I've not posted since October 2015, and hardly know how to begin. The past three years have been filled with countless blessings, constant grace, and the ceaseless love of God.
Lamentations 3:19-25 New International Version (NIV)
19 I remember my affliction and my wandering,
the bitterness and the gall.
20 I well remember them,
and my soul is downcast within me.
21 Yet this I call to mind
and therefore I have hope:
22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him.”
25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
The major "event" of the past three years was Mom's cancer treatment, and her "going home". I miss her a lot, but I know without a doubt that she is truly healed and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. One might wonder how her death might be considered a blessing. During the final few days of her life here on earth, she was so weary of being sick. She was worn out with the constant hurting and struggle to go on. She said to me, " it may be selfish, but I'm asking God to take me home." I told her I didn't consider that a selfish request, and it was certainly understandable. The doctors had already told her that the best they could do was done, and that the cancer was not curable. So, we held hands, Mom, Bobbie and I, and we all prayed that Mom's suffering would end quickly and she could enter into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus. God answered our request and took Mom home two days later. Oh, believe me, I was sad to see her go, because I miss her. We all miss her, but at the same time, I'm happy for her. And I'm thankful for a God who hears and answers my prayers. He answered this time with a yes. I believe all my prayers are answered, but not all are answered with a yes. Sometimes the answer is no. Sometimes it's not yet. But, whatever the answer, I trust God and am thankful. One of my favorite verses is Habakkuk 3:17-19.
Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the Lord, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord God is my strength, and He has made my feet like hinds' feet, and makes me walk on my high places.
Whatever happens, I want to be faithful and grateful. I want to rejoice in the God of my salvation regardless of my circumstance.
