. I'd forgotten about it. Am glad the Lord had you remind me of it. It, too, is a comfort.
I came back on to share something with you that the Lord reminded me of as I was spending time alone with Him. It is found in 1 Samuel 30. It was when David and his men had been through one battle only to come back home to find their city burned with fire and their wives, sons, and daughters had been taken captive by the enemy. David asked the Lord if they should pursue after the enemy. The Lord answered, "Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all." There were six hundred men altogether, but only four hundred went with David and two hundred stayed behind because they were "so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor." But after the battle was over, and David and the four hundred returned victorious--having recovered, by God's grace, their families and everything that had been stolen by the enemy, David let it be known that "as his part is that goeth down to the battle, so shall his part be that tarrieth by the stuff: they shall part alike." In other words, the Lord is letting me know that the sphere of service He had me in before is not the sphere of service He has me in now. You and the others are like the "four hundred" who continued to pursue after the enemy, while I am like one of the "two hundred" who "stayed by the stuff". Right now I am "faint" and weary. So I can't go back to the front lines. God has me on the sidelines. But 1 Samuel 30:24 lets me know that it is equally alike in God's eyes. Do you know what I mean? And He also reminded me about Ecclesiastes 3 and how there ia s seaon to every thing, and a time to every purpose under heaven. And then Ecclesiastes 3 goes on to describe what those "seasons" are. This is yet another "season" in my life. It's not a time for me to go into battle. It's a time for me to be on the sidelines. Yet even on the sidelines, we can "watch and pray" and can cheer on the others who are still involved in the hard-core warfare. Just because I'm "indisposed" right now doesn't mean the Lord is no longer using me. It's just a different place of service, and a different kind of service. So, this was a comfort to me 'cause I so want to be a "Deborah", but the Lord says "Not right now." (Hope you can make sense of what I am trying to say. I know what I mean, but to put it into words is almost impossible for me to do.)
So, have taken up a lot of space on here with this posting. Therefore, the Chris Tomlin story will have to wait until later.
Love in Christ,
"The Old Hen" (I may be an old hen, but please know that I am NOT a "dumb cluck"! And, like I told you before, I FEEL like a spring chicken--well, I DID feel like a spring chicken until recently. Hey, but am sure I'll feel that way again! Did I ever tell you how every year on my birthday, my daughter writes Proverbs 23:22 in my birthday card? It says, "Despise not thy mother when she is old." And did I tell you how the Lord led me via Kay Smith to the following verse in response to what my daughter said, "Behold, thou hast made my days as an hand breadth; and MINE AGE IS AS NOTHING before thee." (That's found in Psalm 39:5.) So, my "age" is "as nothing" before the Lord! Awesome!!!! In HIS eyes, I am still just a spring chicken and NOT an old hen...so there. :)
(See, even the Lord has a sense of humor!)
But....let us not forget that a day to the Lord is as a thousand years.... :)
sharon_faith: More mildew here too! Got to run, but just wanted to say "hi"...oh, I just saw the post from free2bee....so that answers that anyway! Glad you heard from him (and Em) today.
Take care.
cher
And..."a thousand years as one day." :)
sharon_faith -Vicki, I have been keeping up with your progress and thinking of you and all our friends here. The music link you gave, The way we live, is inspiring and true, there are so many things every day that we can be thankful for. I am thankful that you are believing that you will be healed and that you have a 'young' spirit. All things are possible if you believe, and you do.
Sharon, I looked up and read on ductal carcinoma (invasive and in situ) on the mayo clinic website. Actually it sounds rather promising if caught early enough and not had a chance to spread. It also seems to be a cancer that tends to stay localized. This is definitely good news!
4Him2day,
Then we both got the same "take" on it. It IS promising, huh? :)
(We'll know the whole deal on Monday...am trying to PATIENTLY wait for that day to get here...But sometimes it's hard....)
Talk to you later.
Your Sister in the Lord
P.S. This month I turned "40"--at least as far as my "second birthday" goes. (When I accepted Christ as my Savior.)
well Sharon, using your 9:16 logic, I'm only half your age :)
Gr-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r-r!!!!
Sorry 4Him2day....Just a momentary lapse...But the Lord reminded me about Ephesians 4:26...So "it's all good" and I forgive you. Yes, you're younger than me spiritually and also in terms of earthly age. Hey, but if I get to Heaven before YOU do, then I'll be "forever young" before you. :)
Hey Cher...
Are you on here today? Was just thinking about you. Hope you have a fantastic day. How are your two cats, by the way? Mine is doing better 'cause it doesn't seem to be so muggy today, and she is more comfy. Am glad free2bee is okay. Was glad to hear from him.
In His love,
Sharon Faith
P.S. Was wondering if you know what ever happened to Vichet and Fausto? Remember when Anne and Vichet were squabbling? Oh, the good old days when "the gang" was all here. (Sigh!) Oh well, life goes on.....
Hi sharon_faith: How are you doing? I know your "real" name is Vicki but somehow you seem more like a Sharon to me! (names are just names, though, as we know!)
We have some of the "muggies"here today but maybe not so bad, I am glad to say. My two cats appear to be doing okay;glad yours is too.
About fausto, vichet, etc: I know what you mean. I don't have any answers to that either. I have seen fausto post every once in a while, but rarely. Some have just "disappeared" for whatever reason. Yes, it has changed....no Mainelyme,etc. I guess things change.....sometimes for the better, sometimes not.
I have to run for now, but just wanted to say "hi". It is Friday already! (that is good, right?!)
cher
mmmm, no, if you get to heaven before me, you'll forever be older than me...I think
Bummer!!! :(
4Him2day,
How 'bout this..."Mine age is departed..." (Isaiah 38:12a). :)
OK, you win! ..... for now
You sound like Arnold...."I'll be baaack!" (Yipes!)
Sharon, will be praying for you tomorrow.
4Him2day,
Just got on here and saw your message. Thank you.
Had a rough night last night. Like Peter, I guess I took my eyes off the Lord for a moment, and was overwhelmed by the wind and the waves. (You know what I mean.) Didn't sleep hardly at all. Rough day today as well. Prayed and asked the Lord to help me get yielded again. Tonight at Church we were in Daniel 10. The Lord answered my prayer. He basically used the whole chapter to minister to me, but especially verses 18-19: “Then there came again and touched me one like the appearance of a man, and he strengthened me, and said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”
When the Pastor read verses 18 and 19, I knew the Lord was speaking directly to me, and He was saying, “O woman greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.” And just like Daniel was strengthened when the Lord spoke to him, so too was I strengthened when the Lord spoke to me via His word (these very verses that I just shared with you.) And, like Daniel, I can once again say to the Lord, “Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.” (And He has! And I praise Him and thank Him for it!)
Will try to touch base with you tomorrow morning, but am trying to tie up loose ends here at home before the appointment, so may not have time. The appointment is at 4 PM. We live an hour away, so will probably be later in evening before I can let you know what I find out. May not be until Tuesday morning as I have to make phone calls to family members when I get home. Please DO keep me in your prayers—especially that the Lord will continue to strengthen me…And whenever I have “lapses” of faith (like the one last night and most of today) that they will be momentary and that I will get back on track with the Lord VERY quickly!
God bless!
Sharon Faith
Sharon, you OK?
4Him2day,
I'm sorry for the delay....Didn't get home until around 8:30 last night. Got out of surgeon's at around 5:30 PM, met my sister and her hubby at Bugaboo Creek for supper, and then headed home. Had to make phone calls to family last night. Busy morning...friends calling...Just got on here....So, here's the scoop....
It's a big PRAISE...They've caught it in the earliest stages, and it's all contained within the duct. It hadn't broken out yet, and hadn't spread. Therefore, I will be having a lumpectomy next Tuesday followed by about 3 weeks of recovery, after which I will be having 6 weeks of radiation, 5 days a week. And I'll be seeing lots of doctors for quite a while--the surgeon, the oncologist, the radiologist, and so on. Dr. O'Connor said they'll be keeping a close eye on me now. So feel confident even if cancer arises again after surgery and radiation, they will be right on top of it.
We are SO happy! And we can't stop praising and thanking the Lord. Am glad it wasn't His will for the other, but have learned through this time of waiting that no matter what His will is for our lives, we can still praise Him and He will give us the strength we need to face whatever we may have to face.
Hope all is well with you. Is your vacation over now? Are you back at work?
I cannot thank you enough for all your prayers and support! It has meant so much to me. Have learned through this the importance of seeking to reach out to others who are facing storms and trials in their lives. Just an encouraging word means so much to people--or even knowing that someone cares...Most importantly, knowing people are praying gives one strength to endure and press on. It's definitely meant all that--and more--to me!
Take care and God bless and will talk to you later.
Love in Christ,
Vicki (a woman who is praising and thanking the Lord today for the many blessings in her life!)
EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!
4Him2day,
Just wanted to let you know that it will probably be a long, long time before I'll be back on here. This week am tied up getting everything in order here at home. Saturday have an appointment to get my hair done (gotta look okay for surgery, right?) Sunday have to make a quick trip to Bangor in between Church services. Monday the anesthesia dept. is supposed to be calling. And of course Tuesday is the surgery. Then I'll be recovering. And then the radiation treatments begin. They've already given me a "heads-up" that the treatments can cause extreme fatigue. So, with all that's going on, and is going to be going on...that leaves no time for the computer. Plus, probably won't feel up to it anyways.
Will be thinking of you and praying for you though. Keep on keeping on with the Lord. Keep seeking to reach souls for Christ. The way things are going, there's really not much time left, if you know what I mean.
It's been wonderful knowing you and interacting with you. Most especially have loved the jokes. (I'm still one up on you in that department.) :)
Take care, God bless, and will check back with you sometime in the future. Hope you will continue to pray for me as well. After all, what are brothers for, right? (Besides picking on their sisters!)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon, hello! Well I for one will miss having you here but I certainly understand how much you need to focus on getting yourself healthy again. Please do come on once and awhile and let me know how your doing. I am grateful that you aren't facing radical surgery. The Lord will see you through this. He has a plan for you. The best part is you are open to whatever He has in store for you. Will be praying for you and your husband often.
I certainly do understand when you say the time is short. Things are happening at an alarming rate. I sometimes feel as if I'm on the sidelines watching bible prophecy come to life in vivid living color. We are so lost as a nation, so many are perishing without knowing. Had this video sent to me, really worth watching, here's the link to it:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOxSAnnoI3E Makes a great video to share with someone.
Take care
Your brother in Christ!
Sharon, you will be in my prayers tuesday.
4Him2day,
Thank you. Am a little nervous about tomorrow. Have been trying to put on the brakes, but they ain't workin'! Guess it looks like it's going to happen after all. (Unless, of course, the Lord comes back between now and then....It could happen!....That would be choice!!!!)
Don't know how soon I'll feel up to using computer. As soon as I can, I will let you know how it went, okay?
Your sis in Christ,
Vicki
my older sis, you'll do fine, but have to agree the rapture would be much better! Please keep me posted when your able.
4Him2day,
Got a t-shirt that says, "I survived surgery!" :)
Yup, it's 6:25 PM on Wednesay and I'm feeling pretty good. Had a rough night though. The percocet they gave me just before I left the hospital didn't agree with me....Lost my cookies on the ride home. Was sick all night long. But am feeling MUCHO better now. They gave me a prescription for vicidin (or however you spell it), but am NOT going to take it. Haven't taken anything--not even acetiminophen--and am relatively pain free. Praise the Lord for that. Also, the nurse who attended me before I went into surgery yesterday knows the Lord...And come to find out, she's related to me in a roundabout way. Her daughter-in-law is my cousin's daughter! She goes to Greenfield Baptist Church. She was in another unit yesterday, but they called her over to where I was 'cause they got backed up. I know the Lord is the One who switched her schedule. What an awesome comfort she was. We even laughed and had fun. It totally helped me to relax. I see the surgeon on the 20th. And she's also supposed to call me at the end of this week to tell me the pathologist's report.
Thanks again for praying and for being there for me. What a dear friend (as well as younger brother in the Lord) you are! God bless you. Take care.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Welcome home! Sounds like it went well and your doing good. Eat lots of ice cream, not only is it comfort food, I've been told it has healing powers. Not sure if its been proven, but who cares! Thank you for keeping me updated. Still praying for you and your husband.
God is good... all the time
forHIMtoday
Hey 4Him2day,
This afternoon the doc called with the pathology results. It's good news and bad news...The good news is the cancer is NOT invasive (which confirmed what they had already concluded), but the bad news is they didn't get it all and will have to go back in and take more tissue. The doc said I have to heal from this surgery first. I see her this coming Thursday. She's away the following week, so it will probably be at least 2 weeks before the next surgery. Right before she called me with the results I had been doing a Bible Study in John 15 and the Lord was already getting the message across for me to "abide" (rest) in Him. Soooooooo....that's what I am trying to do. Can't say I didn't have a momentary tear time 'cause I did. But it is past. Am focusing on the blessings and not the bummers!
Love in Christ,
Vicki
P.S. Hope all is well with you.
Sharon, that is good news that its not invasive! That is good news that they were "able to see" they didn't get it all! Thank God for the technology that they could see that! Imagine if they missed seeing that how much worse it would be. Thank God they are able to get back in there and get it all! Your not eating enough ice cream! You can do this.
