Be not dismayed

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; I will uphold thess with the right hand of my righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

"There is a difference between being burdened and doing strenuous things. In a world where so many things we chase for gratification leave us depleted, Jesus is promising that when we take up our cross and follow Him, He can give us rest—that restorative, nurturing, and rekindling strength that gives us the power to face what life brings or Satan throws in our paths." (Phil Ware)

"The burden is not necessarily removed, but our thoughts and responses are changed as we begin to love HIm, believe HIs promises, and rely on His power. Then, as the weight of the affliction shifts from our shoulders to His, we will discover relief, although the situation may remain unchanged." (C. Stanley)

Wonderful lunch with wonderful friends. Now the rest of the afternoon needs to be dedicated to finish packing and have Patrick ready for take-off tomorrow.

May God bless you each one!

What delights me

Psalm 119:174 "I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight."

God's Word says that we, His children, are His delight. The given verse states that God's law was David's delight.

What is your delight? It always returns to the basics. If I take my eyes off the Lord, off His Word I become frustrated, worried, and have the mind of the world. Today was one of those "brick wall" days. Whatever was tried was getting no where. I was frustrated, but the ultimate decision was God's and His way. He has a plan. He hasn't shown us yet.

No news of my prosthesis yet. Waiting...

Busy getting Patrick ready for Haiti. Flies to Miami on Thursday, then on to Haiti Friday morning.

Pray for Patrick. Pray for direction of our near future.

Have a wonderful evening. God bless you

Leg needed

"leg needed" sounds like something in the want ads.

Right now, I feel like I need it!! So much to do, so much going on. This is a busy week, with preparing for Patrick's trip to Haiti on Thursday.

I am praying for my prosthesis to come in this week. Who knows, maybe I will be "running" by the time Patrick returns from Haiti. Oh, and his requirement was that I run before I return to visit Haiti.

Thinking of Haiti and those in the tent camps, especially after all the rains they had last week. This morning I was reading Isaiah , read a verse that made me think of Haiti. Is. 4:6 "And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rains." How they need that tabernacle!! The tents are so hot and they leak in the rains. There is no refuge for the women from the sexual attackers. Filth and stench are unbearable. Please pray for the situation.

Pray for Patrick's trip to Haiti.

We are waiting on answer for a vehicle. Pray God's provision for this. Yes, Patrick drives. He does great. He has driven a vehicle in Haiti (an automatic transmission). He hasn't mastered the shifts yet.

We trust you had a wonderful weekend, and will have a blessed walk with Jesus this week.

Physical Therapy

We are now set up for physical therapy. I will start as soon as my prosthesis is in. Patrick will start when he returns from Haiti. God is so good, in sharing a PT that is a Christian. We are blessed beyond measure.

The doctor told me this evening my "leg" should be in by the first part of the week. That is a whole week earlier. I hope he is right. Maybe I will be running by the time Patrick returns from Haiti. I know, I know, slow down. A day at a time.

A friend came by for an afternoon of SkipBo. That was fun. I am almost thinking to did more talking than playing.

We pray you will all have a wonderful weekend. Pray as we prepare for Patrick's departure on Thursday.

We love you all and may God bless you.

Remembering

Ecclesiastes 1:11 " There is no remembrance of former things, neither shall there be remembrance of things that are to come with those who shall live afterwards."

No remembrance of former things? Not even quake memories. No remembering of all our past, just Jesus and remember how much He loves us and His gift to us.

Today was a quiet one, a friend visited, Nate and grandma played for a bit.

I hope you had a special day. If it wasn't so special, just remember a day is coming when there will be no remembrance of former things.

We love you and God bless you.

Knock, Knock

Patrick and I are having fun with an app for our phone called "Knock, Knock".

Got me to thinking that Jesus has had that app a long time ago. He knocks and knocks. I wonder how long He knocks, and we are not "online". Sad. We are too busy to answer the door, or maybe we look out the "peep-hole", see who it is and turn back. Too embarrassed to let Him into our cluttered lives. Too ashamed because we have allowed something else to take the throne of our heart.

