Category: Faith

Even the Valleys Are Higher Ground

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Trials are brutal. Faith is tested. Life grinds hard some days and I live as if I have been amputated from grace. The labor is strenuous when I fail to trust in what God allows in my life – illness, heartache, loss. It is the “ugly-beautiful” where suffering births transfiguration. When I let go of pride and self-reliance, I become humbled and dependent.

When I was on Facebook awhile back, I had posted something similar about valleys and my Aunt Carol had responded, “Even the valleys are higher ground”. That has stuck with me ever since.

The song I share with you today is one that has been on my mind. We used to sing it as a family while on deputation and it was one of our favorites. I hope it will be an encouragement to you as well.

Without A Valley – Gospel Song by Rodney Griffin

“I’ve been walking through a valley
It was dark, and it was drear.
Yet in the middle of my sorrow
I heard Jesus say, “Child, I’m still here”.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?

So I thank you, Lord, for each trial-
How You’re teaching me Your perfect love.
For You have shown that I can still have joy inside
Even though the road seems long and rough.

But without a valley
How would I ever know
That His strong and gentle hand
Would never let me go?
How would I know for sure
That I’m secure and safe where’er I go?
Without a valley
How would I know?”

Listen to the song sung by Florida Boys:


Making Amends

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Fear not November’s challenge bold—We’ve books and friends, And hearths that never can grow cold: These make amends!

Alexander L. Fraser (1870–1954), “November,” c.1918

Amend: to make better, to improve

While looking up inspirational quotes for a blog title, I noticed that November quotes seemed dark and dismal. The trees will be bare soon and the cold winds are coming. Darkness falls early and the nights seem longer. I did find one quote that was positive that I used. Of course, in my stray gifts scavenger hunt, making amends with the season appealed to me. “We’ve books and friends”, wrote Fraser. There are other gifts of the season which can help improve the overall mood for the coming months. Here is my latest record of graces. Photos added in a collage below.

Gifts in a Park: John and I went to a local park last week and found a walking trail. I’m thankful he can get out and walk – especially on uneven surfaces such as a nature trail. Last year at this time, he was recovering from two hip replacement surgeries. The view of the rock and the trees from the road was what made us want to park and explore. I love to see the changes in leaves every week.

Gifts Fascinating: I was bent over trying to get a good photo of a spider on the side of the path when a lady walking by stopped and asked if I was trying to identify a plant. I pointed out the spider web and told her I thought it was really interesting. I had never seen one like this before. “Oh wow”, she said. “I would have never noticed that!” As far as I can tell, this is a garden spider or “zipper spider” and is harmless – but I still don’t want to get too close. It’s huge!!!

Gifts Big: They say everything is big in Texas and I believe it- especially after seeing that garden spider and a large bee during our walk! It was pretty buzzing around the flowers.

Gifts in Perfect Days: Last Sunday was a perfect fall day. Little by little, colder weather is creeping in. We have had a few days cold and rainy, but that’s ok. Everything is cyclical and warm days will be here again. In the meantime, I can enjoy comforting soups and homemade bread, hot cocoa – rich and chocolaty, and cozy blankets to wrap up in when I’m cold.

Gifts Simple Pleasures: Things that feed the soul: fresh air, blue skies, peaceful days and pathways, simple activities like fishing, bike riding, frisbee golf, walking dogs. Many people were out enjoying the day as well.

Tonic for the Soul

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Wouldn’t it be an exhilarating tonic for the soul to take a moment to appreciate the simple, good things in life which are so bountiful…? 

Author unknown, c.1949

Tonic (definition): a medicine that invigorates or strengthens: anything invigorating physically, mentally, or morally

Finding stray gifts in a day is exactly like taking a dose of medicine. There are so many aches and pains which ail us in a day – and I don’t mean just physically. Our souls feel battered by watching too much news, or by having to work too hard, or by just taking care of all the life-things. When do we get a break?

When I take time to appreciate the simple and the good, right there is when I get a break. It stops my thoughts from going down the path of the Prodigal Son and the “Why not me, Lord?” All along, I have my very own gifts lovingly placed in front of me, strengthening me, causing me to keep looking for more of God.

