love

THE DREADED BLAHS

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BLAHS
Why are you cast down, O my soul?
 And why are you disquieted within me?
  Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him
  For the help of His countenance.
Psalm 42:5

There are certain mornings that I just awaken feeling  BLAH Small. For some reason, Monday mornings are especially notorious in that respect. I don’t even have to explain myself, because without a doubt all of you know what I’m talking about. There’s no rhyme or reason to the blahs. They just appear out of nowhere like a small, dark rain cloud in an otherwise sunny sky and they seem to have the sole purpose of putting a damper on your day. You don’t really feel bad, but you would love to just crawl back into bed with a good book or a favorite movie playing and pretend for the moment that the outside world doesn’t exist. Can you relate?

Of course it’s not a sin to feel blah. If it were, we would ALL be in trouble! But it certainly doesn’t add credence to our Christian witness. And usually everyone who sees our face knows that something is not quite right. I know you’ve heard the saying, “If you’re really a Christian, you need to notify your face!” Well, is there nothing we can do about those random nondescript feelings? (That’s why they’re called the Blahs…you can’t describe them.) Thank God, He never leaves us without hope! These are a few things that help me to overcome this sneaky culprit at its onset:

1. Remind yourself that these feelings are only going to last a short time. They are not here to stay. (Tomorrow they will probably be gone and forgotten!)

2. Don’t try to figure out why you feel this way. You’ll only get frustrated, more dismayed and filled with anxiety to boot!

3. Think about all of the things that you have to be thankful for. I know that sounds trite, but it works. Nothing chases the blues or blahs away like a thankful heart!

4. Thank the Lord for abiding with you always and ask Him to help you to maintain an attitude of peace and hope until the feelings pass.

5. Praise the Lord for the good things in your life. Praise is guaranteed to dispel despair. And before you know it, the blahs will be history!

Thank you, Father
that my life is not controlled
by what I see or feel
For I walk by faith, not by sight (OR feelings)!
(II Corinthians 5:7)

GOD BLESS AMERICA

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AMERICA

Some nations boast of their chariots and horses,
but we boast in the name of the Lord our God.
Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.
Psalm 20:7

The United States of America…Home of the Brave…Land of the Free! Those words still bring a tremendous sense of pride and allegiance to my heart! It makes me feel like I am a part of a nation build on a tradition of strength, loyalty, unity, bravery and fairness. It reminds me of the song Tevye sang in Fiddler On The Roof…“Tradition!” He sang it with such pride and yet it had an air of sadness about it because the tradition that was so engrained in him and an integral part of his life was deminishing…not on his part, but on the part of the up and coming generation. Does that remind you of anything?

This nation was founded on a tradition of Godly principles. The men who founded this country risked not only their own lives, but the lives of their wives and children to cross a vast ocean to get away from a tyrannical government…a government that told them how, when, where and IF they could worship God. The hardships involved were unimaginable, but some of them made it through to form a new government…a government that would eventually be called the United States of America.

I’m of the opinion that our forefathers would literally turn over in their graves if they knew how far our nation has drifted from the principles on which it was established! We no longer declare ourselves to be a “Nation Under (One) God”, but a “Nation Under (No One) God”. Our president himself said, “Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation – at least, not just. We are also a Jewish nation, a Muslim nation, a Buddhist nation, and a Hindu nation, and a nation of nonbelievers.” But the fact remains that the people who crossed an ocean to form this nation, based its foundational concepts on the Bible, God’s Holy Word and on the precepts of Christianity as related therein. It was NOT Jews or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus or nonbelievers who landed at Jamestown, but Born Again Believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and Servants of the Most High God! And it was God’s favor and protection that safely brought them here and preserved them in order that they might found this nation on His principles of brotherly love, unity and peace.

But, alas, even as he used a form of pride to deceive Eve in the Garden by questioning God’s authority, Satan has used political correctness to question God’s authority today. “Yes, God said it, but SURELY He didn’t mean THAT!” Satan has perverted our love for God in such a way as to make it seem that it is a form of hate. In other words, if you are a Bible Believing Christian, then you are a hate-monger. You hate homosexuality, you hate abortion, you hate immorality in every form. We DO hate those things, but we DO NOT hate those who participate in them and neither does God. God loves this nation…He loves its people, both those who serve Him and those who don’t. He has no desire that anyone should perish, but that all should come to know Him. He extends every opportunity on a daily basis to take them under the shadow of His love and protection..

