Colossians 1:9 &10
I have heard these verses several times in the last week or so - at the conference we were at in Canmore and in a devotional book that took 3 or 4 daily readings to unpack the truths. And so here are a few thoughts I've had as God is obviously repeating for me to hear!
"And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you,
asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,
so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him:
bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God..."
Just above this passage, in verse 4, Paul says that they (he and his ministry partners) had "heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints." So Paul repeats this phrase, that they have heard these good reports and have not ceased to pray for the believers at Colossae. It would seem that the believers were doing well, with a good reputation. So why would Paul feel the need to pray for them so fervently?
Because Paul knew the challenges of following through with the profession of faith in Christ Jesus. It is one thing to begin with fresh faith and enthusiasm; it is another to be disciplined and mature when life gets difficult or others oppose your decision to be a Christian.
What did Paul pray for the Colossians?
"...to be filled with the knowledge of His will" ~ Life is full of decisions. Big, small, significant or trivial. To be able to know God's will for my own personal life, the affairs of my family, my business, or other areas of responsibility is imperative and vital. There is nothing that touches me, or you, that is insignificant to our Heavenly Father.
And how does Paul pray for this request?
"...in all spiritual wisdom and understanding" ~ this means that all of the details of our life are spiritual. Our finances, our health, our relationships and our everyday activities are all of great spiritual concern and call for wisdom and understanding. We don't live our lives in compartments, even though we in the western cultures do tend to look at religion and the rest of life as unrelated. This is so NOT true! Our Christian faith affects everything we do, or at least it really needs to in order to be genuine and sincere.
In fact, Paul expands on this in the next part of verse 10:
"...so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him" ~ To please the Lord, to live a life that is worthy to be identified with the Lord Jesus Christ, we do need to pray for wisdom. James chapter 1 also encourages us to ask God for wisdom, because we will find we are lacking the knowledge we need to live right. Proverbs is full of admonitions to seek wisdom and to avoid foolishness.
"...bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God"~ Paul's prayer included asking God that these believers would bear fruit in every good work. In reading 1 Corinthians 12-14, Paul also writes to that group of believers how to live as Christians and function in their church and faith community. He describes the types of things that should be part of worship and that which is inappropriate for worship. He expounds on the gifts of the Spirit and how people can minister one to another in the body of Christ. But smack dab in the middle of these instructions, Paul writes chapter 13, which is known as the "love chapter". Why? Because no ministry, no great worship services or amazing outreach strategies will be effective if there is no LOVE! And cross-referencing to Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit, which LOVE is the first one mentioned. These two passages give a well-rounded picture of what fruit is, what genuine divine love is.
Our way of serving God through good works must be done in a spiritually fruitful way. Our attitude in serving needs to match up with Christ's attitude, or it will be a clanging cymbal. It will not please the Lord, nor will it reach others if we lack the fruit of the Spirit. Serving just to get the job done or because no one else is doing certain tasks is not a fruitful approach. Taking on ministry roles or responsibilities to be noticed or to get recognition is also a dangerous motive. It is well worth our time to study and meditate on these Scripture passages and check in with the Lord on our attitudes.
And "the knowledge of God?" ~ Our greatest desire, our ultimate goal and prize is to know God. That's why Jesus came to save us, to bring us into a relationship with the Father. Increasng which means we must continue to learn and grow and explore and discover who God is. Our whole lifetime will be spent getting to know the eternal, mysterious, invisible and all-wise Creator and Redeemer. Paul wanted the Colossians to be disciples in the true sense, constantly learning and becoming like their Master, Jesus.
One major take-away I received from reading these verses over and over was the call to pray like Paul. I am challenged to pray for others with this fervency and depth. Not just "God bless so and so..." but to follow the pattern of Paul's prayers here and in other letters he wrote.
I hope you have been impacted by these Scriptures as much as I have.
Have a great Sunday!
Saturday 29 October 2016
Wednesday 26 October 2016
Today's thankful list...
*Caylea's temperature had spiked last night so Walter took her to emergency. They fast-track cancer patients! Within an hour, she had her vitals taken, blood drawn for tests and a chest X-ray. It was determined that she had no infection and the fever was likely one of the side effects of the Interferon.
Thank You, Lord, for enabling Caylea to continue with treatments today.
*A couple chairs over from us at the cancer clinic sat a man and his wife. He is a part-time pastor/drywall man and his wife was taking her last treatment for colon cancer. They know of our ministry and receive our newsletter. I visited with them both, then the husband came to meet Caylea and assure her they were praying daily while she took treatments!