Here is this week’s compilation of stray gifts. (Photo collage below)

Gifts Shared: 1) Quietness as John was in bed one day with a migraine. It may not sound like much, but we were together, at least, in our shared apartment. 2) Time shared watching a few movies after he woke up and then walking to the mailbox tonight. 3) It always brings joy when others share their #straygifts throughout the week – a deer in the yard, a beautiful tree against an October sky, a freshened up flower box, gentle music from a neighbor’s wind chimes, a pumpkin pie made for a hard working husband…and more. What a blessing to me to receive these messages from those who are looking too.

Gifts Country Rodeo: 1) Respect for God, the flag, and our country 2) Families spending time together having fun 3) Fresh air and freedom (Oh, and funnel cake!)

Gifts in Animals: 1) A frog in the same spot every night on our walk around the apartment complex 2) Friendly neighborhood dogs out with their humans 3) A cute little rabbit hopping across the lawn

Gifts Blooming: Jonathan sent me a photo of some of the roses blooming in our yard back in El Paso.

Gifts in Imagination: John and I were driving around Waco last weekend and spotted this house on the corner of a busy street. I can’t imagine that someone built this house in the current state of traffic here. Maybe it was built when the area was farm lands, I don’t know – but it was ‘swoon-worthy’. This house, all fixed up and in the country, would be a dream house for me. I imagine roses around the perimeter of the house, maybe hanging ferns and a swing on the front porch, fresh paint. It’s fun to dream. I wonder what the inside looks like! I love to see beautiful old homes and their architecture.

Gifts of Change: Cooler weather calling for cozy soups and comfy sweaters

Tell Me Something Good – Jonna’s Story

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Jonna and I have only talked face to face a few times. She is a member of a church that used to support our family when we were missionaries in Mexico. I met her there during a visit to update their church and we soon became friends on Facebook. At first it was distant – you know, the “like, heart, smiley face” sort of relationship we have with most on there, until I found out she was learning about the same healthy eating plan I was. We started communicating on a more personal level, exchanged phone numbers so we could text, and that was the beginning of our friendship. We share recipes, stray gift photos, life happenings, Bible verses, things we are learning, and prayer requests. I asked her if she had anything good to share and she responded with a testimony about her sixteen year old son.

“Sure, I can tell you about it. Brandon had his 18 month check up the morning Morgan had her 3 week post-op checkup from having the hole in her heart repaired. At that visit, we were told Brandon needed to see a cardiologist. From the first visit with him, his 4 year old sister walked him through all the sonogram and EKG tests like a pro. It was discovered that he has a bicuspid valve in his heart and a narrowing of the aorta for a short span before it opens back up. He gets yearly checks for progress of the issues those things cause. With the bicuspid valve, there isn’t a full thrust of all the blood pumped out of that chamber, causing “backwash” so to speak of some of the blood, and causing his heart to work harder than normal to get the blood out. The aorta narrows for a span like a 4 lane highway merging into 2 lanes and then opening back up. At his yearly exam this spring, because of his size now at 6’2″, the dr ordered an MRI to get a better picture of his aorta as it can be seen on the sonogram as it could before. We had that done in June. When the results came back, they saw something on his spine, unrelated to his heart, that needed further evaluation. They ordered a CT scan for that which we had done in early July. The results of that came back as normal/benign and no further testing needing to be done. As far as the MRI results concerning his heart/aorta, those results showed that he just needs to continue his current schedule of yearly checkups. While we have known since toddlerhood he will eventually need surgery to repair/replace the valve, his health is not progressing more rapidly than expected. We are thankful on all accounts!”

It is scary when our children need care outside of our control! Brandon is in 11th grade and his sister Morgan is a freshman in college. Both are doing well right now with their health – something good, for certain.

Other “Tell Me Something Good” Stories: Sheilia, Michelle, MaLinda, Katie

Tell Me Something Good – MaLinda’s Story

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I have been sharing some good news here lately! After my friend Sheilia told me that she has been nine years cancer free, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends and family if they had something good going on and I have received a few responses! This year has been rough for a lot of people with COVID, the changes in daily living, and the overall concern for the health of our country. I’m thankful for the stories shared and the permission to write about them for you to read.