In His service
forHIMtoday
4Him2day,
Does fat free french vanilla frozen yogurt count? If so, then I'm good to go, 'cause I eat TONS of that! (scrumpdillyicious) :)
All the points you brought out are right on! And we DO need to thank God for all those things. I was a bit discontented because of the "delay", but this morning the Lord reminded me how Martha and Mary were also discontented because Jesus "delayed". Remember how He waited to go until AFTER Lazarus was dead. They said, "Lord, IF you had been here..." And THEN the Lord revealed to them the purpose in why He had delayed. He resurrected Lazarus from the dead, and in so doing revealed Himself to be who He said He was, etc. Divine delays are for divine purposes. Therefore, I must leave all this in HIS hands. Yeah, I had MY plans...Had even "guess-timated" how long for my recovery and when the radiation treatments would begin. This totally frustrated MY plans. Hey, but GOD'S plans are the best, right? He knows the way that I take...He's gone before me...He's got it ALL under control. Now I look at my plans as being drawn up on an etch-a-sketch and how, at any time, God can come along and shake the etch-a-sketch, making MY plans disappear. And then HE etches HIS plans in stone! What's that old saying about how we are to hang onto nothing tightly and hold on to everything loosely? Something like that....Yup, that's what we need to do. Our plans are "subject to change", if God so desires. And He also asked me this morning if I am "resting" or "wrestling?" Hmmmmmm....Let's see....Initially I was wrestling....But now, for sure, I want to be resting in Him. "Where you lead, Lord, I will follow." An old hymn sprang to mind this morning as well..."My Lord knows the way through the wilderness...All I have to do is follow...." So there you are. :)
Hope you have a great day and a fantastic weekend! Thanks once again for pointing me to the Lord. You're a keeper! :)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
4Him2day,
Caring Connections gave me a book called, "Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book". I wanted to know more about the need for more surgery, etc., so looked in the chapter entitled "Treatment Options: Local Therapy." There's a paragraph in that chapter that explains it all in a nutshell. It says, "Breast cancers have tentacle-like protrusions stretching out into the breast tissue from the original lump. Ductal carcinomas with lots of DCIS (also called extensive intraductal component, or EIC0, associated with them can reach much farther out. When this occurs, the margins may not be clean on the first try (the surgeon can't see or feel the 'tentacles'). A reexcision will sometimes take care of it. But there are some cases in which even a reexcision won't get clean margins, and a mastectomy, the ultimate wide excision, is necessary to get it all out."
After reading this, I would ask that you please pray the reexcision WILL take care of the problem with "clean margins." I'm not too fond of the last-ditch effort. But....God already knows what that will be, so don't want to start fretting.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon, of course I'll continue to hold you up in prayer, but only if you tell your doctor about the "fat free vanilla frozen yogurt" How do you expect to get better eating that! It has to be the real thing in order to realize its healing powers. I'm shocked you've felt no conviction for eating that stuff. How are you getting along as far as healing from this past surgery? Do you start treatments soon? Do you have to wait to see how the next surgery goes before the next step? Hope your comfortable in this heat. GET YOUR REST, AND EAT YOU ICE CREAM!
4HIM
4Him2day,
Thank you for continuing to hold me up in prayer. Definitely need it. Nope, I'm not gonna tell my doc about the fat free frozen yogurt. :)
Haven't felt any conviction at all about eating it. Sorry. :)
Am feeling good, actually, and healing well. Did I tell you I had to go see the doc last Thursday 'cause I "sprang a leak"? She thinks I had a lot of bleeding going on 'cause she had to go down pretty deep--almost to the muscle. Still had some minor break through bleeding up until today! It's been good to go today--no blood. (Probably I have no blood left 'cause this heat dried it all up!)
They called today to tell me I have two appointments on Sept. 9th--one with oncology doc and one with radiation doc. They are "consultations" and are both one hour long each. Asked the girl who called if she knew I had to have more surgery and if that would conflict with those two appointments. She said the surgery will be before then and that Dr. O'Connor will let me know this Thursday when the surgery will be. So, since Dr. O'Connor is off next week, that only leaves the following week for her to do the surgery before the week of the 9th. Will let you know Thursday night if such is the case.
I am getting a lot of rest, believe me. My hubby has been so sweet. He won't even let me do the dishes yet! Ahhhhhhh!!!! This is the life! :)
Talk to you later.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
P.S. This is the only place on the BDN that I am going to right now. Can't really deal with the "real world" right now, if you know what I mean. Some of my life is temporarily "on hold". Am sure you understand.
free2bee,
If you still check out this thread, I just wanted to thank you for praying and to let you know that God has answered your prayer in regards to me having great doctors and great medical people attending to my malady. Have bonded with many of them. Also, many of them have the same sick sense of humor I have, so I've actually had "fun" at the doctor visits and even last week when I had the surgery. We were joking and laughing that day. It was awesome! Please thank your wife also for praying. God bless.
In His love,
Vicki
Cher,
Just wanted to let you know I am thinking of you as well. How are your cats doing in this heat? I've been taking paper towels and soaking them with cold water and using them to cool my cat down. She lays right there purring. Am concerned a bit about her though for another reason. One of her eyes has been buttoned up today and weepy. Hope she just got some dirt or hair in it. What do you think? Well, gotta go for now. Take care...And stay cool!
Love ya,
Vicki
Hi Vicki/sharon_faith: I am just getting caught up on some of these posts. I see that you are doing well, considering all you are going through. That was good to hear.
It is just too hot (but I do not feel I should complain as I am not dealing with anything like you are now). I feel very thankful that I live in Maine where we do not get too much severe heat.....I think there was a reason I ended up in this good state (I realize it is not perfect, but pretty darn good.) Oh, I mind the heat and humidity. I don't know how my oldest son endures the heat in Miami where they live currently; I could not! But they do not plan on staying there for too many more yrs.
My cats are okay but not much energy compared to usual. How old is your cat? Mine are fairly young (about 4 yrs old) That trick with the wet paper towels is really good.....I will try that for them!
Hoping you will be all through with all this medical treatment you are going through before very long. I feel it will be behind you before very long (but I know it must seem too long when you are going through it.) Your medical treatment seems to be very good, your family is supportive (especially your husband), people care about you and are pulling for you and praying for you.....I think you are going to come out of this fine.
Don't see too many posts anywhere from free2bee lately.....he and his wife are taking some vacation time I believe.
Best.
Cher
Hi 4Him and Cher,
Hey Cher, you know that "trick with the paper towels" that I was doing to cool my cat off? Well, have had to use the wet paper towels on myself the last couple days. The heat seems to have zapped me and drained me of all my strength. I'm not a later riser, but the last two days, have slept in until after 10:00. Was dead to the world. Crazy, huh? (But then again, maybe I can use the excuse that it is residual effects of last week's anesthesia. You think that's believable? You're right...it doesn't cut it. Oh well.)
Hope both of you are staying "cool". :)
Hey, do either of you have any info on this big category 4 hurricane that is going to be heading up the East Coast? Do you know if it is going to affect us here in Maine? I saw the headlines for it on the Rapture Ready website, but haven't investigated it. Thought maybe you folks would know a few more details.
Well, will let you both go for now and will talk to you later. Oh, Cher...Am not sure how old our cat is. We adopted her a year and a half ago from P.A.W.S. and they weren't sure of her age as she had been a stray that was found. She had kittens, which all adopted out shortly after they were born. But nobody wanted her 'cause she was full grown. The cat we had had for almost 18 years died a couple days before we adopted "Muffin." (P.A.W.S. had named her "Wendy", but my husband renamed her "Muffin". He likes food, and had to give her a "food" name. Haha.) We were devastated by our other cat's death, and vowed we weren't going to have anymore cats. But my husband's Mom told us about P.A.W.S. and so we went there, and I spied Muffin, A.K.A. Wendy, and saw she was hurting (not because the P.A.W.S. people weren't good to her, 'cause they were, but because she didn't "bond" with any of the younger cats. She stayed on the stairs. The P.A.W.S. people called her "the Queen of the stairs" 'cause she wouldn't let any of the cats up or down, but would hiss at them. Anyways, my broken heart recognized her broken heart, and she's the one we adopted. She had been at P.A.W.S. about a year, and they are guessing she was about two years old or so. Am thinking she must now be at LEAST 3 1/2 years old. My hubby and I BOTH love her. And she is sooooo loving. She loves BOTH of us. What a blessing she is! So, what's the scoop on YOUR cats? How did you come about getting them, etc.? (No, 4Him2day, Cher and I are NOT being "catty." Hee hee.)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
sharon_faith: Hope you are doing okay. This heat has been something else! Some people actually like it!!.....oh well! I have been eating a lot of popsicles and fruit juice bars.
I think you might be referring to Hurricane Bill. My oldest son currently lives in Miami and I have been trying to get more info on the storm. I don't believe we , in Maine, will be affected by it too much......maybe some rain on Fri and Sat and a few thunderstorms, but I am not sure on this. Let's hope for the best.
Your cat sounds really great, and fortunate to find such a good and loving home with you (and you are lucky to have her.) The current ones here, Riley and Zaney, are around 3 1/2 to 4 yrs old I think. I do not know a lot about their backgrounds.....think one was picked up on a city street by the Bangor Humane Society. Our previous 2 cats, Blackie and Marbles, both lived to be 19 yrs old. When they passed, it was such a loss to our family (as they were part of the family for all those yrs.) Still think of them a lot. This heat is not easy on cats, I shouldn't think, with their fur coats.
I hope you are doing well and things will just keep getting better. This hot weather is not that great sleeping weather that is for sure, and if one has trouble sleeping in the heat at night, I think we make up for it by sleeping a little later maybe.
Take care. I heard tomorrow is supposed to be a bit cooler and nice....then back to more humidity on Fri and Sat, but not as high temperatures. Oh well.....I have to remember not to complain about the weather this winter on a real cold day! You can bundle up in the winter (and more blankets,etc.) but how much can you do in the really hot humid weather?!
cher
Sharon, what did you find out yesterday?
Hi 4Him2day,
Yesterday didn't get home till towards evening. And then the usual incoming phone calls & emails from family & friends needed addressing. Plus, needed a little bit of time by myself to "adjust" to latest news. And then this morning, I watched a video message that Pastor Dan Hickling who is associated with Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale had emailed me the link to last night, so am just getting around to the BDN.
Have you ever heard of the "Uh-Oh Philosophy"? It goes like this:
"UH-HUH" (change of plans) & "OH-WOW" (totally unexpected) & "UH-OH" (totally unwanted) & "OH-GOD" (I can't do this on my own) = "AH-HAH!" (Get the picture.Understand what's going on.)
What does it mean? "We need to have an 'UH-OH PHILOSOPHY" (an attitude). We see things as, "Here we go again!" and welcome the surprises the day might bring. "I'm ready for it!"
The bottom line is: "We triumph in Christ when we think of the ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE!"
Well, the news yesterday ended up being "a change of plans" (UH-HUH), and "totally unexpected" (OH-WOW), and "totally unwanted" (UH-OH). Right now I am at the "OH-GOD" stage of the "UH-OH PHILOSOPHY" (I can't do this on my own), trying to reach the "AH-HAH!" stage where I finally "get the picture", "understand what's going on", and triumph in Christ by thinking of the eternal perspective.
The need for the second surgery actually is due to "changes" taking place in my body from the time of the initial stereotactic biopsy to the surgery a week a so ago. There's another duct that has cancer. And there's also micro-calcifications. Plus, they found another thing--which the doc says isn't a major concern, but still needs to come out--called "small intraductal papilloma". (I have NO idea what "papilloma" is...But am going to look it up later on WebMd.) Anyways, had a "mini-meltdown" last night 'cause I got to thinking, "What if the pathology report from the next surgery shows there STILL aren't 'clean margins' and there's cancer in other ducts as well? What happens then?" Of course, you and I both know the fear and anxiousness did not come from the Lord. ("Perfect love casts out fear", right?) But the Lord ministered to me in some very unexpected ways--one of which was that video message I watched this morning. And I am now "good to go" again...at least until my next "Uh-Oh" moment!
So, that's the scoop. Hey, I would highly recommend if you get a chance that you watch that video. Here's the link: http://www.calvaryftl.org/AWMedia/MediaDesk.cfm?fn=G5444
The title of the message is: "Hey God, I Thought We Were Friends." And the description of the message says: "We want God to do things our way, not we do things His way. God is up to good, even when it feels bad. Never regret giving God the benefit of the doubt. All things work together for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose."
Will talk to you later. Thanks once again for your prayers and support.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Hey Cher,
Just gave 4Him2day an update on my situation. It's also for you.
Am going to be on here later, but have to go do a few things right now. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you. Talk to you this afternoon, okay?
In His love,
Vicki/Sharon Faith ( I remember you said you have a hard time thinking of me as "Vicki", so added "Sharon Faith".)
Sharon, wow, another hurdle yesterday for you. The cancer in the other duct is confined to that duct, correct? Thats good. From what I just read Micro calcifications and intraductal papilloma are benign conditions right? Is it possible the calcifications are due to the cancer in the ducts? Please don't beat yourself up for being anxious about this. Who wouldn't be. God knows, He cares and He has a plan!!!
Philippians 1:6 " Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to {His} purpose.
2Ti 1:9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,
Hi 4Him2day,
You are right on in regards to your assessment of the cancer being confined to that duct, and also in regards to the micro calcifications. Am sure you are right about the intraductal pailloma as well...I haven't looked that up yet.
