I Bring You Good News!

I have felt your love and your prayers! Thank you!!

The calls...the emails...the text messages...so much encouragement. I almost feel as if I need to be a rock for those around me right now. I'm doing really well, but there are some who are falling apart around me. Oh, how I love you so!! To know you would love me enough to be so concerned.

I don't believe in luck. I don't believe in coincidence. I believe in God's providence. I don't only believe it - I experience it. I know it has been His providence to have our Pastor (Greg Harris) teach on being Grounded in the power of God. Just last week he went over how we know God is faithful by looking back at what He has done and especially what He has promised. Just two weeks ago He began to remind me of His promises, and even gave me a few new ones. I needed these reminders before I would face this week.

I said, "I will never do chemo again!" I was counseled once that the two words you should not use are "never and always." I can't imagine doing it again after only a year-and-a-half later. It's really hard to think about. Yet, why do I have such peace right now? It's because I can look back and remember how present and faithful God was. I can grab that journal back out in which I was writing during that time and read each and every scripture He gave me. I can trust Him because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). If I'm going through this again there is a reason, a purpose, and a plan.

I just don't know how the plan ends...well at least right now...I am confident that one day my journey ends straight into His presence. I just want to be able to enjoy some more memories with those I love here.

On my calendar today it had Luke 2:10,11 - But the angel said to them, “ Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

I'm no angel, but I want you to receive and accept this good news for yourself today. Just today I really saw the words "great joy for all the people." He is teaching me that true joy comes from Him and in Him alone. Happiness has to do with happenings, but joy is a whole different element. It comes from the soul. Some days you just have to dig a little deeper.

I'm sure in the days ahead I'm going to have to remember the words sometimes I feel God is screaming from His throne, "DO NOT BE AFRAID!" He has had to say this to me over and over again. It's hard to deal with the fear of what you'll go through, but I struggle more with the fear of having those around me watch me go through it - especially, Katie, Matt, and Jim. They have been through so much. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Tonight, God demonstrated His providence once again in our lives. I know He used individuals to be a part of it. We are first thankful to Him, and then to those who lavishly loved on us. It was their love that finally allowed the tears to flow. It reminded me how much God gave because of His love for us. He is never unaware of what we need, and exactly when we need it.

The "good news" was all about love - His!