God has a plan...: March 2011

Thursday, March 31, 2011

A new challenge...

So today we went to Oklahoma City to get a second opinion on Scott. The Dr. confirmed the diagnosis of ALS. I am not going to try to explain what it is so if you've never heard of it or just don't know exactly what it is then please google it, suffice it to say that it is a death sentence. That being said if you have read this blog you know that we are strong believers in the word of God and we are standing on that word now and believing for healing!
I still believe that GOD HAS A PLAN!!! I don't have any idea what that plan is but to stop believing because something else tragic has struck our lives is NOT an option. Scott and the rest of our family are standing firm in our faith and need your prayers and encouragement.

Jeremiah 29:11

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.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Where does your strength come from...

So today I am sitting here talking to God and I was telling Him that I just don't think I am strong enough to go through another major battle and very clearly I heard Him say " you're not, but with Christ all things are possible Cindy."    So, in my weakness He is strong, I know that what ever the future holds He will bring us through that also...
Psalm 18:1,2
¹ I love you, O LORD, my strength. ² The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
   my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
   my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Seeking answers...

If you know us personally and have spent any time talking to Scott then you know there is something not right. For about a year now his speech has become increasingly worse, it began with hoarseness and has become very slurred over the last few months and is now getting nasally sounding, he also has muscle cramps and host of other symptoms. He finally gave me the go ahead to make an appointment and I did, it was scheduled for the 28th and by the grace of God they called back with a cancellation for today, so he went. He goes for a throat CT on Thursday and so begins the journey to find an answer. Please keep Scott in your prayers as we begin another chapter in our lives, if we are right about what we think it is it will not be an easy road. I will be updating as we find answers, just please remember to pray for us.

Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
³ You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.

Casting your cares

"Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." Psalm 55:22 (NIV)

How many times do I worry for days or try to solve a problem on my own? When I finally release it to Him, I think, Why didn't I turn it over to Him a long time ago?

God's Word tells us to "cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall" (Psalm 55:22). It also reads, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" (Philippians 4:6).

We aren't supposed to fix ourselves. We aren't supposed to worry and fret. We are supposed to "cast" and "present." Cast our cares and burdens to God, and present our requests to Him. When we do what His Word tells us to do, we can then experience peace and comfort (Philippians 4:7).

Joy

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
Thoughts on today's verse
Where does your heart live? That's what these verses are all about. Is there a constant awareness in your life that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all your ups and downs? Or is God here when it is convenient and gone when things are busy? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, Spirit to Spirit, with God. Thanksgiving is the great reminder that we have been blessed no matter what the circumstances may suggest.

Had to share this...

Matthew 9:36And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them, because they were distressed and downcast like sheep without a shepherd.
I struggle as much as anyone with turning a conversation to spiritual things. However, I can't escape a few truths that lead me to step out by faith:
First, I am compelled by the realization that without Christ all men are lost and without hope. Sure, there are good people that do good things, but that doesn't change the fact that we all sin naturally. I've never taught a single one of my children how to steal a cookie, yet they all have done it. It's part of their natures. And it's because of sin all men are lost.
Second, I'm compelled to share Christ with others because of the reality of hell. Thinking about hell is not in vogue today. But Christ spoke of hell as a real place of eternal judgment and torment & there is only one way to avoid it.
Third, I want to share the good news because it is the very reason for which Christ came to the planet Earth. Jesus Christ didn't go to the cross just so we could have happy homes. He came "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10). He is our only hope and the only thing that brings true joy.