MaLinda and I have been friends for twenty five years. I met her the same time I met Sheilia in church in Washington State. I was a young newlywed joining my husband in the church where he was a member. She and I hit it off right away, especially since we both loved singing. We sang in the choir together and then later, I was invited to join her and another friend in a ladies’ trio. I learned so much about music from MaLinda and Anita and I loved being a part of the group. We called ourselves “Higher Praise” and even made a cassette tape of the songs we sang. We have kept in touch and have been able to visit with one another in person throughout the years.

“Well, my sister is better. Recovering from COVID, ” she wrote. “My job is letting me work full time again and all my kids and grands are happy and healthy! Don’t know what more I could ask for.” She then mentioned the transformation in her oldest daughter. In August of 2010, twenty-seven year old Amanda was arrested for meth possession with the intent to distribute. She wasn’t even the one the police were after in a drug bust going on when she was caught. She had an unpaid parking ticket and had a warrant out for her arrest. She was sentenced to federal prison for thirty months, but spent twenty months instead. Four months were in a halfway house and two months in home confinement. Amanda was granted three years probation but was let off ten months early for doing everything she was supposed to do. She said being arrested saved her life.

“My advice for parents is to watch your kids and their friends”, MaLinda contributed. “Be a parent, not a friend. It’s hard because no one wants to be the bad guy. Parents don’t want to invade their privacy…too bad. I hope that her story helps save some mammas out there some heartache.”

MaLinda was looking through old files trying to remember the trial and came across e-mails begging Amanda to get help and telling her that her kids (an almost nine year old and a seven year old) need her. “The worst day of my life was when I went to court and had to see her in shackles and cuffs”, MaLinda shared. Some of the details are a little fuzzy now for her and Amanda and hard to remember. Time, healing, and moving forward has a huge part in that.

Amanda’s road to trouble didn’t start right before she went to prison, but she has now been clean and sober for eight and half years! She turned her life around and is doing great now. She would love to share her story someday in churches or wherever she can to hopefully help keep someone from making the same mistakes she did. And MaLinda would love to put it on a billboard because there are so many out there with addictions.

“We had a lot of people praying for her”, MaLinda commented. When I asked her if I could share these photos, she said I could and that they remind her to not give up. It took longer than they wanted for things to change, but God answered their prayers.

First photo: Left – (2012, the day she was arrested) Right– (2018) Middle photo: – her kids visiting in California Last photo: A more recent picture

Other “Tell Me Something Good” entries: Sheilia’s Story Michelle’s Story

The Best Light

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Treat your friends as you do your pictures and place them in the best light.

Jennie J. Churchill

Looking for the best in those around us -whether in the home, out in town, or on social media – can turn someone’s day around. We never know what others are dealing with behind closed doors. The family member, the co-worker, the neighbor, the waitress, the cashier, the teacher, the pastor – they have needs and strengths, too. Compliment, love, be generous in encouragement.

Romans 15:5-6, “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Tell Me Something Good – Michelle’s Story

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“I am working on a blog post series along the lines of, “Tell Me Something Good”. The news is depressing right now so I thought I’d go around to friends and family to ask about some good things I can share. It may give a little hope to someone who reads the blog. Tell me something good!”

Michelle wrote back, “I like the idea! Do you want something deep or something simple?”

“Whatever you want! The idea was sparked today through another friend who found out her cancer has not returned and she does not need to see her doctor for another two years.” (See: Tell Me Something Good – Sheilia’s Story.)

Michelle and I have been friends for about 10 years. When we met, my family and I were living in Mexico at the time as missionaries and her church came down one week in the summer several years in a row for a missions trip. They helped clean up property for a huge addition on to our church building. Their group helped pass out Gospel tracts, paint, clean, whatever needed to be done. They shared testimonies and sang specials during the services we would have at night. Because she grew up in Guatemala, she is fluent in Spanish. Michelle was able to fellowship with our church people really well and help interpret conversations as needed. She and I have a lot in common as “missionary kids” and we hit it off right away. And even though we haven’t seen each other in years, we still keep in touch.

