Lisa Brewer Buffaloe
Lisa Buffaloe's
Blog Archive -- 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
All I ever wanted
New Years is just around the corner. It's a time for looking back at the year past and wondering about the future. 2006 brought so many highs and lows, but one constant throughout every year has been God. He never changes. He remains love.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas everyone!
"... I bring you good news of great joy that will be for
all the people. Today in the town of
He is Christ the Lord"
(Luke 2:10-11 NIV).
"For God so loved the world that He gave
His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish but have eternal life"
(John 3:16 NIV).
May you find His joy and peace in this holiday season.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
The bionic Buffaloe is home on the range
My sweet hubby is home! His surgery went well and he is comfortably tucked into a recliner with remote in hand. Yes, life is good and God is wonderful!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Work of art
My friend, Patricia is a fused-glass artist. Sitting on my desk is a small cross that she made from seventy-five pieces of glass. Some colors change when they are fired in the furnace, so each piece was individually chosen, hand-cut, and perfectly shaped. No mold is used and no two are exactly alike. The process and product is amazing--ordinary glass becomes a work of art. Now I could take those same pieces of glass and formulate an absolute mess. But from the hands of an artist, comes beauty.
God paints the sky, tints the ocean, colors the flowers, and creates beauty for us to enjoy every day. He also created each of us—individually, no two alike. Within each of us are pieces of good and bad memories, events, and influences.
I didn’t want any of the “bad” pieces. I wanted to hide them away, throw them out, and pretend they didn’t exist. Fortunately I can ask for forgiveness for the bad things I have done. But what can be done with all the pain and suffering caused by others?
Remember those glass pieces which are one color before firing and another color after? God is the artist. He takes our messed up lives, mends our wounds, restores, and renews. His unfailing love fires through and He creates beauty.
In His hands we will always be a work of art.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time…” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV).
The Gift of Grace
I was a teenager in my first car, and wondered how fast my little Toyota Corolla would go. A two-lane farm road leading to the interstate afforded me the opportunity.
The car was brand new when I bought it in the 70’s. And being the frugal minded person that I was—okay, poor—I bought the basic model. It had vinyl seats, no carpet, a radio, air conditioning, and was baby-poop yellow (aptly named by one of my friends). The air worked only if you were driving, otherwise it would overheat. And since I lived in
On a perfect day for driving, I decided to put the petal to the metal. Yep, stuck my foot on the gas and let it fly. It was great. That little engine whined and screamed. I probably got up to 75 or something. I was flying.
And that’s when I saw him—the officer sitting in the patrol car on the side of the road.
I was caught. It had to be obvious, how many little
The first opportunity to stop was a gravel road leading to a farmhouse. I pulled over and waited.
The officer stopped behind me, no lights, and no siren. He sat in his car running my plates. He finally came to my open window. “Do you live here?”
“No sir.”
“You just pulled over?”
“Yes sir.”
“What were you doing?”
“I was trying to see how fast my car would go.”
He stared at me and shook his head. “Don’t do it again.” And with that, he turned and walked away.
I never did try that one again. I deserved to be ticketed. I even admitted my crime. Though I was guilty, I was pardoned, and given the gift of grace.
Two thousand years ago a baby boy was born in
Jesus offers the ultimate gifts this
All we must do is believe.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” (John 3:16-17 NIV).
That is why we call it Merry Christmas!
Hip Hydraulics
Thanks to football and marathon running, my sweet hubby is getting his second hip replacement. Yes, I will soon be married to the bionic man—he will be stronger, faster, and definitely more expensive. Our son suggested making it worth his while and ordering some accessories; perhaps hydraulics, or a built in MP3 player. Don’t worry, we won’t ask.
Soon, hubby’s bad hip will be replaced and his pain will be gone. (Other than the sore thigh from the eight inch titanium spike.) Amazing what the medical community can do these days. I am grateful. Between the two of us we have had five surgeries in the last four years. Do we know how to party, or what? We are honestly hoping 2007 is a year without surgery.
