Wednesday, February 24, 2010

A Divine Appointment

After 12 days off from work, today was my first day back at work. I had decided to praise the Lord for my job and not dread going in. I know God has me there for His purposes so I need to rest in that. Some days it is hard! The day was going well. After lunch I had a patient who had lost her sister a month ago to cancer and been through a health issue with her Dad, having to put him in a health facility in Flordia the first of the year.
She had been having pain for a few years in her side and the Dr. had told her that it was arthritis. After the ordeal with her sister, she decided to suggest to her Dr. that he follow up on this pain. After tests revealing she had a mass in her side she was facing major surgery herself.
As she shared I immediately realized that God had brought her to me and we were able to share about God's faithfulness and I shared several scriptures that had gotten me through some very trying times in my life. She cried, releasing the hurt and pain she was trying so hard to hold in. Tears are release valves you know.
The Lord protected our time together and I really believe she felt calmer and less anxious as we parted. That is what my job is all about, right? Reassurance and comfort at a high stress time in someone else's life. God calls us to be comforters. I shared at a speaking engagement last month that I had read a saying, "God comforts us not to make us comfortable, but to make us comforters!"
I am so grateful that God gave me the opportunity to share with this lady and I pray that she will rest better tonight than she might have before we talked. These are the times I love being a nurse. This is what good well-rounded health care should look like. Treating the patient like a person instead of a number. Sure is the way I would like to be treated, how about you.
Thank you Lord for the reminder of why I go to work each day. Thank you for each opportunity you give me. Help me to always be tuned to what is below the surface and minister when it is needed. That is part of the healing process.

Sandra

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Fortieth Anniversary

Jimmy and I were away from Sunday through Wednesday celebrating our 40th anniversary. It had snowed on Saturday and we decided we would delay our travels till Sunday. The roads were in great condition so we went on in, turned the heat on, unpacked, and went back to town to fool around. While there I asked a clerk what they were saying about the weather. She said it was suppose to start snowing that night and they could get several inches accumulation and then it would snow through Thursday.
Well we debated whether to go back, get our things and head back down the mountain but instead we stopped and bought candles, additional food items and a weather radio and felt adventurous. There is not radio or TV at the cabin. (Roughing it you know!) We didn't want to be snowed in without any communication. We prayed that if it did snow we would not lose power! That wouldn't have been fun.
It did snow the entire time we were there and it was just beautiful. Some moments it just gently fell and then you would look out and see it pouring down.
The cabin is on a brook so we heard the water flowing and were able to walk out by the water and down the property path to stretch our legs and get a better view of the brook.
I had hoped to see some wild life (outside:) but no, none. No doves either! We got a lot of rest and caught up on movies and reading too. I could have stayed longer but Jimmy was ready to pack up and come home on Wednesday morning. No TV or remote makes Jimmy bored and dull (you other gals know what I mean?)
It was a great trip. We dined at Roca in Blowing Rock on Valentines night and I had the most wonderful Grouper and JK got his steak. We had a wonderful waitress and they gave us our dessert. I chose Blood Orange Sorbet; over chocolate:-)! Awesome! If you have never tried it, you must.
The rest of the time I cooked but it was fun. Made chocolate chip cookies and snacked and got fatter and fatter. Now we are back and back to the daily grind. Just grateful we were able to get away so many aren't able.
We are grateful the Lord has given us 40 years together.
sk

Friday, February 19, 2010

Support Group

Man did we have a great time tonight. We had a couple of new folks come. We had about 16. Ollie shared her struggle this week with the temptation to use and her concern for her brother who is definitely using drugs and alcohol. She has been free for 32 days. Praise the Lord. It is so cool to hear the others there who are at different stages in their walk out of addiction encouage and rebuke when needed. See they have been there and they know the struggle but they are further along in their walk with the Lord. It is such a good time together. I am getting to know them each one more and more and knowing how to pray for them to be strong in the Lord.

Today when I went for a walk the Lord had me focused on the song, I need Thee Every Hour. We closed with that song tonight and I asked if anyone wanted to lead us. Ollie said she would and WOW, it was awesome. It totally came from the heart. It made me cry. Isn't it so true we do need Him hour by hour. None of us would make it without His encouragement in the Word and through prayer.