The doc gave me a copy of the pathology report. This may be "TMI" (Too Much Info), but am going to share it with you 'cause it appears you are a "detail" person like me:
Beneath the "diagnosis" the pathologist made some comments. One of them is as follows: "Calcifications are seen in association with ductal carcinoma in situ and with fibrocystic changes and flat epithelial atypia. the earlier biopsy is reviewed and changes are present as previously reported...."
And then he goes on from there to explain it all out. The case was reviewed by someone else who agreed with the findings, so I like the fact that they "double-check" everything and get "second opinions", etc.
I agree that God knows, cares, and has a plan. And the verses you shared definitely confirm it, and also reveal His heart for me (and for all who put their faith in Jesus.)
Talk to you later.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon then it sounds like the pathologist is confirming what I read about it being related to the ductal carcinoma. They are benign and easily removed with a tiny incision. CORRECT.
sharon_faith/vicki:
It is good you are keeping people on here informed. Or else, they would be wondering!!!
Wow....a lot to take in. That medical stuff (terminology,etc.) is something else, isn't it?! But it sure sounds like your doctors are on top of things and I think that bodes well. I have not had any experience with what you are going through, but from what I have heard and read, I believe the type of cancer you have is quite treatable and has good outcomes.
Hope today goes well and you get done all you need to. I think you are going to come out of this well. And, I know you said your mother did, so I think that is also something to remember.
cher
Hey Cher and 4Him2day,
To answer your question, 4Him...the micro-calcifications and the papilloma (by the way, I DID check that out on WebMd and all I can say is "Ewwwwww! 'Wart's' up with that?!) ARE benign and small, with the micro-calcifications actually being a "by-product" of the cancer, so to speak. But in regards to a "small" incision...It's not going to be that 'cause the doc has to get the ductal carcinoma in situ out as well. She said she's going to use the prior incision and is going to go further over on the lateral side towards the direction of my arm and will need to cut out enough tissue to ensure she gets all the cancer, the micro-calcifications, the papilloma and enough extra tissue to, prayerfully, get "clean margins." Hey, but I'll be out...so I won't feel a thing!
Cher, I think we can all become medical transcriptionists or something after all this info! (Ha ha) But seriously, I think I have THE BEST surgeon in the world! She's awesome!!! Yes, I agree with you...This is "the best" type of breast cancer to have, and I guess the most treatable! So, I praise the Lord for that. Long process...the tests, the surgeries, the treatment, and all....but well worth it in the end, huh? Yup, today IS going well. But as for getting everything done I need to...that doesn't seem to be happening. A lot going on with others I know. Lots of phone calls...lots of prayers. So many hurting people, huh? And they are all around us. So how are YOU doing today? I just saw that we've got a severe thunderstorm warning here. Am listening for thunder....You know how I am about storms...computers...and not wanting my hair "permed" by lightning!
Cher and 4Him....Hope you both have a great weekend. Stay COOL! Talk to you both later.
Love ya both,
Vicki/Sharon Faith
Sharon_faith/vicki: Got to run in a minute but wanted to let you know I read your latest post. Wow.....I think that when this is over, you will almost be qualified to be a doctor or some kind of medical person yourself!! This is knowledge you maybe could have done without, I know, but now that you are dealing with this, it is so good you are so informed about what is going on and have such a good rapport and relationship with your doctor. Another real plus!
Try and stay cool in this humidity (ugh!) I heard that it is supposed to be nicer next wk.....in the 70's or low 80's and dry and sunny.
When is the next surgery again? I have to check back on that later (I know it is in one of the previous posts.)
Got to run. Take care.
cher
4Him2day,
Have you heard that Jeremy and Adie Camp just lost a child? Heartbreaking news!!! Here's the link to their website:
http://www.jeremycamp.typepad.com/
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Hi Sharon, no I did not hear of it till you mentioned it. That is tragic. How was your weekend? Is your husband keeping up with the housework :) Don't take advantage of him, that wouldn't be nice.
Sharon_Faith, re 8/17 and following. Ours prayers continue to be with you. Em and I are dealing with some difficulties medically and emotionally. She lost a much loved aunt about 2 weeks ago and although we know that she is at peace we are dealing with the loss of an angel on earth. I was recently diagnoses with diabetes (she is more worried than I) and we had to rush our 9 year old to emergency over the weekend due to ongoing medical issues. We are holding strong and have complete faith in the Lord and in his doctors.
Continued Godspeed
Jack and Em B.
free2bee,
Thank you for your prayers. Yet right now, our roles seem to be reversed, and YOU and your family are the ones in need of prayer. Therefore, I want you to know that I am going to be going boldly before the throne room of grace in order to ask the Lord to meet with you and your family, to provide for your every need, to minister grace and strength and help to you in this YOUR time of need. Am so sorry everything has come upon you folks all at once. Am well acquainted with how that feels. Like Job said, the thing we feared most has come upon us. Yet, like Job, we can still continue to praise and worship the Lord, and to "not charge God foolishly", and to know in our hearts He has a plan and a purpose for allowing what He has allowed--even if we can't see what it is right now.
At Church on Sunday morning, we were in Luke 22. There was much there in that chapter that ministered to me, and I sat there weeping as the Lord whispered to my soul. What really stood out to me was when the Lord told Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren" (Luke 22:31-32). Yes, we WILL go through much. Yes, God DOES oftentimes allow "the thing we feared the most" to come upon us. And at first, like Peter did, we may even stumble because of it. But we don't have to stay "stumbled". The Lord Himself had "prayed for us, that our faith fail not." And so we know that when we are facedown, we can look up and He will reach down and stand us upon our feet again. He will renew our strength. He will give us what we need to continue pressing on--to continue to "run the race that is set before us". He will breath fresh life into us. And then, when we are "converted", He will use us to minister to others, strengthening our brethren. I think 2 Corinthians 1:1-4 says it all..."Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints which are in all Achaia: grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." (There's more, but you can check that chapter out for yourself, as it is too long to put on here. But I think the first four verses basically say it all anyways.)
How is Em right now? She's got a lot on her plate--as do you. How is your 9 year old doing? And how 'bout YOU? Listen...I have just written down all the info you gave and will be praying for you all. May I pass these prayer requests on to others whom I know will also lift you folks up in prayer?
The Lord has used this comment section to bring all of us together. And we were all basically "linked" and "acquainted" with one another BEFORE the trials arose in our lives, so He already had prepared everything ahead of time in order that we would pray for one another and encourage one another in the Lord.
Please give my love to your wife. Tell her from one woman to another, I know how hard it is as the "wife" and "mom" to see your loved ones hurting and going through stuff. So I can truly empathize with her and all she is enduring right now. (Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, right?) Anyways, you will continue to be in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Keep me updated, okay?
Love in Christ,
Vicki
4Him2day,
I wrote you a message, but it didn't post!!!! Don't know what's up with that! Am going to see if this will go through and then I will try again.
Okay, 4Him2day...That went through....Now let's see if this will. It kinda stinks what I wrote you initially didn't go through 'cause it was quite lengthy, but why am I not surprised it "disappeared'?
Anyways, the main gist of what I wrote to you was in regards to Jeremy Camp and being in agreement with you that it is tragic. I also asked if you knew his background/testimony and how he lost his first wife to cancer, etc.? Out of that place of pain and sorrow, came many of Jeremy's songs--"I Still Believe", "I Will Walk By Faith", etc. Am so saddened by the recent loss of their child, yet Addie's blog showed me they are continuing to press on and to "walk by faith", even when they cannot see.
Don't worry, 4Him2day...I'm not taking advantage of my sweet hubby. I did the dishes myself yesterday and today. :)
(Queen Vashti got "dethroned" and "divorced" 'cause she got "sassy" and refused to do her husband's bidding, and the other guys told him to get rid of her 'cause she might get their wives to rebel. Well, that's a paraphrase of what happened. Am thinking maybe YOU were afraid your wife would hear how my hubby's been doing the dishes, and she might want YOU to do the dishes. Haha.)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
I've been doing dishes and cooking for quite some time.. thank you very much! :)
4Him2day,
So it was YOUR wife who got the ball rolling with the guys doing dishes, huh? I was just following her lead. :)
(Moo who ha ha!)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Wait!!! You cook????? Hmmmmmmmm.....I gotta talk to my hubby 'bout that.....He only does the dishes! (Tell your wife thank you for another idea!)
you never had my wifes cooking, it was clearly a matter of survival! ( JUST KIDDING HONEY) hope theres no chance of frost tonight, I have no heat in my doghouse!
My husband "cooked" tonight...He ordered it and picked it up. It was good! :)
what a rookie! :)
but have to admit, I'm jealous
Am sure my hubby would be willing to share the number of that pizza place with you. :)
Hi Cher....Today is first day I've been on BDN since last week, other than to post that sad essage about Jeremy and Addie Camp. Free2bee and his wife and family are going through a lot, huh? My heart goes out to them. There's so much going on in so many people's lives. You don't have to look very far to find hurting people! Seems like there's more and more stuff going on, and more and more tragedies, etc.
So how are YOU doing? I pray all is well with you and your family. How are the kitty cats? Mine is doing good. She's in the same room with me right now, sleeping on top of my daughter's old trunk.
Still high temp tomorrow, but then it IS supposed to cool down a bit. Yay! Will really enjoy the cooler weather. Hopefully we'll get some more rain soon though. Up our way it is pretty dry! My plants that were out front got scorched. My hubby doesn't think they can be saved. He took them down back. :(
The next surgery is a week from today--Tuesday, September 1st. Have been getting lots of stuff done around the house as I have a feeling the recovery period might be a little longer this time since it is a re-excision. Hold on, Cher, I have to insert a "memo" for 4Him...(See 4Him2day...I'm not taking advantage of my hubby...I'm trying to help him out all I can in regards to the housework, etc. LOL.)
Well, will talk to you later. You take care, too.
In His love,
Vicki
P.S. Any news on Mainelyme?
sharon_faith/vicki: There you are! I have not been online too much in the past few days either, and not much at all tomorrow. I am sorry about that couple who lost their young son. That is heartbreaking. Hearing more from free2bee and his wife and also sometime lyndemni now! (remember?) People are "coming back" more now; summer days are waning. Doesn't seem possible , does it? But sure am enjoying this nicer weather and don't miss all that sweat and all that....ugh!
My family is doing fine and so are the 2 cats for which I am thankful and grateful. Glad your kitty seems so content. As for the plants...hmmm, not sure about that one. I enjoy having some plants around. Maybe yours' will revive. Have to be careful here with the plants though; these two cats, and one in particular, think they are for eating!
Well, soon you will be through with those surgeries......it will be good to have it behind you, and you will soon! So a wk from today....next Tues. then. It will be done and over with before you know it.
As for news about Mainelyme: I wish I did, but know nothing more than you do. It's too bad.
Have a good day tomorrow. Take care and let people here know how you are doing.
cher
Hi Sharon...wondered where you disappeared to....but then again I haven't been on line much either. Once in a while I'll post, but not too often. Have so much to do. Hope you return back to good health. God bless you and yours..
Hi Cher,
Haven't felt well the past few days. Praying it will pass soon 'cause I don't want anything to delay the surgery! (Let's "get 'er done", right?) Feeling a bit better today, but still not where I oughta be. Bummer, 'cause NOW we're having some very enjoyable weather, and I really would like to be able to enjoy it! Oh well, God knows. So must leave it all in His hands, right?
Lyndemni's been on here? Where? I didn't know. Am still very concerned about free2bee and all he and his family are enduring. Am praying he will update us soon.
Am glad you and your family--and your "babies" (the 2 cats) are doing good. Yeah...I was bummed about the plants...Don't think there's any hope for them, though--pretty much fried. Your cats eat plants??? That's not good. Some plants are harmful to pets, right? I have a lot of indoor plants, but the only one Muffin wanted to eat was the fern, so I've had to put it up higher, out of her reach. Oh yeah, and we have some fake trees and the plant pots they're in have some fake moss on top...we have to cover the moss with towels 'cause Muffin DOES like to eat that. But she's bulimic--she eats it, and then she throws it up. I know, I know...TMI again (too much info). Sorry. :(
Am praying this will be the last surgery. Praying there will be "clean margins." Kinda anxious about that. Another thing I must leave with the Lord. Maybe that's why I haven't been feeling too well these last couple of days--maybe I've taken back what I gave to the Lord and am trying to carry the load all on my own again. And we know how impossible that is to do!
I still think of Mainelyme. My heart goes out to him. Still pray for him. I know he probably doesn't like that, but that's what the Lord has laid on my heart to do. I do hope he is okay. I know he has a lot of health issues himself.
You have a good day too. Take care of yourself, Cher. Will talk to you later.
Love ya,
Vicki
Hi Elizabethann,
How are YOU doing? You've had a busy summer, huh? Don't you have a business or something that is active in the summer? Can't remember exactly, but I do think you mentioned it once. How's your family? Hope all is well with you folks. Yeah, I got a little something going on right now, but the Lord is in control, so "it's all good", right? Thank you for your concern. I'm not posting much on here either. In fact, this is the only place I come to on the BDN right now. I haven't been reading the other articles or comments for a while. Maybe when everything returns to "normal"--whatever "normal" is.
Well, housework is calling....Talk to you later. God bless you too.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
sharon_faith: Just a quick "hello" for now. Haven't had much time today. I am sorry to hear you haven't been feeling so good the past few days. Possibly some anxiety about just wanting to get the surgery done and over with, maybe? I mean, that would be natural.
Oh, lyndemni: The sister of free2bee, as you know. Well, on one of the other threads lyndemni said she is watching things for her brother and sister-in-law while they are away (at the hospital I think.) I wish I could recall all she said, but am too tired right now. Hopefully, she will keep us up-to-date.
