WAITING ON OUR FAITH JOURNEY

Psalm 59:16-17
"But I will sing of your strength, in the morning, I will sing of your Love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.  O my Strength, I sing praise to You; You, O God, are my fortress, my Loving God".

When our circumstances are somewhat challenging along with the weakness through healing, we need to always remember, He is our Strength.  Patience is a virtue, but how many times have we become so impatient.  God has His Perfect Timing for everything.

In today's world, with all the "speed" of everything around us, it becomes difficult to "wait on the Lord".  We have "fast food", "fast cars", "wifi increases", and so much more.  The terminology of "watch and wait" is very prevalent in the medical field.  So many different reasons, but mostly it is to gain "perfect timing" for the healing to process.  If you were to remove an organ prior to proper testing...it may be revealed, that in fact, it would never have been necessary.  I have known many women, who during their menopausal stages, seek the all too huge process of having everything removed.  Well, maybe trying to keep one ovary intact, for the estrogen/progesterone equalities.  And then, there are reprisal effects to involve other attached organ areas, and soon there is a myriad of continuing surgical procedures to correct the original one.

The need for "waiting and watching" requires additional strength in His promises.  Naturally, this is not only prevalent to medical issues, but our everyday living.  Be of good courage, He knows everything, He is omnipresent.  He goes before you in every place of your life.  He says this to us again:

Isaiah 40:31 "But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk, and "Not Faint". (this does not really mean fainting as we know it in a medical venue...but better to say "Not Weakened")

We cannot live by the "what ifs" in our lives.  He knows what His Purpose is for you, and then gives you the the choice to make it, in His Free Will.  He Loves us so unconditionally...and that is something many of us never receive from each other.  We need to use our time wisely.  Offer His Love and Light that surrounds you.   He gives so much in return.

Oh, and by the way, this is not new in today's world alone.  Remember Adam and Eve?  When Eve persuaded Adam to "sin" against God's Will, this is what He said:

Genesis 3:13 "The Lord God said to the woman, "What is this you have done?"  The woman said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate." (this is the very first sin of man)

But then...He waited...and sent His Son, Jesus, in His Fullness of Love for us. He offered His own Son to die for us and then, the "wow" factor came to offer His Resurrection of a promised eternity.  God waited too, until the Perfect Timing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJwlmb4V-0Y

ANGELS AMONG US...SINCE CREATION

"THE ANGELS SHOUTED FOR JOY"

Job 38:4-7
The Lord spoke to Job
vs 4 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me if you understand."
vs 5 "Who marked off its dimensions?  Surely you know!  Who stretched a measuring line across it?"
vs 6 &7 "On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone....while the morning stars sang together and the angels....shouted for joy!"

The deep thoughts of where we were for His Creation.  Do you understand, do you know?  We existed with Him during this event...surrounded by His Glory!  His angels sang with the morning stars...and His Cornerstone was laid for us.  And He asks you, who chose to "mark" dimensions and measurements on His Creation???  Our hearts have to understand what God means by; "surely you know"!

Has His Purpose been forgotten?  Has the greed and hidden marks of darkness consumed our spirits?  No, Jesus Christ our Savior is with us always!  His promise to all whom He died for and His Resurrection brought our eternity for.... His Creation!

Those angels who shouted for joy!  He provided at Creation ... they are with us still!  So many variations of His angels are among us.  Ask me how I know?  I will tell you, that without a doubt, He brings unexplained reality to us at just the right moment.  Miracles?  The clarity dwells in our understanding; He has given our very soul.

Two different star shine mornings, one after the other, I experienced some of these moments.  One was in wanting to understand, the other was wanting "my" understanding.  The lighted one, wanted His power of wisdom to understand, the other wanted to negate my understanding, from His wisdom, in darkness.  Angels among us proceed to protect us, just perfectly.  His "joy" is returned.

Angels do exist!  Stay the path for His purpose, He provides His joyful angels among us!

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CEMQtwIwBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DWENJbSPSmqg&ei=UmrrU6_ECNKXyATXvYIg&usg=AFQjCNFQBjd43JMrw-J4ErlBvXJQT6jbmg&sig2=Dk72QHxGFvlNjZv9uMGtoQ&bvm=bv.72938740,d.aWw


I am ever thankful for my friend's calls, my Doctor's caring, my family's prayers, and those additional surrounding hearts!