Surgeons can replace, stitch, and mend, but God is in the restoration business. Whether the wounds are heart or flesh, God knows what is needed to heal. There is no injury too large, and no hurt beyond His healing touch.
Got pain?
God is the answer.
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast” (1 Peter 5:10 NIV)
Marlyn
I was thinking about my friend Marlyn today--missing her. (See Joy Through Suffering). I miss talking to her, miss e-mailing back and forth, there are so many things I miss about her.
Friendships are special, cherish them.
To my friends here on earth--I cherish and love the uniqueness in each of you. To my friends that are waiting in Heaven--Father tell them I miss them and love them still.
This is a portion of an e-mail Marlyn sent on 7/25/06.
"After Sunday School this week a group of us went to a ladies house to pray for her. She has had a long struggle with cancer. Having tumors in her brain she had experienced cancer treatment at it worst.
You see when we drove down there I just kept calling God to rain down on me and bring words to my mouth that would reflect his message for her. But as time rolled by I realized she was sent to me not the other way around. I worried that the words I had for her didn't speak with that magic you look for. It was a good thing others were there to add things and share as well. I have not been able to get her out of my mind. She was a gift to me just like I was a gift to her.
I think to myself how often do I not recognize the true spectrum of this calling? More times than I care to admit. But God knows. How often do we think situations are one sided when in fact it is about all who experience it? This new relationship will honor God.
I think about some of the conversations I have had with people who feel like they read the Bible and pray but never feel the Joy. I want to tell you keep reading keep praying. But the JOY is in the praise. Wake each day thanking God for it all and spend the day looking for things to thank him for. And very quickly you will begin to fill up. The more you deposit the more you get.
Thank you Father for another Glorious Day!!
Thank you for my family and all my beautiful friends. Thank you for my life. Thank you for the many gifts you shower us with. Thank you for the abundance of provisions. Thank you for your love, Thank you for your promise. And thank you for your Son Jesus.
I love you and I trust you. Guide my feet keep me on track. Forgive me for being shallow and blind. Thank you that we can come to you in times of trouble, and thank you for being patient with us not coming to you in times of prosperity and laughter. Let us shout your name for all to hear. Let us not sort the crowd to avoid persecution.
Thank you for testing us and allowing me to stand tall and firm in your honor.
All these things we pray in the name of our Lord Jesus
Amen."
Monday, December 4, 2006
Prayer
"Prayer isn't a puddle on the sidewalk of life that we tiptoe through. It's an ocean that thrashes us in its fury. It's not a splash, but a tidal wave. We speak of falling in love, to convey the feeling of being swept away by something greater than ourselves. There's a "falling in prayer" too, where real prayer demands more than we expect. It's often more intense and more life changing than we anticipate…. We get so little out of our prayers because we bring so little into them. If you’re hungry for more in your relationship with God, make a point of expressing every bit of that hunger in your prayers." Dr. Rob Currie
Rob Currie, Hungry for More of God, AMG Publishers,
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Crazy in Love
I love Nicole Sponberg’s Resurrection CD. Her songs run through the gamut of emotions, but each song brings me closer to the Lord. Hit your knees on Resurrection, jump to your feet on Hallelujah, and smile to Crazy in Love.
No matter what our status, God is with us. I’m crazy in love with God. He is so wonderful. If I had some good moves, I would dance. Okay, I dance when no one is watching. But God thinks I’m wonderful—He made me. And you know what? He made you too. He loves you too. He’s crazy in love with you.
You can listen to a few of Nicole’s songs on the following sites.
… http://www.myspace.com/nicolsponberg
.... http://www.gregandnicolsponberg.com/
Enjoy friends!
November 2006
Jesus felt pain and suffering personally, He knows how hard and evil this life could be. For thirty-three years, he walked in our shoes. Then He made the ultimate sacrifice -- His own life.