As Christians, we have a right to declare that we are Born Again Believers in Jesus Christ! We have a right to believe in the Bible and uphold its principles in our life! We have a right to believe that this nation was founded on Godly principles and Christian ethics! And we have a right to stand up and say with boldness and pride and conviction…GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

AN ANCHOR FOR YOUR SOUL

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The following was written by a Christian Brother…Jeff Bama Ritch
Jeff Bama Ritch

God has given both his promise and his oath.
These two things are unchangeable
because it is impossible for God to lie.
Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge
can have great confidence as we hold
to the hope that lies before us.
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. Hebrews 6:18-19

There have been a lot of changes in my life since my momma gave birth to me in 1959. These changes have been brought on in various ways: Deaths, births, illnesses, accidents, retirement, altered relationships, job loss, marriage, divorce, stupid decisions, bad choices, good decisions, good choices, accepting Jesus as my Savior, etc. etc. As you can see not all changes were bad but ALL were life-altering. In every situation I had to ADJUST and ADAPT to the change at hand. Change is a part of life and we deal with it the best we can.

However there is ONE THING that never changes and that is the promise of God to give us hope in the midst of the changes we go through! In the verse above it describes this hope as a STRONG and TRUSTWORTHY anchor for our souls. An anchor for our souls …. WOW!! This says to me that no matter what life changes we are going through, relying on the unchangeable promises of God guarantees WE will not loose our minds with worry or depression or suicidal thoughts or want or falling into sin or fear or hate or violence. BUT this hope takes you by the hand and leads you (okay picture it) through the curtain…into God’s inner sanctuary where He can wrap His arms around you, hug you close and whisper in your ear, “you’re home, don’t worry, I got this, I PROMISE, TRUST ME!!!”

Won’t you trust Him today with the changes you are facing. It may be the death of a loved one, a baby that is sick, finances, illness, relationship issues or wants, or it may be a change in ministry or a move you are making. Whatever it is TRUST in God and His promises, that strong anchor of HOPE!!  Shalom

ARE YOU HOT, COLD OR LUKEWARM?

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PLOWING

But Jesus said to him,
“No one, having put his hand to the plow
And looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:62

Have you noticed how prevalent it is today for people to have an issue with commitment? Even marriage, the greatest commitment of all between two people, seems to be totally conditional these days. “I love you and I’ll commit to you as long as you make me happy. If I become unhappy in our relationshipment, the commitment goes out the door along with your packed bags!” It is extremely rare these days to find a couple that has been married for a long time. It is not uncommon now for couples who have been together for ten, fifteen, twenty years to part ways. And what about commitment to a job, an organization or a church? Real commitment is almost a thing of the past and it is so, so sad. It simply reflects the flighty, self-centered, all-about-me attitude of this present generation.

But when it comes to our commitment to Jesus Christ, there is absolutely no allotment for halfhearted commitment. It has to be all or nothing! Jesus said to The Church of Laodicea in the Book of Revelation...“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!” Revelation 3:15-16

There is a place in scripture where the Lord tells us that, like a builder who takes into account all the costs before he starts building, we should consider the cost of discipleship before we make a commitment. It is not a light thing, for Jesus signs that covenant with His precious Holy Blood. (Luke 14:28) And if we then, deliberately turn away from that partnership, how can we obtain redemption a second time? “It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the Word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” (Hebrews 6:4-6)

There was a time in Jesus day when some of His disciples did leave following Him.  He had taught something that was difficult for them to understand, so they just called it quits! So Jesus asked the twelve, “Will you leave also?” Note the answer that Peter gave, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words (the message) of eternal life.” (John 6:66-68) Anytime I’ve ever thought about leaving my Christianity behind because of worldly opposition, issues of faith or disciplines that seemed too hard to follow, I think to myself, “To whom or what would I turn if I didn’t have Jesus?” No one else and nothing else holds the key to abundant life on this earth and eternal life in the hereafter. He is my Best Friend. There is nothing I can‘t tell Him and nothing for which I can’t depend on Him. When I’m sad, He has words to cheer me and when I’m glad, He rejoices with me. How would I ever make it without Him? I’ll tell you something, “I don’t plan to try!”