Jesus already knows, and He comes anyway. He loves us. He takes pleasure in us. He is waiting with open arms. Let's pray our young people into His arms. There is no one who loves us more and no one who has given us a greater gift.

Another step forward today, I did the laundry almost alone. Patrick took the laundry to the washer and I did the rest. Well, Agape came before the last load was out of the dryer, and of course, he didn't think it was necessary for me to do it. So he finished it. Thanks Agape.

Pray for Haiti. Lots of rain and wind. Pray for the areas in the States that are having stormy weather, floods, heat, etc.

Pray for the pastors in Haiti that are preparing for the conference in July.

God bless you

It is Happening

Where did yesterday go? I was going to blog and now I realize I didn't. Please don't tell me, senior moment. I have so many of those.

On the flip side...we now go places alone!! We went to friend's house for Sunday lunch. Today we went to the doctor's alone. Isn't that neat?!! I thought so. Seems a bit strange though. Now pray for a vehicle. It really is wonderful to have the privilege to get in the car and go. Not calling our kids to come fetch us. They didn't mind.

Then another bit of news: My prosthesis is being ordered today!! It is to be here in 2 weeks. Then go to PT and learn how to walk. I pray it will be quick and that I can accomplish what I have been waiting for: to WALK....It seems so long, yet the doctor says I am pushing it.

Worthy is the Lord to be praised!! He is worthy if life is good or not. The important thing is that I bless His Name at all times. He is good and right. He rejoices over His children. So if He rejoices over us, then what happens to us is for our good. He will not give "a stone for a piece of bread".

Pray for those in Haiti and the DR. The storm in the Atlantic is going toward these countries. Flash floods, lots of damaging rains are predicted. Thousands in Haiti live in tent cities. These rains will bring devastation.

God bless you each one.

Worship

Tomorrow is what we call a day of worship...be in the attitude of worship today and continue to worship tomorrow.

Think about who God is, and what He means to you. Really means to you.

Blessed be the Name of the Lord.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

One Shoe

"Gramma, you are walking with only one shoe", a comment from our 3 year old grand-daughter. That is so priceless!! She even repeated it to her daddy when he came to pick her up.

Today was special...this morning we enjoyed Nate again. He is such a delight. As soon as mommy was out the door, he says "peanut butter". I made him bread with peanut butter, which was eaten in record time. Then this afternoon, we got to spend time with Promise. She is so special. We played with play dough, read a book and did an art project. What fun. One day soon we will win Zion over from his daddy. Daddy and Zion are a good pair.

I even made a meal for hubby and I after all that activity. Just think what I might do when I am walking on 2 shoes!!

God is ever so good!! And He calls His children His delight! And He has NO grandchildren. We are all children, our inheritance will be more than anything we can ever imagine. Suffering isn't so bad when we look at it in God's Way. And honestly, I need suffering, it sure brings us to our knees. Do I pray for suffering, no I really don't. It will come, but "Lord, help me not to hate it. Refine me and cause me to grow in You."

Oh I almost forgot. Yesterday I returned to the eye specialist for the macular hole that I have been dealing with for a year. I was told I needed surgery. But God healed it!! Yesterday he said the hole is closed in and I don't need surgery! That was good news. Praise the Lord.

God bless each of you and we love you so much

Detour

Yes, it is just a several more days detour. Went in for the fitting today. Still having some pain walking on the prosthesis, which I thought should be normal, but the doctor says, "No, you are not to have any pain walking". So now we are trying to find the problem. I have another fitting on Tuesday. We are thinking tender tissue where the infected area was. We will see. The flip side is, I did walk!! Even in the pain. So waiting a few more days.

Now off to the eye clinic. Hoping that is a good report too.

John 1:4 "In Him was life and the life was the light of man". Think about it, God's life is our light. So why are so many walking in the dark? We live as though we have no light or life. That is sad, that the world is so blind they don't even know they are walking in darkness. This is a sad condition, but what is even sadder, we that know the Lord have the light and life, and just don't share it and most of the time act and talk like the world. Even if our light is only a candle, even that can bring light to a dark corner. Let it Shine!!