I love Him so,
Sandra

Thursday, February 18, 2010

Bretts Day

Today was our oldest grandson's birthday. We met he and Mom at McDonalds for "Chicken and Fries" and oh how could I forget, "COKE". He dug into his gifts after eating and discovered he had a book, a game, and a Transformer. Yeah, thanks to Mom we did good. He actually liked everything!

Then we loaded up and headed for the Greensboro Children's Musuem. We stayed there for 3 hours. We cooked, rode the train, drove cars, built a big cat house (mainly named due to the fact it had no doors and only an opening maybe a cat could go through), played Dr., sang, clapped, listening to knock, knock jokes (by Brett) and beat the drums. It was lots of fun. I hope he will have lots of good memories (I know I will. What a privelege to be able to be with him on his very special day.

Hard to believe he is five years old. He is growing up way to fast. Seems I just had the privelege of seeing him born. He is so smart and keeps Maw Maw and Paw Paw straight believe you me! Course someone needs to, right?

Happy Birthday Brett. We love you so so much.
Maw Maw

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Whiter than snow

Once again the Lord made our area white with snow. I thought as I heard that 49 states had experienced the white stuff that maybe God was showing us we can be whiter than snow with His cleansing blood. Maybe He is calling out to us once again. The snow is so white and beautiful you hate to see it dirtied up with tracks and cars that pass by. the dirty snow is what sin looks like as it comes into our lives and dirty's us up. Praise God He shed His blood to die for our sins. It is His blood that makes us whiter than snow. Hallelujah!

Is He making a point with all this snow. Is He allowing the crippling of many areas to prove that He is in control. Washinton DC was one of the hardest hit. How significant is that? A city full of people who believe they are all powerful. Here is where He took me, "For He directs the snow, the showers, and storm to fall upon the earth. Man's work stops at such a time, so that all men everywhere may recognize His power." WOW! Job 37:6-8. Do you recognize His power?

"By His fantastic powers in nature He punishes or blesses the people, giving them food in abundance. He fills His hands with lightning bolts. He hurls each at its target. We feel His presence in the thunder. May all sinners be warned. My heart trembles at this. Listen, listen to the thunder of His voice. It rolls acrosss the heavens and His lightning flashes out in every direction. Afterwards comes the roaring of the thunder----the tremendous voice of His majesty. His voice is glorious in the thunder.We cannot comprehend the greatness of His power." Job 36:31-37:7.

Next time you see or hear God in nature chose to use it as a time of worship. He is in control and He speaks through nature----Question is, are we listening?

sk

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Losing Hope

I went to church last night and was able to talk to a mother I hadn't seen in a long time. She expressed her sense of hopelessness for her circumstances recently,such as several deaths in the family and continued trials and struggles with her son. She said for the first time she had lost hope. That haunted me as I tried to sleep last night and I have thought of it many times throughout the day today.

I thought about Psa. 119:74, "May those who fear you rejoice when they see me, for I have put my hope in your word." I remember the times I was tempted to give up hope but God's word always breathed new hope into me as I read it, actually no, devoured it. Used it to get my next breath. I remember Henry Blackaby praying with this broken hearted mother and asking God to help me to never give up! That prayer carried me many nights when I didn't know where our son was. When I didn't know if he was dead or alive, in jail or in a drug house.

I prayed and prayed down on my face at times in intercession for our son. I chose to stand in the gap believing God could and would answer my plea in His timing, in His own way, and for His own purposes. I chose to believe his promise to bring our son home from the enemies camp in Jeremiah 31 and that He would restore what the locust had stripped from us in Joel 2, and that he would change the desolate land into a garden of Eden one day from Ezekiel 36. I urge you not to give up on your child, your life. Don't let Satan oppress you. God is the Victor. He has already won the victory. Hang tight my friend. God has not forgotten you. Your hope is in Him and Him alone.

Sandra

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Make comment

I would like to see you participate by making comments and signing up as a follower. Let's have some interaction. You are welcome to give scriptures or write your opinion on a subject or give a word of encouragement to each other. Write your struggles and prayer requests.

Please pray for Ollie who is one of our prodigals to stand firm and avoid temptation. She is 22 days clean today and just passed her surprise drug test. We are so proud of her.

Lets lift up each family member who struggles everyday to keep their families going in light of their loved ones absence. It is so hard for the wives to keep persevering with their jobs and maintaining their sanity in light of their situation.