HOPE SHINES THROUGH THE DARKNESS

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O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth!
    Your glory is higher than the heavens.
Psalm 8:1
HEAVENS

Poem by Sherry Crowson Evans

When You made the stars did they shine like Your face?
They were a brilliant glimmer of Your glory in the dark.
Did the sparkling blue seas shine like the depths of Your eyes?
Do the mighty oak trees resemble Your awesome power and might?
Are the boulders on high an image of Your steadfast stance?
Is the purifying wind like the breath of Your love?
When You created man, an image of You, did You smile or did You pause…
knowing the future and what was to come?
What sadness You must bear to have the beauty You created fall into darkness.
Thankfully, Your patience stretches out like the universe.
What joy You must possess knowing all will be well in time.
Darkness may reign, yet the beauty isn’t overshadowed. The world speaks of Your glory.
The Redeemer has been sent…a spark of Hope for all to see.
One tiny baby…One boy…One man…One God…One King for all…Forevermore.
His light shines like a beacon, guiding us onward. It never extinguishes.
It always endures. He will unite the world one day
to live in everlasting harmony with our Maker.

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

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HEART CLOUDS
SONG CLIP FROM
YOU CAN MAKE IT

See how very much our Father loves us,
for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!
I John 3:1a NLT

It’s amazing how the way we are reared can affect the rest of our lives. I don’t mean this to sound egotistical, for I assure you it is not meant in that manner, but my mother taught us that if someone is not attractive physically, they are “less than.” I know that sounds horrible and I’m sure if you had called her on it, she would have denied it, because she didn’t really say it in words. But the idea was subtly implied in conversations and in criticisms and judgmental attitudes. “Did you see that dress she had on? She could have at least fixed her hair?” She did the same thing to TV personalities.

I think it all stemmed from low self-esteem. She was a wonderful, beautiful and kind woman, but she grew up in abject poverty and so did my dad. But after their marriage, through hard work and a great deal of determination, they managed to bring themselves and their children into a middle-class lifestyle. My father determined that his children would never do without like he did!

But this influence on my life brought me into bondage to extreme perfectionism. Of course, I didn’t really realize it…I just knew I was miserable and always very angry! When I say extreme…I mean extreme! I wouldn’t wear a gold ring with a silver hair clip. Yes, it was that bad! But really, I suffered from that same low self-esteem issue that my mother had. It had been passed down to me and my sister. It was not until I was in my fifties that the Lord helped me to realize what bondage I was in and how truly miserable I was. When I did, I decided to do something about it, for certainly no one else could or would. Now days, I still dress immaculately with everything perfectly coordinated, but it is no longer out of a need for perfectionism, it is simply habit from having done it for so many years. The folks in my office call me “Fancy Nancy”! : ) I told them, when you’ve been here as many years as I have, you have enough jewelry and accessories to compliment any outfit!

My point in sharing all of this with you is to let you know that until I discovered that My Heavenly Father loves me just the way I am, I didn’t have the power to break free from this bondage. Now, I still like to look good, don’t get me wrong, but it is not an obsession. If I have to go out without makeup or being dressed to the tee, I don’t feel “less than.” I just feel normal. What a freeing concept!

Also, as a woman growing up in the South, I was taught that you should do your best to please people and you must always defer to men. Those things are a dangerous combination and caused me many problems in my adult life. But in that also, I came to realize that My Father God loves me and He is the only one I have to please or defer to. And even in that, it is our choice. And you know what…even if I do something that doesn’t please Him, He loves me anyway! His love is not conditional like human love! “I am my Beloved’s and He is mine. His banner over me is Love.”

Don’t EVER let anyone make you feel that you are “less than” for ANY reason! “You are fearfully and wonderfully made” by the God of the Universe and He loves you! If you have any bondage from the past that tells you otherwise, break it and annul it now by the power of the blood of Jesus Christ! Walk in the victory He died to attain for you!!!