Jesus knew the terrors of the cross. He had seen others crucified -- heard their cries, saw the slow, humiliating, and agonizing death. The night before His crucifixion, He cried out to His Father …“Abba,” He said, ‘everything is possible for You. Take this cup of suffering away from Me. But let what You want be done, not what I want" (Mark 14:36)
Soldiers trained in combat and warfare beat him and every hit carried the fury of hell. Beaten until He was unrecognizable, He underwent the agony of the cross, and the unbearable pain as every sin ever committed rested on His shoulders. Why did He do it? Why didn’t He call the angels to destroy us all?
You.
He doesn’t ever want to live without you. The suffering, pain, and heartache throughout His life was worth it because He knew you would need a Savior.
What made the cross worth the pain? You did.
It's going to be okay
“Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and He guided them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30 NIV).
Ever have one of those days where you feel a little battered? This is one of those days. I had to switch antibiotics to combat an ear infection and a phone conversation left me sad and heartsick.
Just want to crawl into my Heavenly Father’s lap and let Him tell me everything will be okay. And it will be okay.
One way or another, it will be okay, because we have a God that with a whisper can calm any storm.
It will be okay.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Happy Thanksgiving!
During this Thanksgiving season I have so much to be thankful for.
I’m thankful first and foremost for a loving God that sent His Son to make a way for us to be in Heaven.
I’m thankful for my family and friends.
I’m thankful for the use of my senses.
I’m so grateful for each of you. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my site--I’m honored. You make my day. J
Oh my goodness, I can think of a zillion things right now.
Have you ever heard a little child pray? They will thank God for the caterpillars, the birds, the trees, for tickles, mud, sunshine, puppies, kittens, and the list will go on and on. Maybe that is why Jesus tells us …“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3 NAS). Wouldn’t we have lots more fun?
I know many of you are going through major trials. Please remember, God is huge—He created the universe. There is nothing we will go through that He can not handle, nothing that will surprise Him, and nothing that His grace, mercy, and love can’t handle.
He loves you. He really, really, really does. Thank you for stopping by. I’m so thankful for you!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You! Thank You for all Your wonderful blessings. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Thank You for every person that reads this blog. Father, I lift each one of them up to You. Meet them at their every point of need. Where there is pain, bring comfort. Where there is illness, I pray for healing. For those that are weak, grant them Your strength. And for those that are lonely, help them feel Your sweet, loving presence.
I love You so much Father! Thank You Jesus for coming to earth to save us. Holy Spirit breath God’s words into me that I may share with others the wonders of God and His love.
I’m so thankful! My heart might burst.
I ask these things in the precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen
Friday, November 17, 2006
Leaves
“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV).
I spent a little time today cleaning up my riverlet. I know that’s not a word, but what do you call my attempt at river building?
High winds had blown leaves into the stream covering most of the rocks. And although it is work, I must admit I love sitting on the edge and clearing out debris. It gives me immediate satisfaction as the water is released and runs unhindered.
I want my life to be like that—free flowing with the healing, quenching of God’s love, grace, and mercy. But life becomes easily clogged as the winds of worries and problems blow our way. Some days the wind just never seems to stop.
Our yard is full of leaves and the trees have thousands more to drop. The cleanup today was only temporary, but I’m not giving up. I will keep my stream clear.
Life takes work too. Every day I have to choose to trust God when problems blow my way. And yes, some days are easier than others. I could give you a rather long list of problems, but yours could probably beat mine. As for me, if I focus on God and His incredible power that is above all powers on this earth, I don’t have to worry. He is bigger than anything that can come my way.
I think I’ll picture each problem as a leaf. Yep, a leaf. I’m going to mentally rake them into a pile, maybe even jump into them a time or two. Then when I get tired of getting dirty, I’m going to give them to God, and let Him set them on fire.
Join me. I’ll even bring the marshmallows.
“Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge” (Psalm 62:8 NIV).
Friday, November 10, 2006
Comfort
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows” (2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV).
I’m feeling better today. Healing is an interesting process and seems to be a constant battle. Battles do leave scars and I’ve received my share.
What if my battles and scars were not just for me, but for others? What if what I went through (what I go through) was so that I could tell you about God and His love? Oh my, it would be worth every heartache, every tear, and every moment of pain, if I had the opportunity to share with you about God’s wonderful love.