Thank You, Lord, for this encouraging encounter.
*The sky had been grey and gloomy when we went into the hospital just before noon. When we got out 3 hours later, the sun was out, the sky was a beautiful blue. The drive home was warm and pleasant.
Thank You, Lord, for lifting the clouds.
*After supper, Walter and I took a walk, completing our long route that is over 5 km. It was a lovely evening, no wind and quiet. These walks have been our chance to talk over the day, discuss our family, keep on top of ministry news and simply be together. Sometimes I think these walks have been our lifeline as a couple to keep connected during this challenging months.
Thank You, Lord, for joining us on our walks and strengthening us physically as well as relationally.
*Tonight I feel tired; the good tired that comes from a day of activity and accomplishment. The past few days I have been exhausted but then not sleeping well. I pray that I can rest, the kind of rest that lets my mind and body be refreshed.
Thank You, Lord, that I can pray about everything and cast all my cares on You.
Good night!
*Caylea's temperature had spiked last night so Walter took her to emergency. They fast-track cancer patients! Within an hour, she had her vitals taken, blood drawn for tests and a chest X-ray. It was determined that she had no infection and the fever was likely one of the side effects of the Interferon.
Thank You, Lord, for enabling Caylea to continue with treatments today.
*A couple chairs over from us at the cancer clinic sat a man and his wife. He is a part-time pastor/drywall man and his wife was taking her last treatment for colon cancer. They know of our ministry and receive our newsletter. I visited with them both, then the husband came to meet Caylea and assure her they were praying daily while she took treatments!
Thank You, Lord, for this encouraging encounter.
*The sky had been grey and gloomy when we went into the hospital just before noon. When we got out 3 hours later, the sun was out, the sky was a beautiful blue. The drive home was warm and pleasant.
Thank You, Lord, for lifting the clouds.
*After supper, Walter and I took a walk, completing our long route that is over 5 km. It was a lovely evening, no wind and quiet. These walks have been our chance to talk over the day, discuss our family, keep on top of ministry news and simply be together. Sometimes I think these walks have been our lifeline as a couple to keep connected during this challenging months.
Thank You, Lord, for joining us on our walks and strengthening us physically as well as relationally.
*Tonight I feel tired; the good tired that comes from a day of activity and accomplishment. The past few days I have been exhausted but then not sleeping well. I pray that I can rest, the kind of rest that lets my mind and body be refreshed.
Thank You, Lord, that I can pray about everything and cast all my cares on You.
Good night!
Monday 24 October 2016
As always, when the Rockies come into view over that one rise on the Trans-Canada Highway, Walter sighs. The very sight of those majestic mountains gives Walter that sensation of rest, of vacation. He gives himself permission to relax.
Just over an hour later, we pull into the parking lot of the Ramada in Canmore, Alberta, and make our way into the hotel lobby. Soon we are registered and into our room. Within in minutes, we found our NAIM friends and began to greet with hugs and "how are ya's".
We arrived a day late but quickly caught up with the conference flow...we enjoyed the pizza supper and evening of games and fun. It was good to reconnect with folks.
The next morning we woke up early enough to walk to downtown Canmore and find a favourite coffee shop called "Good Earth", which serves great breakfast sandwiches or wraps and very nice tasting coffee. It was quiet in there and we enjoyed a relaxing start to our day.
At 9:30 we joined the NAIM family for a time of worship. A younger missionary from B.C. led us in some old country Gospel songs and it totally ministered to my heart! Then we were blessed by the solid teaching of Emerson Falls, a Baptist Pastor of Native American heritage. Before he spoke, his wife Shirley sang a solo, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in a southern Gospel style that was powerful! Then Emerson gave us a message on what it means to thrive in ministry, based on Colossians chapter one. I took notes.
We drove to Banff for lunch, which we shared with Ben Clarke, Cliff and Cheryl Reynolds, all from Saskatchewan! Funny, we just all happened to be hanging around and met up...Ben just had his two legs amputated in the past year, complications due to his diabetes. He was getting around well on his new prostheses, but still needed a walker. His wife was joining a group who were hiking up the Lady McDonald mountain trail, so he was alone for lunch and the Reynolds were just finishing up a meeting so we invited them along. It was very nice.
Ben is from La Ronge originally, growing up in the bush north of there with his grandparents. It is a real treasure to listen to this wise Native man, who loves the Lord and wants to share his faith with his own people. He hadn't been to Banff before, so we took him for a drive up to Lake Minnewanke and then up to Mount Norquay, short drives with lovely views.