I also keep the plants up high; there are some that just aren't good at all for cats to get into, so do not want to take any chances.
Oh, I sure hope this will be the last surgery for you too, and it sounds like it will be. At this time next wk, that surgery will be behind you.....hurrah!! That will be a relief.
Take care and hope you are feeling better.
Cher
Hi Cher,
I do believe you are right in regards to some anxiety. Had a rough night. Cried. My poor husband tried to console me, but sometimes we are in a solitary place where it's just us and the Lord. (Kinda like Elijah under the juniper tree, Hagar in the wilderness, etc.) It's the place where the Lord wants to meet with us. And He is the only One who can comfort us and then carry us THROUGH our wilderness, out to the other side. This morning, I poured out my heart to Him, and He restored peace and joy to my soul. I let go of everything again--giving all the "what ifs" over to Him, knowing that He has promised to give me what I need, when I need it. His grace IS sufficient for me. And His word says, "As thy days, so shall thy strength be." So, it's one-day-at-a-time again for me. Not looking beyond today. Placing my trust--and all my "tomorrows"--in His hands. Amazingly, am no longer feeling nauseated, etc. Hmmmmmm, you suppose the Lord is helping? Yes, He most assuredly is! And I praise Him for that. He showed me a couple of verses from Psalm 22 that ministered to my heart: "But be not thou far from me; O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me" --Psalm 22:19. (That was my heart's-cry this morning.) "Ye that fear the LORD praise him...for he hath not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; neither hath he hid his face from him; but when he cried unto him, he heard". (This was how He answered.) So, I'm "good to go" again, thanks to God.
Am very concerned about free2bee and his family. Was this a recent posting Lyndemni made in regards to free2bee and his family being at the hospital? I know he said they rushed their 9 year old to the hospital last weekend....Prayerfully, this isn't a new hospital visit! Hope that either free2bee or Lyndemni will give us an update on this thread.
Thank you in regards to your comforting, encouraging, and reassuring words regarding the upcoming surgery. Yup...you're right....next week at this time, the surgery WILL be behind me.
You take care, too, Cher. Hope you have a great weekend. We're supposed to be going to my Mom's tomorrow. It's out at their camp. Looks like we might get wet. Mom said we can call it "a hurricane party". I told her others in the past have done that and have never been heard from again. I also reminded her about what happened to Job's kids when they were feasting together and a big wind came up...Not good. Her remark, "But we're not Job's kids." My Mom has an answer for everything, especially when she's made up her mind about something. She's having the family reunion no matter what!
Love ya,
Vicki
Hey 4Him2day...Where ya been? Ordering take-out? Hahahahaha :)
(Or doing dishes?)
Do not take pleasure in anothers calamity
PROVERBS
Ouch. (Or should I say, "touche"?)
Anyways, your wife told me she always knows when dinner's ready whenever you do the cooking--it's when the smoke detector goes off! Hahahahahaha!
Okay, I repent.
Yes, you are "King of the Grill"...I mean, "King of the Hill".
did you forget to take your meds today :)
So other than that how are you sharon?
Sharon...always remember something. I am not a "weeper". To me I seldom weep. But when I see others weep my heart goes out to them. I feel it in my belly. A few weeks ago I "wept" like I hadn't wept in years. I asked the Lord what was that all about? I heard.. "and Jesus wept" I remembered when Jesus wept in the garden for our sins and remembered when Jesus wept over Jerusalem. I began to pray about it and realized that tears are like prayers to God the Father. Just as Jesus prayed in the garden and over Jerusalem his ttears were prayers to God the Father for us and with us. And when we weep, Jesus weeps with us and so He prays with us. God bless. God bless
sharon_faith/vicki: Hope you have a good wkend with family......and stay dry and warm. I have a lot of family things going on this weekend as well, including activites planned with 6 yr old granddaughter.
Glad to hear you are feeling better. I thought you would be.
Enjoy your time with your family this wkend. I think when this next surgery is over, you will feel even more relief and more of a load lifted. It will be good to get that over and done with.
Take care.
cher
Psa 145:4 One generation shall praise Your works to another, And shall declare Your mighty acts.
Psa 145:5 On the glorious splendor of Your majesty And on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.
Psa 145:6 Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, And I will tell of Your greatness.
Psa 145:7 They shall eagerly utter the memory of Your abundant goodness And will shout joyfully of Your righteousness.
Psa 145:8 The LORD is gracious and merciful; Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
Psa 145:9 The LORD is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works.
Psa 145:10 All Your works shall give thanks to You, O LORD, And Your godly ones shall bless You.
Psa 145:11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom And talk of Your power;
Psa 145:12 To make known to the sons of men Your mighty acts And the glory of the majesty of Your kingdom.
Psa 145:13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And Your dominion {endures} throughout all generations.
Psa 145:14 The LORD sustains all who fall And raises up all who are bowed down.
Psa 145:15 The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time.
Psa 145:16 You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psa 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds.
Psa 145:18 The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth.
Psa 145:19 He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and will save them.
Psa 145:20 The LORD keeps all who love Him, But all the wicked He will destroy.
Psa 145:21 My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD, And all flesh will bless His holy name forever and ever.
Elizabethann, Cher, and 4Him2day,
Am limited on time as we will be going to Mom's soon, but wanted to thank all of you for what you all wrote. Elizabethann, I'm not normally a "weeper" either, and I've struggled with this aspect, wondering why I wasn't leaving things with the Lord, wondering what in the world had gotten into me, wondering what was wrong with me. What you wrote uplifted and encouraged me. You helped me to know and understand that there ARE times when tears come. And even though they are unbidden and unwanted, God sees our tears, feels our sorrows, and comes to comfort us and meet us right where we are. Yes, Jesus wept. And He is our High Priest who forever makes intercession for us. He knows what our infirmities are like--after all, He came down to Earth and clothed Himself with flesh to reveal Himself to us, to take our sins upon Himself, to die for us, to rise again to show how He has victory over sin, death, the grave--and over every pain and sorrow. Thank you so much for what you shared. It really touched my heart and helped me to let go of the guilt I've been feeling in regards to the weeping I've been doing.
Cher, you have been such an encouragement to me as well. Am so glad we've been able to talk about "normal" things--the weather, our families, our cats, etc., 'cause it has helped me to get my mind off of this "abnormal" thing in my life--the breast cancer. It's helped me to still live life and not be "crippled" or "paralyzed" by this other thing. I've enjoyed our "chats". I hope you have a wonderful time with your family this weekend. Am certain you will.
4Him2day...No, it's not meds...it's the java. Just kidding. It's not either one of those...It's nerves. Yup, it's true. Plus the fact that I have been trying to laugh in order not to cry. (You might not understand this...It might just be a woman thing....I know guys are stronger and tougher. But am sure you've seen your wife go through the tear thing.) Anyways, I do think I did get a bit carried away with teasing you, and I want to apologize. I hope I didn't hurt your feelings. I would never ever want to do that. Thank you for sharing those verses from Psalm 145. Of course when I read them, I cried. But it was a different kind of crying. This time it was a healing type of cry 'cause I heard the Lord whispering to my soul and telling me that He is near, He hears my cries, He hears my prayers, He knows my fears, and He will help me. Therefore, "my mouth WILL speak the praise of the LORD", and I WILL bless His holy name forever and ever". Amen and Amen.
Ok, guy--and gals....Gotta get a-going! But just wanted to thank the three of you for being such totally awesome, loving, and caring people and friends! You are my "invisible" friends--but you aren't the first "invisible" friend I've had....Jesus is. :)
My love to you all. God bless. Talk to you later.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
free2bee or Lyndemni,
If either of you are on here and see this, please give us an update on what's going on. Am very concerned. And am continuing to pray.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon, sounds like you think you may have offended me. NOTHING COULD BE FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. I've always enjoyed the back and forth bantering we do. I do know when women get emotional they don't think clearly:) [ just kidding ] I hope you had an enjoyable weekend and it gave you a chance to get your mind off this if only in short bursts.
praying for you daily
4HIM
4Him2day,
Yes, I did think I had offended you, and I would never intentionally do anything to hurt your feelings or anyone else's. I know teasing can sometimes get out of hand, and people's feelings CAN be hurt. And I thought that that's what I had done to you. Whew! Am glad that wasn't the case! So, can we still joke 'cause I could use a little lighthearted banter right now. Laughter helps me to deal with things. Is that crazy? If it is...blame it on "the meds".
But, seriously, I DID have an enjoyable weekend! Had fun yesterday with the family. Did Church twice today. The Lord met with me both times and ministered to my soul. Very refreshing. Feel renewed. Plus, enjoyed the fellowship afterwards with friends. Tomorrow I'll be busy getting everything done that needs to be done around here before Tuesday. In a little over 24 hours, will be having fun again with my friends at EMMC. My husband and my Mom are both going to be there with me. Plus, the Lord will be with me, right?
Oh, do you listen to Solution FM? I just found out the other day that Morgan's sister has a very aggressive type of breast cancer. She was diagnosed with it back in June. She starts chemo treatments this week. Could you please pray for her? My heart goes out to her and her family.
Thank you for praying for me "daily", 4Him....It is sooooo very much appreciated. Please pray, too, that I will KEEP my eyes on the Lord. He hasn't given us the spirit of fear, right? Also, can't be thinking about the "what ifs"....need to trust the Lord for daily strength to meet my daily needs. (Hey...that's the title of one of my devo books..."Daily Strength for Daily Needs." Duh, Vicki....Selah!....God's "manna" is "moment-by-moment".)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Vicki,
Am just browsing here this morning - okay checking up. Em and I are doing as well as can be expected. Our son is scheduled for resective surgery on Wednesday, through MRIs, EEGs etc they have determined that part of his temporal lobe needs to be removed to lesson his seizures. We weighed the risks and the possible deficits he may face and came to the decision that this is the best thing we can do for him. He is a fighter and has taken all this in stride.. Although he admits that he is a bit scared, he is excited about the possibility of living a more 'normal' life. I made a quick trip home yesterday to be with the rest of the family and am headed back this evening.
Will pass on to Em your Tuesday event and your thoughts and prayer. Know that we will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Godspeed
Jack and Em B.
free2bee, I have been praying for Jacob. I know another family that has been struggling with this very thing for years. Its hard on everyone. Sometimes I think its harder on the parents than it is on the child. Children have a remarkable capacity to cope. Putting our theological differences aside for a moment I am begging you to please ask Jacob to receive Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior. Please tell Him that Jesus is the only way and He came and died for our sins, including Jacob. He is not to young to understand, the gospel message is really that simple. Simple enough for a child to understand. Its the grownups that tend to complicate it. My son was 5 y/o when he accepted Christ. He asked us! I pray for Jacobs surgery to go well, I pray that Jesus name will be glorified through this. I pray that the seizures will stop. I pray that while they are operating on this boy that he will SEE Jesus in the corner of his minds eye, and KNOW he is real.
Jack,
My heart is wrenched by this news. Yet I know God is still in control, and that He is there and will strengthen you and your family and your son. My heart most especially goes out to your wife Em. As a Mom myself, I know the bond there is between a mother and their child. It's a very special bond. Yes, the Dad's love and care for the children and are "bonded" with them, but it goes even deeper with a Mom and her children. I can't explain it, but am sure Em knows what I mean.
Am sure both you and Em would gladly exchange places with your son. But know this, God knows what this feels like. God knows your fears, your heartaches, your pain, your sorrow, your concerns, your longings to help your son, and your desire to trade places with your son. And He WILL strengthen you, and comfort you, and see you THROUGH this. This morning I posted a verse on my Facebook page. It was one the Lord had just given me as my mind started to become a little troubled again in regards to tomorrow. It's 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. It says, "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." He IS "the Father of merices"...He is merciful, Jack. And He IS the God of ALL comfort, and He has promised to comfort us in ALL our tribulation. And then we, in turn, can comfort others "by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God." The Lord will see you folks THROUGH this. And it sounds like your son is doing very well emotionally. He's ready for this. He wants it. And you said he is excited about the possibility of living a more 'normal' life. Sounds like he is "good to go" with the surgery. That must be so comforting to you and Em.
Please know you are in my thoughts, heart, and prayers! And am going to share this latest info with my husband. We WILL be praying, Jack. I'm probably going to be out of commission for at least a few days, so will not be able to see updates for a while. I'd have my hubby check, but he is completely computer-challenged. (Not putting him down...that's from his own mouth. He doesn't really like computers, and doesn't know how to log on, etc. I did set him up a facebook page last week. And after I log him on, he does like to send messages to our daughter and friends, and to make comments on Bible stuff. So there IS hope...he's just not ready for "prime-time" yet. That's why I won't know about updates from you for a while. But God will know. And I will simply continue to pray, and trust that God is working out His good and perfect will through your son's situation--and through the other challenges you and your family have been facing as well. Speaking of which, how are YOU doing in regards to the diabetes? And how is your wife doing in regards to losing her Aunt?)
All my love to you and your family. Again, I am praying for everything, Jack.
In His love,
Vicki
Good morning, 4Him...
