My Bible Reading Plan. Proverb of the Day 20:30 + God Saw US. He Still Does. Joyful Song.

http://bibletruthsrevealed.com/the-bibles-theme-is-jesus-christ

My Bible Reading Plan

How many of you have begun a Bible Reading Plan to read through the Bible in a Year or something similar?  How many of you actually completed it?  I know, it’s hard to admit how many times I’ve started a plan and stopped.  The reasons are many:

I fell behind and just gave up. 

I would detoured by a scripture, then stop everything to study it and not continue the plan.

I just didn’t do it.

This time is different for me. 

Even if I fall behind, I just pick up where I left off. 

If a scripture catches my eye, I read up on it very briefly, and then continue with my daily reading without journaling.  I know God will bring it to my remembrance again. 

http://www.fastactiontraining.com/determination/#comment-64997

I make sure I don’t “just not do it”.  I have a goal:  to read through the Bible.  I am determined to reach my goal!

To track my progress I’m using the Bible Study Tools app which downloads to a smart phone or I can use the website.  I chose the chronological plan. 

Now, this is not my Bible study time, this is my leisurely reading time, reading for pleasure.  So, I switched to the Life Recovery Bible in the NLT version on my Nook.  It’s an easy read, portable and extremely easy to maneuver.  Now, I am highlighting verses which catch my eye, so I can go back for a more in depth study.   I love that there are links to notes regarding character studies with additional links to take me right back to where I was. 

And now, the point of this whole topic:

God Saw US Then and He Still Does

I was innocently reading along in Genesis, when I came upon Abram, Sarai and Hagaar.  You can read about them here. 

My Nook gave me a version to click on called “No-Win Situations”.  It talked about how Hagaar was definitely in a no-win situation:  completely powerless and trapped.  Yet, at her lowest point, and Angel of the LORD says,

¹¹ And the angel also said, “You are now pregnant and will give birth to a son. You are to name him Ishmael (which means ‘God hears’), for the Lord has heard your cry of distress.   Genesis 16:11

Now, I’m not saying what happened to Hagaar was right – it wasn’t.  It wasn’t God’s plan.  But, we all have free will and we all sin.

Others have sinned.

Others have sinned against us.

Others have sinned greatly against us.

And it hurt a lot.

It still does.

I know.

I’ve been there.

Many times.

Today, this scripture gave me great hope and comfort.  Because, now, many years later,

I can see how those hurts (EDITED June 21, 2016 3:34 p.m.)  it wasn't the hurts that made these great changes in my life - It was God's presence in my life during those hurts.  It was His grace that allowed me to chose to be have made me

a better person who has more compassion and less judgement,

a more insightful teacher who was able to recognize my hurting students and nurture them,

a person who is becoming a better instead of bitter,

someone who writes this blog in the hopes of bringing God, healing and hope in Jesus' name to hurting people.

EDITED June 21, 2016
I heard the last bit of "You Come Running" by Travis Ryan.  Though I couldn't find a full video of it, here's the chorus:
You coming running
Into all my brokenness
Into all my hopelessness
I am not alone
You come running
Even when I hide from You
There is nothing I can do to keep me from Your love
‘Cause You come running, running
You come running

http://www.walkbyfaithnotsight.com/2015/06/01/846/

Which brings us to the Proverb of the Day.
 Proverb of the Day 20:30

https://blessingsbyrenee.wordpress.com/2014/03/20/proverbs-20/

Observation:
The Good News Translation sums it up.  Yup, it does.  

https://lalaland317.wordpress.com/2013/11/08/proverbs-2030/

Application:

I know that I know God wept when you and I were being hurt.....remember everyone has free will.

I know that God saw us because when I asked Him where He was, He showed me exactly where He was standing in my hurtful situation.

I know He will reveal more to me.  

I know He still sees me.

I know that, by His Grace, I will be stronger, better........

I know.

Prayer

My LORD and Savior, it has taken me many years

many tears

many questions

much bitterness

to reach this point.  

But I'm here.

And You're here, for me.  

For her.

For him.

Minister I pray, my LORD, to all of us.

Amen.

Joyful Song

Lord, 
heal not only our bodies, 
but our hearts,
our souls,
our minds,
our memories!
In Jesus' name I pray.
Amen.

F
Dear Friend,
This is my truth.

