Encouragement from Someone Who Cares!

Devotional for May 7, 2011

Shared by Amie Spruiell

This is for all those who are going through cancer treatments, has gone through them or knows someone who is. This is excellent advice from a strong woman. Listen and take it all in. And remember to bring all your concerns, all your worries, all your pain to Jesus. He says His yoke is light. He’ll be with you every step of the way.

You are special!

It's important to be good to yourself when you are going through physical challenges. I know from experience, as I have gone through two diagnoses of breast cancer, mastectomies, chemo and radiation. No matter what your situation, procedure or combination of treatments you are going through, your immune system is compromised. It needs a break. It needs some help to regroup. So plan some time into every day, maybe 2 or 3 times during the day to be good to yourself. Take naps (yes, you CAN take a nap more than once a day.) Get a massage (whether from a therapist or from a spouse, friend or family member). It doesn't have to be a whole body massage; hand and foot massages are very relaxing. Put on whatever kind of music you find relaxing. Try reflexology. Listen to visualization recordings for deep relaxation.

You see, when you are relaxed those little cells from the immune system that are under attack get a real boost and you are helping them do their job, which is to promote healing and make you stronger. Close your eyes and see those little cells going through your body gobbling up all the "bad cells", much like the old Pac man game, and producing more of the good cells. Make them a pretty color, and give them a fancy design...go wild...they are YOUR cells!

If you are used to being the caregiver for your family (and most women are) give yourself a break....let someone else be the caregiver, even if it is just for a few hours of the day. I know, it's hard, but you don't have to be super-woman-mom-wife right now. Save your strength for getting your health back. And remember...you ARE special...you ARE wonderful....beautiful....worthy…and LOVED!

Through a heart filled with hope,

Let us all see the future.

Through a heart filled with love,

Let us all freely give.

Through the eyes of a child,

Let us all see the blessings,

Of this life we've been given to live!

This poem came to me as I was sitting in line, waiting for a ferry to take me to Vashon Island for a 2-day harp camp one summer day 2010. I was thinking about my husband, Jerry. He had just had his cancer diagnosis. I was feeling a little uncomfortable about leaving him, but I also knew there was nothing I could do for him for those 2 days. Words started come to me, so I wrote them down on the back side of a piece of paper in my folder. They were just what I needed right then! Months later, I put these words to music. I hope they encourage you the way they’ve encouraged me.

Written by Lynda Friedel

4/28/2011

Breast cancer survivor

Therapeutic Musician

“Not On Our Own

Devotional for May 6, 2011

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts”

Zechariah Chapter 4 verse 6b ~ (Amplified Bible)

Today I was reminded once again that I must rely on the Lord’s strength and not on my own. It seems as if there are times in our lives when there are a lot of things going on and it is easy to get a bit “out of focus”. Sure, we all know that we are to rely on God’s strength and not on our own, the Bible tells us that.

But still, if we are not careful, we can begin to carry the things of this world, and the cares of others on our own shoulders. We can begin to look at the situations of those around us with our natural eyes instead of our spiritual eyes. We can easily become overwhelmed at the depth of devastation that we might see. Whether it is physical, emotional, financial or spiritual, it is easy for us to become hopeless ourselves when we see others in these (seemingly) hopeless situations.

How then, are we able to handle what we see taking place all around us? How are we able to keep from falling headfirst ourselves into the hopelessness that we desire to rescue others from? How will we ever be able to minister hope and healing into the hearts and lives of others if we, ourselves are being brought down by the circumstances of our own lives?

They may not always show it, but you can be assured that others are always watching you and how you live. They watch, and they wait. They watch, and they wait to see if your actions and your words match up. This at times, can be quite disconcerting. I cannot help but wonder if Jesus ever felt this way. He always had eyes upon Him, and they were not always eyes that were filled with grace.

 

So, what did Jesus do? He went to His Father. He made the time to stop what He was doing and converse with His Father about what it was that was going on. It didn’t matter what it was, either something going on around Him, or something going on inside of Him. Either way, He spoke to His Father about it. He got His eyes off of His circumstances, and onto to His Father. This is where He found His peace, His reassurance, and His comfort. This is where He was reminded once again that if His Father was for Him, who could be against Him? This is where He was reminded that He was not alone and that His Father was with Him. This is the place where He came away knowing that He could fully rely on the power of His Father’s Spirit.