Have a great day with Jesus. We love you and God bless you

Pray for wisdom to know what is really causing the pain in my leg.

Pray for Patrick as he adjusts to his prosthesis.

Pray for Rachel and Agape, they now are parenting 3 toddlers, plus take care of mom and dad. That should be experience of a lifetime. Smile.

In the Beginning

John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God and the Word was God."

Nothing has changed. That is God is the Same, He is still the Word and always will be. Man becomes increasingly wicked but God does not change. Aren't we so thankful, that in all the chaos the world is in, we can still know that God is the Rock. He is the One who can be trusted and depended on. HE Keeps His Word. God cannot lie.

It was a quiet day. Trying to be ready for the 2nd fitting tomorrow. Then off to the eye doctor.

But right now, I'm off to find a klondike. Great treat before bed. Yum!

Patrick is doing well. Until now air conditioning causes more phantom pain for him. But he doesn't want to be without the air. Too hot and humid.

Have a good night and a blessed tomorrow.

The Day I waited for.

Ok this is the day I have waited for! My leg!! I walked a bit. There needs to be some adjustments, so I don't have the permanent one yet, but will have soon. It was very awkward for me to start walking, but should go better after the fitting is better.

Thank you all for helping me arrive at this step of the journey. It would have been so much more difficult without you. How wonderful you all are!!

Should I consider a marathon first or mountain climbing?? Sure happy I don't need to make that decision!!

Thank you Lord for His wonderful works and His grace to bring to this day.

Patrick's Home

It is very good to have Patrick home. He had a good trip. Lots of work was accomplished.

Agape is better but still laying around. Just got news he is resting

Tomorrow is the big day....Prosthesis!! Rachel says she will miss Peggy I-lean. She will be with be always, but useful in a different way now. Breathe deep, Barb, it will be ok. It may be difficult to start...but time to move onward. I just received an article today of another lady in the quake. Same story, right leg amputated under the knee. She is already back to her favorite sport, rock climbing. Now that is encouraging.

God is so good...He is so good.

Thank you for your prayers and friendship.

Pray for Sam, by brother in law...in hospital...they don't know what he has. Pray for healing.

John 1:9-12 "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God..even to them that believe on his name"

Aren't we glad that HE came, and that HE receives us when we believe, and that HE gives us power.

Isn't it sad that HE came but his own did not receive him and that HE came into the world, but world didn't know him? The world still does not know Him. We are the light they have....LET IT SHINE.

Encouraged

A few days ago I wrote on Faith or Fear. A very dear friend of mine encouraged me to read Is. 12:2. I found it very inspiring, but thought the whole chapter was for sharing. This is a chapter of praise and needing to share the wonders of God among the people. People everywhere are discouraged, enraged, or just in need of a wonderful God that can be their salvation. Let's declare His goodness wherever we are.
Isaiah 12: 1-6 "And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and mysong; he also is become my salvation.3 Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.4 And in that day shall ye say, Praise tHE LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.5 Sing uNTO THE LORD; for he hath done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.6 Cry out and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion: for great is the Holy One of Israel in the midst of thee."
I was in bed, but sleep eluded me once again. Everything is quiet. The world around me sleeps. This would be a perfect time for praying. For those of you who also have problems sleeping at times, I have prayed the alphabet, pray for people whose names start with A, b, c , etc. I have yet to get through the alphabet before falling asleep.
Tomorrow Patrick arrives home. Tuesday I should have my prosthesis. I wonder how it will be to start walking again. The past 2 weeks have been the most difficult times, just seems everyone else is now healed and normal since the quake, but I am still sitting and waiting. I know it is because Patrick went to Haiti again. But God has His purpose. I want to take this joyfully and thankfully. It is therein, that I have my strength. I have come so far, I will go further.
Pray for Agape, he is sick. Pray the children do not "catch" whatever it is he has.Pray for Rachel as she is carrying the "mother" role for 3 children now, plus mom. Pray for Patrick's safe arrival home.
Have a good night. God bless you.

