This morning I enjoyed two hymns - one actually led to the other. You may be familiar with them. The first hymn spoke of having God as our unique goal.
1 My goal is God Himself, not joy, nor peace,
Nor even blessing, but Himself, my God;
'Tis His to lead me there—not mine, but His-
At any cost, dear Lord, by any road.
2 So faith bounds forward to its goal in God,
And love can trust her Lord to lead her there;
Upheld by Him, my soul is following hard
Till God hath full fulfilled my deepest prayer.
3 No matter if the way be sometimes dark,
No matter though the cost be oft-times great,
He knoweth how I best shall reach the mark,
The way that leads to Him must needs be strait.
4 One thing I know, I cannot say Him nay;
One thing I do, I press towards my Lord;
My God my glory here, from day to day,
And in the glory there my great Reward.
As I considered the goals I hold in my heart, I had to confess to the Lord that He was not my unique goal - I often prayed for peace, for joy, for blessing. Then I realized that only Christ is the source of real joy, lasting peace and all blessing! So He must be my unique goal. I realized that since Christ is the source of these things, daily I need to seek Him, not seek them....which led me to the next hymn, a familiar favorite for many:
1 Come, Thou Fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;
Streams of mercy, never ceasing,
Call for songs of loudest praise.
Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wand'ring from the face of God;
He, to save my soul from danger,
Interposed His precious blood.
2 O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wand'ring heart to Thee.
Teach me, Lord, some rapturous measure,
Meet for me Thy grace to prove,
While I sing the countless treasure
Of my God's unchanging love.
3 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love:
Take my heart, oh, take and seal it
With Thy Spirit from above.
Rescued thus from sin and danger,
Purchased by the Savior's blood,
May I walk on earth a stranger,
As a son and heir of God.
The Lord Jesus is the Font of every blessing. Oh, Lord, tune our hearts to sing Your praise! Verse 2 of this hymn speaks of being a debtor to grace. The title of this blog is the varied grace of God. Many would say the definition of grace is "God's unmerited favor." While is isn't false, it is short of what that favor is. That favor, that grace is having access to God, enjoying God, partaking of God, and experiencing God. That grace is active! In 1 Corinthians 15:10, Paul said:
10 But by the grace of God I am what I am; and His grace unto me did not turn out to be in vain, but, on the contrary, I labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I but the grace of God which is with me.
The footnote for Not I but the grace:
10-2 Not I but the grace of God equals no longer I ...but ...Christ in Gal. 2:20. The grace that motivated the apostle and operated in him was not some matter or some thing but a living person, the resurrected Christ, the embodiment of God the Father who became the all-inclusive life-giving Spirit, who dwelt in the apostle as his everything.
Then I read the gospel of John chapter 1 - there were three verses about grace that I enjoyed:
John 1:14, 16, 17
14 And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us (and we beheld His glory, glory as of the only Begotten from the Father), full of grace and reality.
16 For of His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace.
17 For the law was given through Moses; grace and reality came through Jesus Christ.
Once of the references for grace in these verses is Romans 5:2:
Romans 5:2
2 Through whom also we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand and boast because of the hope of the glory of God.
Footnote 2-2: Grace is the Triune God Himself, processed that we may enter into Him and enjoy Him. Grace here, in the deepest sense, is the Triune God as our enjoyment. It is more than unmerited favor and more than mere outward blessing. We are not merely under God's blessing; we are in His grace (see note 2-3).
Footnote 2-3: Faith first gives us access into grace, then, a solid standing in grace.
Dear ones, by faith we have access into this grace and as we continue in the Lord, our standing is in the grace as well. If we see this grace as a Living Person, how marvelous is our standing! How rich is grace! Grace is just our wonderful Lord Jesus, the fount of every blessing, our unique goal.
Much love to all of you. Please pray for more energy each day. Also, that I would know the Lord's restriction for how much to do each day. It is hard - life runs at quite a high speed - you don't realize it until you are out of it for a while and try to get back in. It is quite dizzying! But He is able.
Joanne
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Test Results and Life Food
Hi Everyone,
I had blood work done on Thursday and got the results yesterday. The liver function test was normal as were all the other tests. The CA 125 was 5 - down a point from October, which is in the normal range (0-35). I am thankful to the Lord for this result. I am still trying to go into the library at Boston Trinity 3 days a week - usually by the 3rd day I am kind of dragging myself in. I love it though - this week I had the opportunity to work with 2 students. It was wonderful!
I don't think I mentioned that I am also taking 3 classes on line to complete my MS in library science. I love the courses but it is hard to keep track of everything that needs to be completed for all the classes. These were classes that I had dropped back in April when I was first diagnosed. I was able to take one in the fall and then 3 now. After this quarter, I will have only 3 left! It is amazing that my mind can function. Another testimony to the restoring work of the Lord.
Cooking healthy is all a challenge because healthy eating is definitely not "fast food." It requires getting fresh cruciferous vegetables and then processing them (chopping, shredding, cutting, cooking) to get them palatable. I also have to search for recipes. I've been making some interesting dishes for the family. It is too hard to cook something for them and something else for me and it is good that we all eat this way. Everyone enjoys the "interesting" concoctions I've come up with - like pumpkin black bean soup or eggplant stew or vegan minestrone with kale and cabbage! I have a slogan I say to myself - "Eat to live, not live to eat." This is a good life principle, I think. So, day by day, as I eat to live physically, I am also taking the time to eat to live spiritually. It is amazing that the Lord Jesus likened Himself to bread, to food.
In John 6:35 and 57 - Jesus says that He is the bread of life and that we should eat Him:
35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall by no means hunger, and he who believes into Me shall by no means ever thirst.