THE RISING STAR

2 Peter 1:19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

The rising star...in our hearts.  It seems that everyday I awake...there is that rising star.  Given another day to thank God for and pray for His continual guidance to those in need.

Today, I met with my loving nurse, Kim.  She is always so helpful in answers that I don't have about...well, about many things.  Not just medical, but personally understanding the place of our hearts.

Then, about 2 hours early, I was trying to find my Wound Care, Dr. Allen's office.  It is a bit trying, there are many turns and some construction pieces for rebuilding.  On the first floor, I saw this man, just a bit younger than me. ( It's like God shows me who I should speak with...within the hundreds I see.)  He was walking very slowly on a cane, and visibly in pain.  

I started talking with him and found out his name is Steve.  He told me where he was going on the 5th floor.  Exactly where I needed to go in a couple of hours.  So, I held his good hand with my good hand and we slowly headed to the elevator.  We got up to the office and he reminded me which way to turn.  Then Steve said; "this is going to be the end of me".  Well, you know how that turned out, because I do not believe that.  I shared the story of butterflies from the cocoon, and about Jesus giving his precious life for us.  I had time...he had to move very slowly.  

"We are just like those worms in a cocoon that are wrapped in His love.  And one day that morning star, will shine the light, that is needed to rise the furthest in our hearts, to Him."

When I left Steve after setting him carefully in the chair, I let go of his hand and blew him a kiss..saying "but wait...there is more"!!  I think I saw a bit of hope in him.  I am holding him in my prayers. He will be surrounded by His Glory!  I can only Imagine!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xwzItqYmII&list=RDzC617kE1maU&index=8

(please pray for Steve.....)

MOMENTS OF THE HEART

His placement of my current "home in Jacksonville,FL" has become so powerful!  His guiding light has brought me to so many places. Prayers have been a constant reminder, of the path He has led me to.  The "touch upon my heart" is overwhelming.

 Reviewing some of the Face book support group friends I have; Idiopathic Hypertrophic Cranial Pachymeningitis, Meningioma Mamas, ARC, Sibling Grief, Prayer Warriors, Blue Sky Wellness, Mexican Medical Ministries, Child Fund, UTHS, Daley Group...so many more.  You are part of this journey with me, and I thank God everyday for your love and prayers.

More than I would like to admit, I am reminded of the pain, darkness, and fear so many have in their lives.  The need for His love is everywhere.  All hearts in this world have their "moments"... their "days in the sun"...and thankfully, He can send these "angels among us" to change the darkened path.  You never know what "good", a spirit can truly be holding for this world.  The light He gives us can be "sparked".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQXtZ-kZWDI

Let not your heart be troubled... John 14:25-27 
Jesus says;
25“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

SHOWERS OF LIGHTED BLESSINGS

Yes, truly I am rejoicing!  His path on this journey, has become so full of His light.  The fellowship with so many new "kindred spirits" is; as a new friend of mine, Daan, said "Shock and Awe"!  Each time I think...surely He has Blessed me enough!  I ask,"What is "enough" to Him??" I prayed for the answer...and He gave me this:

 “I will cause my people and their homes around my holy hill to BE a blessing. And I will send showers, showers of blessings, which will come just when they are needed.” Ezekiel 34:26 (NLT)

Showers of Blessings!! Just when they are needed! Yes, that is what is happening...but instead of rain...there is light!  His promise requires me to be a "blessing" as well.  I am praying I will not let Him down.

It is Sunday in Jacksonville, FL.  In conversations with many, I had asked about a Church to attend.  There were many offered, but most of them were some distance from where I am staying.  So, yes, of course I prayed for His guidance.  On the wonderful Internet access, I "googled" for choices close by.  I found one, New Life Christian Fellowship.  Their website had some wonderful information and I prayed along the way. Yes, He blessed me again!

It took me three attempts to park my car...I am laughing, but there was a reason.  A couple, just a short distance from me, had parked and were heading into the church at the same time.  I realized, it must have looked so funny with my car going in and out...so I said as much to them.  The man said, smiling, "yes, three tries, and you made it".  I laughed and they laughed with me. Daan and Odette introduced themselves to me. They saw the Aphasia Button I had put on my jacket and asked a bit about it.  I explained my journey in the area, and then... are you ready? Odette told me that she too had a brain tumor some years ago!  Really?!  What were the chances?  He had planned for us to meet, I do not believe in "chances".  From that moment we became "kindred spirits".  Sharing His love and light!