This is what we must do, also. We must focus our attention on Jesus. We must pour out our concerns to Him and we must listen to what it is that He is saying to us. He speaks to each one of us, and He speaks to each of us in a way that He knows we will understand. We must do this, because this is the only place where we will come away knowing that we can only rely on His Spirit, and not on our own might or on our own power. He will remind us that we are too small to handle the things of this world on our own, but that He is not. His ways are much higher than our ways, the Word says so. He knows and understands things in a whole different way than we do. He is mighty in power and He holds a wealth of wisdom. He will show us the way by His Spirit. He will lead us in a way that we could never have seen on our own. He will give us the courage to face not only our own circumstances, but to also be able to help others in theirs.

If you are in a place today that is causing you to be tired and frustrated, perhaps you are trying to do things in your own strength. Perhaps you are looking at the things around you through your own natural eyes. Perhaps you are trying to figure things out in your own wisdom, or trying to “carry” things in your own power. My hope in writing this is that you will once again be reminded to see things through the eyes of Jesus, and to rely on His Spirit. We must rely on His wisdom and not on our own. We must trust Him to carry the concerns of our hearts in His power and not with ours. He will lead us and He will guide us and He will accomplish things by His Spirit that we never, ever thought were possible.

Written by Beverley A. Napier
May 4, 2011

A Night of Revelations

Based on a True Story

by Mary M. Wilkins

He squeezes my hand as Pastor Tim welcomes everyone. I draw a deep breath and let my body sink into the chair. It’s funny how the chair doesn’t seem quite as uncomfortable tonight as it did just a few days ago. As I listen to the prayer, I start talking to God on my own. “Please help these people, Lord. I love them. Please use these circumstances to accomplish Your plan in each of their lives.”

Thomas squeezes my hand in both of his large work-worn ones. I look up into his intent gaze and answer his concern with a smile.

The next moment all eyes are on us. Thomas stands first, still holding my hand and I follow. I’m not slower, I’m not weak. Rather there is an incredible peace within me - which is so full and all-encompassing - that to move too quickly seems inappropriate somehow.

I look around the room smiling. These are my friends and acquaintances, some new and many old. My eyes are wet: not with sorrow but with tenderness. I am overwhelmed at the life God has given me - truly my cup runneth over.

We have agreed that Thomas will explain the situation with enough details that everyone might understand the circumstances. Then I will share how we are handling things. Clearly and methodically, my husband lays out the events before them.

“Ahem, thank you, Pastor Tim; let me assure all of you, I am not trying out for the role of preacher.” A few smiles and some chuckles help relax the looks of concern that have settled on many throughout the room. “First we want to thank all of you for your faithful prayers for Jane six months ago when she had her spleen removed. I know I’ve thanked you before, but those meals were very much appreciated - I’ve never preferred my own cooking - and I definitely preferred those desserts.” The whole room chuckled this time, as did I. I love this man. We are getting ready to climb a cliff and he’s delivering the news as gently as if he were tucking our son into bed when he was a little boy. My heart is so full; I begin to wonder if I will be able to speak at all.

“When the diabetes showed up just a little while later,” Thomas continued, “You gave Jane your favorite sugar free recipes and books. Again, thank you for supporting us through another transition.”

I watch Thomas’ mouth and eyes as he speaks. His words are soft and moving but clear and strong. I ask God for the millionth time, why me, Lord? Why am I the woman you chose to bless for all these years with such a man as this?

His eyes move around the room as he continues, “I know most of you personally. So speaking among friends as I am, I want to share what I read this morning during my quiet time. “I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.”

Many nod their heads, a few folks answer amen, and a quiet halleluiah in the back seems to bounce gently around the room and then wrap itself around me. Thomas’ voice brings me back into focus.