Proverb of the Day.

Proverb of the Day

I have met people who, upon meeting them, they would proudly share all their "ministerial" activities in their local church and community. 
Every. 
Single.  
One. 
Of. 
Them.  

Then they would ask me, "What are you doing?"

"Uhhhh....." Well.......

I have to be honest.  I have been involved in ministry in our churches over the years.  But, unless it is to encourage others, (like my dear friend who shared that she was the lay minister for newly diagnosed cancer patients)I'm extremely uncomfortable talking about it.....

Sort of like this verse:    

Be careful 

not to practice your righteousness 

in front of others 

to be seen by them.  

If you do, 

you will have no reward from 

your Father in Heaven. 

Matthew 6:1: 

I'm having some trouble explaining myself because I fear coming across as judgmental, which is not my intention.  But, this is a subject that has troubled me for some time.

Proverbs 16:2 really helps me to see that motive is so important to our precious LORD!  

Of course there are times we minister or act simply because our LORD told us to - and that is our motive.  Other times, we don't even think about our motive - we just minister - meet the need.  I just pray that, for me, my motives remain pure and next time I am in the situation I described, I will realize

1) Jesus loves me as well as the person speaking.

2) We are all at different places in our walk with the LORD - NOT better places, but different places.

3) The LORD can work through every person, every situation.  If we can keep our focus on Him, we will learn, grow and rejoice in the process.  

Dear Friend, this is my truth!

Proverb of the Day

Proverb of the Day

https://thebottomofabottle.wordpress.com/tag/proverbs-305/

This scripture took me back quite of few years. When I was struggling with a problem, I would open my red letter Bible to the New Testament to one of the four Gospels.  

http://silverpaintedriver.com/2015/09/30/red-letter-days/

I would begin to pray, then read Jesus' words.  It would be as if we were actually conversing.  Let me give you an example.

As a new believer, I once had a ministry in which I gave Scripture Jars to encourage others.  I called them "Jars of Hope". At one point I was unsure if I should continue with this ministry.  So, naturally I went to my LORD in prayer. This was many years ago, so I will share my experience to the best of my ability and recollection.  It went something like this:  

"LORD, do I continue with this ministry?"

Jesus replied, "They do not need to go away.  You give them something to eat."  Matthew 14:16

(In John 6:35 Jesus states He is the bread of life. Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.)

Again, I prayed, "How do I continue?"  The next time he spoke after Matthew 14:16, He said, "Bring them here to Me." Matthew 14:18

I prayed, "But I'm afraid.  How do I know I'm doing the right thing?" Again, the next time He spoke was in Matthew 14:27:  "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."

You see?  In this instance it was like conversing with Jesus!

Now, I'm not saying it will always be like this.  Nor am I saying this is the only way to pray or that it is for everyone.  I am simply sharing what I did and what happened.  

It was amazing.
It was life changing.
It was real.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

What can I do for the LORD? Proverb of the Day.

What can I do for the LORD?
Have you ever wondered what you can do for the LORD?  As I've experienced with life after cancer, this question is my heart question.

I want 
to serve Him.
to minister to others.
to bless others.
to do this face to face. 

Of course, I try to be available to minister to my husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends. But I want to make a difference in my community as well. However, I now realize that He has other plans for me.

                    
I'm definitely an extrovert.  He has a work to accomplish in me that requires an introvert lifestyle. Of this I'm sure.  

Have you ever been in a similar experience in your own walk?  I'd love to hear about it!

http://www.christianquotes.info/images/proverbs-35-6-quote-scripture/

One of my pastors once told a story addressing this very topic.

           One day a pastor went to visit one of his elderly parishioners.  She was washing dishes and weeping.  When he asked what was wrong, she confessed that she felt she hadn't accomplished anything for the LORD.  The pastor then asked how her children were doing.  One was a pastor, another a missionary and yet anther was involved in ministry in their local church.  The pastor gently pointed how much she had indeed accomplished in the LORD. Sometimes, we are blind to the work the LORD is achieving in our lives and how He works through us to bless others.  Perhaps this very blindness is vital to keep us humble and leaning on Him and His everlasting arms.  

I realize all I simply need to do is follow His leading, trusting Him.
Proverb of the Day.

 


So we walk in hope
always.

Dear Friend, this is my truth.

CURED. 30 Days. Lesson learned?

