Saturday 17 May 2008

"You serve me a six-course dinner ..."

Do you recognize the words above? They are scripture you know.

I was sitting on the porch with friends the other night and the lady was sharing her blessings with us. I was listening intently - you see, unless God intervenes cancer will soon take her life. She is several years younger than I - and yet she feels blessed. Can that be? After all their only child, a daughter was taken by that dreaded disease just a few months ago. The daughter was going through other tough issues as well and left behind three children. Yet - my lady friend considers herself blessed. Her husband laughed, joke and wept with us - soon he may be without his beloved wife - already having lost his daughter. We laughed, we joked, teared up, but had a nice visit thanking God for his blessings. The rest of that verse says: "... right in the presence of my enemies." Part of the 23rd Psalm (The Message). God loves you and will provide even when your "enemies" surround you! How are you doing today? You know he is right there, providing every thing you need - right?

Mama & Papa sure love you all - pray for us to be encouragers!

24 comments:

Keetha Broyles said...

Oh Papa dear - - - you do make the nicest uplifting posts.

As I read this I thought of my beloved Aunt Kitty. This could be her story, except they have not lost a daughter. She is beginning aggressive radiation and chemotherapy on Monday, but of course with no promise it will work. Yet she continues to count her blessings too.

Julie said...

Thank you for reminding me of these things. Funny how we "know", yet, we live like we don't know. We have a great comfort in Christ, and it is important to focus on Him. Shame on me to whine around when others have reason and I don't. Thank you again.

Darla said...

"he prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies, He anoits my head with oil..." I love the 23rd Psalm! I read this and each time HE sets on me the hugeness of how much we mean to HIM...we are special to HIM..how cool is that?!?!?!

Robin said...

Great post! It seems that many people who have deep sufferings and pains understand more clearly than the rest of us that this life isn't all there is... and that our death is just an entry way into true life!

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking about your post all day. I've thought, "What if I was in that situation? What if I lost my precious daughter and was suffering the same fate? To be honest right now, in my humanness I have to say, I wouldn't handle it very well. However, I believe God has and will give a believer whatever is needed to make it through a crisis when the time comes just as he is doing with this precious couple you have talked about. My heart cries for them. All I know is that God loves us and "It will be worth it all, When we see Jesus."

Janis

Indian Lake Papa said...

Keetha - I some times weep over my own physical limitations - Then this ladies husband comes and encourages me! Sometimes I feel like I ought to be ashamed - But Christ IS there for me too!

We have been gone all afternoon and evening - I will respond to the other comments tomorrow. Went to my 7 year old grand daughters recital! she was the best of course!

Unknown said...

my heart is breaking. but my spirit rejoices. that they can praise and know they're blessed is simply God. Only God. Wow!

then they get to have you in their lives. Blessed beyond measure!

CrossView said...

What a blessing you have in your friends!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Julie - I need to live more like I know - I really try not to be a whiner. God is so very good!

Darla - We were created by God to have fellowship w/him! That is so cool - the God of the Universe wants to talk w/me!

Robin - We think that death is such a tragedy, and it is fot those that lose a loved one - but I think we miss the point - He wants us with him!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Janis - I agree, God will give us the grace when we need it. He always does if we stay focused on him.

Tam - No! oh No! :o) ! I am the one blessed for having them - and you in my life! Your testimony is a blessing to me!

Crossview - it is so good to have you in my life - and we actually got to meet, hug and weep a few tears together. Praying for you is so special now that we know each other.

Brandy said...

ahhh how I needed this today.

I love you guys!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Brandy - God does love us - and He is always there, especially when we think maybe He really doesn't care.

Carol said...

Every now and then I make a comment and preview it and then publish it...and somehow it does not show up on your blog. I commented on this post on Saturday evening, but was disappointed to find out today it didn't register.

Just wanted to say those front porch friends are dear people to me, and their walk of faith in the midst of trials and tragedies is so amazing. They are such encouragers to those about them...God is using their lives in a mighty way!

And, Papa, He is using you in a mighty way. Your posts are always amazing!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Carol - it made it this time! your words are kind - lets both remember this lady and her family in prayer. They are special friends to mama and I.

:)De said...

Good post Papa ... not only realizing how blessed we are, but being satisfied in the hands of God. That has been pressing on my heart and mind lately.

Indian Lake Papa said...

De - being in God's hands is so very important to realize. I pray that I stay there!

CrossView said...

I count myself as blessed for having been able to meet you all and spend a little time with you. Though the time did fly by... =D

Indian Lake Papa said...

Crossview - I will cherish our meeting as some of my precious memories. If all goes well we shall meet again!

Life Adapted said...

It makes me feel ashamed that I don't count my blessings more often. You friend IS blessed in having friends like you and Mama and in knowing Jesus. The laughter of friendship goes a long way in healing.

Be blessed

Anonymous said...

we all have so much to be thankful for!!! today has been a day for me to read blogs that remind me of that...and remind me that having joy is a choice! i'll just have to add this post to the list and continue to see what all God is trying to show me today...

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - Mama and I are blessed to have them - and you - as friends!

Jon - thanks for stopping by - God blessings are so abundant! Today I see a neurologist - I hope I will still choose joy after my appointment.

Anonymous said...

i'm stopping back by to see how the appointment went with the neurologist???

Indian Lake Papa said...

Jon - the appt. went fine. No unexpected information. She is very adamant that it is not parkinson's. The problem with the tremors I have is that the treatment can be worse than the cure. You either dope me up or brain surgery. No thank you - I tried the med route - disaster! Thanks for checking on me Jon.

Anonymous said...

I will make sure to pray for you. My wife is a physical therapist and specialized with neurological patients...So I tend to get info from people when I can and mention it to her as well...The way I see it she has the gift of healing, for how she is able to help people each and every day!