Late afternoon was creeping into the mountains, and we headed back to Canmore to rest before the evening meeting. We enjoyed more worship and then a communion service. To end the conference, we had a sharing time, where several shared on some of the highlights of ministry in the last year. It's always encouraging and uplifting to hear what God is doing in other parts of Canada and the U.S. in First Nations ministry. So many are "doing ministry" in unique and innovative ways and I am thankful for each part of the body of Christ serving as He empowers.
By Friday morning, I was quite tired and felt a bit of stress being away...while Caylea was in good hands back in Regina, she got bloodwork results that her white cell count was low! That hadn't happened yet during treatment; so her treatment for the rest of the week had been suspended once again. With all the visiting, and giving updates on Caylea's journey and how we are doing, I felt utterly exhausted. And we had a breakfast meeting this morning with our mission's director and another couple. I didn't want to miss it so I had a cup of tea and prayed I could press through!
God is faithful and I was able to participate in the meeting and felt better once I drank my tea and had a light breakfast. I guess I don't always realize how this journey with Caylea is affecting me and how fragile my own emotional state is.
We decided to take a detour before heading up to Edmonton to visit Walter's family. We drove to Johnson Canyon but the trail was closed. So we carried on to Lake Louise. Always a beautiful spot to enjoy God's marvelous creation! We had lunch there in the Chateau Cafe. Lovely!
Then back up to Sherwood Park. It was a quick visit with the Selke family. Each time, we wonder if it may be the last visit with Walter's mom. She's 81 but has been increasingly struggling with her health. Hopefully she will experience some relief with new medication.
Saturday night we spent in Calgary so that we could speak at Crossroads Community Church the next morning. That was a good time to update these dear praying folks about our family and our ministry. The Pastor and his wife had a few folks over for soup and grilled cheese so we could connect with a smaller group. It is so humbling to have such caring people to support us. After everyone left, Pastor John and Jennifer prayed for us and we were on our way...
We got home late, through some fog but listening to a John Grisham audiobook to make the miles go by. God once again, brought us safely back to our home, sweet home!
Just over an hour later, we pull into the parking lot of the Ramada in Canmore, Alberta, and make our way into the hotel lobby. Soon we are registered and into our room. Within in minutes, we found our NAIM friends and began to greet with hugs and "how are ya's".
We arrived a day late but quickly caught up with the conference flow...we enjoyed the pizza supper and evening of games and fun. It was good to reconnect with folks.
The next morning we woke up early enough to walk to downtown Canmore and find a favourite coffee shop called "Good Earth", which serves great breakfast sandwiches or wraps and very nice tasting coffee. It was quiet in there and we enjoyed a relaxing start to our day.
At 9:30 we joined the NAIM family for a time of worship. A younger missionary from B.C. led us in some old country Gospel songs and it totally ministered to my heart! Then we were blessed by the solid teaching of Emerson Falls, a Baptist Pastor of Native American heritage. Before he spoke, his wife Shirley sang a solo, "His Eye is on the Sparrow" in a southern Gospel style that was powerful! Then Emerson gave us a message on what it means to thrive in ministry, based on Colossians chapter one. I took notes.
We drove to Banff for lunch, which we shared with Ben Clarke, Cliff and Cheryl Reynolds, all from Saskatchewan! Funny, we just all happened to be hanging around and met up...Ben just had his two legs amputated in the past year, complications due to his diabetes. He was getting around well on his new prostheses, but still needed a walker. His wife was joining a group who were hiking up the Lady McDonald mountain trail, so he was alone for lunch and the Reynolds were just finishing up a meeting so we invited them along. It was very nice.
Ben is from La Ronge originally, growing up in the bush north of there with his grandparents. It is a real treasure to listen to this wise Native man, who loves the Lord and wants to share his faith with his own people. He hadn't been to Banff before, so we took him for a drive up to Lake Minnewanke and then up to Mount Norquay, short drives with lovely views.
Late afternoon was creeping into the mountains, and we headed back to Canmore to rest before the evening meeting. We enjoyed more worship and then a communion service. To end the conference, we had a sharing time, where several shared on some of the highlights of ministry in the last year. It's always encouraging and uplifting to hear what God is doing in other parts of Canada and the U.S. in First Nations ministry. So many are "doing ministry" in unique and innovative ways and I am thankful for each part of the body of Christ serving as He empowers.