.

Cured
Ok,  as a friend of mine says, "Here's the deal."  
I had my last radiation treatment on November 13, 2015.
Shortly thereafter, my oncologist followed up.
Based on my fabulous reaction to chemotherapy - I was cancer free after chemo!  Who knew?
Based on zero cancer cells being found in the area removed from my left breast and lymph nodes - I was cancer free!

So......he actually used the word "cured" at my follow up.

https://4timesandcounting.wordpress.com/2015/02/04/its-my-cancerversary-and-i-dont-feel-like-celebrating/

30 Days

So, as the days have flown by since that office visit, I've slowly begun the process of learning to live post cancer. 

It takes time.  A lot of time. From what I've read - years even.......yup.

Cancer changes EVERYTHING.  TRULY. EVERYTHING.

My outlook on life - don't sweat the small stuff - enjoy every precious moment.  

My body - be gentle with me, listen to my body.

My desire to know God - is even stronger and I'm more willing to act on His guidance.  

My fears of reoccurrence - are always there, but hopefully not life controlling.  
My fears of every little change in my body - again, pay attention, but try not to obsess.  

My appreciation of life - it's deeper.

My love for family and friends - is deeper and stronger.

EVERYTHING.

As I'm dealing with fatigue and the oh so painful neuropathy, I'm learning to listen to my body and be gentle with myself - balancing these needs with my tendency to grab life by the horns and enjoy the ride - laughing in the wind - and knowing I will pay for this enjoyment later.  

https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/2015/08/heart-healthy-change-life-long-roller-coaster-ride

30 Days

Here's the thing.  I really felt like I need and want to get back into the working world.  But, doors have been gently closed by God.  There has been a wandering of sorts in my spirit. 

I want to do something with my life!  Yes, taking care of my family, spending precious time with my grandbabies, sewing, gardening, reading, crocheting, learning to knit, Bible study, keeping up my home, visiting dad and friends.....whew!   That's quite a list!  

I just want to somehow enrich the lives of others.  I want to be a blessing to hurting people.  I want to encourage.  But how?

As I was driving home Monday afternoon from visiting Dad, I listened to praise and worship music and - yet once again - shared my heart with my Lord and Savior.  

Then He spoke.

"Yes, there are days you're in a wheelchair.  You can't always walk.  But I have given you something - this blog.  People have told you how blessed they've been when they've read it.  Why have you stopped blogging?"  

ouch.  cringe.  

"I challenge you to blog every day for thirty days.  See what I can do."

Eeeesh.

The answer was right in front of me.  And I'm never one to walk away from a challenge.  

I bet God knows that - huh - what are the chances?  :)

http://healthruwords.com/inspirational-pictures/answers/

Lesson learned?

http://www.jenniferjcamp.com/how-do-you-listen-for-god/

So, for the next 30 days I will blog.  Before I check social media, play Panda Pop, sew, crochet, read, or go to bed....I will blog and see what He will do..........  :)

http://www.lovethispic.com/image/3140/taste-and-see-that-the-lord-is-good

Wanna join me and see what happens?

Dear Friends, this is my truth!

Sin. Condemnation. Forgiveness. Grace. Lessons Learned.

Sin
Sin.  A controversial word.  Many would call them a "wrong", a mistake, a lapse in judgement.  But sin is sin.  We all sin and fall short of the glory of God. Every day.  Right?  I know I do.  

In fact I did sin this week for sure.  (Wow, that was hard to write!)  It was a sin that the Holy Spirit stopped me in my tracks afterwards and said, "Say what?"  I was convicted of my sin - and I felt so repentant!  After asking my loving God for forgiveness, He forgave me.  But - did I forgive myself? Condemnation then moved into my very being and had me in it's tenacious grips.  

I wept alone.
I prayed alone.  
I read His love letter to me - the Bible - alone.  
Condemnation was still winning the battle.

Then, I reached out to my loving husband and my loving daughter.
They encouraged me.  
I was no longer alone.  
They were praying for me.
Condemnation was worried.

But, their wise words of encouragement seemingly didn't help.  
I felt so sad at what I had done.  
I spent time with my Lord and Savior the next morning - but I remained saddened and shamed.  
But remember - baby steps.
Condemnation was very still and losing hope of defeating me.