57 As the living Father has sent Me and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me.
Isaiah 55:1-2 say:
1 Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, And you who have no money; Come, buy and eat; Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And the result of your labor for what does not satisfy? Hear Me attentively, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Eat what is good! What could be better than the Lord Himself, the living bread! When we eat Him, we live because of Him - He is the ultimate life food! How do we eat Him, you may wonder? By taking in His word, in short little portions by prayer. What better words to pray than the word of God. As we pray the Word, we are assimilating it into our being - and like the Lord Jesus said in John 6, we can expect to live by Him.
This week I really enjoyed this hymn. It is a wonderful one for praising the Lord for all that He is. Here is a link for the tune: http://www.hymnal.net/Hymns/Hymnal/midi/e0169_i.mid
1 Thou, Lord, to God art precious,
His chosen, His delight;
With oil of joy, anointed,
How comely in His sight.
Chorus
We treasure with affection
Thy perfect comeliness,
Thy sweetness and Thy fragrance,
And all Thy loveliness.
2 The altogether lovely,
The fairest of the fair,
Thy mouth with grace o’erfloweth;
Our hearts their love declare.
3 The wise men offered treasures
And honored Thee at birth;
Thou wast by noble buried,
Still lovable in death.
4 Thy head has been anointed,
The lovely One Thou art;
Thy feet anointed also,
Beloved in every part.
5 Thy death as myrrh in sweetness
Man’s spirit comforteth;
Thy resurrection fragrance
God’s longing answereth.
6 As henna flow’rs, Thy beauty
In loveliness complete;
As apple trees that flourish,
Thy fruit abundant, sweet.
7 Sweet wine Thy love surpasseth,
Thy name an ointment is;
We take Thee as our love feast
And taste the sweetest bliss.
8 As on Thyself we ponder
And all Thy beauty trace,
We taste to full Thy sweetness
And rest in Thine embrace.
He is our love feast - when we enjoy the Lord Jesus, we taste the sweetest bliss.
Much love to all of you. Remember, eat to live!
Joanne
I had blood work done on Thursday and got the results yesterday. The liver function test was normal as were all the other tests. The CA 125 was 5 - down a point from October, which is in the normal range (0-35). I am thankful to the Lord for this result. I am still trying to go into the library at Boston Trinity 3 days a week - usually by the 3rd day I am kind of dragging myself in. I love it though - this week I had the opportunity to work with 2 students. It was wonderful!
I don't think I mentioned that I am also taking 3 classes on line to complete my MS in library science. I love the courses but it is hard to keep track of everything that needs to be completed for all the classes. These were classes that I had dropped back in April when I was first diagnosed. I was able to take one in the fall and then 3 now. After this quarter, I will have only 3 left! It is amazing that my mind can function. Another testimony to the restoring work of the Lord.
Cooking healthy is all a challenge because healthy eating is definitely not "fast food." It requires getting fresh cruciferous vegetables and then processing them (chopping, shredding, cutting, cooking) to get them palatable. I also have to search for recipes. I've been making some interesting dishes for the family. It is too hard to cook something for them and something else for me and it is good that we all eat this way. Everyone enjoys the "interesting" concoctions I've come up with - like pumpkin black bean soup or eggplant stew or vegan minestrone with kale and cabbage! I have a slogan I say to myself - "Eat to live, not live to eat." This is a good life principle, I think. So, day by day, as I eat to live physically, I am also taking the time to eat to live spiritually. It is amazing that the Lord Jesus likened Himself to bread, to food.
In John 6:35 and 57 - Jesus says that He is the bread of life and that we should eat Him:
35 Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall by no means hunger, and he who believes into Me shall by no means ever thirst.
57 As the living Father has sent Me and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also shall live because of Me.
Isaiah 55:1-2 say:
1 Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, And you who have no money; Come, buy and eat; Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price.
2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread, And the result of your labor for what does not satisfy? Hear Me attentively, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in fatness.
Eat what is good! What could be better than the Lord Himself, the living bread! When we eat Him, we live because of Him - He is the ultimate life food! How do we eat Him, you may wonder? By taking in His word, in short little portions by prayer. What better words to pray than the word of God. As we pray the Word, we are assimilating it into our being - and like the Lord Jesus said in John 6, we can expect to live by Him.
This week I really enjoyed this hymn. It is a wonderful one for praising the Lord for all that He is. Here is a link for the tune: http://www.hymnal.net/Hymns/Hymnal/midi/e0169_i.mid
1 Thou, Lord, to God art precious,
His chosen, His delight;
With oil of joy, anointed,
How comely in His sight.
Chorus
We treasure with affection
Thy perfect comeliness,
Thy sweetness and Thy fragrance,
And all Thy loveliness.
2 The altogether lovely,
The fairest of the fair,
Thy mouth with grace o’erfloweth;
Our hearts their love declare.
3 The wise men offered treasures
And honored Thee at birth;
Thou wast by noble buried,
Still lovable in death.
4 Thy head has been anointed,
The lovely One Thou art;
Thy feet anointed also,
Beloved in every part.
5 Thy death as myrrh in sweetness
Man’s spirit comforteth;
Thy resurrection fragrance
God’s longing answereth.
6 As henna flow’rs, Thy beauty
In loveliness complete;
As apple trees that flourish,
Thy fruit abundant, sweet.
7 Sweet wine Thy love surpasseth,
Thy name an ointment is;
We take Thee as our love feast
And taste the sweetest bliss.
8 As on Thyself we ponder
And all Thy beauty trace,
We taste to full Thy sweetness
And rest in Thine embrace.
He is our love feast - when we enjoy the Lord Jesus, we taste the sweetest bliss.
Much love to all of you. Remember, eat to live!
Joanne
Monday, January 28, 2008
Living Light
This morning I enjoyed this hymn - it is a wonderful hymn to pray to the Lord. The tune is an old English song "Drink to me only with thine eyes".
O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me,
And all things else recede;
My heart be daily nearer Thee,
From sin be daily freed.
In the bright beams which on me fall,
Fade every evil thought;
That I am nothing, Thou art all
I would be daily taught.
