What better way to end the week than with a giveaway? I've seen many of my blog friends doing giveaways on their blogs and I thought it was a neat idea.
So, in light of the fact that Spencer and I saw Chris Tomlin in concert last weekend, how about a free Chris Tomlin Hello Love CD?
Not only is Chris Tomlin a gifted musician, but he has an incredible passion for God and his lyrics will touch the depths of your heart. If you're not familiar with his music, you need to be!
I also wanted this giveaway to something more than people just leaving a comment in order to win. So, here's the deal. To enter, leave a comment. In your comment, let us know what God has been teaching you lately, or leave a verse to encourage us ("us" being Spencer and I, as well as other people who read this blog).
You have until Sunday evening at 6pm eastern time (because shortly after that the Superbowl starts!) to enter. A winner will be randomly selected and will be announced Monday morning!
Have fun, and good luck!
Friday, January 30, 2009
Friday Giveaway!
Posted at 7:39 AM
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61 comments:
Stacy, this verse meant so much to me when I was going through my miscarriage almost a year ago. The Lord laid it on my heart and whenever I was tempted to think negatively or feel like I was going to spiral out of control, I would think on this verse.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. ~Isaiah 26:3
For me, in the last few months, I've learned more about God's presence.
When we knew we'd be moving to TN, athough I was excited, I couldn't imagine leaving "home" and all the people I knew and loved.
But once we arrived here, I was overwhelmed with peace. I have not been homesick at all, and I am perfectly content to be here, with "only" my boys.
Jim, Seth, and the everlasting presence of my Lord are more than enough.
Praying for you as faithfully as always, Stac.
God has been teaching me how patient, faithful and consistent he is. I have been learning the importance of constant daily dialogue with him.
For me, God has been teaching me more about patients and that He is toatlly in control. That my worry and anxiety does NOTHING except make things worse for me.
Jennifer
Ephesians 3:20 (Contemporary English Version)
20-21I pray that Christ Jesus and the church will forever bring praise to God. His power at work in us can do far more than we dare ask or imagine. Amen.
This verse is one I just read agian yesterday and it really summarizes what I have been learning right now!
God has been teaching me that no matter what the best laid plans are that I have, His are what prevails and are best. Sometimes that is SO hard to hear, but I am trusting in Him. sue
But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
Joshua 24:15b
This verse really speaks to me and my family, because even in times of trouble, we still choose to serve God.
When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart and you shall see that in truth, you are weeping for that which has been your delight - Kalil Gibran
I'm wishing you both peace.
My husband is about to graduate from Flight School for the Air Force and in about 3 weeks will will learn our next destination! I am so scared of moving again and the possibility of leaving for the other side of the country. So I have been hanging on to this verse- 1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39
I love the new Chris Tomlin song and would love to win. I never win anything, but just in case I actually do win this, I will be on vaca next week so if I don't respond right away, that is why!
After dealing witn infertility for years, I got pregnant with twin girls only to lose them at 23 weeks. It was and still is a horrible experience. Throughout this experience, God has tought me to be more compassionate, patient and trusting. I always want to control things, but this has tought me that I am not the one in control, He is.
I lost my beautiful daughter when I was 20w pregnant and was diagnosed with incompetent cervix. I found your blog and I feel your pain. I lost my daughter March 18, 2007 and still her memory lives on. This verse helped me and I pray it will encourage you. Keep writing..love to read your blog!
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
The God of All Comfort
3Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.
1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
My father is very ill and we are still hoping for a healing. We know he is able but we also know that may not be what he has for us, we are his children and he loves us and sometimes its hard but hes always with us
See what kind of love the Father has given us that we should be called children of God and so we are 1 John 3:1
Wow, God has been teaching me a lot lately! Last Thursday, January 22, I went to my regular OB appoint and should have been 12 1/2 weeks a long with our second baby but we were unable to find a heartbeat. As you know, the pain of miscarriage is so devastating, but God has so faithfully used this time. My husband and I have never been so close together, and we have been spending more time together in prayer and in the Word. God is a faithful God!
These are the verses He has been leading us to:
Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is steadfast on You, because he trusts in You."