My spiritual mom/sister "just happened" to call.
She ministered to me.
As we talked, I remembered scriptures to encourage myself.  
I wrote them in my slam book/journal.
One was "There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  Romans 8:1
I was able to sing this verse to myself throughout the day, but was still so sad.
But yet another person was praying for me.
I began sensing a light, the Holy Spirit, finally able to reach me via my praise.
Condemnation began wringing his hands.

I reached out to my son.  
He ministered to me through my tears.  
I wept, still defeated.
Another person praying for me.  
Condemnation stomped his foot in frustration!

I began praying and pondering 
my daughter's words.
my husband's words.
My LORD's words:  
"There is now therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."  Romans 8:1
my spiritual mom/sister's words, 
my son's words.
I told the LORD I was too broken to spend time with Him, but I could still praise Him, so I brought up my Itunes praise and worship list and hit shuffle.  
Condemnation cringed.

Here's the song that came up.  

If you're struggling with forgiving yourself,
if you're a prodigal,
if you think you can never be forgiven, 
if you think you can never forgive yourself, 
take a listen and enjoy condemnation's defeat.
By the way,
Condemnation evaporated!


If you believe someone can be blessed by this song - take a step of courage and send it to them!

Forgiveness.
The hardest action for me to take is to forgive myself.  I bet you struggle with that as well.  I find I can forgive and show others grace because, after all, we're all human, right?  We all make mistakes. 

But, whoa!  Me?  Of course not!  Eeesh.  How prideful.  Of course I'm included in the "we" of "We all make mistakes".    However, when I let myself or others down, I tend to tie myself to the whipping post and have at it. Do you?



When I listened to this song, I felt like God was telling me that I needed to realize
* how unloveable and unreachable I felt for doing what I did.  This is not how my loving Father sees me -  or you!
* I became my own prisoner, Are you?
* I needed to free myself from condemnation,  Do you?
* I needed to forgive myself and accept my own forgiveness, Can you do this?
* I needed to set myself free - because God has already forgiven me.  Because we are free in Him.  Are you free?
God loves us beyond measure - He honestly does!  Do you believe this?
He wants the best for me - and you!  

Now, I'm learning 
to be gentle with myself, 
to forgive myself.  

to show myself grace, 

to be free. 

Grace.

1. 
   
   
2. http://janellekeith.blogspot.com/2012/06/five-minute-friday-grace.html

I've been praying to learn to see others through God's eyes, through His grace.  I never dreamed He would begin teaching me this lesson so quickly after I prayed this prayer.  I certainly never dreamed He would begin by teaching me to view myself with more grace, but I'm glad He has.  I'm learning to show myself love, kindness, mercy,  Whew!  It's a hard journey.  

Would you like to join me on this journey of learning to be gentle with ourselves, of learning to forgive ourselves, of living free by the power of our Savior?  Please share in the comments!  Or email me!  (miaismine22@gmail.com)

http://sermonquotes.tumblr.com/post/133007288487/my-past-reminds-me-of-grace-it-doesnt-define-me

Lessons Learned.
* Even when we're broken - Praise!  It's during those times, we have even more reason to praise!
* BE gentle with myself, forgive myself, show myself grace.
* Forgiveness.  Grace.  Such big topics.  But, as I've learned in my own struggle, there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.  So, why should I condemn myself?   He forgives me, why shouldn't I forgive myself?

I am definitely writing to myself as to you.  I will probably come back myself and read this post again and again.   But for now, I rejoice in freedom, forgiveness and victory!   Please join me in this walk!

https://givegodtheglory.wordpress.com/2013/05/02/victory/

And this is my truth!     

So why?

http://www.ynccla.org/sermons/audio/why_god_why_injustice/

So Why?

I was asked by a non-believing family member this question: "Why would a loving God permit His child to suffer?"  This member went onto say they would never allow their child to go through what I'm going through.  These words were spoken with great love for me, with great frustration on my behalf, and with great confusion.  I understand, my dear one, I understand.

This question was posed to me at a time when I too was beginning to feel anger at cancer - which is a good thing.  And even anger at God, which is an honest and true emotion, one God Himself created.  He can take our anger, our bitterness, our hurt, our fear, our confusion, our doubts.  God is a big God - He can not only take it, He can heal these emotions. 