More of Thy glory let me see,
Thou Holy, Wise, and True;
I would Thy living image be,
In joy or sorrow too.
Fill me with gladness from above,
Hold me by strength divine;
Lord, let the glow of Thy great love
Through all my being shine.
Make this poor self grow less and less,
Be Thou my life and aim;
Oh, make me daily through Thy grace
More meet to bear Thy name.
I enjoyed the chorus especially: O Lord, each day, let Your supporting might still embrace my weakness. Fill me with Your light to remove all the regions of darkness within and overcome all death with Your life!
The wonderful thing about light is - that when it enters, darkness is dispelled - you can't have darkness and light together. Here are a few wonderful verses about light:
John 1:4-5
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 8:12
12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall by no means walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46
46 I have come as a light into the world, that every one who believes into Me would not remain in darkness.
Ephesians 5:8
8 For you were once darkness but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light.
Revelation 21:10-11
10 And he carried me away in spirit onto a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, as clear as crystal.
There is a progression here from the Lord Jesus to the believers to the believers with the Lord in the New Jerusalem!
The way this can happen is because the light we receive from the Lord is living!
Here is something I read about light by from chapter 25 of The Fulfillment of the Tabernacle and the Offerings in the Writings of John:
"We have seen that in this chapter [John 8] the Lord Jesus declares that He is the light of the world. This light shines in the darkness, repels it, and even swallows it. Only light can swallow darkness. When light comes, darkness vanishes immediately. Only light can repel darkness. There is no way to get rid of darkness unless light comes. Who is the light that repels the darkness of sin and death? This light is Jesus, the Son of God.
Light issues in life. As the Son of God, Christ is the light of the world. When we receive the shining of this light, we receive life, for the light, as the light of life, issues in life. This light is different from natural light or electrical light, which are not living. The light we have received from Christ is living. It lives in us, it grows, and it reproduces because it is the light of life."
Stay in the light today dear ones. This light will scatter all the darkness and will make us light! Hallelujah!
Thank you for praying! I do feel more energized day by day. I attended two church meetings this past weekend! It was wonderful!
Much love,
Joanne
O Jesus Christ, grow Thou in me,
And all things else recede;
My heart be daily nearer Thee,
From sin be daily freed.
Each day let Thy supporting might
My weakness still embrace;
My darkness vanish in Thy light,
Thy life my death efface.
In the bright beams which on me fall,
Fade every evil thought;
That I am nothing, Thou art all
I would be daily taught.
More of Thy glory let me see,
Thou Holy, Wise, and True;
I would Thy living image be,
In joy or sorrow too.
Fill me with gladness from above,
Hold me by strength divine;
Lord, let the glow of Thy great love
Through all my being shine.
Make this poor self grow less and less,
Be Thou my life and aim;
Oh, make me daily through Thy grace
More meet to bear Thy name.
I enjoyed the chorus especially: O Lord, each day, let Your supporting might still embrace my weakness. Fill me with Your light to remove all the regions of darkness within and overcome all death with Your life!
The wonderful thing about light is - that when it enters, darkness is dispelled - you can't have darkness and light together. Here are a few wonderful verses about light:
John 1:4-5
4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.
John 8:12
12 Again therefore Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall by no means walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
John 12:46
46 I have come as a light into the world, that every one who believes into Me would not remain in darkness.
Ephesians 5:8
8 For you were once darkness but are now light in the Lord; walk as children of light.
Revelation 21:10-11
10 And he carried me away in spirit onto a great and high mountain and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
11 Having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, as clear as crystal.
There is a progression here from the Lord Jesus to the believers to the believers with the Lord in the New Jerusalem!
The way this can happen is because the light we receive from the Lord is living!
Here is something I read about light by from chapter 25 of The Fulfillment of the Tabernacle and the Offerings in the Writings of John:
"We have seen that in this chapter [John 8] the Lord Jesus declares that He is the light of the world. This light shines in the darkness, repels it, and even swallows it. Only light can swallow darkness. When light comes, darkness vanishes immediately. Only light can repel darkness. There is no way to get rid of darkness unless light comes. Who is the light that repels the darkness of sin and death? This light is Jesus, the Son of God.
Light issues in life. As the Son of God, Christ is the light of the world. When we receive the shining of this light, we receive life, for the light, as the light of life, issues in life. This light is different from natural light or electrical light, which are not living. The light we have received from Christ is living. It lives in us, it grows, and it reproduces because it is the light of life."
Stay in the light today dear ones. This light will scatter all the darkness and will make us light! Hallelujah!
Thank you for praying! I do feel more energized day by day. I attended two church meetings this past weekend! It was wonderful!
Much love,
Joanne
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Yesterday I was considering Abraham and how the Lord appeared to him again and again to restate His promise to him. First he appeared to him in Ur of the Chaldeans, according to Acts 7:2-3; and again in Genesis 12:1-3; then in Genesis 12:7, and then in Genesis 13:14-17. Each time his promise was restated:
Acts 7:2-3
2 And he said, Men, brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,
3 And said to him, "Come out from your land and from your relatives, and come into the land which I will show you."
Genesis 12:1-3:
1 Now Jehovah said to Abram, Go from your land And from your relatives And from your father's house To the land that I will show you;
2 And I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
3 And I will bless those who bless you, And he who curses you I will curse; And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Genesis 12:7
7 And Jehovah appeared to Abram and said, To your seed I will give this land. And there he built an altar to Jehovah who had appeared to him.
Genesis 13:14-17
14 And Jehovah said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, Now lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward;
15 For all the land that you see I will give to you and to your seed forever.
16 And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then your seed can also be numbered.
17 Rise up; walk through the land according to its length and its breadth, for I will give it to you.
I read the footnotes for these verses and one especially touches me with regard to the third appearing of God to Abraham in Genesis 12:7:
This was the third time God appeared to Abraham. Here God's reappearing confirmed to Abraham that he had answered God's calling and had arrived at the place where God intended him to be. God's reappearing also strengthened Abraham to live by faith (Heb. 11:8-10) as an anti-testimony to the godless living developed by mankind at Babel.
