#49 FAMILY

a few thoughts from the week:

The other morning, I awoke at 5am, not a normal time I would have been getting up, now that I am not working a regular job.  However, I find I have some really clear moments to think/pray in the quiet of the morning.  This past Sunday was Orphan Sunday.  My church had been praying for a little girl for quite some time to find her “forever home”.  We got an update on Sunday that she has.  What an encouragement to see answered prayer and know she has a family to spend the holidays with.

Then I was reminded after that thought passed through my head of the story of “Annie” who also was an orphan and the song that they sing in the movie and the play entitled Tomorrow.

Here are a few lines:

The sun'll come out

Tomorrow

So ya gotta hang on

'Til tomorrow

Come what may

Tomorrow, tomorrow

I love ya tomorrow

You're always

A day, Away.

Of course, then I was reminded of Scripture that tells us there is no guarantee of tomorrow.

Go to now, ye that say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away., – James 4:13, 14

Please excuse the wanderings of my mind as I continue to walk you down the path of my 5am thoughts. However, for those of us who have accepted God’s gift of salvation there is a promise.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. – Matthew 6:33, 34

I’ll stop with one more 5am thought.  I’m grateful that my God holds my future in HIS hands.  Now back to Orphan Sunday.   I am also truly thankful that God has blessed me with a family who loves me, cares for me and encourages me.  Fifty-five years ago, my parents married.  You just don’t hear of commitment like that these days.  Fifty-four years ago, they were blessed with a little boy, my brother, Doug. Fifty-one years ago, they were blessed with my brother, David.  Forty-one years ago, of course, saving the best for last, 😊 they were blessed with a little girl, ME!!  I do not take my family for granted, I thank God for each one of them.  I AM BLESSED!

Mostly, however, I am thankful to be a part of God’s eternal family.

praises:

Yesterday, I had an eye exam and before we started, I filled him in on the past year and a half.  The doctor was concerned by something he saw and told me I needed to let my neurologist know about it right away.  I told him I had an appointment in 2 weeks.  He said, that I needed to tell them sooner.  He gave me a report, to read to them over the phone, including pictures.  There was a line in the report that I didn’t particularly care for. (“Could indicate a life-threatening condition”).  I called the doctor’s office and they called me back a little while later and said, given the tumor I had removed and the treatment I have had, they are not surprised by what was seen.  Medication I am on will take care of the problem.   They wouldn’t do anything different and would see me for my already scheduled appointment on the 27^th and 30th.  So once again, I had the choice, trust or panic.  I am thankful for the peace of God, when I choose to not worry and trust God.  The eye doctor did remind me of something else that I’m not so sure I appreciate.  He said remember you are 41.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:7

Yesterday, when I went for my appointment, the appointment itself was covered by insurance, the extra pictures taken were not.  However, the doctor chose to do them at no charge.

Significant improvements in how I’ve been feeling.

God’s continued provision.

Improved strength.

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Follow-up MRI on Nov 27th and then a doctor visit on the 30th.

The electronic stimulation device for my leg mentioned in a previous blog – still waiting for some details to sort out, but we’re getting closer.

Courage to face the unknown and opportunities to show the grace of God through difficult times.