I pondered this question for some time, then I realized how much good has come out of this painfully frustrating, scary situation.  Yup - I made me a gratitude list. I counted my blessings.  Have you ever done this?  It's so healing.  Here's what I came up with:

1.  My husband and I are closer than ever.

2.  Life is sweeter, richer.

3.  I was able to minister to others in Houston.

4.  My friend of over 30 years came to the United States just in time.

5.   Friendships are deeper and more authentic.

6.   I'm realizing how special my PCP truly is and how blessed I am to have her.

Yes, this journey is hard.  Yes, it stinks.  Yes. Yes. Yes.

Yes, God still sits on throne.  Yes, Jesus loves me.  Yes! Yes!  Yes!!

For today, this is my truth!

http://eternityinourhearts.com/category/thoughts-on-faith/





Living Life. Church. Pick Me! Get Out! Next Week.

Living Life Through a Miracle

I'll make you a bet.  I bet you that after hearing how rough Round 3 of chemo was, a bunch of you were praying.  Let's look at the stats.  After Rounds 1 and 2 I had about 10 out of 14 good days.  After Round 3 I was down for just about the entire 2 weeks.  It was harsh.  Really harsh.  Some of your read about this experience.  And that’s when I bet you prayed for me.

We are now into the 10^th day of Round 4 and I have had 7 out of 10 good days!  Unheard of!  Praise God!  The power of prayer is awesome indeed!  This is my miracle.  Thank you everybody!  Thank you, Lord!

Church

I love my church!  We go to Heart for the World in Las Cruces, NM.  God has moved so many times in my life there that my heart has been irrevocably changed.  Many times it’s a quiet whisper and other times it’s a funny little “God wink” to let me know how very much He loves me.  At times others know how He’s moved in my life and other times it’s just between He and I.  I love meeting Him there.  It’s wonderful.  It’s encouraging.  It’s God. 

He has raised a group of prayer warriors for me from my church that truly love me and, more importantly, love the Lord.  I am truly blessed. 

I finally made it to church today – the first time since before Houston!  Yea!  It was wonderful to be encouraged by Pastor Dale and my group of prayer warriors.  I even met people who are praying for me – and I didn’t even know it!  Wow!

And the sermon was amazing!  I'm sure they'll post it soon, but here is the link to the series: 

http://www.hftwchurch.org/Learn/Sermons

 

It really spoke to me.  I realized that I cannot let my current situation impact my desire to minister – I just have to get a bit creative.  Fatigue is my reality – but not my lord – God is my Lord.  He is showing me ways I can be used in spite of cancer and chemo.  And I, God help me, am willing. 

Pick Me!

I want to be used of God, but, I also know that in saying that, I need to hold on and be ready for the ride of my life.  I agree with Pastor, suffering produces in us compassion – if we let it.  Here’s my take.  We can choose to be bitter or better through our suffering.  In my past, I would become bitter.  However at some point in my journey with Him, and I cannot pinpoint when, I learned to become better through suffering.  And God helped me by filling me with His grace, mercy, strength, joy and faith.  I am richer for it.  As Pastor said, I am now saying, “Pick me, Lord!” Eeesh!  Kinda scary……….but, exciting!  Pick Me Faith…..interesting concept, huh?

Get Out!

Then Pastor said the Lord says to “Get out of our comfort zone.”  My comfort zone has certainly been invaded.  Through this journey, I’ve learned that I am used to giving, ministering and taking care of others.  Now, however, I am learning to receive, be ministered to and gracefully accepting the fact that others are now caring for me.    However, this does not mean I’m helpless and unable to be used of God!  I just have to be a bit more creative and open minded to how He can use me.  I need to be more sensitive to His voice.  Praise God!

Next Week
Next week I begin a new chemo regimen.  Instead of bi-weekly, I'll be receiving twelve weekly treatments of  Taxol.  It's supposed to be easier than what I've been blasted with the last two months, not easy, but easier - whatever that means.....

After these next 12 weeks, it's surgery to remove the tumor in my breast and that lymph node.  After I recover from surgery, we're looking at 6 - 7 weeks of radiation. 

Please pray for me.  On Tuesdays and Wednesdays I get really nervous and depressed as I dread the Chemo Thursdays.  

God has truly blessed me.  I was able to go to church, He shared a vision with me and I have you - my loving family and friends.  Life is good.

And for today, that is my truth.  Love you all!