Life hurts and life is not fair, but God is fair and no matter what our battles, or scars, or how much we have suffered, God will right the wrongs, He will fight for us, and He will heal our wounds. I know because I see His touch every day even when I don’t want to see, and even when I’m miserable. He doesn’t give up and His love continues. Call on Him. He is faithful. He is the only one that is eternal, the only one that loves us with compassion and pure love.
Please take comfort today in knowing that living proof does exist, God can use those that have suffered. He can, and will, use those that have failures. The pages of the Bible are filled with people that were not perfect but were used by God to accomplish mighty things for His kingdom. They went before us to help show us that God doesn’t require perfection. He provides perfection through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Jesus walked the dusty roads of this earth and experienced everything that we experience. He knows, understands, and cares. God in the flesh of man, reached out to touch the sinner, the sick, and to heal the wounds of our fallen world.
Join me and reach out to the God of all comfort. He is safe. I know. He knows every ungodly thought and action I’ve ever done and He still loves me. You can trust Him. I’m praying for you and He is waiting. Come on in, there’s room for all.
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Weak and weary
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:29 NIV).
Forgive me for not posting the last few days. Saturday morning I was so weak I had the shakes. I did make it to the places I needed to go, made it to church, and did get out with a friend on Monday. Today even breathing seems a chore. I'm weak and I hate to be weak.
I spent the day in prayer, tried to read, and did get off a few e-mails. This afternoon I went out in the back yard in the sunny fall day and rested, and thanked God for my many abundant blessings. I don't have to be strong and I'm so grateful, because no matter how weak I am, God is strong and He will help me through.
Thank You Father for Your many abundant blessings. Give us the strength we need each day. I ask again for healing and if healing is not Your plan, I ask for strength. Father thank You that You are always strong. Help us to rest in You.
I pray for each person who will read this today. Meet them at their every point of need. Show us the way Father and keep us close to You.
I ask these things in the precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Who is my Savior and Redeemer,
Amen
"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" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
Friday, November 3, 2006
Morning
“In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation” (Psalm 5:3 NIV).
Have you ever awakened with anticipation for the new day? I did this morning. I have no earthly reason to be excited about today. There are no plans. But I do love mornings.
During the week, the Buffaloe household rises early. My alarm is set for 5:03 a.m. (5:00 just seemed too early). I absolutely love being showered and dressed before 6 a.m. Once everyone is off to school and work, I have the house to myself. I can spend time with God, work on Bible study, e-mail, write, and read. Life is good.
I could be depressed this morning; I have lots of valid excuses. There is a hymn which helps me get my perspective back on God, “Count your blessings name them one by one. Count your blessings see what God has done,” Even if the world around me is ripping apart at the seams, I have a God that loves with an unfailing love. I have a God that is bigger than any problem, worry, or concern. And so I count my blessings.
For you who read this blog this morning, I’m here at the cyber-window praying for you. I want you to know God loves you too. He is the God who provides for all our needs, He is the God of all comfort, peace, and joy. Filter your vision through Him, count your blessings, name them one by one, and see what God has done, and will do in your life.
“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14 NIV)
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Praying for you
"I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over
Another dear friend lost her father last night and my heart is heavy and sad. The phone calls and e-mails come daily for prayer for those that are hurting. And I’m honored to pray.
I can’t fix anyone’s problems or take anyone’s pain, but I can carry them to the throne of Grace—to the God who watches over us night and day, the God that who helps, the God that places His angels around our hearts to guard our souls.
Dear one, God cares and loves you more than you can imagine. My prayers are with you, and He will never leave your side.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please wrap Your arms tightly around those that are hurting today. Oh Father there are so many needs and so much pain. Please help them feel Your presence and comfort.
Grant wisdom and guidance for the doctors as they treat the sick. Grant peace to the families of those that are ill, and those that are suffering.
Father Your word tells us that You are close to the brokenhearted, that You bind up their wounds, and You save those who are crushed in spirit. Help them feel You in a real and tangible way today and each day.
Open our eyes and heart to feel You even in the midst of trials and suffering. Thank You Father that You are with us. Thank You for Your love.