Am with you in praying for Jack's son. Am so glad you connected with Jack in that way. I pray the Lord will use all of this for His glory and honor.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Vicki and forHIM, you don't know how much the prayers mean to us. Jacob has a multitude of issues, this is but one. Having a 'normal' life to him is not in comparison to what our other children would consider a 'normal' life. He wants to "stop fall down". We were blessed with Jacob when he was 28 months old. He had suffered numerous brain injuries and fractures and was functioning at the level of a 6 month old. Functionally now he is between 24 and 48 months. He is able to dress himself with some help. He is able to eat independently. He can sing the ABC song and recognize his written name as well as form the 'J', 'c' and 'o'. He knows these things about Jesus, Christmas is when we celebrate his birth and Easter is when he rose. He knows he speaks to God in his nightly prayers. Jacob does not understand the concept of death or sin. He knows when he does well and when he does not behave nicely. I sincerely appreciate your reaching out forHIM, if I ask him he will say yes, but he does not have the capability to understand what it means. We know that he is in the palm of the Lord's hand and surrounded by His love.
Thank you
Jack and Em B.
Free2bee, I firmly believe that if we could understand fully how much Jesus loves someone like Jacob we could not control our sobbing!
free2bee...Jack, Em & lyn....Jacob is in the thoughts and prayers of many including my wife and I as well as folks in our church....Asking for God's hand of healing as well as His presence to be with you all thru a very difficult struggle....the updates are appreciated and you folks are certainly held up in our prayers also....Faith is best exampled in the heart of a child and I trust that God holds our children very close to his own heart....Your days are probably consumed with trying to meet Jacob's needs and finding help and answers to your questions and concerns..."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths"...Proverbs 3:5 & 6.... Please give Jacob an extra hug & kiss from me tonight....
Have not read anything here for several days.....and quite a bit here. Wow.....I feel for all that you are going through , sharon_faith/vicki, and the family of Jacob. (free2bee,Em, lyndemni and all Jacob's family)
free2bee: How old is Jacob again? I know you are going through so much and are worried and concerned.....you love this little boy so much. And I hope the diabetes situation is better , Jack? Keep everyone informed.
sharon_faith: I have not been able to read your posts till now. I know you are really busy getting ready for tomorrow. Just think.....it is almost over.....what a relief it will be to have tomorrow over with. You are in so many people's thoughts and prayers.
Post here again when you can, but in the meantime, just take care of yourself. Oh, and I think maybe you were kidding (at least partially) but I think the consensus is that women are the stronger sex, emotionally speaking. But of course, not always.....depends on the individual.
cher
Sharon, would you fill me in with the times and details of tommorrow so I can pray for you throughout the day. I must warn you though, my short term memory seems to have wings lately. If you don't feel comfortable doing that I understand. It must be nerve wracking trying to pump yourself up a second time for the same procedure. I've had several surgeries and I know how it makes you feel before hand. For me its kind of like flying. I hate it. I feel as though I'm putting my life in the hands of a total stranger and his equipment. Its a helpless feeling. You just have to resign yourself to the fact that it needs to be done. We know who's piloting your plane and He's in perfect control. It doesn't get any better than that!
4Him
Jack, Em, and family,
My heart is totally broken after reading what you wrote, Jack. Yet there is still much hope in what you said. First of all, the Lord knew what He was doing when He placed Jacob in yours and Em's hearts, arms, and lives. What better parents could he possibly have than the two of you! And as for Jacob...he is a special treasure from the Lord. And in God's word, the Lord says we are to come to Him with childlike faith...Jacob already has that. He has that childlike, trusting faith! And what he CAN understand of Jesus, he accepts. That's enough. He IS in the Lord's hands. And this special treasure is now being used to touch many people's hearts and lives--my own included! Jacob trusts. Jacob rests (abides) in his parents love, and in Jesus' love. Oh, to be more like Jacob! Just like you said, Jack, Jacob IS in the palm of the Lord's hand and surrounded by His love. And the Lord has people everywhere praying for Jacob--and for you, and Em, and your entire family! How awesome is that?! Am going to check back here for updates--even if I have to talk my husband through how to turn the computer on, etc. I want to know how it goes with Jacob on Wednesday. I'll be pretty much out of commission that day, unable to do regular stuff, so will have plenty of time to pray for your precious son. All my love to you folks. God bless. (Wish there was more I could say or do to encourage you and to help you. But I DO know One who CAN do more than I can, and that is the Lord. Hey...He just showed me something a little while ago when I was reading His word that helped me and it is along those lines. I pray it will help you, too. It's found in Genesis 18:14a. God was speaking to Abraham. And He said to him, "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" We know NOTHING is too hard for the Lord. All things are POSSIBLE with Him. He WILL help you folks. He WILL help Jacob. Also, the next part of the verse says, "At the appointed time I will...." This helped me to realize that "at the appointed time" He will...deliver, heal, or whatever. What a promise, huh?)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
P.S. I also meant to tell you earlier that I DO appreciate you praying for me and my situation. Am learning that what I am going through is nothing in comparison with what your family and others are going through. God bless.
PabMainer,
Re: 8/31/09 at 4:19 PM....Am so glad you encouraged Jack and his family and that you, your wife, and people at your church are praying for them, and for Jacob. I loved everything you said. Very heart-touching. Very fitting. Take care and God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Jack,Em and family,
Rest assured that god is holding Jacob in the palm of his hand.
I know that there are so many people out there holding him up
in their prayers. Not only Jacob, but you folks also for the faith
and strength to get through this upcoming surgery. Stay strong
in the knowledge that you are remembered daily.
sharon_faith you also are on my list...(not saying which list though!) and my wife and I truly feel priviledged to intercede and pray for people we don't even know personally....God has given us a great responsibilty in being prayer warriors and talking to him without ceasing....and despite the condition of the world and people's hearts we can be confident in knowing God is in control....my thoughts will be with you tomorrow and will be looking for continued updates when you are able....God Bless!
Hey Cher,
Was wondering where you had been. Hope all is well with you and your family. Yes, there's lots going on, huh? So many people going through stuff. And it is absolutely amazing to see how the Lord is bringing everyone together like this to comfort one another and lift each other up in prayer.
Yes, It is almost over, and I will definitely be relieved after it's done. Thank you for that--about me being in so many people's thoughts and prayers. Thanks again for being my friend. Will talk to you soon, I hope.]
Love you,
Vicki
Thank you PabMainer (I think). Hey, are you related to 4Him2day? Hahahaha. Anyways, God definitely IS in control. Thank you for your encouraging words. Thank you for your prayers. God bless you too.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
4Him2day,
The "arrival" time is 7:00 am. The "start" time is 8:30 am. Hey, I can relate to the short term memory thing....Thanks for the analogy in regards to how this is like flying. Like you, I hate flying. And it IS a helpless feeling. And I am resigned to the fact that this surgery needs to be done. And I am very thankful that God is the Pilot! And you are right...It doesn't get any better than that!
Talk to you as soon as I can, okay?
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Jack,
Just want to let you know I am peaying.
Update as, please, as soon as you can.
Love,
Vicki
4Him, Cher, and all,
Surgery went well. Feeling pretty good. Have to limit my activities for one week so won't be on computer much.. Have to type with left hand 'cause I am eight-handed and right side of body was operated on. Talk to you later. Please keep Jacob in your prayers as today is the day of his surgery.
Love to you all,
Vicki
Any news from sharon-faith from yesterday or about
Jacob yet today anyone?
Sharon, you had been on my mind. I guess we were both
typing at the same time. Glad this is behind you. Keep your
sights on brighter days ahead. Rest and get well . We'll
continue to pray. God bless. We'll also be remembering
precious Jacob and holding him up in prayer.
Great news, everyone!
Dr. O'Connor's office just called. The pathology report results are back already, and they said there is no residual cancer. Yay!!!! Am praising and thanking the Lord for this...And now it is onward to the next stage of this journey, which will be radiation treatments--not sure when. I see the oncologist docs (medical and radiation) next week, so am sure will have more info at that time. Thanks again to all of you for praying, for encouraging and supporting me through this, and for your friendship.
Please keep Jacob in your prayers. Haven't seen anything on him today. Am certain the family's pretty much tied up right now, so it might be a day or two before they can let us know how Jacob made out. Poor little guy! My heart goes out to him, as I'm sure all of your hearts do as well. I saw two young kids at the hospital yesterday who were going to have procedures. Seeing them made me think of Jacob. So I prayed for them, and for Jacob. I hate to see kids going through stuff, don't you?
My love to all,
Vicki
sharon_faith/vicki: So glad to hear your good news! Now you need to concentrate on "being on the mend." Things sure are looking up! So glad!
Yes, Jacob is in many people's thoughts and prayers. Hopefully, we will hear more soon.
Concentrate on taking care of yourself, and give updates when you are more up-to-it.
Once again, great news from you.
cher
Vicki, Yay!!!! is right!! My husband and I have been following your progress
quietly behind the scenes and are so happy for you! That's wonderful news and it must be such a relief for you and your family. We're praying too for Jack and Em and family, for all to be well and happy.
Take Care,
Karen
Sharon, I never expected you home this soon so I haven't been checking. This is great news! Praise God. My wife and I both had the day off yesterday and had our lunch in the little park across from EMMC in bangor yesterday. I'm assuming thats where you were. We both had you in our prayers throughout the morning and while we had lunch. I'm so happy for you and your husband, this made my day.
Lyn is on the blogs right now, do hope she will give us an update on Jacob.
Does anyone know if any news about Jacob has been posted somewhere on these blogspots? Am very anxious to hear something on him. Until then, am continuing to pray for him and for his recovery.
sharon_faith nothing new posted on Jacob the last couple of days....our home is continuing to uphold their family in prayer....lyn has posted a little but nothing from Jack or Em....very good news from your pathology report and trusting that you are healing....will be remembering you next week as you move on to CCOM....God Speed.....
PabMainer,
Thank you for filling me in. I sure hope and pray all is well with Jack, Em, and Jacob. There's soooo many people praying--and that is a wonderful thing. We, too, are continuing to pray for Jacob and his family. I'll check back later to see if there's any updated info on Jacob.
Yes, that was GOOD news! I am so excited about this. The "hinderances" seem to be gone now, and I can now continue moving forward. Yes, I am healing very well. No pain--no pills! The Lord is definitely helping me. I want to thank you and your wife again for your prayers. I can feel the Lord undergirding me, and I know it is in answer to all the prayers being sent up by you folks and others. Am praying Jack and family will sense the Lord's presence with them and know He is undergirding them as well.
Yup, next week I move on to CCOM. I think the surgeries were the biggest hurdles. This next phase should be fairly easy. (Well, you know what I mean, right? I'm not taking any of this lightly, but am breathing a sigh of relief that the cancer has been removed and the radiation treatments will be an added "insurance policy" that ALL traces of cancer are totally removed.)
Hope all is well with you and your family. In these days in which we live, it seems there's sooooo much more stuff to contend with, huh? But, praise God, we have hope in the Lord. God bless you.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
4Him,
Yes, my surgery was done at EMMC. My heartfelt gratitude to you and your wife in regards to praying for me that day. Wanna hear something funny? Well, I can't sing--can't even carry a tune in a bag. But right before they were going to wheel me into the O.R., they put something in my I.V. My mom and my hubby were there, and they told me I turned around and asked the nurse if they'd put something in there. And then, according to Mom and my hubby, I held onto the railings and started singing, "I feel good...I knew that I would now." Is that embarassing, or what? Mom and my hubby told me they were all laughing. Glad I made their day. Anyways, not only can I NOT sing, but I am also very shy--so what I did was totally out of character for me! Glad I don't have any more surgeries to undergo as I would be too embarassed to show my face there again.
Hey, my hubby had the dishes all done for me when I got up yesterday morning. And he did the dishes last night. He's really being super! Very supportive, very helpful! I guess I'll keep him. :)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
HRH419 and Karen Lite,
Just wanted to thank both of you personally for your concern and your prayers. God bless you both. (Karen...I hadn't seen you on here in a long, long, long time. Is all well with you and yours?)
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon, PRAISE GOD!!! for your great news. The worst is behind you!
HE ALWAYS comes through in our time of need. We'll continue in prayer
for your speedy recovery.
Sharon that story is hilarious, Was it the drug they give you to relax you before surgery or what? Be honest now, your among friends.
Vicki,
I Just read about the 'I feel good..knew that I would' incident, very funny .. I'm sure it lifted the spirits of the hospital staff. I don't remember which morning network news show it was but one of the anchors was saying that every morning before the show started that song was played very loud to get the crew going and in a good mood.. So you were onto something there and you didn't know it! : )
I haven't been on so much this summer but read the news and blogs when I get the chance. My husband and I have been back and forth taking care of his Mom at her home for the last couple of years and this year she has more medical issues so we look after her more often. It's been a busy and fulfilling time, we feel happy that's she's happy being able to stay in her own home.
We are so happy to hear your news, it's what we wanted to hear from you. Keep resting comfortably and enjoying the well deserved attention from your wonderful hubby.
Karen
4Him,
Yes, it must have been the drug they gave me to relax me before surgery that did it! Hey now...I told you that I'm shy. So that was sooooo NOT me! My hubby's been going around the house singing that song now. Probably my Mom is singing it, too. Probably the entire medical staff at EMMC are now singing it as well. Haha.
I came on here tonight in hopes there was something about Jacob. Am concerned because we haven't heard anything yet. Am praying it is just because the family's tied up. God knows. And Jacob is in His capable hands. Just wanted to hear another praise report. Will check back here again in the morning. Am going to keep praying for Jacob, as I'm sure you and the others are as well.