Psalm 30:5 - "His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Stacy -
I remember when I first found out that I was pregnant back in 2004. I was thrilled beyond my wildest imagination. We were expecting a child and that was the best gift that I could have been given. Little did I know that I was over 2months pregnant already and getting ready to go in for emergency surgery within a week to remove my tube and for them to take my child. I was pregnant, but it was an ectopic pregnancy. I was crushed and never knew that this moment would send me spiraling into the world of infertility. We tried for years and years to get pregnant and finally through IVF we conceived our son. He is now 2 years old and I feel so very blessed. I guess what I am getting at is that when I lost our child that I was so upset with everyone around me... I was mad at God and finally within time I learned to forgive. I grew closer to God and to my husband and for that I am thankful. I definitely couldn't be the Mom that I am today if it weren't for those moments. I found alot of comfort in listening to music by Casting Crowns, but the song that spoke to me the most was Praise You In This Storm. Here are the lyrics...
<><><><>
Praise You In This Storm
I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.
Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm
I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away
Chorus
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
Chorus
<><><>
Hope this song and lyrics help you both through some tough times just as it helped me through one of the worst times in my life as I lost a child.
Hugs,
Lisa
God is teaching me so many things, but right now it is that nothing is too small for God to handle. He cares about all those little things I care about. I found this verse and I love it:
"May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed." Psalm 20:4
I pray this verse for you and Spencer as well.
Love to you both.
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort.
2 Corinthians 1:3 (New Living Translation
It has been so hard to wait and leave a comment...I didn't want to be #1 b/c the first comment never seems to win!! ;)
Anyways, there are a couple of Bible verses that I feel God has been bringing into my life over and over lately. There have been some different circimstances that have caused me to think quite a bit about life and how precious each and every day we are here truly is. The first verse is:
Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
The other one is:
Ephesians 3:20 ~ God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.
Both of those have just been speaking to my heart lately and I think they are wonderful verses for you and Spencer, as well! Actually, I believe they can speak to all of us if we allow them to!
Many blessings and prayers are continuing to be sent your way!
Love,
Jess :)
Stacy, I have struggled with control for most of my life. Not just control of all that I do, but trying to control others. As a result for years now, my life has been a mess.
I fear that something terrible will happen to my children, so I try to control what they do, where they go, who they are with, and so on. It's almost like we live in a box.
In spite of my attempt to control/protect, terrible things have happened to my children, myself and my spouse.
The one verse I have decided to cling to this year is:
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13
My favorite Bible verse over the last two years has been:
For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11
God Bless you and your husband.
I already have the CD but wanted to comment regardless.
Lately, I feel as if I am suffocating in the routine of my life. It has made me extremely irritable, and I feel I have no reason for this. I have a roof over my head, a husband who loves me and our daughter, and a daughter who changes every day and brings joy to my life.
The winter season leaves a lot to be desired for me, and I tend to play right into the devil's hands. I get moody, sad, and sometimes downright mean. It is hard to spend time with God when I am so wrapped up in myself.
I am also feeling pretty dismal and discouraged about the economy and the world in general, and money is always a worry.
I sound very selfish right now. At least I'm realizing it. I need to go and spend some time with the Lord.
I hope these verses are a source of encouragement - for you and Spencer and for me.
Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. – Psalm 42:5-6a
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
- Philippians 4:16
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. He rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
- Psalm 34:18
I have been doing a Beth Moore study on Esther & I really think she wrote it just for me ;-) I have been pushing hard against the changes in my life & digging into Esther has been exactly what I needed. I'm finding comfort in the "who knows" - God knows & someday I'll know too.
Blessings on your day!
Kristen
This verse has been so encouraging to me over the past few months. My husband and I are waiting to adopt and I find it so comforting to know I don't have to worry about anything because He has it all under control and one day I will be a momma again.
"Delight yourselves in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."
I'm begining each and every day to learn more and more about God's grace and trusting in him more to be patient (which I'm not) We have been trying to conceive for almost 7 years, and at first like everyone I just thought it would be easy then I got mad because everyone was being blessed but us...but now I'm truly listening to God and waiting for him to move instead of me rushing him!
God bless you!
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know
that suffering produces perseverance ~~ ROM 5:3
God has been teaching me that he has a perfect plan for his life with every little detail worked out. I am planning on applying to medical school starting in the fall of 2010 or 2011 and have really been stressing about the last few classes I need to take and what kind of job I'd be able to find that would allow me to work on a flexible schedule while still attending classes. His provision is so awesome--I just recently found out that I'll most likely be able to keep nannying for the family that I work for right now and they are so willing to accomodate my schedule. When I let go of all of my frantic plans and obsessing over every little detail, I am learning that He really does provide!
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
Isaiah 61: 1-3
And of course... you know what God has been teaching me. ON THE BLOG.
:)
Love you friend.