I ask these things in the Precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Savior.
Amen
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Angel wings and God hugs
What a great day! This morning at 7 a.m. my friend, Patricia and I hit the road for
We made it 30 miles south of our destination when a trucker signaled one of my tires was going flat. He pulled his big rig off and told us to pull close to him and he would fill my tire with air. How sweet! This kind trucker and his wife took the time to help us and put us safely back on the road. We flew on angel wings into
We arrived at the church early enough to visit with Margaret and several of the church staff. Thank you Summit FourSquare Fellowship! We sat on the front row and drank in Margaret's beautiful voice and words. She's beautiful inside and out. How refreshing! What a huge God hug!
After lunch we took the van to check the tire. Several hours later we were safely back on the road with four new tires. And arrived home at 6:30 pm. Yep, it was a fun, fun day! I'm a happy woman!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for sending the angel in a trucker suit today to help us. Thank You for Your protection. Thank You for Margaret Becker, for her wonderful heart that loves You, for her passion to serve You. Bless her Father as she has blessed so many of us. Thank You for the blessings of Margaret's beautiful voice. Father, can I have a voice like that too?
Thank You Father for such a fun day. Bless
Thank You for the abundant hugs that came from You. Thank You for my friend, Patricia that went with me. Thank You for time to visit and enjoy friendship. Thank you also for my family and my friends.
Thank You for supplying the money that we could afford to buy new tires.
Father You are so sweet! You spoiled me today. You spoil me every day. Forgive me when I don't notice. Today was great. Thank You Father. If I had a tail it would be wagging!
I love You so much!
In the Precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Savior and Redeemer,
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Emotional cheese grater
“But You, O God, do see trouble and grief; You consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to You; You are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14 NIV).
The last few days I feel like I have gone through an emotional cheese grater. The novel I am writing is about one woman’s journey to find healing from her painful past. As I wrote and edited the novel, I found myself in the midst of memories that I ignored or chose not to explore. I really didn’t go willingly down that road, God took me dragging and screaming.
Actually, He gently took my hand and showed me there is nothing to fear. And as I brought the past to His light, He took away the pain and hurt, and replaced His healing touch.
But being a visual person, I need tangibles. So I wrote each incident and every situation on a piece of paper, prayed, and gave them all to God. I forgave those that hurt me. I also prayed forgiveness for my failures. When finished, I took the paper, set it on fire, and watched the smoke shrivel my past into oblivion. Now when the memories return, so does the picture embedded in my mind of the smoke and ashes as they drift toward heaven.
Trust Him wounded soul with your pain and your sorrow, for God is a God of restoration and resurrection. He can take the pieces of your painful past and again make them whole.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Writing on the wall
Do you ever have one of those days where you wish God would write on the wall what you need to do? This is one of those days.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Resurrection
“For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows” (2 Corinthians 1:5 NIV).
I cried so much last week that the corner of my eyes peeled. I was totally drained, almost hollow inside. God never left me for a moment, but I felt removed and couldn’t feel His presence. I couldn’t sleep; I was desperate to find my way back to Him. I begged Him to find me, needed His touch to pull me back.
Emotions are fickle and toss and blow with the wind of circumstances. I must remember God never changes and He is always love. Even during the times I feel alone, He is always near and ever-present. So I cry out to Him.... take the pieces in Your hand and make me whole again.
And slowly I open my heart once again as winter thaws in my heart and through His comfort, I sense the buds of spring.
Dear one, you are never, ever alone. God is The God of resurrection. Winter will turn to Spring and with His touch comes beauty even in the midst of suffering. Stretch out your hands to Him, He waits to provide comfort.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You for You are awesome, Holy, and wonderful. Thank You that You are the perfect Father. Thank You for Your pure love. Thank You that we can come to You through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
Sweet Father, I lift up my friends and family that are hurting. Wrap them in Your peace and comfort. I pray for healing for the sick. For those that struggle, strength to endure, courage to go on, wisdom, and guidance.