In His love,
Vicki
Hi Karen,
You think that "I feel good...knew that I would" incident is very funny, huh? I didn't know about that news crew listening to that song every monrning before the show to get them going and in a good mood. That's funny! Don't know how that song happened to come out of my mouth. It's an old, old song, right? (Don't start with the old jokes, 4Him!) Do you know who sang it? I can't even remember that.
I'm sorry to hear that your Mom-in-law isn't doing so good. Do you live very far away from her? Sorry to hear she has so many medical issues. But that IS a good thing how she is still able to stay in her own home. I'll add her to my prayer list as well.
Thanks again for your prayers. I got an email from a friend earlier tonight and she said this is a miracle of the Lord. I agree wholeheartedly with that! Yup, I do have a wonderful hubby. He has been so supportive. I don't know what I would have done without him. He's taking very good care of me, and I am so thankful for that. I love to laugh, so he's been keeping me entertained by doing some comical stuff. Well, Karen, guess I'd better go for now. You take care, okay? God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
sharon_faith: You are funny the way you describe things. And yes, laughing is so good.....really good "medicine", as they say.
Maybe there will be word here soon from free2bee, lyndemni,etc. about Jacob. They must be very busy and dealing with so much.
Glad you are doing so well, and expect that to continue. Glad you have so much support at home ......very important!
Take care,
cher
Re: Jack, Em and Jacob
Jacob was in surgery for 6+ hours on Tuesday - Continues to be in ICU. Had some difficulty with the anesthesia. Were able to resection an area of his temporal lobe - will not know 100% how effective it was till more tests are run. (Doctor expects a minimum of 80% relief and they will add medications to his regime by trial till they find the most effective before he leaves the hospital.) They are hoping to move him from ICU this weekend. They are keeping him sedated however he is 'alert' for a few hours a day.
Jack and Em are both extremely tired and are able to be with him 24/7. They are taking shifts to sleep but it does not come easy. We all want you to know how appreciative we are of your concern and prayer.
Will keep his progress updated as we know more.
Lyn
Sorry - surgery was on Wednesday - the days are running together .....
Sharon-Faith - I will pass on your news to Jack and Em when we speak this evening ....... I know they have been thinking about you.
Lyn
Thanks for the update Lyn. Will continue to hold Jacob and your family in prayer.
Will pass that on ......
Thank you
Lyn
Thanks for the update on Jacob Lyn. Jack and Em must be
worn out. They're fortunate to have you to help them out.
Please let them know that we all are continuing to pray for
Jacob and for their strength to get through this, and for you
as well. Being an aunt is not an easy job sometimes...Take care.
Vicki,
That song was sung by James Brown in the 1960's or early '70's I believe, it's the kind of song that gets stuck in your head, a happy song!
My Mother in law lives about a mile from us, it's a good walk.
I'll be thinking of you and praying for a speedy recovery-thoughts and prayers too out to Jacob, Jack, Em, and Auntie Lyn, thanks Lyn for the up date, I was wondering but didn't want to ask you when I saw you on the 'marriage repeal' site.
Sharon, It's so good to hear from you on here. It's obvious
in your posts that your feeling better. Theres a smile in your
voice even though it can't be heard audibly, it's there. Your
in our prayers.
Lyn, What a fight it is on the ssm articles every time! It seems ungodly to me what some call righteousness, those who play god and have no problem letting others know how sinful they are. Geez
Lyn thanks also for the update on Jacob....sounds like it will be another tiresome weekend for Jack & Em but when our kids are involved and suffering we draw on an inner strength for help.... Sharon I trust that you are well and anticipating next week....sounds like some fervent prayer will be appropriate again this weekend but certainly a privilege to intercede for others.....karenlite you remember that song released in 1965? Wow you must be really old? Just kidding and could not resist! Great story about sharon's drug induced singing.....Anytime I need anesthesia I make the nurses sign a note to not repeat anything I might say.....anyhow, a great song I love to sing and listen to is "He Hideth my Soul" written by Fanny Crosby in 1890...vs. #2...."A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away, He holderh me up, and I shall not be moved, he giveth me strength as my day"..... God Bless all...
Lyn,
Am so relieved to finally hear something on little Jacob! Thank you so much for taking the time to come on here and update all of us. This little guy has become a part of our lives and our hearts. We've never seen him, but seems like we know him because of all Jack has shared with us about him. Am praising the Lord big-time that Jacob made it through the surgery. It seems from what you said that the anesthesia has been the main problem, is that correct? Please know we continue to lift Jacob and your entire family up to the Lord. Am sure you are all totally drained and exhausted. Isaiah 40:31 comes to mind. It says, "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Am going to be praying that the Lord will renew the strength of all your family members. It's a long journey, and a tough battle, but the Lord wants to renew you and give you the strength you need to press on. Please give my love to your family. Please let them know there are many, many people praying for Jacob! Take care and God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Karen,
The "godfather of soul", right? So does that make me like a "soul sister"? Haha. Okay, so that wasn't so funny. Anyways, pay no attention to PabMainer's "old" joke....4Him2day is rubbing off on him. Now both of them like to tease us about our age! (So very much like my younger brother!) Hmmmm....1960;s or early '70's....I wonder why, after all these years, I'd have a flashback to those days and that song? Crazy! (By the way, I was very YOUNG back then.)
Am glad your Mom-in-law lives nearby. That's a GOOD thing. Am sure you and your hubby take very good care of her. And, again, it is wonderful she is able to remain in her own home. Well, gotta run. Thank you again for praying.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Hey there, Cher!
Am glad there was word on Jacob today. Was getting very worried. Poor Jacob. And poor Jack, Em, Lyn, and family. Very difficult situation, huh?
In regards to the "singing"...no repeat performances from this muchacha! (Although the Bible does say, "Make a joyful NOISE unto the Lord." Now, that's something I CAN do! Glad it sounds good to His ears. Will pass out ear plugs for you and everyone else though.)
Yes, I am doing very well--better than I ever expected! Thank you for your continued concern and prayers. It means a lot to me.
You take care, okay? Have a great weekend. I think it is supposed to be a really nice day today. Yesterday was gorgeous--perfect weather!
In His love,
Vicki
HRH419,
I totally agree with you that the worst is behind me. Praise God! He does indeed come through in our time of need. Yes, I am feeling mucho better! And the Lord has definitely flooded my heart and soul with joy! Thank you for praying. The Lord is answering those prayers--He always does, right? Now our focus needs to be on praying for little Jacob. It's a tough time he and his family are enduring. But, again, the Lord hears our prayers and we can rest assured He is working. Prayerfully, the next report we hear from Lyn will be a huge praise report! Take care. God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
PabMainer,
Yup, I am well. And this afternoon I DO have to fill out some paperwork that Cancer Care of Maine sent me. Kinda put it off until after the surgery. It was like my life was "on hold" until this last surgery was over and the results were back. Now I can move forward, huh?
Fervent prayer is very much needed for Jacob and family this weekend, for sure!!! Am going to be checking back here a lot to see if there's any new updates on Jacob. Am sure you and the others will be doing the same thing. And we're all praying for Jacob, and are all in agreement on him and longing to see him pull through this with flying colors.
I love that song, "He Hideth my Soul"...Oh, that that song had come forth from my mouth rather than the other! Crazy. Hey...don't be picking on Karen Lite and her age....Now I am convinced you and 4Him are related! Hahaha.
Take care. God bless. Don't stir the pot too much on here (with the "old" jokes). Moo who ha ha, right?
Love in Christ,
Vicki
P.S. My thanks to you and your wife for the prayers--not only for myself, but for Jacob as well.
sharon_faith....ahhhh the never ending paperwork and forms when dealing with health issues, doctors offices and insurances....don't envy you at all right now have been there myself....so you are admitting to being a procrastinator? Yep been there also....agree that sometimes life as we expect it does get placed on hold when the unexpected happens....still a comfort to know who holds our todays & tomorrows....hey what's up with you jokester? Trying to break onto the comedy scene? Be careful someone may call you "Grandma Lee"....oh sorry for the old joke.... Yea karen is probably just entering puberty for all we know! I myself am 52 but don't feel a day over 65! I hope you and yours have a great weekend and you can rest and get ready for next week....I hear we may be getting snow next week! Oh sorry that would be a bad joke now wouldn't it!! Take care and God Bless....
Pab, I used to like you, before that snow thing. Ha! Ha!
PabMainer,
Do I know you in real life? The snow joke is something one of our friends uses. And my son-in-law also uses it. Hmmmmmmmm. Could you be either one of them? Hmmmmmmmm. Am going to have to ask the Lord to reveal this to me. (Just kidding--about asking the Lord to reveal this to me, anyways. Still am wondering if you are someone I know. Maybe I don't wanna know. Haha.)
P.S. The "old" jokes are getting "old." (That was a joke.)
Later
OK there sharon_PI we don't need anymore wanna be detectives on here than we already have! I don't believe I am your son-in-law because I like my wife's mom...ha got you on that one....and what's wrong with the old jokes? I have very much respect for the older things in life like HRH419.....:) So this detective thingy....does the town you live in start with an "M"? Does your hubby's first name start with a "D"? Did you used to go to a church that starts with an "H"? You don't have to answer but if yes to all three then we would know one another but have not seen each other for years! See I can be like Columbo myself....HRH419 I truly did not intend to be offensive (just being me!) but the "devil made me do it"!!!
PabMainer,
Town, yes.
Hubby, yes.
Church, yes.
So....Jesus, I know. And Paul, I know. But who are you?
(You'll have to give me hints and clues as I'm just about as good a detective as I am a singer. That oughta tell ya something!)
P.S. Are your wife and I in contact with one another via email and FB? (Trying to narrow it down here.)
C'mon...give me a break...I'm trying to recover from surgery. Don't stress me out, okay? :)
(Where's Anne of MDI when I need her?! She's done lots of investigative/detective work. Geraldo Rivera, where are you?)
sharon_faith laughing out loud here!! No you have no contact with my wife and now we may make others jealous if we figure out who each the other is when there are certains ones here who have been trying for months......I am still not totally sure about knowing you from the past but in thinking about people I have know named Vicki the list was quite short....I went to HS with a girl named Vicki but she lives out of state and I had a crush on a girl in second grade with that name but I don't belive it was mutual....so it leaves a family we went to church with many years ago....anyhow I will try and think of some creative clues to give you hints without revealing too much....plus stress is not good for you right now you need to conserve energy and strength....if drugs make you "sing" make sure if you have taken any benadryl to not get on here and "sing" too much info about your persoanl self!! As far as you being the Vicki that is not a very good singer that dosen't help to confirm it for me either....:) Good thing the Lord listens to the singing from our hearts and not our actual voices!! Now get that paperwork done!
RE: 11:51 That's ok Pab, just as soon as Sharon figures out who you are
we'll be paying you back big time. I'm sure she'll share her info with me
then you better watch out. Of course I'm only kidding. I like your sense of
humor, and your kind compassionate ways and wouldn't want to change
a thing. Besides you like to fish so you can't be that bad, ha. That's one
of the pastimes that my husband and I enjoy most.
Have a great weekend all. Sharon REST and get well. I'll be checking back
for further word on Jacob.
sharon_faith/vick: Just a quick "hello" and hope you have a good wkend. Glad that Jacob's family is keeping people here informed and up-to-date as much as possible. So nice of them to take that time when they are going through so very much right now.
You are sounding better and better.....that is nice to hear! It just comes across. You have a really good sense of humor....always.
To me , you are sharon_faith and vicki.....I come on here for 2 reasons only.....you and the family of Jacob (lyndemni, Jack and Em) It is the one place to reach you and make sure you are doing better all the time! Other than that, it is not of interest to me. Sometimes it is too bad we have to read what everyone else has to say, but that is the nature of this online forum. It is too bad there wasn't some other way you could communicate with some here. (other than the BDN site.) Oh well....
But , I know where to find you.....here.......so that is good anyway. The main thing is that you continue to get better all the time (as it sure seems you are....hurrah).... and that there is some more favorable news regarding Jacob. Must be so hard for his family to see a little boy going through so much. Jacob sounds like such a great kid. You are right.....we have not literally met him, but seems to be a bond there of some kind. He has a really nice family, that is for sure.
Take care sharon_faith/vicki. Have a good long holiday wkend.
cher
Hi Cher,
Came on to see if there were any new updates on little Jacob. Sadly, there's not. :(
But did see your post. Yup, the Lord has given each one of us a heart for Jacob. And you are right, there seems to be a bond of some kind between Jacob and all of us. I know the Lord is working and moving in our midst. I know He has a plan and a purpose for all of these things. The thing we don't know is exactly what the Lord's plans and purposes are. He alone knows the whole scoop. But it is enough to know He is working and has a plan, right? I told my husband how these various things have helped all of us to lay our differences aside and come together and encourage one another, pray for one another, befriend one another, and seek to uplift and comfort one another as we all go through various trials. These are pretty tough times--for everyone. So many people have lost their jobs, so many people have lost their savings, so many people are facing diseases or various types of illnesses, or family troubles. And yet the Lord has all of us on here for one another. And He already had all of us get "acquainted" with one another before any of these unexpected things struck. He is totally amazing, huh? Right now I feel like my life has turned around in the opposite direction--back towards some type of "normalcy", if you know what I mean. I really do believe the same way you and HRH do that the worst is behind me. And so it is time to focus entirely upon Jacob and upon others who are hurting and going through stuff. Am so glad so many others are rooting and pulling and praying for Jacob. Am certain his family must be totally encouraged by this. Am continuing to pray that the Lord will give them the strength they need to get through this tough time. I know God has said in His word "as thy days, so shall thy strength be."