“Well, Savannah and I got to take a vacation to Cancun despite all this. Prices were affordable because of COVID. Just before we left, we found out our resort was closed, so our reservation was moved to a five star luxury resort at no extra cost. There was hardly anyone there, the weather was perfect every day, and the water was amazing. God worked all the details out and it was better than imagined!”

They even had a butler, she said, but didn’t use his services near enough because she and her daughter are used to doing everything themselves.

She shared that it was the end of the season when turtles come ashore to lay eggs (April through July). All the holes and tracks you see in the photo on the right are where the turtles came up during the night. “Fun Fact: Sea turtles will always return to the beach they were born on to lay their eggs”, she said. “They can live for about 80 years and can lay eggs for 40-50 years.” The turtles came in very early in the morning, so Michelle and Savannah didn’t get to see them. They were still impressed, though, by the evidence the turtles left in the sand.

Cancun looks like an amazing, relaxing place to vacation! I love her “Tell Me Something Good” story! If you liked this post and would like to share your story, comment below and “Tell Me Something Good”! I have a few more stories to share in the coming weeks.

Tell Me Something Good – Sheilia’s Story

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“Is your follow up appointment for the CT scan results still today?”, I texted Sheilia.

“Yes. It’s at 9:30 my time.”

“I know the results are already in. I’m sure it’s been difficult to wait. I’m praying for a clean slate but also for peace…either way.” Peace, either way. His will be done, either way, I was thinking, but also holding my breath for the answer. Please please, let there be good news.

A few hours later, she wrote me back. “Everything is good! I don’t need to go back for another two years.”

Sheilia and I have been friends for nearly as long as I have been married (25 years!). John was in the Navy at the time of our wedding which was in New Mexico. He was stationed in Bremerton, Washington and I moved there with him to begin the rest of our life together. He took me to the church where he was a member and I was a stranger. Sheilia and her family were one of the first to welcome me into the church and we hit it off right away. It wasn’t long before we were singing together in the choir and in a ladies’ singing group. We spent hours at each other’s homes playing games ’til way past midnight. We went shopping often and even taught elementary school together. When I was in the hospital in labor getting ready for Jonathan’s birth, she (and her kids!) were in the hospital room with me – during contractions and all. Well – not for everything. They did stay back in the waiting room for the rest of the time. They took to Jonathan like family and I almost had to relinquish custody of him when we were with them. They loved him as one of their own. Sheilia even went with me to pick Jonathan up from the hospital after he was released. Due to his premature birth, he had to stay in the NICU for three weeks. We were close. Her family has a very special place in our hearts.

She was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma the end of June 2010. It was Stage 3 – in the spleen, lymph nodes in her neck, and lymph nodes in her back area. She had surgery in August of that year to remove her spleen. Chemo lasted between six to eight hours and was every four to five weeks through February 2011 before becoming cancer free. For the next year and a half, she had to keep the port that was put in her chest just in case she needed more chemo treatments. Every five weeks, the port had to be flushed out with saline. Life was exhausting for her. For the first five years after chemotherapy, she went to the doctor once a year for a CT scan, for blood work, and for a checkup. Then it was every two years. Unless she feels any symptoms coming on, she does not need to see the doctor but once a year for just blood work and a general checkup. Her white blood cells were up a few weeks ago which caused the doctor to schedule the CT scan. She said it could have been just an infection. She has been considered CANCER FREE for nine years now. “Praise the Lord”, she declares.

“People ask me about my cancer every once in awhile and I don’t mind at all, telling them about it. I don’t get any of those feelings of anxiety when I do, but when it gets close to the checkup time, that anxiety rushes in, even though I know the Lord’s in complete control. Then after the checkup, I’m fine again. But I praise the Lord every day for His grace.”

When Sheilia shared with me that her CT scan was clear, I was so relieved to hear the news. There is so much bad news in the world right now that it can be depressing. Do you feel that way as well? As I was reflecting on Sheilia’s news, I wondered what other good news was out there. I started asking friends to “tell me something good” and explained about my friend Shielia’s cancer free update. I can’t help but share it with you because maybe you need to hear some good news, too. Positive things are happening, God is still working, and He is still with us no matter what.