-Lauren
Stacy,
You are so sweet to do a give-away. The verse that comes to mind is Isaiah 41:10, which says "Do not fear, for I am with you. Be not afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and give you help, and uphold you with my victorious right hand." Just really sums God's love up for me.
And as for what God has been teaching me... well, it's a lot of things. Through you, Angie, Jenny Coin, and others in the blog world, God is teaching me not to hold on too tightly to the things of earth, because ultimately they're all His (ouch!). I'd like to say that I've learned it well, but I'm at the point of understanding this but still trying to embrace it (I have a hard time singing "I surrender All" because I now know what that can mean).
In my new marriage, God is teaching me patience and kindness. I'm learning that even when we're in the "better" of the "better or worse," it's constant effort and a big adjustment. I'm learning to rely on Him more and more.
Thanks for sharing your story, Stacy. I pray for you daily. God is working through you and through Issac.
Hi Stacy,
Sounds like fun! I would like to share that God has been opening my spiritual eys, I seem to be a sponge these days, not only learning, but feeling God's word and the needs of this world. but in learning I am seeing the need to implement it into my life. Perhaps that is why blogs for those who have lost children are so dear to my heart, having lost and being able to relate to your sorrow, and your feelings that you will never be able to get over this, and you are right, you will NEVER get over the loss, but you will learn to live with the sorrow and you will see that God never makes mistakes, never...so there is my thoughts. Have a wonderful weekend and go do something really out the normal and fun ok! God Bless you and your husband. Shi~
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
These verses have been a source of strength for me as I have dealt with infertility for years. I still do not have a baby to hold, but I know that the Lord is with me in this journey and able to more than I could ever ask for.
Ephesians 3:14-21
(TNIV) "14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord's people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
God has been teaching me that I am stronger than I could ever imagine and that He walks with me, especially in my darkest days.
Here are some verses that have really spoken to me since losing Dylan:
Philippians 4:6-7 ~ "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Luke 1:37 ~ "For with God, nothing shall be impossible."
I have really been working on having patience and remembering that God has a plan for my life. I recently came across this and thought it was perfect.
"But these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, be patient! For it will surely take place. It will not be late by a single day." Habakkuk 2:3
It has been an incredible journey...learning from you and Isaac..and Isaac's daddy of course, let's not forget him. I have been walking a very hard road with a very another dear friend of mine, who after 16 years of raising her 3 girls alone, the bio father managed to take all 3 girls from her because she is choosing to raise them in a Christian home...there is so much more to this story, but something she has taught me- Trials are a way of earning the PRIVILEDGE of experiencing God's Grace. I never thought of it as a priviledge, but I will from now on. God's grace over me is an awesome reality now. And I am humbled to be covered in it.
It is something so very simple, but is a great example of how when we start on the path to finding God, the simple things are important. For me that means being greatful for having enough. I know that it sounds silly, but I have to give up what little control that I thought I had to God, to trust God, and just have faith! I have always believed in God, but my heart is breaking more and more for people as I grow with Christ. It is one of the reasons that I read your blog so much! I hope that one day my faith is as strong as yours! I will continue to pray for your family!
Stacy... I just stumbled onto your blog by chance today.. I was recently reading about the audrey caroline story on audreycaroline.blogspot and was brought to my knees in prayer... I have drifted away from the Lord in the passed months.. I know there are no excuses for this, but with a 4 yr. old and 2yr. old at home and full time job it is hard to juggle everything and find my time for God... I know in my heart that the Lord has lead me to read the audrey caroline story and also to your blog for a reason.. He is speaking to me to get my life back on His path! I am a Christian and do need once again focus on Him totally and have that quality time daily with him that I've been missing and longing for... Thanks for all your words... -Jenn
When peace like a river, attendith my soul
When sorrow like sea billows roll,
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say: "it is well, it is well with my soul"
words from a very old hymn written by a man who lost his wife and 3 daughters at sea in the 1800's.
God's blessing to you was granting you time with your baby. God's blessing to Isaac was to deliver him from earthly pain and trauma, as hard as it may be for those who are left with nothing but a brief, soft memory.
It is such a blessing to be connected by the Body of Christ. Your story has touched my heart and my life and I love that it doesn't matter that we may not meet until that day in Glory...when you and your baby boy will be reunited as well!!!
Praise Jesus!
God has taught me lately that my actions more than anything effect my kids more than what I say. Love reading your blog. So sorry for your loss of your sweet baby boy Isaac. You have been in my prayers.
erin in ga.
erinand4boys.blogspot.com
Well, my lesson lately has been on forgiveness...it seems that almost every day I come across a devotional or verse pertaining to that. Considering a recent crisis involving my daughter, God is dealing with me about doing the right thing and not worrying about what the other person did...and so, I'm trying to trust in His promises and not act in "the flesh". I do know He is faithful to bless us when we obey.
