One of the things I have been blessed by is a discussion forum for cancer patients. All women with similar diagnoses - and we are in a safe place to ask questions, encourage each other, learn tricks to help with side affects, etc. They are all over the country and I will probably never meet them, but it has been a blessing to check in there, hear how they are doing and chat a bit. Technology never ceases to amaze me!
The last few days have been a mix...decent mornings, rougher afternoons. Some nausea, but my eyes are bothering me and are very tired. Lots of little things that I kind of say, "Oh, another side effect...hmmm. Didn't see that coming." If it wasn't me dealing with this, I would probably find it fascinating!
The other morning, in Joni's devotional, I found such encouragement. Always do, but some mornings are more fitting than others. Here is an excerpt:
"We say to God, "If you don't mind, thank you for showing me where I am going. I don't need to see the whole road, but at least a little bit." We think our faith has to be supported by a bit of evidence. A hint, a signpost, a whisper... something to give us a clue as to what God is doing. We wrongly assume that faith is the ability to take a couple of puzzle pieces and be able to envision the entire picture. Not so. Faith that must be supported by the five senses is not genuine. Jesus said to doubting Thomas, "You have believed me because you have seen me, but blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Our insistence upon discerning what's up ahead is natural, but it is a hindrance to real faith. It's why God constantly encourages us to trust him in the dark (Isaiah 50:10). True faith means resting in who God is. He has charged himself with full responsibility for your eternal happiness and he stands ready to take over the management of your life. He is wise and good. Trust him with what's ahead."
I believe He ALLOWS things, like what I am dealing with, into our lives in this terribly fallen world we live in in order to draw us CLOSER to Himself. For us to serve each other, to need each other, and primarily to glorify Him in our circumstances. To teach us more about Himself. Even to teach us to wait. He promised us we would have trouble in this world. He also promised to never leave us or forsake us...and for that, I am so thankful. He never lets anything go to waste.
Thankful thoughts:
- Panera bread and a gift card...can't be beat! (Thank you, Kim!)
- A relatively easy doctor visit today.
- A day without anti-nausea meds. First in a while.
- Being able to work at church yesterday, and feel productive!
- Seeing my co-workers. I love them.
- A friendly companion, stepping in for Kristen today. Thank you, Deb Saint.
- A daughter who serves so well. Christmas decorations almost put away!
- Warm hats delivered from the north. ;) (You know who you are!)
- Coffee with Megan tomorrow morning! I've missed her this week!
- Delicious meals that are such a help.
I know this was a long one...sorry! Love you all dearly. So thankful for your time and effort in reading this and encouraging me is so many ways. You are a blessing to me!
Andi
No comments:
Post a Comment