This afternoon I got really tired and so I listened to everyone's advice. I went out to the front porch, got comfy, and put it in "snooze" control. Slept about an hour and a half. Feeling much more rested now.
Yeah, I wish we all could communicate someplace other than here. There's facebook, but I have learned from others who post here that it is not a wise thing to give out a lot of info, so can't do that. For now, I guess it will have to continue to be here. Am hoping the BDN will realize this little thread is just a "Holy Ghost Hospital" where there's a lot of praying and healing and helping and encouraging, etc. going on, and how it is serving to bring people together in order to help one another--which is a GOOD thing, right?
Cher, I have to "share" with you some more on the "I feel good...I knew that I would" thing...It's contagious! My daughter got her hair done today, and on her facebook status she shared how she had gotten her hair cut and highlighted and then she said "I feel good ...I knew that I would now." And last night I helped my Mom with her facebook page and this morning she liked what was on there and SHE said on there, "I feel good ...I knew that I would now." Guess EVERYBODY'S feeling good, huh? Hey, whatever works, right? Oh, I checked out James Brown on youtube. I found a video of him singing that song. You know what? I can't sing, but I think I can sing better than that dude! (Sorry if I upset any of J.B.'s fans.) Haha.
My hubby told me tonight that he has to work Monday, but that's okay...it will make up for Wednesday as he is taking time off that day to take me to Cancer Care of Maine for initial consultations. We don't know what to expect, so we want to be there together in case there's any options or decisions to be made. (My Mom will be taking me down for the treatments when they start, so my hubby won't have to take time off from work for that.)
Well, Cher, seems like I've written a book again. Oh dear. Sorry. Anyways, have a great weekend yourself. Talk to you later.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Hey PabMainer,
Are your initials "B.H."? If not....
How 'bout "J. S. L."? If not....
How 'bout "S.N."? If not....
How 'bout "A.G."? If not....
I give up!!!!
Vicki, You might just figure out who PabMainer is but maybe he will say he isn't, such a mystery! I think you are a natural detective..
Now back to the James Brown song, it's a classic and is played often, that could be how you knew it, it's a catchy tune. 1965, a long time ago and far away but seems like yesterday! PabMainer, you're young, I'm four yrs older than you. I say age is just a number, it's how we feel that counts. I used to wonder what it would feel like at this age and I can honestly say that.. "I feel good, I knew that I would" Yeah! Vicki, I guess you could be a 'soul sister', which was in the song 'Lady Marmalade' . : )
I find myself listening to the spiritual songs lately, they soothe the soul and have meaning, which alot of songs don't.
Thanks Vicki for putting my mother in law on your prayer list, I know that prayers have wings and can reach anyone, anywhere.
Take care all who have shared here on this special site and have a wonderful weekend!
Love,
Karen
Jack? Lyn? Please update us on Jacob. Pray all is well.
Hello all, I was back to see if there were any updates on Jacob.
I guess not yet. I'm praying all is ok. and will continue to so.
I was thinking about little Jacob as well....been enjoying the beautiful day God gave us and probably Jack & Em are at his bedside in the hospital...I don't know about you guys (gals!) but we are told to "boldly approach" God's throne with our groanings and in situations like little Jacob's I for-go asking God for His will to be done and I implore God to work a miracle and do what only can be done thru divine intervention....Guess maybe that would seem foolish but God's word tells us He will give us the desires of our heart as long as we have appropriate desires within....will also contine to look for updates and remember the family in prayer....
HRH419 and PabMainer,
I keep checking back here, too. Longing to hear news about little Jacob! He's very much on all of our minds today, huh? PabMainer, what you said about "boldly approaching" God's throne....and how you said you are "imploring God to work a miracle and do what only can be done thru divine intervention"...That doesn't seem foolish at all! Am joining with you now in coming boldly before the throne of grace to obtain mercy, and find grace to help in this time of need, and to implore the Lord to work a miracle here--for a miracle is soooooo desperately needed. Let's also pray that the family will be able to send word to us soon, and that it will be all good! Can't imagine what Jack, Em, Lyn, and the rest of their family's going through. Pray the Lord will give them much needed strength. Will check back here again later. God bless you all.
Jack & Lyn,
Am VERY concerned now. But I know we have to leave it with the Lord. Please update us as soon as possible. And please know we have spread the word about Jacob to many, many people and they all are now praying, too.
We love you folks.
sharon_faith just noticed your investigational questions from 9/4 @ 8:25....no to all of the initials you posted....worthy effort though....one of your posted letters is the beginning of my given name...keep trying on the last name initial....:) I hope things are well with you and you are getting rest for the upcoming week....Still thinking about and praying for Jacob as well....great day in God's House today and thankful for His blessings.....God's message and truth are such a blessing as well...take care and be sure to keep us informed of your happenings and needs....God Bless....
I too was blessed today seeing a older gentleman get baptized. It is so touching and uplifting to see the light come on in someones life after living most of his life in darkness.
PabMainer,
Just came on--AGAIN--to see if there's any news of Jacob. The Lord has so very many people involved in praying for him. Hoping we'll hear something tomorrow.
Now...let's narrow it down, okay? Is "B" the beginning of your given name?
(Karenlite and HRH....hang in there....I think we're on the right trail now. Should crack this case soon...I hope.)
4Him2day,
That's awesome!!! The Lord is at work all around us. Praise Him. I LOVE to hear praise reports! Am praying we will hear one on Jacob soon. God bless.
Your sis in the Lord,
Vicki
Oh, one more thing...PabMainer, you mentioned about keeping you folks informed of needs....Here's one...There's a young man whom my husband, my daughter, and myself ministered to years ago when he was a young boy. He was one of the kids who came to Good News Club, and he also went to Church with us. He moved away and we didn't have contact with him until the Lord opened it back up a few days ago. Could you and the others please pray for him? He says he's basically been living a prodigal lifestyle and he is convinced he can't come back to the Lord. We've been sharing with him how God's heart is for prodigals--like the father of the prodigal in Luke15. We've shared with him how the Lord is obviously drawing him back to Himself, and that there's nothing he could have done that is beyond God's love and forgiveness. But Satan has this poor young man convinced it is hopeless. My daughter tried to talk to him today. We're going to continue reaching out to him with Christ's love. Please pray that somehow, some way we can convince him of God's grace and mercy. He's hurting real bad. Am concerned for his emotional state. Would so very much appreciate you folks praying for him and for his restoration. Would love to see him return to the Lord again and once again have peace and the joy of the Lord. Thank you.
Has ANYBODY heard anything on Jacob? Many people are praying for him, and asking about him. Thanks.
Cher, 4Him, Pab, et al...
Have any of you seen Lyn on here anywhere?
yes lyn has been on several times and I asked her for an update on one of the posts she was on....no reply.
Hello all. Just checking back again on Jacob. I see there's nothing new
and am really worried. I have complete faith that the Lord is handling
the situation though.
Sharon, I have complete faith in your investgative abilities also.I know
you'll have PabMainer figured out soon. Then the pay back begins for
all those old jokes.:) We'll be praying for the young man you mentioned.
You're right when you say the Lord is drawing him back to him. The
Lord has led him back into your lives for a reason and will guide you
in the right things to say and do to help him find his way. Take care,
will be checking back in the a.m.
PabMainer,
Initials="S.H."
Yes? No?
(My hubby gave me this info)
4Him2day,
That's pretty bizarre....I really don't understand what's going on here, do you? I thought Lyn was going to update us on Jacob last Friday evening. I just want to hear SOMETHING!!! My mind is playing out all kinds of scenarios. Doubtlessly they are all wrong. So would LOVE to hear from Jack or Lyn soon. Please pray they will let us know what's going on.
I don't go onto any other threads other than this one, so am clueless as to who is on here and who isn't. (Except for those I see who have posted in this section.)
Hope all is well with you. God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
sharon_faith checking for an update also but see nothing so will trust and continue in prayer....Wow your detective skills are getting sharper! Am I going to need to put in a security system? Maybe barbed wire around the perimiter? Watch our for my guard dog, he's a pug! Maybe I'll call that grandma from Princton for protection! HRH419 posting after 8 pm, isnt't it past your bedtime? I though old folks liked to get to bed early?...:) Anyhow on a serious note, long weekend about over and back to work tomorrow....sharon will be thinking about you and the appointment(s) you have starting this week as well as praying for the young man you asked prayer for...also will remain diligent in regards to Jacob and family....take care and God Bless...
HRH419,
Hi. I've been checking for info on Jacob over and over and over and over again all day long every day since Friday. I, too, am really worried. And yet I agree with you in regards to having complete faith that the Lord is handling the situation. (I know the Lord knows, but I would so very much like to know as well.) Let's pray we hear soon from Jack or Lyn.
Where IS PabMainer today anyways? I think we've got him running scared 'cause we are close to cracking this case. (Just call me "Shirley-lock Holmes". Haha....PabMainer is probably saying, "No, let's call her a cab, and get her outta here.") Anyways, I've been picking my husband's brain and he's coming up with possibilities of who this elusive PabMainer is. Stay tuned.....
Thank you for praying for the young man I mentioned. The Lord is definitely at work. Looks like the young man will be going to Church with us this Sunday. Pray!!!
Okay, you take care, too. Will also be checking back in the a.m. and will "talk" with you again then.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
PabMainer,
Soooooo......At the "H" church....Balloon that reached the furthest destination...Did you win a Bible?
P.S. Thank you, PabMainer, for praying in regards to all those things. God Bless.
Sharon-Faith, forHIM, .......
Just got off the phone with Em... Jacob is out of ICU as of yesterday .... test results have shown improvement in the area that was resectioned. YEAH! They are planning to discharge him Wednesday afternoon - barring any unforeseen complications. This boy is one tough cookie. He's not very happy with his new haircut but Jack (that should be a sight) got the same 'cut' done - so they will grow it back together. They want you all to know how deeply appreciative they are of your prayers and words of support. School starts tomorrow for the two older ones so we've been busy with finishing their summer vacation and getting organized..... and keeping up with the two little ones.
Again Jack and Em want you all to know their gratitude....
If I don't get back to you here tomorrow, Jack will be back in touch on Thursday.
Blessings
Lyn
lyn, thanks for the news, we've all been concerned. Thanking God that he's ok. They are fortunate to have you to hold the fort down for them.
Lyn! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO very happy about Jacob!!!! What a TREMENDOUS praise report!!!!! Yay!!!!!! The Lord DID work a miracle, huh? Praise Him!!!! I hope everyone will check back here one more time tonight so they, too, can see this--and can see how mightily and powerfully the Lord worked, and how He has answered all our prayers!!!! It was one, huge, concerted prayer meeting from the WHOLE body of Christ that's been going on here for Jacob! What a miracle! Also, when we were starting to lose heart, PabMainer made the suggestion we come boldly unto the throne and implore God for a miracle in regards to Jacob. So we also need to praise the Lord for laying this upon PabMainer's heart, huh?
You are right...Jacob IS one tough cookie! And the Lord has great plans for him. In fact, the Lord has already been using Jacob to touch many peoples' lives and hearts. How awesome is that?! Tres cool!!! I think that's neat how Jack got his hair cut to match Jacob's new "do" (or new "don't", according to Jacob). Hey, it was nooooooo prob whatsoever praying for Jacob! Am so glad the Lord had us here on this at the right time and allowed us to take part in this wonderful miracle story that has unfolded right before our very eyes.
So, do Jack and Em have 5 children? (I knew they had one little one, 'cause once when Jack and I were "chatting" on here, he had a baby on his lap and the baby's diaper needed changing--Jack was almost passing out 'cause of the "fumes" as I recall. Haha.)
Well, Lyn, if you can't get back on here tomorrow, that's okay...at least now we can rest easy knowing Jacob has pulled through and is doing so well! I do believe I got some gray hair out of this one! Please pray about that, okay? Just kidding!!!!
Listen, you folks get some rest, okay? And please know that we continue to lift Jacob, Jack, Em, you, and your entire family up to the Lord. Again, thank you for updating us! God bless.
All my love,
Vicki
P.S. Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (Had to say it one more time before I sign outta here!)
Hey 4Him,
If you're happy and you know it say, AMEN!!!!
That's what I'm saying tonight. Know you are too!
Yay! Praise the Lord!
Love in Christ,
Vicki
lyn: Thanks for sharing the good news with everyone here. So great! You all must be feeling more hopeful about things and experiencing a lot of relief. You sure are busy and have your hands full so very nice of you to keep everyone updated. Take care.....all of you.
sharon_faith: Good to hear how well you are doing, and can just hear it!! Glad a lot of that medical stuff is behind you (the bulk of it anyway) and you can look forward to better and easier days ahead. Take care and enjoy this great weather while it lasts. Hope your cat is doing well too.
cher
Awesome!!!! I'm so glad to hear Jacob may be released on Wed.
This family has been through so much. I'm sure things will be
easier once he's settled back at home in familiar surroundings
and back into his usual routine. Please know that we continue
to keep the family in our prayers.
Sharon, we'll be remembering you as you go to your appts. this
week as well. I know everything will go smoothly.Great news
about the young man going to church with you folks Sunday.
Having that fellowship with a church family may be just what
he needs to show him that all can be forgiven and put behind
him.
I really believe that God put us all here at this time to intercede
for these needs. I feel so blessed to have been a part of it.
PabMainer, I'm keeping count ol' fella...As I recall from one of your
earlier posts you have more than a few years on me... :)
This made my day! Have a great one everyone!