We are close to the same age, and I am always aware that so many people have encountered pain in their lives at one time or another.  I was waiting...to listen.  The music was so wonderful and the people so kind. The pastor's message included Nehemiah and the wounded Tobiah.  About staying "on course" with His Purpose.

 Daan and Odette offered dinner to me after the service.  Their lives are so joyful, although there had been much pain.  We prayed and cried together in our sharing moments.  Truly my heart felt more of His love and light, yet again!  They introduced me to another Joan, then Raquel, Emily, and so many more who are submitting more prayers.  Odette is from Nicaragua and Daan is from Holland.  The world becomes so close, as I journey forward.  Now more prayers are extended world-wide, for my wonderful Dr. Hanel, Dr. Allen, Lyerly Neurosurgery, and Baptist Hospital. (I shared extra cards with them)

A special request for all my friends and family; please keep these new "kindred spirits", in your prayers. We are all walking in His light, in fellowship.  The blood of Jesus Christ has forgiven our sins and protects us from harm continually.  Such is His Amazing Grace!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CDdvReNKKuk

MY SPIRITED ADVENTURE CONTINUED...HIS GUIDING LIGHT

 His guiding Light that brings so many of those who "shine" with Him; do you really believe? I do more than ever!  Those moments in time; that were brought during my "Spirited Adventure" are His omnipresence!  How would we know... without His leading us..... to hear and see at just the right moments?

"He Lights up my Life"!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=b07-yKnKRMQ

**** Explanation from my Heart...My Testimony given as a student when part of our Choral Group that travelled to so many places from Southwestern (Bible) College.****

Many of my colleagues will remember my testimony as given years ago, and the "one" closest to my spirit via His Spirit, He used his child, Keitha Story Stephenson... At the age of 16, my life had become tangled and full of darkness.  I did spend many nights at my window...contemplating my own suicide...I missed my mother so much...troubles were left and right...and I was at the very end.  I called my friend, Keitha who had been so caring through this troublesome time.  I was already starting to cut my veins...I cried, telling her that I just could not go on...to please forgive me, I was giving up.  She cried too.  She started reading the Bible to me, John 3:16 "For God so loved the World that He gave His only begotten Son....", and then she told me how much He loved me...that no one else would ever love me more!  And His Spirit entered mine...when I prayed with Keitha, praying for Him to forgive me and take over my life. I realized this was His Truth!  He loved me!!
John 14:6  "Je suis le chemin, la vérité et la vie»
 He saved me for eternity and no one would ever pull me away from Him!  He consoled my heart and helped me understand my mother's suicide...and why she had to leave me....but this was not His plan for me! HE lights up my life continually and fills my heart with His "song"!  I am His child...He will take me Home in His timing...

His light was shining during my day at Baptist Hospital/Lyerly Neurosurgery.  First time meetings and interaction with those who "touched my life" this day:
Beth, Nathaniel, Yvette, Ryan, Meagan, Gail, Shannon, Michael, and Dr. Allen - they are in my prayers, knowing some needful times are ahead. With new plans forthcoming, I will see them again, soon.

Seeing my nurse, Holly, again was amazing!  She said something to indicate that I probably did not remember her.  I smiled at her saying of course I did.  It was not my favorite moment, I will admit.  The timing was when a Cisternogram had been ordered to check for a CSF leak, and Holly was so concerned for me.  She gave us her personal phone number if there were any problems for the immediate and interjected test.  I now hugged her, to thank her for all her special support, even though it was so painful at the time.  She knew.

I met a very special woman, Barbara Hurlbert CMPE!  It was a surreal moment when I saw her just walking through the hallway where I was.  Even though I had never met her before, I had read about her on the Lyerly website.  Before I could stop myself...I said this aloud, and she heard me.  She stopped, looked at me, and then we were in communication.  My speech is still in that aphasia place, but she didn't mind.  We had a lovely sharing about Dr. Hanel.  Yes, he is very well loved and known, by so many in this world, and I am certain..... "on the other side...our Home in Heaven".
http://www.lyerlyneuro.com/hurlbert.html

There are plans ahead to take me to Jacksonville for awhile.  More treatment of the infection involving my temporal bone is needed.  After meeting with Dr. Allen via the expertise of Dr. Hanel and the amazing interactions of timing allowed by our Lord...it is needed.  Hyperbaric oxygen treatment (HBOT) is on the plan along with another PIIC line to be inserted.  The HBOT is a very" specialty guided" area and is only approved for certain medical needs.  According to Dr. Allen/Wound Care Physician, mine should apply.  (he is a licensed HBOT doctor)  We are awaiting the approval for this.