God appeared to him again and again to call him progressively and also to strengthen him. Many times we may feel that our faith is failing or even gone. We need to pray for the God of glory to appear to us! We need to hear God's promises again and again so that we do not get discouraged and lose hope. Also we need to pray for revelation. I was touched with verse 15, where Jehovah says All the land that you see I will give to you. How much we need a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Lord, take the veils away from our eyes. We want there to be no separation between us and You!
There is a wonderful hymn about this experience:
1 Remove my covering, Lord,
That I may see Thy light,
And be deceived no more,
But all things see aright.
Chorus
Oh, may Thy living light, Lord,
Scatter all my night, Lord,
And everything make bright, Lord,
For this I pray to Thee.
2 I hardly know myself;
Deceived so much by pride,
I often think I’m right
And am self-satisfied.
3 I know Thee even less;
In doctrine, shallowly;
True revelation lack
Of Thy reality.
4 As for Thy life within,
In darkness I mistake-
If spirit or the flesh,
One for the other take.
5 As for Thy way, O Lord,
I often am not clear;
I toward seclusion tend
And from the pathway veer.
6 As for Thy will for me,
I do not know it well;
I substitute my own
And often would rebel.
7 As for the church, I need
Thy revelation more,
The Body-life to know,
Thy wisdom to explore.
8 I long to be unveiled,
In everything made clear,
No more to be deceived
Or to my pride adhere.
Here's a link to the tune if you want to sing along:
http://www.hymnal.net/Hymns/Hymnal/midi/e0359_i.mid
Oh, may Thy living light Lord scatter all my night! How much we need Your appearing!
I haven't been able to write on the blog because I have been kind of exhausted lately - just doing too much during the day, I guess. It is so great to be able to work at the school library but I do need the Lord to regulate me day by day. The next step for me is to have a follow-up CT scan in mid-March. As soon as I have the date, I will let you know. I have a blood test and port flush on January 31st. The blood test is for the CA-125 level. This is the cancer marker level in the blood. I am trying to eat those veggies but they do not stay fresh very long - perhaps I should just cook everything on the weekend and then eat it during the week. We'll see. I'm also taking supplements to boost my immune system.
Thank you dear ones for all your prayers and support.
Much love to you,
Joanne
Acts 7:2-3
2 And he said, Men, brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,
3 And said to him, "Come out from your land and from your relatives, and come into the land which I will show you."
Genesis 12:1-3:
1 Now Jehovah said to Abram, Go from your land And from your relatives And from your father's house To the land that I will show you;
2 And I will make of you a great nation, And I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.
3 And I will bless those who bless you, And he who curses you I will curse; And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.
Genesis 12:7
7 And Jehovah appeared to Abram and said, To your seed I will give this land. And there he built an altar to Jehovah who had appeared to him.
Genesis 13:14-17
14 And Jehovah said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, Now lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward;
15 For all the land that you see I will give to you and to your seed forever.
16 And I will make your seed as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then your seed can also be numbered.
17 Rise up; walk through the land according to its length and its breadth, for I will give it to you.
I read the footnotes for these verses and one especially touches me with regard to the third appearing of God to Abraham in Genesis 12:7:
This was the third time God appeared to Abraham. Here God's reappearing confirmed to Abraham that he had answered God's calling and had arrived at the place where God intended him to be. God's reappearing also strengthened Abraham to live by faith (Heb. 11:8-10) as an anti-testimony to the godless living developed by mankind at Babel.
God appeared to him again and again to call him progressively and also to strengthen him. Many times we may feel that our faith is failing or even gone. We need to pray for the God of glory to appear to us! We need to hear God's promises again and again so that we do not get discouraged and lose hope. Also we need to pray for revelation. I was touched with verse 15, where Jehovah says All the land that you see I will give to you. How much we need a spirit of wisdom and revelation. Lord, take the veils away from our eyes. We want there to be no separation between us and You!
There is a wonderful hymn about this experience:
1 Remove my covering, Lord,
That I may see Thy light,
And be deceived no more,
But all things see aright.
Chorus
Oh, may Thy living light, Lord,
Scatter all my night, Lord,
And everything make bright, Lord,
For this I pray to Thee.
2 I hardly know myself;
Deceived so much by pride,
I often think I’m right
And am self-satisfied.
3 I know Thee even less;
In doctrine, shallowly;
True revelation lack
Of Thy reality.
4 As for Thy life within,
In darkness I mistake-
If spirit or the flesh,
One for the other take.
5 As for Thy way, O Lord,
I often am not clear;
I toward seclusion tend
And from the pathway veer.
6 As for Thy will for me,
I do not know it well;
I substitute my own
And often would rebel.
7 As for the church, I need
Thy revelation more,
The Body-life to know,
Thy wisdom to explore.
8 I long to be unveiled,
In everything made clear,
No more to be deceived
Or to my pride adhere.
Here's a link to the tune if you want to sing along:
http://www.hymnal.net/Hymns/Hymnal/midi/e0359_i.mid
Oh, may Thy living light Lord scatter all my night! How much we need Your appearing!
I haven't been able to write on the blog because I have been kind of exhausted lately - just doing too much during the day, I guess. It is so great to be able to work at the school library but I do need the Lord to regulate me day by day. The next step for me is to have a follow-up CT scan in mid-March. As soon as I have the date, I will let you know. I have a blood test and port flush on January 31st. The blood test is for the CA-125 level. This is the cancer marker level in the blood. I am trying to eat those veggies but they do not stay fresh very long - perhaps I should just cook everything on the weekend and then eat it during the week. We'll see. I'm also taking supplements to boost my immune system.
Thank you dear ones for all your prayers and support.