I continue to pray for you as you faithfully keep your eyes on Him and walk this journey of grief... may you be strengthened and comforted.
Lately, the Lord has been teaching me to have faith (and patience :)). I have been recently diagnosed with a rare condition that requires a very lenghty treatment, and life-long follow up. It's hard for me to stay positive when I have been feeling bad for so long, but I am leaning on the Lord and trusting that He will take care of me.
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1)
God bless - Jaimi (from Texas)
A verse that I hope will help encourage you is:
Psalms 46:1- God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
The other day while I was praying I asked that the Lord would be on my mind through out the day. Though my day ended up being not so great, my thoughts stayed on Him and not my problems.
Everything works together for good for those who love the Lord.
Romans 8:28
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy path.
Provers 3:5-6
God has been teaching me to just be still and listen. To stop asking, stop talking, stop arguing and just listen. Not easy for me to do, but I'm trying.
When you have a 4 year old who asks daily questions about God. Lately, she asks me why God doesn't answer all prayers... so we are learning together that sometimes he says, Yes to what you want, Other times he says, No... and other times he tells you to Wait. Sometimes when you get upset with the "No"...he just had something better in store, even though at the time, you can't see through your grief to realize it.
Oh, gosh, I don't think I can type this without crying. Good thing you can't see me. LOL
God has taught me so much these past nine months about his love and faithfulness. That life is not about being comfortable. That I can be the person He wants me to be. (Not that I'm "there"!!) He has taught me that His love can and is tangible here on earth through the words and deeds of loving friends and family, without whom I would be lost without.
Lastly, He has taught me that it's okay to be sad when life doesn't turn out the way you want it to. I don't have to "get over it."
Stacy, these verses spoke so much to me last year when the called me in for more testing on our baby and then when my grandmother passed away a short month later. My husband was deployed at the time and we shared these verses over the phone. It now hangs in our bathroom so we can see it all the time.
"Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; You are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; The flazes will not set you ablaze, For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you."
Isaiah 43:1-4
When I first found out about my infertility issues someone shared Jeremiah 29:11 with me. I prayed it through all of our struggles, and we eventually were able to name out daughter after it. Hope is now 4 years old.
"For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord...plans to give you a future and a hope." Jer. 29:11
Well let us just say that I am not a religous person, but I cannot say that your experience has not taught me reality. I pray now. I pray for thanks for my son, my husband, my health. And this would not be if not for issac. My story is weak compared to many of your readers. But it is what it is and all I have to say is thanks for sharing your sweet Isaac. Isaac will always be with me.
-Connie Davis
Stacy, my heart goes out to you. I am sorry for all the hurt you have gone through. I pray that God will one day bring beauty from your pain.
Isiaih 61:3
To console those who who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.
I am not so much a religious person, I am not too familiar with the bible, but I do know this: It is sometimes difficult for me to have faith, and now I am finding that when God wants to reach me, and I close the door, he uses other people to open it for me. It is amazing that some people find their faith again through the suffering and compassion we feel for others...but then again, that's what Jesus did. So although I have no words of wisdom for you and Spencer, know that I think of you both and Issac daily. I learn and heal and find gratitude through your blog, Issac, and the blog readers who leave messages, like those found here today--this blog has reached so many, with all of the readers helping eachother...mp
Stacy, my prayers are with you, Spencer, and Isaac. I love your blog. I would say that the passage of scripture that helps me the most in difficult times is Psalms 23. It reminds me that I am in the loving hands of the Great Shepherd who is watching over me at all times.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Thanks for your honesty and transparency in your blog. It has helped me more than you will know.
Rachel
God is showing me how my selfishness brings disorder to my family. This of course is not always an enjoyable lesson, but vital non the less.
KirstenB
God has been teaching me that he is totally sovereign. NOTHING happens without His hand on it. He is teaching me to trust Him. And in doing this, my desire to live more FOR Him is flourishing.
Be still, and KNOW that I am God.... that is one of my favorites. Just knowing and trusting and loving.
I think more than anything, Stacy, God is teaching me, through you and your story...and sadly many others...to cherish my children. It seems so obvious, but in the hustle and bustle of life, it's too easy to take the fact that I have them and that they are healthy for granted. When I come to my blog and see your "button", not only do I pray for you, but also for myself. I lose my patience and sometimes my older one especially drives me batty, but I have them here on earth with me and I have to be thankful for everything in all circumstances. I struggled with whether or not to share this, because I feel guilty, but it's the honest truth and I think it would please you to know that you remind me to be thankful.