Father, You know each need and You are sufficient. Show us the way each day, keep us close to You, keep our eyes and heart focused on You. Thank You for the God Hugs that You sent today. Open our eyes to see more of You.
Father take me deeper into You. Immerse every fiber of my being into You until all that is left is the sweet fragrance of Your love.
Father I pray for each person that reads this prayer. Bless them with Your mercy, grace, and sufficiency. Show them more of the wonders of You.
I ask these things in the precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Who is my Savior and Redeemer.
Amen
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Marlyn
"The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil" (Isaiah 57:1 NIV).
I lost another friend today. I hate cancer, hate disease, and hate to say goodbye. God can heal and He does heal because all around us are walking miracles. I wanted God to heal Marlyn, take away her pain and cancer. But now in the sorrow I look for God.
Life is hard, tragic, and unfair. But I know God is good, I still believe. I won't be persuaded to not believe. I know He longs to comfort.
I feel His touch in the friends that hugged me as we gathered to say goodbye. I see His sorrow in the tears of those that love her. And I see His love as He gathered Marlyn into His tender arms and took her home.
Marlyn's safe now and free of pain. Listen closely and you will hear her laughter. She will enjoy every moment, and she will be waiting when it's our turn to come home.
Be persuaded, dear one, God loves you more than you can imagine.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Marlyn
I laid my head on Marlyn’s bed rail, smelled the lotions and perfumes from those before that held the rail as they loved on her and said their goodbyes. The morphine drip and the oxygen mask continued to run as she struggled for air. Her eyes closed, body limp, and still she breathed, her heart continued to pump.
So we gathered around, touched her hair, her arms, and her hands. We whispered in her ear, told her we loved her. We prayed, read the Bible, and prayed again. Hoped, and begged God to once again stretch out His hand and say, “Rise and walk.” But the labored breaths continued, along with the sobs and cries of those who love her.
I told her goodbye. Asked her to stay, but told her we loved her, and we would take care of her husband and daughter. Even if she didn’t hear me she knew I loved her. We didn’t hold back feelings; you can’t when someone is ill. But you shouldn’t even when they are not.
Don’t wait to tell someone you love them, or tell them they are special. I learned this lesson years ago when I stood by my best friend's bedside as she died from Leukemia. She knew I loved her.
Don’t wait. Right now call someone, send them an e-mail, drop a letter in the mailbox. Tell them you love them and you care.
Marlyn knows where she is going. She will be home soon with her Savior, home with her God. He has prepared her room--a mansion for all she has done and all she has endured. She never stopped loving God. And He never stopped loving her. When she goes home, we will miss her terribly. But she will be out of pain, alive again, and well.
Marlyn we love you. And if you can't hear us, God will tell you when you are safe in His arms. We love you sweet friend.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Please come out to play
"Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8 NIV)
My heart is heavy today. Not for myself, but for those that I know are afraid. They have been hurt in the past and the memory is still too strong to trust. I see them as they peek out from behind the walls they built to help them survive. Every now and then, I see the little girl or boy that lives in the adult, venture to come out to laugh and play, who desires to trust once more. And I long to wrap them in God’s love and show them He is safe.
Dear one, God will never leave you or forsake you. He will never, ever be two-faced, mean, or cruel. He won’t talk bad about you to others or to your face. He sent His Son, Jesus to show us the way home, the way to safety.
God is perfect, this world is not. Even those that claim to be His children can be cruel, petty, and mean. And there are those that claim to be His, but they are not. They only use His name for their own purposes. Please don’t judge God by the failures of man.
Oswald Chambers wrote “God has stood with outstretched hands not only to take you, but for you to take Him.”
God's hands are open, they are safe, and in Him you will find joy, peace, comfort, and love.
Please come out to play.
Friday, October 6, 2006
Thankful
“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior” (Habakkuk 3:17-18 NIV).
In my humble opinion, we have the cutest dog on the whole planet. He’s a sixteen pound bundle of fur who loves to bark at the squirrels who run across the top of our fence. When tired, he carries his blanket in his mouth, fluffs it until he finds the perfect spot and nurses until he goes to sleep.