“My Redeemer lives,” he repeats with even more conviction in his tone and expression. “He has given me life; He has forgiven me of my sins. He has delivered me from an eternity of paying for my own failings. He is above every god and every nation. He is alive and well: all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. Does anyone remember who made this pronouncement in scripture? I didn’t either - it was Job. Wealthy Job who lost his 10 children and everything he had on earth. Then he lost his health and his friends and servants would have nothing to do with him. When his three closest “friends” came to see him, they accused and corrected him. He cried out to them for pity, mercy and compassion. Then he declared, in Job 19:25-27:

• I know my Redeemer lives and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed,

yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him

with my own eyes—I, and not another.

How my heart yearns within me!”

My husband pauses. The room is so quiet, are they pondering the passage of scripture or holding their breath knowing there must be more? I try to imagine having the faith of Job in the face of such adversity.

Thomas speaks these next words with boldness and assurance: “So when I tell you that Jane has cancer in her pancreas, do not fear. We are not alone. You will not leave us alone. No one will accuse or abuse us. Our son and daughter and grandchildren will not shun us. We have not lost everything,” he pauses briefly and I see a bright joy come into his eyes, “But, even when we do leave this flesh - we will see God! In the end we..will.. see.. God.”

“My heart yearns within me,” I repeat these words to myself. Did I speak out loud? All eyes are now on me, so I say cheerfully, “My heart yearns within me!”

My husband turns to me with a smile, and I continue. “I just want to say that I truly love and appreciate all of you, my family and friends. There is a swell of excitement in my heart at the thought that I may indeed soon see God face to face. But (I look into the faces near me) a part of me also grieves at the thought of being parted from you all. Then I remember that we will meet again.” I smile at the upturned faces, some smiling through tears, others still in shock, still others trying to understand.

I continue with determination, “Please believe me when I tell you, that I am at peace. The doctors will be starting a series of injections that they believe will slow down the process of cancer in my body. I will do what they say is best for my physical body - because that is what they know about.

But what I know about is in this book. His Word tells me that I have an enemy, and if this disease is an attack from him, then I believe God for my deliverance out of the snare of the enemy. But if this disease is just a natural result of living in this fallen world then I will accept these circumstances. No one knows the future - no one is guaranteed tomorrow. I count it a blessing that the doctors have found the cancer that I may have time to love and be loved; to speak and to listen; to laugh and to cry. Thank you, all of you. You are very precious to me.”

I sit down; flushed and out of breath from excitement. Pastor stands up and says a few words before closing in prayer. The feeling of peace is more palpable to me at this moment than ever.

People start moving from their seats and murmuring amongst each other - immediately a woman makes her way to the seat in front of me - her face is red - from crying or holding back her tears - I don’t know. “Oh, Jane, please forgive me,” she continues choking with emotion, “Last summer when I came to you for counsel I know you thought I wasn’t listening - I didn’t want you to know - I was so angry at what you were saying because I knew it was true. Anyway, Jane, I did hear you. I really was listening. Please forgive me for my rebellious attitude. Forgive me for asking for help and then refusing it when you offered.” I nod my head, tears in my own eyes as she pours out her heart. With a few reassuring words, my full forgiveness and a hug, she moves away with a smile on her face. It is not difficult for me to forgive her. I know so well how much Christ has forgiven me.

Quickly more friends fill the spaces around me and words of encouragement pour over me. Much later, only a few people remain when a woman I do not know well approaches me hesitantly. I smile encouragingly and she quietly explains, “I have watched you from a distance. I have listened to you and witnessed your faithfulness. I want to thank you for all you have done.” I open my arms to embrace her, and she slowly moves in to be hugged. My hands still on her shoulders, I look gently into her eyes and say, “Thank you for blessing me with your words. I pray that God will bless you with the wisdom and understanding you seek.” We part as new friends.

Thomas makes his way to me and takes my hand in his. At this hour of night, he looks as young and as vibrant as when we first met, and again I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

“Are you okay?” Thomas waits until we are almost home before breaking the silence.

I look up into the rich velvet blackness of the night dotted by an occasional light as I explain, “I was pondering another reminder of the unconditional love of God. As His children we ask Him for wisdom. He gives it to us through a scripture or wise counsel. Some listen, some do not. Then when we go to Him, He receives both with open arms.”