Much love to you,
Joanne
Friday, January 18, 2008
Update on CT scan
Hi everyone,
Dr. Berlin called tonight and explained the CT scan report to me. Apparently there is nodularity present with nodes that are very small - 7-9 mm, asymmetry of the vaginal cuff and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. There was also something else that I cannot recall. While there is no evidence of recurrence, these areas must be watched. Dr. Berlin said that the enlarged lymph nodes could be just inflammation. They have remained the same size since the last CT scan in June. I need to schedule another CT scan for mid-March.
Thank You, Lord for all Your healing work!
Thank you all for praying!
Love,
Joanne
Dr. Berlin called tonight and explained the CT scan report to me. Apparently there is nodularity present with nodes that are very small - 7-9 mm, asymmetry of the vaginal cuff and enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area. There was also something else that I cannot recall. While there is no evidence of recurrence, these areas must be watched. Dr. Berlin said that the enlarged lymph nodes could be just inflammation. They have remained the same size since the last CT scan in June. I need to schedule another CT scan for mid-March.
Thank You, Lord for all Your healing work!
Thank you all for praying!
Love,
Joanne
What we see
This morning I was reading these verses in Hebrews 2:8b-9:
8 You have subjected all things under His feet. For in subjecting all things to Him, He left nothing unsubject to Him.But now we do not yet see all things subjected to Him,
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little inferior to the angels because of the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death on behalf of everything.
What touched me was that the fact is that God has subjected all things under the feet of Christ -but we don't see all things subjected to Him, BUT we see Jesus - crowned with glory and honor. Stephen, the first martyr saw Him standing at the right hand of the Father. This wonderful person Jesus has passed through suffering, death and has been raised, has passed through the heavens and is now crowned with glory and honor. Everything we need is in Him. When I look at my situation, I don't see things subjected to Him - but when I look away to Jesus, I see One who has conquered sin, death, the devil - One who is crowned with glory and honor.
This wonderful person lives in me! He is a treasure store of riches. When I need patience, He is patience. When I need unconditional love, He is that love. He is strong, buoyant and without sickness. Whatever I need, He is. He is the I Am. We are not called as Christians to imitate Him. That would be impossible for me. Rather, He is indwelling us and desires to live out His life through us.
Here's a hymn that goes along with these verses. The tune is "O Come All Ye Faithful". I enjoy all the adjectives about what Christ is:
THERE'S A MAN IN THE GLORY
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
He's pure and He's holy, triumphant and free.
He's wise and He's loving, how tender is He!
His life in the glory my life must be;
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
He overcame Satan; from bondage He's free.
In life He is reigning; how kingly is He!
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
In Him is no sickness; no weakness has He.
He's strong and in vigor; how buoyant is He!
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
His peace is abiding; how patient is He!
He's joyful and radiant, expecting to see
His life in the glory lived out in me;
His life in the glory lived out in me!
I hope you will all enjoy this wonderful Person today!
I never heard back from Dr. Berlin last week regarding the CT scan I had on January 9th. She is supposed to call me today. I am not worried though. When I hear from her I will post an update.
I have been enjoying helping at the school library. I am trying to eat my veggies, colorful berries, and Omega-3 oil every day. It is challenging but there is much grace for this. Hallelujah!
Love,
Joanne
8 You have subjected all things under His feet. For in subjecting all things to Him, He left nothing unsubject to Him.But now we do not yet see all things subjected to Him,
9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little inferior to the angels because of the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death on behalf of everything.
What touched me was that the fact is that God has subjected all things under the feet of Christ -but we don't see all things subjected to Him, BUT we see Jesus - crowned with glory and honor. Stephen, the first martyr saw Him standing at the right hand of the Father. This wonderful person Jesus has passed through suffering, death and has been raised, has passed through the heavens and is now crowned with glory and honor. Everything we need is in Him. When I look at my situation, I don't see things subjected to Him - but when I look away to Jesus, I see One who has conquered sin, death, the devil - One who is crowned with glory and honor.
This wonderful person lives in me! He is a treasure store of riches. When I need patience, He is patience. When I need unconditional love, He is that love. He is strong, buoyant and without sickness. Whatever I need, He is. He is the I Am. We are not called as Christians to imitate Him. That would be impossible for me. Rather, He is indwelling us and desires to live out His life through us.
Here's a hymn that goes along with these verses. The tune is "O Come All Ye Faithful". I enjoy all the adjectives about what Christ is:
THERE'S A MAN IN THE GLORY
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
He's pure and He's holy, triumphant and free.
He's wise and He's loving, how tender is He!
His life in the glory my life must be;
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
He overcame Satan; from bondage He's free.
In life He is reigning; how kingly is He!
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
In Him is no sickness; no weakness has He.
He's strong and in vigor; how buoyant is He!
His life in the glory my life must be.
There's a man in the glory whose life is for me.
His peace is abiding; how patient is He!
He's joyful and radiant, expecting to see
His life in the glory lived out in me;
His life in the glory lived out in me!
I hope you will all enjoy this wonderful Person today!
I never heard back from Dr. Berlin last week regarding the CT scan I had on January 9th. She is supposed to call me today. I am not worried though. When I hear from her I will post an update.
I have been enjoying helping at the school library. I am trying to eat my veggies, colorful berries, and Omega-3 oil every day. It is challenging but there is much grace for this. Hallelujah!
Love,
Joanne
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Jehovah Rophe
This morning when I was spending time with the Lord, I was reminded of one of His names which is in Exodus 15 at the bitter waters of Marah - Jehovah Rophe - I am Jehovah who heals you:
Exodus 15:22-26
22 Then Moses moved Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore its name was called Marah.
24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
25 And he cried out to Jehovah, and Jehovah showed him a tree; and he cast it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them.
26 And He said, If you will listen carefully to the voice of Jehovah your God and do what is right in His eyes and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Jehovah who heals you.