Dr. Hanel and I regarded much of the latest medical reports that were sent to him.  There were many areas I had questioned....he had the answers. Always amazed...never surprised.  My speech and word retrieval issues makes it difficult to say what I want to say...he is patient, kind, and understanding, through it all.  Perhaps, the most important words are not even available, or do not exist.  My heart, soul, and spirit, through prayer, will say what is needed.  The words "thank you" are not enough! Merci beaucoup, mon ami!

So it seems, this "adventure" is to continue.  He is guiding this process, I am sure.  Through His Guiding Light, those newly met "kindred spirits", and my precious family and friends prayers, we will continue to work on His Purpose in healing.

A SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE...GOD'S BLESSINGS

APPROACHING LIFE AS AN ADVENTURE

 Make everything you do an adventure.

You are an ambassador of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20 and Ephesians 6:20). Pray and look for opportunities to be a good ambassador in everything you do and everywhere you go.

 Make it an adventure to pray for others.

 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2

 Make it an adventure to grow in the Lord

Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands. (Psalm 112:1)
I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (Psalm 119:16) 

 Respond to hard times with a spirit of adventure

'I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world'. (John 16:33)

 Would I ever have considered a Dr. appointment an adventure? Would you?  And yet, it became one of the most wonderful adventures of my life!

Prior to my appointment with Dr. Hanel in Jacksonville, FL, I had asked everyone I knew if they would like to accompany me.  It was not that they didn't want to....but every one's schedule had become so full!  As I prayed about taking this long trip, I knew...I would not be alone....He would be with me!  He would fill my heart with joy, allow my spirit to have peace, and supply me with unbound blessings!!  And so..... HE did!

 I had driven around 4 hours, many songs had been sung, prayers said aloud, and loving Bible verses remembered. The turn to approach the I-10 light was red, and I changed the music station to "Country Songs".  Oh my God... it was playing "You Find Out Who Your Friends Are!"  Something made me look in my rear view mirror as I was so happily singing along... a familiar and amazing "smile" of a man behind me was there.  Was it really who I thought it was?  I still am not sure, because the light turned and the road required complete concentration.  The car seemed to fade behind me.  I was so happy!! Smiles, laughter, and joy permeated every part of me!  Heaven must be like this! (funny, how chronic pain can disappear)

The I-95 in downtown Jacksonville, FL is full of road work. I had my Magellan turned on and the lady's voice was saying something; I could not hear.  My eyes were having difficulty with sunlight glare and I was going to miss the turn I needed.  Then this startling red vehicle was behind me.. it held back, flashing its lights to indicate I could move over in front of it...I did...I heard the Magellan voice say to move over to the far right...I did...and the red car followed...the concentration of making all the turns kept me from trying to figure out who this "angel" was behind me...and then I was at the hotel...I heard an engine roar behind me...and it was gone.  Placing my car into park, I bowed my head, hugging the wheel in thankful prayer for all the wondrous joy and safety He had supplied. (my prayers are still being said for whomever this "angel" is)



Dinner plans with my friend, Charade, had to be cancelled, she had become ill.  I told her not to worry, but please get better soon, and she was in my prayers.  So, my dinner night was with Him!  I had my own gluten free foods with me...I always do when traveling.  Fresh coffee downstairs in the lobby, my own food, reading the Bible, asking Him questions...looking for answers and praying...ahhhh!  A special delight to soaking my feet in the warm pool water and enjoying all the stars, birds, trees...His amazing gifts!  A bubble bath was in store, I sang songs in every language I know..some Latin, some French, and of course English!  I knew He was listening!  Prayer time after visiting my family's Memorial site was best.  He comforted me as I asked for guidance on the next day's appointment with Dr. Hanel.  Wonderful peaceful sleep followed.

His gift in my "Spirited Adventure"....to be continued....