One of the things I adore about him is that he absolutely loves receiving gifts. He will dance on his hind legs and wag for a full hour if we bring him a new toy or chew bone. The floor next to my desk is littered with dog toys, I can’t help it, I love to bring him gifts. How can I refuse when he is so appreciative?
I watch him and I wonder if I am as appreciative with God when He blesses me so abundantly. I have a wonderful husband and son, neat family and friends, great church, and the list continues until I would run out of room. I’m also thankful for the bad things because they have helped make me who I am today--flawed, broken, sick and frail. And I wouldn’t change a thing because through the failures and difficulties I have discovered more of God.
The one thing I would change if given the opportunity is to ask forgiveness for those that I have failed, those that I have hurt, and wounded—please forgive me. My heart aches and I have begged God to heal the wounds that I have caused and let you know how deep my sorrow. Please forgive me.
I’m not perfect and I know I am not worthy. How could God love me? Why does God love me? It amazes me and brings me to my knees.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You, thank You for today. Thank You that I can type these words on a page, that I can praise You. Father let me dance for joy as You give me the abundance of gifts today and each day. If I had a tail, it would wag.
Help me to bring joy to You Father. Even when things are not going well, even when sick, even though life is painful, help me to remember to praise You. For I have life everlasting, and one day I will see Your face and dance on the streets of gold praising You.
Thank You Father, Thank You! Praise You forever Father.
In the precious Name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is my Savior and Redeemer,
Thursday, October 5, 2006
Tears in a bottle
“You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your bottle.
Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8 NASB).
My father-in-law is in the hospital, my mom had foot surgery, Marlyn remains in ICU, I had a CT scan to check for kidney stones, and my friends are hurting.
I can't make it alone, can't make it without God. I know He cares, I feel His comfort, and I read in His word, and see Who He is through His Son, Jesus. For when Jesus walked this earth, He reached out to touch, comfort, and heal. He was hands on, moved with compassion. He walked the dusty roads, knew the cruelty of this life. He saw and experienced the agony of tears, the precious emotions that leak from our innermost soul.
So again today, I will curl up in my Heavenly Father's lap, safe in His arms, and enveloped in His love. If you are hurting too, there's plenty of room. His arms remain open. I'll make room, join me in His tender arms.
"For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Revelation 7:17 NIV)
Monday, October 2, 2006
Groans too deep for words
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26 NIV).
This is one of those days where words can't express the agony. Marlyn is struggling for her life, one friend lost her dad this week, another's dad is fighting for his life. Illness, pain, suffering surrounds me and my loved ones, and I sit here at my computer and cry.
I don't know what to say, or what to do, other than cry, and cry out to God. He is the only power that can heal, restore, and comfort.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I beg for Your healing touch for my precious friend's life. Please restore her Father. Please heal her totally and completely. Bring her back from the brink of death. Comfort her friends and family. Wrap them all in Your love.
I pray for all those that are dealing with death, disease, family members in abusive relationships, financial difficulties, Father You know how long the list is, and who needs Your touch. Help those that are near us, help us to reach out to the hurting and provide a comforting hug, phone call, e-mail, or letter. Help us to never back away, even when the situations get difficult.
Thank You Holy Spirit, that You give voice to our cries. Thank You sweet Jesus that You will intercede for us. Oh Heavenly Father, Abba, Daddy, help us we are so weak.
Help us please. Let us fall into Your arms that will never fail us. Hold us close Father, lift up the fallen, restore the sick, and comfort the hurting.
I ask these things in The Name of Your Precious Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen
Sunday, October 1, 2006
Prayer by Marlyn
Today Marlyn is in ICU. I looked back at her e-mail that is found in the heading--Joy Through Suffering. She also added a prayer for the young woman. This is that prayer. I pray it today also for Marlyn.
Dear Father,
I want to lift up my young friend to you tonight. Let her feel your presence all around her. Take away the fears that haunt her mind and replace them with Your peace. Let her realize that You are in control. Let her and her family rest in Your loving arms as they face this journey. Bring them through it with Your strength and wisdom.