If you liked this post and would like to share your story, comment below and “Tell Me Something Good”! I have a few more stories to share in the coming weeks.

Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

Psalm 145:2

Motivation Daily

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People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.

Zig Ziglar

Are you doing ok during this pandemic? Have you been able to keep your sanity, motivation, and sense of well-being? The changes in society lately have thrown life a curveball with many adjustments needing to be made. Some days, I don’t even know what day it is! Yesterday, I looked at my husband’s medication organizer and saw that he had taken Thursday’s medication. “It’s only Wednesday”, I thought. “Poor man got his meds confused and doesn’t even know what day it is”. I thought about it for a minute because something seemed “off”. Did he take a double dose of medication this week? I looked at the calendar on my cell phone and was shocked that it was Thursday and not Wednesday. I had lost track of a whole day somehow.

So much has happened since COVID 19 has taken over. My husband was hired to work for the VA in Waco, TX. Within a few weeks time, he had a much needed shoulder surgery, we packed a few things, rented an apartment – sight unseen, moved from El Paso to Waco, and he started working. The whirlwind of activity started in June. A month later, we are settled and very happy that John is able to work during this crazy time frame.

One year ago, he graduated from college but could barely walk due to hip pain. One year ago, I wondered how many days would he spend in bed because it was too painful for him to move. One year ago, he had his first total hip replacement surgery. One year ago, when he had moments of coherency, he started looking for work, putting his resumé out into the world. And one year later, he is able to work all day and still be able to come home and be functional. One year can make a difference. One year ago, we were very concerned for our little church in Mexico who had no pastor because John did not have the strength to preach. At times, we were very discouraged and wondered when all the surgeries would end and if our church would ever have someone be able to take over for us. John mentioned the other day that he had been under anaesthesia seven times in four years due to various procedures. I am glad to report that John is doing well and that our church has a man who has taken the work for us. We are very pleased with the direction the church is taking and we are so grateful our church family has a good leader present – especially during this year and all its craziness! Everything from the surgeons John has had, to the healing, to how the details came together for a National to be willing to come to the church, to the way the job offer happened, to the way the apartment we rented is just perfect for us in every way…it is ALL God working. One year ago, all this seemed impossible.

It is challenging to be motivated to trust God when we do not feel like it. Motivation is a daily choice. It has to be taken (chosen) daily like medication or vitamins. The last few years have not been easy for us, but we kept each other motivated to keep pressing on. We took one day, one surgery, one physical therapy appointment at a time. We decided to trust God’s heart when we couldn’t trace His hand. We would have never guessed that we would be making such huge moves during a pandemic. I can only hope one year from now, things will be less confining and confusing in the world concerning the virus. There is still more work to be done on John, but the fact that he has been able to do so much in such little time has been encouraging. To witness the church’s determination to keep the doors open and to see the amazing ministry that is happening now is beyond any feeling I could describe to you. We love our church family deeply. I just talked to a member today on the phone and the sound of her voice nearly made me cry. We had such a good conversation and the church is doing well even in these uncertain times. Good things are happening. Thank you, Lord.

The motivation to keep going may not show results today, but amazing things can happen in the next year if we don’t give up. God is still working – even right now.

Thank you for reading today’s record of graces. I value your time and your encouragement.

The Master Craftsman

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When we take the threads of our lives, our prayers, our service to God and man and weave them with faith in God’s power to heal, provide, and guide, He takes the interlaced threads and creates a beautiful tapestry of testimony and grace for every believer. I read that in weaving, it is the process that is more important than the time it takes to weave something. A beautiful tapestry with all the colors and intricate design takes a long time to be born. And so it is with my life. I need to keep weaving in faith. When anxiousness and worry cloud my mind, I need to shift my focus to the Master Craftsman. God is more interested in the refinement of a beautiful testimony of faith, glory, and hope than in the time it takes for all to come together for His honour. He is the Creator of time, after all, and can use it as He sees fit. When I feel impatient, when I wonder how long will God be working on me, I will remember the painstaking work it takes for a tapestry to be completed. Every detail matters. Every thread is important and necessary to complete the transformation which leads to a beautiful and useful masterpiece.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Jeremiah 29:11