Faith or Fear

You and I have a choice...faith or fear.

I Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.."

I John 4:18 "There is no fear in love, ...he that feareth is not made perfect in love."

Is your faith being tested? Are you responding in fear? The past few days have been an emotional challenge. Then today I heard the statement, "we can either live in faith or fear". I realized I had let fear creep in. How can that happen so quickly? Well, I know how it happens with me. I have my eyes on the situation and not on God.

Let's band together in faith and fight the enemy of fear with the whole armor of God.

Tuesday is the big day....prosthesis. How will I adjust? I am praying that God gives me strength and patience as I learn to walk again.

Patrick is scheduled to fly out of Haiti tomorrow. Then on home to Tallahassee Monday. I'm so ready for him again!! Pray for safe travels.

I pray you each have a wonderful weekend and a special Sunday.

God bless you each one.

Missing my Bible

So many times I reach down to get "my" Bible, but it isn't there. You know, the Bible that is marked and highlighted with notes written in. I don't like using new Bibles. I'm missing that well used Bible. It is buried under the rubble somewhere. A precious treasure. I am so thankful that it isn't the end of God's Word. His Word lives on. I think of the many of God's children imprisoned for their faith, and they do not hold a Bible in their hand either. God's Word is hidden in their heart.

A fun afternoon with a friend. Today was SkipBo and talking. Next time we will consider scrap-booking. I need these moments.

I'm waiting for Patrick's return. A few more days. Am I waiting as anxiously for our Lord's return? A probing thought, it is.

Peggy I-lean is so ready for her leg/foot. We will work hard at it soon.

Pray for Patrick. Pray that I will be patient until I can walk again.

Praying for you. We love you and may God bless you each one

A short leg

Today I went to Agape's house. Other friends were there as well. So I was sitting on a chair by the pool to watch the grandchildren swim. One of the 3 year olds said to her mother, "Mom, she really has a short leg". Funny.

Our 2 grandchildren from the DR have arrived. What a joy they are!! Promise, 3 yrs old, wondered why grandma walked "like that with that thing". Smile. She wanted to look at the "ouwee" she has been praying for a long time.

I am so ready for a "leg". I am ready to be able to walk again. To be honest, I'm tired of sitting. I know it will take some work to get accustomed to a prosthesis. I hope I will do well. I pray I will. I really don't know what to expect. My prayer is that I do my best with the best attitude no matter how difficult it will be. Determination.

Isaiah 26:3 "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusteth in Thee." So there I have it...if I am not satisfied it is because my mind, thoughts have started to wander from Him. It is easy to be a bit overwhelmed when I see the condition of the world and its trend away from God. Even in this, He will give me peace, but a burden.

Pray for Patrick. He is still in Haiti, he is in the village now.

Pray for God's preparation for my prosthesis.

We pray for you. We love you and feel so blessed to have you praying for us.

God bless you

Today

Today has been "empty", feeling that is. Ever felt that way? Just talking to God all day, yet seeing things that you really know should be different. So if I have been talking to God why feel empty? Maybe it really isn't empty, maybe it is a burden. A heavy one.

Tomorrow our grandchildren are to arrive. That is joy on our part, but sadness knowing their other grandmother will now be without them for a bit. Grandchildren are so much fun and such a joy.

Walked the mall, well I rode the wheelchair. Nate decided he could push grandma. He was having so much fun. He actually did pretty good. Saw another amputee. Funny how I notice that now.

Patrick is now scheduled to return on Monday. He is planning to leave for Mayette tomorrow. Pray he is able to accomplish the necessary appointments.

So many of my friends are experiencing a difficult time in their lives. The only verse that comes to mind, Luke 21:28 "....Lift up your heads for your redemption draweth nigh."

We know in all these things God is faithful and He will give us Grace to walk through these moments.

We love you, and may God bless each of you

Counting Days

We are counting days for Agape to bring his children for a visit. So fun!! All 3 grandchildren at the same time. What a treat!!

Also counting days for Patrick's return from Haiti-6 more days!!!

