Isa's Eulogy - Part Two

Isa's Eulogy - Part Two

Greetings,

For those of you just joining us, Isa was my mother-in-law of almost 31 years.  She passed away after a brief 17-day battle with cancer a week ago yesterday.  I had the high high honor and privilege of speaking at her Memorial Service. 

For two days I prepared, and every time I sat down to write, my eyes would get so clouded from crying that I couldn't see the computer screen in front of me.  I cried for my father-in-law, my husband, his brother, the grandchildren, and myself. I did not know how I would ever stand in front of over 300 people and deliver the eulogy Isa was so deserving of.

And then I wrote the following words...

"We all also appreciate all the prayer warriors out there who lifted us up continually during this trial.  Such an overwhelming number of you.  God bless you!"

This tiny paragraph made all the difference.  I lost count of how many people texted, emailed, or called to say they were praying for our family.  We literally felt like we were being hugged by angels' wings, and it was because others cared enough to go to God on our behalf. 

When it was time for me to speak the day of the service, I took one final swipe at my tears with a tissue, I went out on the stage, and I held it together, for the glory of God.  It was so important for me to make sure we all celebrated Isa's life, and we did.

When we pray for someone else, God moves and strengthens, God brings peace, guidance, and hope. 

Ephesians 6:18 "With all prayer and petition pray [with specific requests] at all times [on every occasion and in every season] in the Spirit, and with this in view, stay alert with all perseverance and petition [interceding in prayer] for all God's people" (The Amplified Bible).

This verse is letting us know that prayer is a way of life. Prayer is a priority - not a last resort. We are called to be specific and we are called to be persistent; others are depending on us!  

PRAYER: Dear Lord, It is wonderful to know that our prayers are heard and that they make a difference. We are so thankful for anyone who has ever prayed for us. And we are also blessed in knowing that our prayers for others are powerful! In Jesus' name, AMEN~

Test Grades~

Greetings brothers and sisters,

I hope you all had a lovely weekend:)

James 1:2-4

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Have you ever felt as though your faith is being tested?

I certainly have, and more than once I have felt as though I am failing the test. And it is at those times that my sweet Lord comes to me and whispers in my ear," Yenisita, Jesus lives in your heart. He has set up a permanent home there. When I look at you, I see my Son in you. I have never rejected Him, and I will never reject you. I do, however, desire perseverance produced in you because you will need it. I am allowing this test to further bless you..."

And then I do my happy dance :)

I discovered a long time ago that I can not truly control anyone or anything. He knows this, which is why He offers His help, His love, and His Son. He accepts us exactly as we are because He accepts His son. We are worthy only because Christ is worthy. We are lovely because Christ is lovely. We are His because Christ is His. None of it depends on our test grades, or I might be in trouble. But He loves us too much to leave us the way we are. Just like we all desire to see our children grow up and make wise decisions, He also desires to see us mature. Maturity is a great thing. Being complete is a awesome thing, and not lacking anything is the bomb. The testing of our faith will produce this, and we must trust Him.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, It's not about us; it's about You. We must take the focus off our trials and focus on the One Who sees us through every single one. Strengthen us as we persevere. Thank You that the result of all our prayers and faith will mightily bless us. In Jesus; name, AMEN~

Faith Under Pressure~

Faith Under Pressure

That's the title under Chapter One in the book of James, and I think we all know about pressure.

I certainly have been feeling it lately. And my hubby, God bless his honest soul, was pulling out of the driveway last night and hit my soon-to-be-son-in-law's new car. Ouch!

I always say that if material damage is the worst of it, then no harm/no foul. It's still a bother and an expense sis boom bah, but Rayray's future husband took it in stride, and I love him :)

But what about other pressures? Health, relational, emotional, financial, familial...that's where we really feel the strain sometimes.

Is it possible to have strong, unwavering faith in certain circumstances?

Yes, but before James One even addresses that, look at what it says:

Verse 2-4

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Pure joy? Really? Is that even possible? Is God toying with us? I am supposed to look at the mess I am in and have joy? So what if testing produces perseverance? What if I don't want to let perseverance finish its work so that I can be mature? Maybe I like being a spiritual toddler.

First thing to consider: Like it or not, no matter what, you will face a trial. Not wanting to go through one won't help you avoid it. It's called life. So now that we have agreed that trials are an inevitable part of life, let's proceed with the attitude that if God is telling us to have joy in the middle of them, then it is possible and it will lead to good things.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, You know our hearts and You know that we don't always--okay--practically never ever--have joy as we suffer through a difficulty. But because you are encouraging us to go for it, we ask You to fill us with joy no matter what. We do not want to be lacking in anything. In Jesus' name, AMEN!

It's a Good Fight~

A post Father's Day greeting to all:)

 

Today we wrap up with some interesting news. After Pam's amazing missionary trip she came back to Miami and prepared to--of all things--retire as a pediatrician.

 

She was already planning to do this before she left on her trip. And going on that adventure was, as they say, the cherry on top. The final flourish on a long and rewarding career.

 

So today's topic is about finishing strong.

 

It's not as though Pam is about to sit back and do nothing. She's about to start a new season of life, and as she contemplates the details of that, we will think about what it means to go out on top.

 

2 Timothy 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful."

 

I am not saying Pam's mission in life is over--hardly.

 

I am saying that while she was in service as a doc there were good days and bad days. Somedays were easier than others. Somedays were happy and some were sad. Some were replete with highs and others with lows.

 

But when you are doing what God created you to do--you do it. You fight through the rough knowing the easier is just around the corner. You run the race (sometimes it's a rat race) with God's vigor that He infuses into you when you pray. And no matter what--no matter how hard it becomes, how discouraged you get, how overwhelming it feels--you remain faithful. Not perfect--FAITHFUL.

 

You press on ahead with prayer and faith. You stick with God and don't turn away from Him. You take Him your questions, your doubts, your concerns, your worries, your everything. You thank Him for your joys and blessings. You don't hold anything back.

 

And when you do that, you finish strong--on top of the world like Pam--knowing you made a huge difference in someone's life. Reaping the pure joy that comes as a result.

 

And why? Because, 1 Samuel 26:23, "The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness."

 

When we think of rewards we think in terms of currency, like cash.

 

But my dear, sweet friends, there are all kinds of currency in this world. I know more folks right now who would prefer peace over dollars. Family restoration over gold. Joy and contentment over a new car.

 

You can be faithful, full of faith, right where you are. Everyone around you will benefit from someone who is fighting the good fight. It's a fight because it's not easy to day-in/day-out take care of kids, run a household, be a sounding board for your spouse or someone at work...You get the drift.

 

If we, however, will put up our dukes and fold them into praying hands, we will be faithful and we will be rewarded.

 

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, We come to You now because we need You. Without You we can not possibly fight the good fight. Yes, it's worth fighting for, but we get tired so easily. Fill us up with perseverance today so that we are rewarded by You. In Jesus' name, AMEN~