(Heb. Jehovah-Rophe)
This is an interesting chapter in many ways. First, they intentionally went 3 days into the wilderness - they went south into the wilderness and there was no water. The life study of Exodus message 30 says that the wilderness represents resurrection. Following the crossing of the Red Sea the children of Israel walked in resurrection - and there was no natural water there. Nothing of the natural life can satisfy their thirst. In Egypt they had the Nile - a huge river - but in the wilderness there was no water - nothing natural to satisfy their thirst. So the Lord led them to Marah - they were being led by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. At Marah the waters were bitter. The Lord showed Moses a tree to put into the bitter waters which turned them sweet. This tree is the cross of Christ which, when we apply it to our bitter situations, they become sweet. But it is after this that it says that the Lord tested them and then revealed Himself to them as Jehovah Who heals you. Not only were there bitter circumstances, but there was bitterness within the children of Israel. We have many situations which test us and through the testing reveal our inward condition. Only the Lord Jesus can heal us. When we apply the cross to our inward sickness, we are healed. Our healing was accomplished on the cross of Christ. To read more of this great life study, here is a link: http://ministrybooks.com/books.cfm?id=%23%230O%3C%0A
and click on chapter 30.
What does it mean to apply the cross of Christ? We can pray something like this: “Lord, I need You, and I need more experience of the cross. I need to put the tree not only into my circumstances, but also into my very being. I need to apply this tree to my mind, emotion, and will. I need to apply it to my spirit and to my attitude toward others.”
We can apply the cross of Christ to our entire being. 1 Peter 2:24 says:
24 Who Himself bore up our sins in His body on the tree, in order that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose bruise you were healed.
The cross of Christ solves all the problems we have. We are healed through the application of the cross!
I got results from the CT scan and the nurse told me that they saw 2 normal abnormalities on the scan, which they will watch. While I am not sure about this ambiguous term, I know that I can apply the cross of Christ even to the abnormalities on the CT scan.
I am reminded of a hymn. The words of the chorus were written by A. B. Simpson. The opening words were written in the 17th century by the poet Angelus Silesius:
Though Christ a thousand times
In Bethlehem be born,
If He’s not born in thee,
Thy soul is still forlorn,
The Cross on Golgotha
Will never save thy soul,
The Cross in thine own heart
Alone will make thee whole.
Chorus
O Cross of Christ, I take thee
Into this heart of mine,
That I to my own self may die
And rise to thy life Divine.
What e'er thou lovest, man,
That too become thou must;
God, if thou lovest God,
Dust, if thou lovest dust.
Go out, God will come in;
Die thou and let Him live;
Be not and He will be;
Wait and He'll all things give.
To bring thee to thy God,
Love takes the shortest route;
The way which knowledge leads,
Is but a roundabout.
Drive out from thee the world,
And then thy heart shall be
Filled with the love of God,
And holy like as He.
O Cross of Christ I take thee into this heart of mine that to my own self I may die and rise to thy life Divine!
Much love to all,
Joanne
Exodus 15:22-26
22 Then Moses moved Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water.
23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter; therefore its name was called Marah.
24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?
25 And he cried out to Jehovah, and Jehovah showed him a tree; and he cast it into the waters, and the waters became sweet. There He made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there He tested them.
26 And He said, If you will listen carefully to the voice of Jehovah your God and do what is right in His eyes and give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Jehovah who heals you.
(Heb. Jehovah-Rophe)
This is an interesting chapter in many ways. First, they intentionally went 3 days into the wilderness - they went south into the wilderness and there was no water. The life study of Exodus message 30 says that the wilderness represents resurrection. Following the crossing of the Red Sea the children of Israel walked in resurrection - and there was no natural water there. Nothing of the natural life can satisfy their thirst. In Egypt they had the Nile - a huge river - but in the wilderness there was no water - nothing natural to satisfy their thirst. So the Lord led them to Marah - they were being led by the pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night. At Marah the waters were bitter. The Lord showed Moses a tree to put into the bitter waters which turned them sweet. This tree is the cross of Christ which, when we apply it to our bitter situations, they become sweet. But it is after this that it says that the Lord tested them and then revealed Himself to them as Jehovah Who heals you. Not only were there bitter circumstances, but there was bitterness within the children of Israel. We have many situations which test us and through the testing reveal our inward condition. Only the Lord Jesus can heal us. When we apply the cross to our inward sickness, we are healed. Our healing was accomplished on the cross of Christ. To read more of this great life study, here is a link: http://ministrybooks.com/books.cfm?id=%23%230O%3C%0A
and click on chapter 30.
What does it mean to apply the cross of Christ? We can pray something like this: “Lord, I need You, and I need more experience of the cross. I need to put the tree not only into my circumstances, but also into my very being. I need to apply this tree to my mind, emotion, and will. I need to apply it to my spirit and to my attitude toward others.”
We can apply the cross of Christ to our entire being. 1 Peter 2:24 says:
24 Who Himself bore up our sins in His body on the tree, in order that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose bruise you were healed.
The cross of Christ solves all the problems we have. We are healed through the application of the cross!
I got results from the CT scan and the nurse told me that they saw 2 normal abnormalities on the scan, which they will watch. While I am not sure about this ambiguous term, I know that I can apply the cross of Christ even to the abnormalities on the CT scan.
I am reminded of a hymn. The words of the chorus were written by A. B. Simpson. The opening words were written in the 17th century by the poet Angelus Silesius:
Though Christ a thousand times
In Bethlehem be born,
If He’s not born in thee,
Thy soul is still forlorn,
The Cross on Golgotha
Will never save thy soul,
The Cross in thine own heart
Alone will make thee whole.
Chorus
O Cross of Christ, I take thee
Into this heart of mine,
That I to my own self may die
And rise to thy life Divine.
What e'er thou lovest, man,
That too become thou must;
God, if thou lovest God,
Dust, if thou lovest dust.
Go out, God will come in;
Die thou and let Him live;
Be not and He will be;
Wait and He'll all things give.