Sandra

Join

Sunday, February 7, 2010

My struggles

We were able to go out to join with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ today in worship after 2 weeks of snow and treacherous roads. After worship my grandaughter, Shelbi and I joined the first impressions luncheon at Calvary West. I have always considered myself to be outgoing and friendly but I can tell you I am struggling somewhat still in our new setting. After 20 some years we are worshipping at a new location and there are honestly some times I find that I feel like the outsider. Maybe this is because most of the congregation is younger, but I am just being honest here. I have connected with some of course but don't feel like I have a real connection here. Once again, I am just being honest.

So I say to myself, if I feel this way maybe others feel it too. Our daughter often had trouble making close friends in her school years, and I use to tell her you must be friendly to have friends. Maybe this is what the Lord is showing me. Would I be more comfortable back at the main campus with ole friends and familiar surroundings like so many my age are or does God still have me here in this place for His purposes. I must continue to follow His leading. Now mind you I am not saying folks aren't friendly, they are. I am just saying I don't seem to have made my connection with folks who might miss me if I wasn't there. Am I feeling insecure? Maybe I need to read Beth's new book!!!! Which by the way I am purchasing!

Anyway, I had a great time with 2 of my grandchildren and my daughter after church. We always laugh and pick and it encourages my soul. The grandchildren are growing up so quickly. I love making memories with them.

Please pray for Matt who is dabbling with alcohol and medicines. His grandmother has been raising him while his Dad is in prison and Mom on drugs. Pray for the generational curse to be broken.

Please pray for Austin who is in rebellion.

Please pray for the Prodigal Support Group on Friday nights at our office downtown.

Sandra

Saturday, February 6, 2010

Valentine Wedding

I was priveleged to attend a co-workers wedding today which I can tell you brought back lots of memories. Jimmy and I were married this valentine's day 40 years ago. I think back to that time of wedful bliss and know I didn't have a clue what I was saying at age 21 as I spoke the vows that day. Most young people don't, for better, for worse, in sickness and health, richer or poorer. We never dream there will be sickness, and we just know we will not struggle with finances, or the WORSE of life.

It is because of the vow of commitment and because of the love for each other that hopefully matures that we are able to hang in together when the worse's come, when we are down with sickness, or when the stuggles come financially. That's where the rubber meets the road and we chose to stay or hit the road. Most today don't seem to have the commitment to stay. They proclaim if my spouse does this or that I won't hang in there, but then comes the test.....What will they chose to do, the hard thing or the easy thing.

God says it is better not to vow than to break that vow. Yes, there will be WORSE days and yes, sometimes we might need to hit the road or ask them too but hopefully we are able to hold on together and allow the Lord to restore and heal us.

That is what I prayed today for this couple, that they will stay committed to their vows not only to each other but to the children involved to whom they vowed to be the best parent they can be. Innocent children. Multiplied reasons to keep the vows they made today. I pray that one day they can celebrate their 40th anniversary together.

I have learned so much in our relationship over the years. It hasn't always been easy but through it all we have hung together in the joyous times and the challenging times. I am sure there have been times we have wanted to give up (let's just be honest) but praise God we never did. He has been the tie that has bound us together and to His dear self. Commitment----that is the key.

Let's choose to keep our commitment to our Lord to remain pure, holy, and blameless in His sight. Let's never give up even when there are things He allows we don't understand in our lives. Even when we are poor, or in bad health, for better or worse. Lets learn contentment as Paul did. In whatever circumstances we are! He is the Bride-Groom Lover of our souls. He never means us harm, meaning ALL things to work together for our good and His glory.

Sandra

Friday, February 5, 2010

I am a big cry baby!

I decided to tackle a chore today that I have been needing to do for a while. That is to organize my books. I try to display them by author so I can go right to the one I need but the shelves get filled up and I find myself sticking them any ole where. So today I pulled out some, dusted, and tried to once again get them in order. I decided to go to my bedside table and reshelf most of the 10 I had accumulated over time there. I tend to have several going at a time.

In the process I reminensced over some I hadn't picked up in a while. I picked up the books Dr. Corts had written. In the front of one he had written a note and autographed it to Jimmy. In the pages of another I found a note he had written me years ago assuring me of his prayers for our son and the response to a letter of concern I had. He took the time to write me a long letter and expressed his concerns over the same thing and asked me to pray for him as he led our church. I cried!