Hey Cher,
There's some rejoicing going on today, huh? Jacob is a little celebrity--and he doesn't even know it! Would so love to see his and Jack's matching "do's". Actually, would love to simply see a pic of Jacob. Probably never will. But can kinda picture him in my mind just from what Jack and Lyn have shared about him. I love that little boy--and am certain ALL of you folks do, too! Don't you just love praise reports?!
I definitely am doing very well--and am doing even better now that I've heard Jacob is doing so well. Yes, a lot of the medical stuff is behind me. Yet I was reminded on Saturday by someone we know and love whom we hadn't seen in 13 years that this isn't over by any means. I realize that. And I certainly am not treating this lightly. But I have learned through all of this (and through Jacob's story) that WHATEVER lies ahead, God WILL give us the strength the face it, and endure it, no matter what it is we have to go through. His grace IS sufficient for us. His strength IS made perfect in our weakness. He WILL supply all our needs. And He'll give us exactly what we need at just the right time. He's never too early, and He's never too late...He's ALWAYS right on time!
I absolutely LOVE this weather. It's perfect! (Well, about as perfect as it can get.) And I am very much enjoying it. Can't get outside much though. My little "sanctuary" is gone. (I think I told you how my screenhouse got destroyed during one of those high wind days a while back. Yup, it did. And a few weeks ago, it went bye bye with our trash. Major bummer!!!)
Yes, da wittle Muffin is doing VERY well. (Muffin...my cat.) She likes this weather too. Although she's been quite lazy of late. She's finding little comfy spots throughout the house to do some serious "cat"-napping. She's probably settling in for the winter. Probably getting ready to hibernate. Haha.
So how are YOU doing, and how's your family of kitties doing? You take care and enjoy this weather also. Will be talking to you later.
In His love,
Vicki
HRH419,
Hey, wasn't that grrrrrr-eatttttt news about Jacob? I was hoping you would come back on last night and see what Lyn had written. But, hey, you saw it first thing this morning, so am certain it has made your day, right? Jacob's family has indeed been through so much. I think Cher knows this, but don't know if you do, that my first grandson was born with heart problems and has been through surgery after surgery, and many scary moments. So I think that is why Jacob and his story really touched my heart in a way it might not have had there not been a kinda similar situation in our own family. Of course, I could NEVER EVER imagine what it feels like as the parents of a seriously ailing child whose life is in jeopardy. Can't even begin to fathom that. Can only relate in that I've had a young loved one at death's door and the helplessness you feel. Was so happy to see everyone on here come together and support Jacob and his family, and pray, and be such an encouragement to Jack, Em, Lyn, and them. This is the way is should be, huh? Oh, that we would do this ALL the time. But, we're human. And we're not perfect. And we don't live in a picture-perfect world--we live in a fallen one. And we all have that little old sin nature whereby we oftentimes focus our attention on ourselves and our wants and our needs and our desires rather than on what the Lord desires, and what others need, etc. Hey, but at least we have these moments in time where there is a respite from all of the other, and we all love one another, pray for one another, and bear one anothers burdens, and so fulfil the law (and love) of Christ. And this is what happened this past week or so when we all laid aside our differences and came togehter to pray for Jacob, and to show our support and love to both Jacob and his family.
Thank you for remembering me as I go to those appointments. Yup...it's tomorrow. Hubby's taking the day off. So maybe we can just consider it a "date day." Maybe after the appts. we can go out to eat. Maybe I can get a coffee colada. Maybe I'm now liking this, and can overlook the A.M. appointments. Haha.
Yes, that IS great news about that young man. He and my husband had a long talk on the phone last night. Many "unspokens". And Satan is laying a major guilt trip on him, making him think he cannot be restored. You know how Satan's the accuser of the brethren! So please pray this young man will listen to God's voice--to the voice of Truth--rather than to Satan's lies. With all we're seeing on here and in our personal lives, am now more convinced than ever that the Lord is doing a major work in the world--kinda like a "no holds barred, last ditch effort, redemptive work" before His return, which we know is very near--even at the door--as we see the "sign of the times" and how everything is falling into place at a very rapid rate, and prophecy is being fulfilled daily, right before our very eyes. Soooooo, we know that the Lord has us here "for such a time as this" and we need to be "about our Father's business." And I am seeing the body of Christ rising up and doing exactly that! Am also seeing prodigals being "loved" back into the fold by the Lord. And am seeing a major witnessing thing and prayerfully a subsequent major soul harvest taking place! Yay!!!!
PabMainer's not been on here....I do believe he's running scared. Moo who ha ha! Love what you told him about how he's many moons older than you are!!! Hahahaha!
Take care and God bless.
Love in Christ,
Vicki
Sharon: I think the Lord works that way sometimes...taking a person
who has been through a similar situation, and putting them in place to
pray for and encourage someone else, He sure knows what he's doing.
I'm hoping that things are ok for your grandson now? We are expecting
two new ones any day. Both of our older daughters are due on the same
day. So we're VERY excited. I can't even begin to comprehend having
to go through things like you have with your granson or Jack and Em
with Jacob.
As far as the Coolatta...I think you need to take advantage of every
treat you can get your hands on. You deserve it!
I'm sure this young man you speak of is going to come around. I just
feel in my heart that his agreeing to go with your family to church is
only the begining of his journey back. There are so many needs out
there, but the Lord is working and moving his people to intercede.
OOOHHH, I'm SURE PabMainer, is on his way otta state as we speak
ha ha! I do that with my husband, he's 6 years older than I, he'll
bring up some show from the past or some song he remembers and
ask if I remember. And I always reply, "Oh goodness NO! That was WAY
before my time" I always get an eye roll for that... :)
I'll be checking back, Take care...
Sharon_faith & HRH419...or maybe I should say "cagney & lacey"....or maybe "laverne & shirley"?? Anyhow a beautiful day and God is good....sharon_faith you have thrown me a curve ball with the balloon comment so maybe I am way off base....still going to go ahead with the security measures just in case! And HRH419 I am truly sorry you did not mention that you were older than me I think that was karenlite....I think she mentioned she was 4 years older than me....she probably is out getting her geritol pills or something that old people take....My wife and I are rejoicing over the great report about Jacob and truly hoping they will get home soon....they all are probably extremely tired folks....also sharon good news about your prayer request and the old trickster can play games with our minds so will ask God's spirit to take your husbands words and overcome any thoughts and temptations of satan...."Get thee behind me" right! Another beautiful day get out and get some vitamin-d...
My morning devotional once again hits on the subject at hand.....funny how that happens
"Stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:11).
Paul's exhortation to "stand firm against the schemes of the devil" (Eph. 6:11) refers to the various tactics Satan employs in spiritual warfare. One of his tactics is to call God's character and motives into question by raising doubts about His Word.
He used that approach in the Garden of Eden, when he said to Eve, "Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree of the garden'?" (Gen. 3:1). In one brief statement Satan disputed and distorted God's Word. God didn't forbid them to eat from any tree. They could eat freely from every tree except one: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:16-17).
Satan followed his distortion with an outright denial of God's Word: "You surely shall not die!" (3:4). He implied that God lied when He said that sin will result in death. Satan then went on to tell Eve that if she ate the fruit, she would in fact become like God Himself (v. 5). The implication is that God was withholding something good from Eve, and to keep her from seeking it, He intimidated her with empty threats of death and judgment.
Do you see the insidious nature of Satan's approach? Tragically, Eve didn't. Rather than trusting and obeying God, she believed Satan's lies and concluded that the tree was good for food, a delight to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise. Then "she took from its fruit and ate" (v. 6).
Satan deceives and spreads his lies from generation to generation (2 Cor. 11:14). Although he is subtle, his attempts to discredit God by disputing, distorting, and denying His Word should be obvious to discerning Christians.
Don't be victimized by Satan's attacks. Become strong in the Word through systematic Bible study. Yield to the Spirit's control through prayer and obedience to biblical principles.
Suggestions for Prayer:
Ask God for the discernment to recognize Satanic deceptions, and the wisdom to pursue truth.
Pray for God's enabling as you discipline yourself for diligent Bible study.
For Further Study:
Read 1 John 2:12-14. How did John describe those who are strong in the Word?
PabMainer: Who are Cagney and Lacey, and Laverne and Shirley?
Must have been WAY before my time. Oh wait, maybe I've seen them
in reruns on Nick or something. Yeah I'm just kidding, I remember them
well and would rather be Cagney and Lacey thanks. Anyway, you don't
need to apologize I know it's all in fun. Know matter what age I just
enjoy life in general, and am thankful for every blessing the good Lord
has given me. Have a sense that Sharon is a very strong, determined
girl. She'll find out who you are yet.
HRH419 certainly life is good and a blessing....4Him nothing is a coincidence with God as you surely know...If sharon gets too close I'll just slip a little benadryl into her chocolate milk and she'll be singing like Christy Lane...."One Day At a Time"....I just ordered a bus ticket out of town, one way to Saskatchewan!
OOOHHH, that was SOOO low Pab, even for you :) Better make
that...overseas, perhaps.
Okay...I'm pressed for time...Only have a few minutes. BUT, I DEFINITELY want to respond to PabMainer's instigative...I mean, investigative...stuff. Haha.
ANYWAYS, let's put it to a vote....Everyone can help me out here. PabMainer is problably one of 4 private I.'s. Do you folks think he is:
A. Columbo
B. Kojak
C. Inspector Gadget
D. Maxwell Smart (from "Get Smart")
Let the votes begin.....
:)
P.S. Cristy Lane???? Puh-leese!!! What century are you from, Mr. P.?
Frank Cannon
I Know... Monk!
never mind, monk wouldn't like fishing.
Beavis...too funny! (Hey, doesn't Cannon make copiers? Or is that cameras?)
4Him, Who is "Monk"? (As in first name "Chip"? Or as in last name "Key"?)
4Him,
Probably "Monk Key" would fit PabMainer...But better not go there 'cause that would draw Vichet back into a "debate" again with us in regards to Evil-ution...I mean, Evolution. Hahaha.
Wow you can't turn your back on here for a minute....sharon a little touchy about Christy Lane huh! Hormonal replacement therapy?? LOL... Instigating ME?? I think of myself more like a Magnum PI (I like his car) or maybe Jim Rockford Files....You are scaring me here with your accomplished inquisitive questioning...I am thinking Angela Lansbury or one of Charlies Angels! Notice I imply " Angel" either way....:)
Man, I'm glad they didn't remove my funny bone last week. :)
PabMainer,
Hahaha.
Oh...And don't be mad at me...I have PIVLD..."Post IV Laugh Disorder" Hahahahaha.
Do you know that you 2 are so funny that I forgot to laugh......
Stevey D...What are you doing over here? First timer to this section, right? I think we were having so much fun, you felt left out and wanted to join the party. :)
Just sitting back and taking it all in.. Glad to see that you came back,
In the BDN office, right Stevey? :)
RE: 2:58 9/8 PabMainer; Sucking up a little now huh? We knew
Sharon had you worried...Just wait... :)
Sharon you have a great sense of humor. You too, 4him.
Monk key...way to funny
Hey HRH419 I can "suck up a little now" with the best of them...it's all just a part of my over all plan....you know "bait and switch".....your right though that sharon_faith is getting better with her detective skills.....I might be headed to Saskatchewan quicker than I had planned....and yes the "Monk key" reference was very good....I think someone else had been playing the innocent card with a little deception myself!! Anyhow, sharon_faith I wish you well today with your appointments and any treatment you may have...."This is the day"....God Bless.....
Telefunkinu47, Did we forget to take our Geritol?? Are we feeling better today?? We means you, not me.. I already told PabMainer on another site that geritol is for old people and that I take glucosamine/chondroitin ( for old people too?!) I guess that makes me old-er and being that I'm only 4 years older than PabMainer... that makes him.. older too..
I'd bet that none of us would want to go back, we've worked too hard and long to get where we are today.. and there's so much more to do and fun to have.
Oh, I can hardly wait to see this "plan" play out.
My best too, out to Sharon today. And also
hoping Jacob gets home today as well.
Vicki, I'm praying for happy appts this week for you and for your continued recovery. Please give Muffin a scratch and kiss for me, it's so good to have animals to pamper, isn't it, they give unconditional love. My husband and I have a cat, Snug (short for Snuggles) we spoil him but he's worth it, rescued him 16 years ago as a kitten, someone left him in the cold, we searched and found no owner. Snug is a lucky cat.
Jack, Em, Lyn and family, my thoughts and prayers for you and Jacob, for a speedy recovery.
Just a note to say that Jack, Em and Jacob are on their way home..... should be here by 5:00 ... kids are arriving from school to prepare a family favorite.
Blessings
Lyn
Lyn thanks for that update, how Jacob doing?
p.s. don't forget to keep a straight face when you see your brother with his new styling haircut!
Hi Guys,
Am very glad to hear the news that Jack, Em, and Jacob are on their way home. This is what we've been longing to hear! It seems like the Lord is healing Jacob at a very rapid rate--praise Him. Hope Jack will come on here tomorrow and fill us in on all the details.
Well, I'm having a hard time today--not because of anything with me, but because of what I saw down at Cancer Care. If any of you have been there, you will know exactly what I mean. Until you go there and see it first-hand--even if someone describes it to you, you won't know what it is like. The staff is awesome, the docs are fantastic, and everyone is very friendly and caring and kind. But when my husband and I walked into the waiting room and sat down, I looked around and it felt like someone knocked the wind out of me. There are people who