I just can’t help myself…as a musician, I have to leave you with a verse from a song by Billy Joel:

I said I love you and that’s forever,
And this I promise from the heart;
I could not love you any better,
I love you just the way you are!

HAVE YOU FORGOTTEN WHO YOU ARE?

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MIRROR IMAGENow we see things imperfectly,
like puzzling reflections in a mirror,
but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.
All that I know now is partial and incomplete,
but then I will know everything completely,
just as God now knows me completely.
 I Corinthians 13:12

This post by my daughter Sherry Crowson Evans

So…how are you feeling today? Feelings can be crazy. One day you are just fine, and the next moment you are swept off your feet again. Despair creeps in stealthily. Insecurities are amplified. Failure seems imminent.

Have you forgotten who you are? Your feelings have deceived you. The deceiver has deceived you. You are a messenger…a messenger to the world. You have a job to do. God has a plan and a purpose solely for YOU. God has chosen YOU to be HIS light.

When you fail don’t crucify yourself. You are too hard on yourself! Look to God for reassurance and continue working. When your plans fall apart, look to Him. He will guide you. When your mind is confused, look to Him for clarity. When you’re depressed find comfort in the One who designed You.
Remember… it’s His plan and His purpose…for YOU…TODAY!

I know it’s hard to believe, but It is the truth. Take a moment… stop everything…find a quiet place. Now, think of your children. Think of all the love, hope, and dreams that you have ever wished for them. God gave you those hopes and dreams. They are a small glimmer of His hopes and dreams for YOU. Think back to all the times your heart has bled for your children. When they are hurting you hurt. You comfort them. You sacrifice for them. They are your hope and your future. You would die for them. God took His only Son. He sacrificed Him for YOU. His heart bled for YOU. YOU are the hope of this dark world because God’ s light shines in YOU! God loves you MORE than you love your child.

Remember who you are today. Look in the mirror…really LOOK…take off the mask. Don’t look at yourself with disappointment, disgust, or shame. Soften your eyes and look at yourself for who you are. God made you in His image. God is proud of you. He doesn’t see your flaws. He doesn’t see anything wrong with you. He sees your kindness. He sees your goodness. He sees you trying so very hard every day. He knows it’s difficult. He knows your struggles. God sees you making progress and He is PROUD! Believe in yourself. You can do it! God is with you. God believes in you and He is cheering you on!

GOODBYE GRANNY

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The following is post is a story written by my daughter Sherry Evans.  She is writing about the death of MY Mother, HER Grandmother and THE GIRL’S Great-grandmother, whom we all called Granny. I thought it would be an encouragement to those who have lost loved ones.

HEAVENLY DANCE 2
GOODBYE GRANNY
by
Sherry Crowson Evans

The two little girls knew their granny would die someday. They just didn’t expect her to actually…die. Granny was very old and she was very tired…worn to a frazzle, she sometimes would say. The girls would laugh and smile even though they didn’t know what that meant. Granny had always been old and tired as far as the girls knew.

Today however, was different. Today, when the girls went to visit Granny she was in a hospital bed. She looked so worn out. Granny started singing the sweet old hymns her grandmother had sung to her. The girls sang too and granny clapped when they were done.

Just Before they left she whispered to the girls, “Jesus is coming to get me in a few days. Soon I’ll be dancing a jig in glory.” Then she reached out her hand to the girls and reminded them, “Girls remember, always trust in Jesus. That’s’ the only thing that matters.”

And for a moment Granny had a twinkle in her eye as she smiled and said goodbye. But the girls wore concern on their faces. Momma could tell the girls were upset at what Granny had told them. The girls hugged and kissed their Granny for, as it turned out, the last time. They could hardly wait to get out into the hallway to ask their questions.

“Momma, we can’t really see Jesus right now. How can He come and take Granny away?”

Momma explained that Granny’s body was tired. It would stop working one day and then she would go live somewhere else. The girls were happy now. “Oh, then we can still visit Granny!” Momma explained that it was too far to visit but if we trusted Jesus just like Granny said then we would all go live there one day.