I picked up a book from my mother, Keepsakes of a Mother's Heart and skimmed it. I cried!

I found a card written by my dear friend Debbie at a time we were struggling with our son's rebellion. I was encouraged for the gift of friends. I cried!

I ran across a book, "Thank you to a very special Mother" from my daughter Melissa who had written and highlighted it throughout with words of endearment to me, this mother who failed so many times. I REALLY cried!!!!!

I ran across books I hadn't looked at in a while and wished I had more time to read through them all. I cherish the books I have and love them all. I try to share them with friends and therefore am missing some which I may neve get back. I won't cry over that.

I also got out my old water fountain, dusted it off and have it in operation. Forgot how soothing the sound of running water is. I sat down in my rocking chair by the window and got a booklet out written by Jack Hayford, "The Finger of God". Think I will take a time to read over it and enjoy the quiet and solitude. Maybe I won't cry over this one, but who knows. God may show me a truth or call to me from the pages-----I hope so. Speak Lord for I am listening.

Sandra

Rejoice

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us----they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. Then, when that happens, we are able to hold our heads hight no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us, and we feel this warm love everywhere within us because God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." Romans 5:3-5.

What a reminder to me to praise the Lord when the problems come because we know they are for our good. I hope we can all see that and learn to rejoice in Him through the trial. Lets do like our examples in scripture and begin praising Him in the middle of our issue and see Him work in a mighty way as we praise Him. He goes before us to fight our battles. Lets just make the enemy real mad as he seeks to destroy us, by singing a new song to our Father who rescues us each and every time from the enemies clutches. He allows us to go through just long enough for us to learn the lesson He has for us and to accomplish His purpose.

As I look out my window at the beauty of the snow I see Him marching through the tops of the trees. It is action---He has arisen from His throne to go forth in victory on our behalf. Lets revel in that as we are once again snowed in. He is calling you closer dear friend. Take the opportunity to rest in Him, without complaint. Be content where He has you!

Sandra

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Discouragement

On my way to work this morning I learned of a volatile situation with a couple of our prodigals. This couple had been doing so good, but in one moment of anger he had given her a black eye and ended up in jail himself. How disappointing. This situation remained on my mind all day long. I called the wife after work and talked and prayed with her. The tears were evident in her voice. It was hard to be reasuring when she is now going to lose her home and feels so all alone once again. As I searched the Word here is what the Lord gave me: "I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, wait, I say, on the Lord!" Psa 27:13-14.

I was so discouraged to see this couple right back down in the pit. But the wife still has a job and we are going to try to help her get into a shelter. Please pray for that as we make contact with an agency tomorrow. Pray for her rest tonight. Pray God will be very near her and soothe her breaking heart. Her name is Pam.

Pray for Mark to be able to sit and think over the situation and allow God to speak to his heart in all this. Pray for him to be totally transformed during this time the Lord has set him apart. Pray for the others in the group as they learn of this turn of events. Pray they will reach out to both of them in love. Pray that we will have wisdom in how to help.

We must not be discouraged. The Lord is working in and through it all to accomplish His purposes. We must not give up. We must continue to show God's love and hopefully bring hope and healing to this couple. We must undergird them with prayer. Join us will you?

Sandra

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

When you sit in darkness

Micah 7:8, "When you sit in darkness, the Lord will be your light." Isn't that a great promise to cling to. It doesn't say IF but WHEN. We all have our dark moments but the Lord promises to be with us and see us through. I don't know what I would have done over the years without that hope. Several of our families are in dark moments right now. Please pray for them.

Pray for:
Jerri-Breast cancer
Austin-in rebellion
Jason-awaiting results from tests
Rob-sick for a month

So many at work going through struggles also. Lets remember to intercede for each other. Lets pray God's will be done and for His grace to be sufficient for each struggle. The Lord ALWAYS has a purpose and a plan for all that comes our way. I like to think of it as being in God's Boot Camp. It is training and preparation for what He wants to do in our lifes in the future. Will we choose to fight against His purposes or rest in Him for the outcome. He is working in others also remember. We pray and pray for Him to work but we are not pleased with His methods often times. Let us learn contenment in all circumstances just like Paul. Read Phillipians 3. It is not easy but the deeper we come in our relationship with Him the easier it will be. Trust Him in all things. He knows best.
Sandra