Suffering

We have been called to suffer – to share in suffering just as Christ suffered.

“But rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings . . .” —1 Peter 4:13

“But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps.” — 1 Peter 2:20-21

I want to be used by God. I know that this means I may have to go through many trials – many fires – many sufferings – many, many times – over and over again. I know this. I want to be faithful – no matter what. I want to be a good wife – the Proverbs 32 kind. I long to be a great mother – the unforgettable kind. I want to be a good daughter and sister and aunt and niece and cousin and friend. I want to make a difference – a difference for Him.

I know the trials and sufferings He takes me through are sometimes for me and sometimes for others. I know that sometimes I will be someone else’s nourishment.

Does this mean I want to suffer? Heck no! Absolutely not. That would be absurd.

What it does mean is that even if it means suffering, I want to be in the center of God’s will.



Much as I would like to know the ‘shortcut’ sometimes, I want to be found faithful til the end. Even when I don’t understand, it’s my desire to stay the course – even when the circumstances are overwhelming – even when the course is dark and lonely, knowing, that I will one day in amazement say, “Lord, God, Almighty – I never knew – Thank You!” as I fall at His feet in gratitude and appreciation for all the things He was doing for me when it seemed He had forgotten.

Right now, I am certainly experiencing some fierce storms and dark times. I know they are nothing compared to what others have endured or may be going through now. Even so, these times are real. In the midst of my fiery trials and dark sufferings, this brings COMFORT to know that He is working good in the midst. They are all for good. I’ve heard it for so many years – it’s becoming truly real now though.

“For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our COMFORT is abundant through Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 1:5

The verse that Nancy and I have been clinging to since her cancer diagnosis brings much me SO MUCH ABUNDANT COMFORT –

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” – Isaiah 43:1-3

Ahhh – I am comforted by His words!

No Worries

“The rain came down, the stream rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet, it did not fall because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25,26

Last month, our area was hit by a fierce storm that left many homes destroyed or damaged from the flood waters. I am thankful for God’s protection. Yet, at the same time, I pray for those who lost much and more importantly, that they will not worry, but learn to trust Him for their needs.

Recently, at the Joyce Meyer conference, I was so excited to meet and introduce Michaela to Danny Gokey! When I thanked him for speaking with us and posing for a picture, his response was, “No worries.” I just love that! Most people say, “You’re welcome” or “No problem.” But he said, “No worries.”

Those two words are a great reminder to me that God does not want us to worry - about anything. (Don’t worry about anything - instead pray about everything.- Phil. 4)

The 6th chapter of Matthew says, “Don’t worry about everyday life – whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Look at the birds. They don’t need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. Doesn’t life consist of more than food and clothing?”

He gave us life and He is certainly able to give us the things we need for life. We are precious to Him. Most of the things we worry about in this life are temporary. Oh, how I have been seeing that more and more since Mama went to live in heaven, and as I watched my father sort through ‘things‘ as he prepares to leave this world. I am convinced more and more that I need to be ‘seeking first His kingdom, and His righteousness’ - knowing that He will give me anything and everything else I need.

"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

No worries!

I will lift my eyes

God, My God
I cry out
Your beloved needs you now
God be near
Calm my fear
And take my doubt
Your kindness is what pulls me up
Your love is all that draws me in.

I will lift my eyes
To the maker of the mountains I can’t climb.
I will lift eyes
To the calmer of the oceans raging wild.
I will lift my eyes
To the healer of the hurt I hold inside.
I will lift my eyes, lift my eyes to You.

'Cause You are and You were and You will be forever.
You’re all that I need to save me.
Because You fashion the earth and
You hold it together, God.
So hold me now.

God, My God
I cry out
Your beloved needs you now.

- Bebo Norman

“Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.”
– Isaiah 51:6

Thank you, Father, for being all I need!

My Mama – I miss her.

It’s been five months today since Mama left for home – her home in heaven – the home she lived her whole life to see. In some ways, life is a little easier than when she first left; but for the most part, it’s still pretty darn hard. I still miss her.

No, I don’t still cry every day. So, that’s good – my family is glad. However, I can’t even count how many times the thought still crosses my mind, “I’m gonna call Mama” or “I need to tell(or ask) Mama this.” Things were just always better after I talked to Mama – always! It just still doesn’t seem real sometimes.

Other times, it’s very real. When I really, really need to talk to her or hear her voice or her laugh, it’s real. It still hurts deeply. I’m better, but I’m still grieving her loss.

Memories – the memories of her are still so real. I miss so many things – her food, her laughter, her smell, her long stories… It hurts not to hear her voice – or see her smile – or feel her hugs and touches. Wow! It is really hard to imagine her voice now. That’s so strange! I’m so thankful for a recording of her voice, even though she was sick and weak. I’m thankful for pictures. She’s smiling in all of them. I truly long to touch her though! I would love to hug her for a long, long time. I really need her to hug and hold me, too!

Yet, I know she is no longer here. However, the great comforting thought for me, is that I also know I will one day be with Mama again. She will greet me at the gates of my new home in heaven one day. I know she'll be waiting for me! I will hug her and she will hug me.

My Mama – I miss her.