The next day Granny went to sleep and didn’t wake up for a few days. Then she was gone… Granny drifted off to sleep still hearing the girls’ voices singing sweet hymns. She even dreamed she was still singing with them…“♫ when we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be ♪… Her own voice sounded so pure, so beautiful, and so young? She could feel her lips moving as if the beautiful song was coming from her own mouth.

Slowly Granny opened her eyes and there she was lying on a bed of the softest silk she had ever felt. She sat up and looked around. This was the most lavish home she had ever seen!
But somehow she knew it was her home…her dream home that is. The bedroom was a beautiful shade of yellow, Granny’s favorite color. Everything was just as she had always imagined a perfect home to be.

She was so happy she wanted to dance but she knew her old legs wouldn’t hold her…and that is when she realized this must be a dream! There was no other explanation. In dreams you can do anything you want. So she might as well try. Granny started to dance…slowly at first, then faster. She danced and danced! She remembered dancing this way before, but that was many years ago. She lifted her hands in the air and twirled in a circle! From the corner of her eye she saw her own hand, spotless and creamy white.

“I used to have beautiful hands like this when I was young,” she thought. Just for fun she reached out and pinched herself. She didn’t feel a thing, but she didn’t wake up either. The pinch did not even leave a red mark. Granny wondered could this possibly be real? Can there really be something this wonderful? She had never felt this great…ever before. A ring at the doorbell stopped her mid-thought.

“Who in the world could that be?” she said aloud. Even as she said it her voice sounded strangely sweet and soft. She ran, actually ran, down the stairs. She opened the door and there stood the most handsome man she had ever seen! She gazed deeply into his blue eyes and recognized him.

“It’s time to go dear,” her beloved husband said.

Without thinking she followed him. Walking hand in hand they strolled down the street of gold. Friendly neighbors smiled and waved from their homes.

“Don’t you want to know where we are going?” Paw paw asked his beautiful bride.

Granny looked down and realized she was in a flowing gown of purest white. The bridal dress had diamonds that shimmered and sparkled in the light. They were heading toward a terrific warmth and brightness. Sounds of a party drifted along.

“Where are we going?” Granny confusedly asked.

“Why to your birthday party of course.” Granny was led to the head of the table.

“Happy birthday!” they all shouted.

The young man beside her hugged her and said, “Welcome home my Darling Daughter. I have missed you!”

She looked into his eyes…“Daddy!”

On her other side a beautiful girl who looked somewhat like herself had tears in her eyes…
“Mother!!!!!”

Many people she had known and loved stood clapping for granny. Suddenly, there was complete silence, then, “Ruth…..may I have this dance?”

Granny hadn’t been called Ruth in a long time. Ruth was her name before she was called Granny. She looked over to see who had spoken. A kindly man walked up, shining in the most beautiful light she had ever seen. A pure uncontrolled love shone from his eyes. Streams of light showered down upon Him from the throne on the hill.

As Granny looked up she saw God shining from His Own light. Raining down gleaming bursts of light and warmth, God in all His glory smiled and nodded His head at Granny. She immediately threw herself upon the ground and covered her head with her hands in shame.

Gently, Jesus uncovered her hands and lifted her up. He tilted her chin up and looked straight into her eyes. Grinning, Jesus asked, “Ruth may I have the first birthday dance?”

Before she had time to answer Jesus grabbed her and wrapped her in a big bear hug. Granny was so startled she began to giggle. She then heard Jesus laugh out loud in pure joy as he swung her around in wide circles.

Suddenly her Daddy had her in his arms swirling and twirling her around. Granny laughed and laughed. She was so happy! She thought she would cry for happiness but no tears came.

Back in her home after the party there was no need to rest. Granny thought about all the times she had said her old legs would give out. But now her legs were new and she would never say that again!

Granny thought about the little girls. She wished they could know how wonderful heaven really was! But no one could believe without coming. She knew the girls would be sad and miss her. And she would miss them too, but she wasn’t sad. Heaven was more than Granny had ever even imagined! She smiled as she thought about the little girls’ birthday party one day. When she saw them again she would stand and clap and dance and dance! Granny was thinking of all the fun she could have with the girls and never get tired.

