2 decent days in a row does wonders!

I love 'upswing' week. There is a sense of reality that this will be over and I will feel strong again. I love it. Still very tired and some side effects that never go away. But, definitely more energy and better sleep. It makes next week a bit more bearable, knowing it will be the last of this nastier combo. Yay! 

 

Tuesday, surprised my Dad at the mall for lunch (Mom knew!). Buddy joined us. Then, Kristen and I did some shopping and I got a new hat/scarf...orange plaid! I was beat but it was nice to be out. Yesterday, went up to church for a bit, to Walmart, then home. Kristen and I ran another errand or 2 later, and I've been sitting ever since...so, I am thankful for some normalcy in the midst of a crazy time. And for whatever comes tomorrow. Believe me, I am slow-paced and tired, but not as immovable for a few days.

I am finding a very sweet peace at night, since I do wake up so often. And I am praying...more than I have in a long time and it is a precious time.

II Corinthians 4:16-18

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

It can be so hard in the midst of whatever we are dealing with to have an eternal perspective - especially if physical pain is a part of it. It weighs us down and we just don't have a vision of what is ahead...here in the every day or what He has prepared for us eternally. But, He wants us to trust. I so often think about what true suffering we do deserve due to our sin and denial of Him. And yet, He is wooing us back, wants us back and is preparing a place where we will understand, see His perspective and enjoy Him forever! Recognizing that is half the battle. Knowing Him personally and trusting in Jesus' saving work on the cross is the only way to navigate the sorrows of this world. We think we are suffering? We don't know the meaning of the word, compared to the suffering He endured on our behalf on the cross AND the suffering we truly deserve. Thankfully, He is a MASTER of mercy and grace.

Thankful thoughts:

• Another beautiful sky at night and sunrise an hour later...one advantage of being up early!
• Accomplishing things yesterday...let's see what today brings!
• Pink tulips - now open and lovely.
• Faith - it is a gift. Certainly not my natural bent.
• Shopping - never been much of one, but it was good medicine the other day with Kristen.
• Hope - another gift, and it does not disappoint. (see below)

Romans 5:1-5

Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Starting to preach too much! Time to stop...have a wonderful, albeit COLD, day!

Andi