To bring thee to thy God,
Love takes the shortest route;
The way which knowledge leads,
Is but a roundabout.
Drive out from thee the world,
And then thy heart shall be
Filled with the love of God,
And holy like as He.
O Cross of Christ I take thee into this heart of mine that to my own self I may die and rise to thy life Divine!
Much love to all,
Joanne
Thursday, January 10, 2008
CT scans, veggies and mercy!
I had my CT scan yesterday and also saw Dr. Berkowitz who told me that I would be seeing him in 6 months (July). I will alternate seeing him and Dr. Berlin every 3 months. He also told me that he puts no stock in CT scans because they are so hard to read and because there is so much scarring due to all the surgeries. He told me to expect to have more xrays because of the lack of clarity in the scan.
It was a bit confusing but I am not going to worry. I am trying to eat in a more healthy way - taking in Omega-3 and cruciferous veggies. It is not easy. Today I just wanted a cup of coffee and a doughnut. It is hard to change what we eat. I thought of the children of Israel longing for the leeks and garlic of Egypt. They had a more drastic change - from garlic to manna - wow. My change is from muffins to broccoli.
This week I returned to Boston Trinity Academy to help out in the library. It has been 9 months since I was there last. What a wonderful experience it is to feel "normal" again. I am so thankful to the Lord for His abounding mercy and love. These 3 verses from a hymn by Charles Wesley really speaks well of how amazing God's love is.
And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Thank you Lord that Your mercy found me! I will post again when I hear the results of the CT scan -- hopefully tomorrow.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Joanne
It was a bit confusing but I am not going to worry. I am trying to eat in a more healthy way - taking in Omega-3 and cruciferous veggies. It is not easy. Today I just wanted a cup of coffee and a doughnut. It is hard to change what we eat. I thought of the children of Israel longing for the leeks and garlic of Egypt. They had a more drastic change - from garlic to manna - wow. My change is from muffins to broccoli.
This week I returned to Boston Trinity Academy to help out in the library. It has been 9 months since I was there last. What a wonderful experience it is to feel "normal" again. I am so thankful to the Lord for His abounding mercy and love. These 3 verses from a hymn by Charles Wesley really speaks well of how amazing God's love is.
And can it be that I should gain
An int'rest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
He left His Father's throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
'Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.
Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
Thank you Lord that Your mercy found me! I will post again when I hear the results of the CT scan -- hopefully tomorrow.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Joanne
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Eyelashes
I don't think I have thought much about my eyelashes for the past 20+ years. The last time I got really concerned about them was probably my senior prom when long, luxurious lashes would be an absolute necessity. After having 4 children, I rarely checked the mirror, and I certainly didn't notice my eyelashes much. This past summer, when I lost my hair, eyebrows, etc. I also lost my eyelashes. I began checking to see if they would ever grow back. I had heard that they can take over a year to return. I also noticed that those lashes have a function - when I rubbed my eyes with lashes, they acted as a buffer and cushion, protecting my eyes. Without them, when I rubbed my eyes, I often caused more pain. I seemed to have more dust, etc. get into my eye as well. Such a tiny item - I can hardly call it a member - of my body has a function! And no other member of my body could perform that function.
This past week my daughter Anna looked at me and announced that my eyelashes are growing back! Short, tiny and not anything close to luxurious, but they are there, functioning in their capacity.
You might think that I have lost my mind writing about eyelashes. But they helped remind me of two things - we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God's design is impeccably perfect. Even eyelashes. I also realized in the spiritual side of things that every member of the Body of Christ is necessary - every member has a function and that function is needed in order for the Body to express the life of Christ, Who indwells them.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12:14, 17-22, these verses express this principle:
14 For the body is not one member but many.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were the hearing, where would the smelling be?
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, even as He willed.
19 And if all were one member, where would the body be?
20 But now the members are many, but the body one.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 But much rather the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
This chapter is wonderful - it speaks about how when one member suffers, all the members suffer. It also speaks about how we are members one of another.
I can't imagine going through what I have been through this year without the members of the Body. Every member has been a source of supply, encouragement, and strength to me. I am so thankful to the Lord for His marvelous arrangement. The Christian life is not joining an organization but being placed by God into an organism that has Christ as its head and life, with all the members functioning to express that life and supply each other with that life.
Today I am going to see a doctor about nutrition that will strengthen my immune system. Please continue to pray for us to be one with the Lord in every aspect of the treatment. Also pray for me to be strengthened to believe the Lord. In this regard, I am reminded of a hymn by John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace) that so poignantly expresses the believer's daily struggle:
Begone unbelief, my Savior is near,
And for my relief will surely appear:
By prayer let me wrestle, and He wilt perform,
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.
Though dark be my way, since He is my Guide,
’Tis mine to obey, ’tis His to provide;
Though cisterns be broken, and creatures all fail,
The Word He has spoken shall surely prevail.
His love in time past forbids me to think
He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink;
Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review,
Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.
Determined to save, He watched o’er my path,
When Satan’s blind slave, I sported with death;
And can He have taught me to trust in His Name,
And thus far have brought me, to put me to shame?
Why should I complain of want or distress,
Temptation or pain? He told me no less:
The heirs of salvation, I know from His Word,
Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.
How bitter that cup, no heart can conceive,
Which He drank quite up, that sinners might live!
His way was much rougher, and darker than mine;
Did Jesus thus suffer, and shall I repine?
Since all that I meet shall work for my good,
The bitter is sweet, the medicine is food;
Though painful at present, wilt cease before long,
And then, O! how pleasant, the conqueror’s song!
This is such a wonderful hymn - with Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm!
Much love,
Joanne
This past week my daughter Anna looked at me and announced that my eyelashes are growing back! Short, tiny and not anything close to luxurious, but they are there, functioning in their capacity.
You might think that I have lost my mind writing about eyelashes. But they helped remind me of two things - we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God's design is impeccably perfect. Even eyelashes. I also realized in the spiritual side of things that every member of the Body of Christ is necessary - every member has a function and that function is needed in order for the Body to express the life of Christ, Who indwells them.