Just then she heard a scratch at the door. It was a little dog the girls’ used to have. He was so excited to see granny that his little doggy tail shook his whole body. Granny took him up in her arms and surprisingly he didn’t stink. He then let out a small whimper.

“Yes, I miss them too”, she told the little dog as she scratched behind his ears. “You can live with me now and we’ll wait for the girls to come home to see us. I don’t mind waiting. It won’t be too long. You know what little doggy, if time flies when you’re havin’ fun, then time will soar here…I just know it!”

YOU ARE VALUABLE

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SPARROW LG
SONG: YOU CAN MAKE IT

What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin?
But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground
without your Heavenly Father knowing it.
And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered.
So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God
than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 NLT

Do you feel valuable? If you’re like me, it probably depends on what day you’re asked. Some days I feel valuable and some days I feel somewhat worthless! But know this…You are ALWAYS valuable in the eyes of your Heavenly Father. Matthew gives us a vivid illustration of how much we mean to God.

I can’t imagine how many sparrows there are in this world. When I checked the dictionary, one classification alone had 140 species. And there are several different classifications all over the world. But Matthew tells us that our Heavenly Father knows when even one of them falls to the ground. He also tells us again in chapter six to “Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are?” (Matthew 6:26) If the Lord feeds the little sparrows and keeps up with their coming and going, how much more will He take care of us, His children?

I don’t think anyone put it more succinctly than Peter. “Cast the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully.” (I Peter 5:7-9 AMP) Read that verse again slowly, emphasizing the word “all”…and make it personal. Lord, I “Cast the whole of my care [ALL my anxieties, ALL my worries, ALL my concerns, once and for ALL] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully.”

You are valuable to your Father God! And if He is caring for you, why should you take the care also? Cast it on Him today!

A JOURNEY OF HOPE, CHARITY, FAITH AND A LITTLE GRACE

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BABY - GIFT FROM GOD
The following is a true testimony from my daughter,
Sherry Evans:

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in You.” Psalm 39:7

I was saved at a young age but drifted away from the Lord in my teen years. I became a teen mom. My first daughter, Hope, was born shortly after  I turned 16. I went through a period of depression as I was finding my way back to the Lord, but God is faithful and He brought me back to Himself with open arms.
“I have wiped out your transgressions like a thick cloud And your sins like a heavy mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:22

“Charity suffers long, and is kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a.

A couple of years later we were blessed with another daughter…Charity. Shortly after she was born, I was given a shot at the doctors office which caused me to be unable to stand. My vision became fuzzy, my thinking cloudy, and my speech slurred. My muscles tensed and would not relax.  No doctor could find the cause or offer any hope. However, I had Hope in the Lord.

Now He had provided me with Charity (love) when I had no control over my circumstances. Over the years my symptoms improved and today simple seizures remain.
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped.” Psalm 28:7a

“Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1

Ten years later we became expectant again. However,  the baby was not thriving. We arrived at the hospital to undergo a DNC, after testing revealed no heartbeat and blood tests showed the pregnancy was not viable.

As soon as we arrived, the nurse, on the spur of the moment decided to run one more unscheduled test and found a heartbeat. Thus, we were given Faith, our third daughter, in our time of need.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.” Luke 1:37

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

Five years later, we were blessed with our fourth child. The baby was diagnosed in utero as having only one partially functioning kidney. The other kidney was an unformed mass of cysts and tissue. Surgery was imminent according to the doctor. The outcome looked bleak.

We prayed for her to have two kidneys at birth. We prayed that there would be no surgery. When Lilah Grace was born she did have two kidneys. However, the doctors said she would need one kidney removed and a portion of the other removed as well. She had cysts in her bladder which could block her kidneys and those must be removed too.  Because of our reluctance, the surgeon agreed to wait and watch the situation. She continued to improve dramatically, astounding the doctors. Today, Lilah Grace has two functioning kidneys. Both kidneys are normal size. As for the bladder cysts, one disappeared completely, and the other shrank to a minimal size. No surgery has been performed. She is on no medication. By God’s grace the doctors say she is very remarkable.
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3-22-23

Throughout everything,  God has given us His Grace to hold on to Hope in order to trust Him in Faith, while He wrapped us in His love (Charity). How truly blessed we are!