Counting days for my prosthesis...7 days!

Friends ask if the phantom pain has become less, and the answer is yes. It has been replaced by a very numb feeling in the phantom foot. Thank you for praying. God is good.

What days are you counting?

"They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength"

Pray Patrick can accomplish all the work that needs to done on this trip.

Pray for Agape as he travels to the DR to get the children.

Pray I will be strong and ready for the prosthesis.

God bless you.

Though None Go with Me

I am not much of a "movie" person. This morning for some reason I turned to the Hallmark channel, and there it was a movie, "Though none go with me". I cried. It made me wonder, "would I go on if none go with me?" Do you ever feel alone in your faith? My prayer is that even though no one else follows that I would still follow Jesus.

Yesterday was one of those days...it was supposed to be a wonderful fun day,instead it was not so fun, stressful and we ended up returning home and just resting. What do we do with those times? Grunt, sigh, scream, or pray. I love how God brings prayers to our hearts or verses to our memory for times like these.

Turn on worship music and go to bed. "Count it all joy", why did that song play on a day like this? Really? Could it be that God "just happened" to put it on the list?? I think so. It really reminded me that there is nothing so bad that didn't deserve joy in Jesus. I pray I will be faithful in my walk with the Lord.

Pray for Patrick and Agape. Patrick will need to stay in haiti longer, because he needs extra hours to get the truck out of customs, get tags and insurance. For those of you who do not know, Haiti always takes longer to accomplish something legal.

Thinking

What are you thinking? Have your thoughts been God-ward?

I think they are, until today...I received that one phone call which very professionally tried to tell me a situation was thus and thus. I was sure they were wrong, and right away my heart plummeted. It made me question and soon I was "down", until....God nudged my heart with truth. Tonight I have peace. Why did that one phone call control most of my day? That's what the enemy does. He attacks when we least expect it.

We need to be in touch with God all the time, so that when those moments come, we don't remain in those down moments but know that we can trust God for peace and strength. Ahh the peace of God is so good.

The guys are doing well in haiti. I am trying to get my leg strong to be ready for the prosthesis.

Pray for safety and health while they are there.

We are so thankful for you. Praying for you.

Have a blessed weekend.

Quiet Day

It is a quiet day, very quiet. The hum of lawn mowers. Birds flitting here and there. Canadian geese on the lake. Great time for thinking, remembering and allowing God to search my heart. The grafting of heart issues can be more painful than the physical amputation. But the heart grafting often comes during the suffering of life issues.

I just wonder what it will be like to once again be able to walk, to do laundry, dust and clean the house. Then I remember those who have been paraplegic for many years, and have no hope of ever "doing their own work" again. I think of Joni Earikson who has prayed for healing, even though not physically healed, she has blessed so many in spite of her physical disabilities. My sister told me last night, now she sees so many amputees and had never noticed before.

My heart is in Haiti, my body is in Tallahassee. Praying. That is why we need quiet days...praying....quiet days...no bustle...just you and the Lord....quiet...just me and the Lord. Sweet fellowship.

Pray the truck will be released from customs today. Everything is so difficult to accomplish now in haiti.

Pray for protection and good health for Patrick and Agape.

Pray as I use this quiet time to write the book I started before the quake.

Pray for Kaye, she is still in Switzerland ministering to people there.

God bless you. We love you all!! You are an encouragement.

Casted

Today is one more step forward. I was casted for the prosthesis, and it should be here in 2 weeks!! That's what we are talking about!!

Someone shared a verse with us today, Isaiah 41:10, "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right Hand."

That is a beautiful verse, and I love the part where God is holding each of us in His right Hand. I love holding our grandson. I love having him in my arms (well, he doesn't hold still very long). Our God loves us, takes pleasure in us and holds us in His hand. How awesome is that!!

And I must say, He has held us very closely in our lives, and especially in the past several months.

Pray for the men as they are in haiti. Lots of rain, and bad roads.

Pray my leg will be totally ready for the prosthesis.

Pray and Praise. Be thankful in all things.

May God bless you.