Praying for you,
Susan
God has been teaching me that his timing is perfect. His ways are higher than my ways. His love for me is so great even when I am so unfaithful.
Thank you for your honesty and openness in sharing your heart and life with us all!
Andrea
andreaandtyler@hotmail.com
These are some verses that have given me peace over the last 2 years since we lost our own son. I hope they can give you some peace.
"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Before you were born, I consecrated you." (Jeremiah 1:15)
"I prayed for the this child and the Lord answered my prayers and gave him to me. Now I dedicate him to the Lord. He will belong to the Lord all his life." (1 Samuel 27-28)
Stacy
I so appreciate your posts - hearing about Isaac and about the feelings you are working through. Your transparency and honesty are helping others - and hopefully you too!
I LOVE the Chris Tomlin CD - I bought it the first day it was available and DO NOT need to win this contest, but felt compelled to share...so if I were to win - PLEASE choose someone else!! :)
I heard Chris being interviewed about the song "I Will Rise" and it was written specifically as a song of hope for people who had lost a loved one. That God had overcome the grave with the sacrific of Jesus and we have something amazing waiting for us on the other side of this life because of that gift.
My best friend Karlena who is 33 has a disease called Ataxia. It is degenerative and basically she went from a "normal" healthy adult to a woman who now needs a wheelchair to get around, and slowly and progressively gets worse and worse. She lost her dad to the disease when he was in his early 40's.
The fisrt time I heard "I Will Rise" I immediately thought of Karlena. As her body fails and weakens and as she takes more and more steps closer to her time with Jesus - she graces me with an overwhelming sense of peace in what is to come.
It makes me angry that she has to suffer medically the way she does, but she wouldn't let you pity her. She knows God has a plan for her and she trusts Him even if it means that at 33 she is planning her own "Celebraion of Life" ceremony.
I will be singing that song for her when that time comes. Ths following Sunday our church is having a variety show and I am singing the song as a tribute to her. Although she is not gone she is a living example of how to walk with Christ and if her example can lead another to a relationship with him then it was worth sharing!
Anyways - I don't know if that song had an impact on you as it did me...but I hope you can find peace tonight in knowing that because of Jesus who paid that price, Isaac is dancing and worshipping with the angels today. Praise the Lord that He provided a way for us!
Blessings to you!
Kristin in South Dakota
God never lets me forget that when I give to him, he always provides for me. Praying for you!
God is teaching me in this very moment how he can send a friend at just the right time. Yesterday was the day my third baby was due a year ago. A new couple joined our church back in the summer and their oldest daughter and mine have become great friends The mom and I just really started talking a couple of weeks ago. I helped her in the nursery and to my surprise we had both lost our babies at 19 weeks. Same scenerio, altough they found a reason for her baby's death and not for mine.
Today we met for brunch and she brought me the sweetest gift, a book called If I Could Mend Your Heart. We cried in the drive way as we talked about how we have hope because there is a God and he offers such sweet salvation!!
What a wonderful God we serve!
A friend loveth at all times.
God has been teaching me patience and to not worry about things that I can't control. My 9 y/o who has Epilepsy was just diagnosed with the cognitive dysfunction that can accompany the seizures, and also can be a side effect from the high doses of medications needed to control the seizures. I was so scared of what the future will hold for her...will she require full time care, will she be able to live on her own, etc. I learned that I just need to take one day at a time, embrace the time I have with her and not worry about something that may or may not happen.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers too!
This is just getting in under the wire! Iam very slow in keyboarding,so it might not make it until after the superbowl. I have only been out of bed twice since Tues. when we all were laid low with the bug! So,I'm not worried about the prize but just wanted to share that I've had lots of time to pray,and to lay things at the feet of Jesus. I've prayed for you and Spencer,Stacy,as you deal with the moment by moment grief of missing Issac. I've prayed for those of you that I don't know;but feel that I do know-by things that you've said,and not said.
The verse that's come to mind,over and over this week is James 4:6-Kjv "but He giveth more grace". And the NAS says,verses 5 and 6-"He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us.But He gives a greater grace".I pray that we all can have "more grace "as we start out the new week that lies before us!( although it's hard to know how Stacy and Spencer have shown all of us so much of The Father's love and grace already)
If any of you have not heard "The New 23rd" yet-it is beautiful.
All of your posts have been a blessing.
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