Give her doctors direction and renew her hope in Your Name and Your promise. Allow her to rise up in this face of doom, to see and hear Your beautiful voice. Let her always seek Your council in all things that she may be pleasing to You. Let others see her strength and her determination to bring all that is good with her everywhere she goes and to whom all she speaks.
Thank You for who You are and for Your son Jesus that we may all be together by the light of his path.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen
Go forth and be brave. Never ask why me? You will see people sicker and younger everyday as you move forward, ask why them?
All my love Marlyn
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Blessings?
I've had an interesting weekend. I received the results from my latest blood-work on Friday. My liver enzymes are way too high and my white blood-cell counts are too low.
Then fever and back pain started. So after my doctor visit today, I'm on another new antibiotic and need a CT scan on my kidneys and abdominal area. The doctor thinks it is a bladder/kidney infection along with kidney stones.
I honestly had some good days earlier this week. :)
The other night while in bed, I started thinking about what most people would classify as problems. You know, that long list we all have? We even bring it out to show others. Mention kidney stones and you will hear about Uncle Ralph's kidney stone the size of a watermelon. And whatever you do, don't mention the childbirth experience.
My thought is this... what if problems are merely blessings in disguise? Like diamonds in the rough?
Do you remember the story of the three Hebrew young men? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego? (Beth Moore has a fantastic study on Daniel) The king had erected a 90-foot tall golden statue of himself for all to worship. Anyone who did not worship the image would be thrown into a raging fire.
These young men refused. Here is their reply. "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up" (Daniel 3:17-18 NIV)
The king is furious, makes the fire seven times hotter and throws them in bound hand and foot.
"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?' They replied, 'Certainly, O king.' He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods'" (Daniel 3:24-35 NIV).
They walk out of the fire unharmed, nothing is burnt, they don't even smell like smoke. The only thing that was burnt away, were the ropes that bound them. But even better yet, while they were in the midst of that raging fire they were not alone. They chose not to bow down to anything other than God. They didn't know He would save them. They didn't hear God’s voice or see His hand, until they were thrown into the raging fire.
Are you in the fire? Look for God. He is with you. The fire will burn away what binds you to this earth to free you for eternal joy. In God's hands the negatives become positives. God has a plan--a perfect, awesome plan for your life.
Are you suffering? I know it's hard, but rejoice. Paul tells us..."we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. (Romans 5:3-5 NIV)
Watch for the by-products of suffering, for in God's hands even a lump of coal can become a diamond. Shine on, dear friend, shine on.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Prayer for today
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh dear, sweet Father, there are so many people hurting this morning. Friends that have lots loved ones, illness, family problems, job difficulties, upcoming surgeries, Father You know each and every need. Please, please provide Your comfort and peace to each situation. Help them feel Your gentle, loving hands upon them. Hold them close and wrap them in Your unfailing love.
Father, grant wisdom, insight, and guidance for the doctors, surgeons and medical staffs; guide their hands with Your hands.
I pray and ask for Your comfort for those who are hurting this morning. Grant them the peace that passes understanding as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Let Your rod and staff comfort them.
Protect our troops around the world, cover them with Your protection and might. Help the families that are apart, and the families of those that have lost the ones they love.
Help us to turn to You throughout our day, for Your word tells us that in You we find the peace and hope we so desperately need and desire.
Thank You Father.
We ask these things in the name of Your Precious Son, Jesus Christ,
Amen
Prayer
Please pray for Marlyn, she now has fluid on her lungs. Please also pray for Debbie who lost her father this morning. Thank you.
Please continue to pray for Marlyn. Thank you.
By the way, I was able to travel to MO to see my Lyme's disease specialist on Monday morning. I'm off heparin shots (at least until the blood work comes back), and will start a new antibiotic, additional supplements, and B12 shots. We have high hopes that this will help my constant fatigue and other nasty symptoms.
Of course, the shots they gave me at the pharmacy are an inch long (literally) and the antibiotic is the size of a horse pill. But I am grateful to be able to travel to my doctor and now try another medication. God is good. God is good all the time.