We are now in the driveway and the soft glow of the lamppost fills the front seat. Thomas is looking at me with an expression of understanding that has been a source of strength to me for these 48 years. It is as if I can feel his heart beating inside of mine. Looking into his eyes of love, my heart is full. I know with everything inside of me that no matter what happens - it is well with my soul.

Written by Mary M. Wilkins

God's Perfect Peace

God's word tells us in Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You." I find this scripture to be very true indeed!

When I focus on Christ and all He is, and when I meditate on His word, I experience much peace. When I go about my day worshiping Him, and thanking and praising Him, I also experience tremendous peace.

On the other hand, when I am walking through a difficult situation and dwell on that situation instead of Christ, I have no peace. When I worry about a family member and am not trusting God about them, and dwell on that for a period of time, I have no peace. I am then walking in discouragement and hopelessness.

It says in Proverbs the first part, " For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." In all essence, it is saying that what we set our hearts on, what we allow our minds to think about, that is what the outcome will be.

Every day we have a choice on what we will set our minds on. I ask for each of us that the Lord will grant us strength daily to choose to focus on Him. It is then, that we will experience God's true and perfect peace.

Blessings,
Written by Sandy

1 Peter 2:11

Devotional for May 3, 2011

Dearly beloved,

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;

1 Peter 2:11

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Under the New Covenant we, too, should consider ourselves aliens and pilgrims in relation to this world. We live here as co-heirs of the earth with Christ, but we are to live our lives as if we are just passing through on the way to our inheritance. A pilgrim is a person out of his own country, in a foreign land. He does not intend to put down roots there but is heading elsewhere toward a definite goal. Thus, his life is always in transition. He should not view himself as permanently anchored to the society in which he lives.

submitted by: Annie

When Women Come Together To Pray

Monday, May 2, 2011 Devotional

In Katie Brazelton's book "Conversations on Purpose for Women" she talks about the power in women coming together in prayer to discover God's plan's for your life. She talks about having a Purpose Partner:

"What is a Purpose Partner? A Purpose Partner is a Christian woman who is willing to invest in you emotionally and spiritually, because she longs to see you used by God. She will walk alongside you, listen to you, encourage you, and help you listen to God about his purposes for your life.

Why do you need a Purpose Partner? God did not intend for us to be lone rangers. He wants us to lean on him and on one another to grow. In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul writes, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow." Did you notice something important in that verse? God caused the growth, but he used others in the body of Christ to plant, water, and nurture that growth. His Word also tells us that there is great power in two people working together:

Two people can accomplish more than twice as much as one; they get a better return for their labor. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But people who are along when they fall are in real trouble. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NLT)

Great power is alway unleashed whenever two Christian women sit down and prayerfully focus!"

Shared by Patty B.

GOODBYES

I just bought a book called "Praying our Goodbyes" by Joyce Rupp. She is a wonderful Christian author and has some amazing things to say in the numerous books she has written. I have only read the preface, introduction and first chapter of this one but would like to share some of what I have already discovered and thought about.


Life is full of goodbyes - to people when they leave or when they die, to jobs when we must make a change to a new one, to homes when we move, etc. Sometimes there is a goodbye to part of ourselves such as when someone loses function of part of their body, or loses a whole body part to amputation. Other goodbyes may be to parts of our history, such as when someone's childhood innocence is stolen from them through abuse. Goodbyes are unavoidable.


Sometimes we try to soften the blow of a goodbye by using different words, like "take care" or "see you later." Goodbye is actually a shortened form of "God be with ye" or "Go with God." That certainly puts a different feeling to it. This makes it into praying a blessing on the person that is parting:


The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV


Even though goodbyes are inevitable, we don't need to get stuck there. Whenever there is a goodbye, there is a new hello - to new people, new home, new job, our new situation, etc. They are reminders of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. They are also catalysts for growth. But we must see the goodbyes as a natural part of life, and as a cycle to the new things to come. That does not mean that we do not mourn the losses, but that we can see beyond them and know that eventually the mourning can turn into dancing.

Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness. Psalm 30:11 KJV
If we can pray goodbye instead of say goodbye, and allow God to help us heal and grow through these experiences, then we can find that we are able to move through them and also use those experiences to help others and to witness to the power of our Lord.

God be with you, Jan Andersen