In 1 Corinthians chapter 12:14, 17-22, these verses express this principle:
14 For the body is not one member but many.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were the hearing, where would the smelling be?
18 But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, even as He willed.
19 And if all were one member, where would the body be?
20 But now the members are many, but the body one.
21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, I have no need of you; nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 But much rather the members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.
This chapter is wonderful - it speaks about how when one member suffers, all the members suffer. It also speaks about how we are members one of another.
I can't imagine going through what I have been through this year without the members of the Body. Every member has been a source of supply, encouragement, and strength to me. I am so thankful to the Lord for His marvelous arrangement. The Christian life is not joining an organization but being placed by God into an organism that has Christ as its head and life, with all the members functioning to express that life and supply each other with that life.
Today I am going to see a doctor about nutrition that will strengthen my immune system. Please continue to pray for us to be one with the Lord in every aspect of the treatment. Also pray for me to be strengthened to believe the Lord. In this regard, I am reminded of a hymn by John Newton (who wrote Amazing Grace) that so poignantly expresses the believer's daily struggle:
Begone unbelief, my Savior is near,
And for my relief will surely appear:
By prayer let me wrestle, and He wilt perform,
With Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm.
Though dark be my way, since He is my Guide,
’Tis mine to obey, ’tis His to provide;
Though cisterns be broken, and creatures all fail,
The Word He has spoken shall surely prevail.
His love in time past forbids me to think
He’ll leave me at last in trouble to sink;
Each sweet Ebenezer I have in review,
Confirms His good pleasure to help me quite through.
Determined to save, He watched o’er my path,
When Satan’s blind slave, I sported with death;
And can He have taught me to trust in His Name,
And thus far have brought me, to put me to shame?
Why should I complain of want or distress,
Temptation or pain? He told me no less:
The heirs of salvation, I know from His Word,
Through much tribulation must follow their Lord.
How bitter that cup, no heart can conceive,
Which He drank quite up, that sinners might live!
His way was much rougher, and darker than mine;
Did Jesus thus suffer, and shall I repine?
Since all that I meet shall work for my good,
The bitter is sweet, the medicine is food;
Though painful at present, wilt cease before long,
And then, O! how pleasant, the conqueror’s song!
This is such a wonderful hymn - with Christ in the vessel, I smile at the storm!
Much love,
Joanne
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
My Good Shepherd
I have a confession to make. For many years, whenever anyone would pray something along the lines of "Lord, whatever it takes, I give You the ground to conform me to Your image," I would often think, "I'm not praying THAT. Something really bad might happen and I don't think I could take something really bad." I didn't like suffering, or pain, or loss - partly because of what I had experienced in the past of those things. It was as though I couldn't trust the Lord to bring me through. Sometimes I would pray, "but Lord - change me so that I am not afraid of the path You may choose to take and make me willing to pay whatever price is necessary for You to gain what You must gain for Your purpose." I realize now that the Lord patiently listens when we pray - when we talk to Him, even if what we are saying is really focused on what we want rather than what He wants. It is our interacting with Him that changes us because He is living and He is able. The Lord does not require us to do anything but depend wholly on Him, to lean Him as our beloved. When I first got my diagnosis, I told the Lord "You have the wrong person - I am not a good candidate for pain and suffering." But through it all, He has been bearing me, bearing my family and bearing everyone who has gone through this with us. He is the One who is acquainted with sorrows, grief, pain and suffering. I am so thankful to the Lord for His faithful shepherding through this valley. He is a good shepherd.
Psalms
CHAPTER 23
1 Jehovah is my Shepherd; I will lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside waters of rest.
3 He restores my soul; He guides me on the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4 Even though I walk Through the valley of the shadow of death, I do not fear evil, For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, They comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me In the presence of my adversaries; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of my days.
As our good Shepherd, He is guiding us in the paths of righteousness. He is changing us into His image. He is walking through the valley of the shadow of death with us. We lack nothing!
I am reminded of two verses from a hymn:
I cannot tell why He whom angels worship,
Should set His love upon the sons of men,
Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers,
To bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that He was born of Mary
When Bethlehem’s manger was His only home,
And that He lived at Nazareth and labored,
And so the Savior, Savior of the world is come.
I cannot tell how silently He suffered,
As with His peace He graced this place of tears,
Or how His heart upon the cross was broken,
The crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, He heals the brokenhearted,
And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,
And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,
For yet the Savior, Savior of the world is here.
With His peace, He graced this place of tears. Thank you, Lord!
Much love to you all,
Joanne
Psalms
CHAPTER 23
1 Jehovah is my Shepherd; I will lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside waters of rest.
3 He restores my soul; He guides me on the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
4 Even though I walk Through the valley of the shadow of death, I do not fear evil, For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, They comfort me.
5 You spread a table before me In the presence of my adversaries; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me All the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of Jehovah for the length of my days.
As our good Shepherd, He is guiding us in the paths of righteousness. He is changing us into His image. He is walking through the valley of the shadow of death with us. We lack nothing!
I am reminded of two verses from a hymn:
I cannot tell why He whom angels worship,
Should set His love upon the sons of men,
Or why, as Shepherd, He should seek the wanderers,
To bring them back, they know not how or when.
But this I know, that He was born of Mary
When Bethlehem’s manger was His only home,
And that He lived at Nazareth and labored,
And so the Savior, Savior of the world is come.
I cannot tell how silently He suffered,
As with His peace He graced this place of tears,
Or how His heart upon the cross was broken,
The crown of pain to three and thirty years.
But this I know, He heals the brokenhearted,
And stays our sin, and calms our lurking fear,
And lifts the burden from the heavy laden,
For yet the Savior, Savior of the world is here.
With His peace, He graced this place of tears. Thank you, Lord!
Much love to you all,
Joanne
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