By Friday morning, I was quite tired and felt a bit of stress being away...while Caylea was in good hands back in Regina, she got bloodwork results that her white cell count was low! That hadn't happened yet during treatment; so her treatment for the rest of the week had been suspended once again. With all the visiting, and giving updates on Caylea's journey and how we are doing, I felt utterly exhausted. And we had a breakfast meeting this morning with our mission's director and another couple. I didn't want to miss it so I had a cup of tea and prayed I could press through!
God is faithful and I was able to participate in the meeting and felt better once I drank my tea and had a light breakfast. I guess I don't always realize how this journey with Caylea is affecting me and how fragile my own emotional state is.
We decided to take a detour before heading up to Edmonton to visit Walter's family. We drove to Johnson Canyon but the trail was closed. So we carried on to Lake Louise. Always a beautiful spot to enjoy God's marvelous creation! We had lunch there in the Chateau Cafe. Lovely!
Then back up to Sherwood Park. It was a quick visit with the Selke family. Each time, we wonder if it may be the last visit with Walter's mom. She's 81 but has been increasingly struggling with her health. Hopefully she will experience some relief with new medication.
Saturday night we spent in Calgary so that we could speak at Crossroads Community Church the next morning. That was a good time to update these dear praying folks about our family and our ministry. The Pastor and his wife had a few folks over for soup and grilled cheese so we could connect with a smaller group. It is so humbling to have such caring people to support us. After everyone left, Pastor John and Jennifer prayed for us and we were on our way...
We got home late, through some fog but listening to a John Grisham audiobook to make the miles go by. God once again, brought us safely back to our home, sweet home!
Tuesday 18 October 2016
Knowing Caylea was having a 5-day run of treatments, I settled into the mental place of the daily routine. With her times all around the noon hour each day, I had an idea of my own schedule around that plan. And we had decided that the trip to Alberta with several stops would be made by Walter alone.
Until Walter suggested that maybe I could accompany him if we found others to take Caylea to her treatments.
I spent considerable time making the mental adjustment: my plan was snugly and firmly in place and I really didn't want to change it! I even woke up last night and pondered the options and if no one could cover those 4 days, I would need to stay home. I battled with what to do and felt frustrated that Walter would upset my apple cart!
By supper time this evening, we had people quite happy to step up and drive Caylea to and from her treatments. God answered our prayers and made a way. How could I argue with that?
So with bags packed and a departure time set for 8 am tomorrow morning, I have learned another crucial lesson: surrender. There is no point in resisting the Lord. He has good things in store for me, even when change must happen. I can trust Him with Caylea's care and others are willing to be involved in her cancer journey.
My prayer is that Walter and I will enjoy this trip, be a blessing everywhere we go and be able to rest in the faithfulness of our God.
p.s. Our curling game was a blow-out! Caylea and our niece, Cienna, went out to try a few practice slides and our opposition commented, "Oh, no! They know how to slide! We're in trouble!" We proceeded to score 9 unanswered points in 4 ends...by the 6th end, Caylea was chilled and ready to stay in the lobby and warm up. So the other team, after scoring 2 points, shook hands and called it a game! A strong start to our curling season. Caylea decided to name our team "Double or Nothing"!
Until Walter suggested that maybe I could accompany him if we found others to take Caylea to her treatments.
I spent considerable time making the mental adjustment: my plan was snugly and firmly in place and I really didn't want to change it! I even woke up last night and pondered the options and if no one could cover those 4 days, I would need to stay home. I battled with what to do and felt frustrated that Walter would upset my apple cart!
By supper time this evening, we had people quite happy to step up and drive Caylea to and from her treatments. God answered our prayers and made a way. How could I argue with that?
So with bags packed and a departure time set for 8 am tomorrow morning, I have learned another crucial lesson: surrender. There is no point in resisting the Lord. He has good things in store for me, even when change must happen. I can trust Him with Caylea's care and others are willing to be involved in her cancer journey.
My prayer is that Walter and I will enjoy this trip, be a blessing everywhere we go and be able to rest in the faithfulness of our God.
p.s. Our curling game was a blow-out! Caylea and our niece, Cienna, went out to try a few practice slides and our opposition commented, "Oh, no! They know how to slide! We're in trouble!" We proceeded to score 9 unanswered points in 4 ends...by the 6th end, Caylea was chilled and ready to stay in the lobby and warm up. So the other team, after scoring 2 points, shook hands and called it a game! A strong start to our curling season. Caylea decided to name our team "Double or Nothing"!
Monday 17 October 2016
Here it is, Monday.
As we sat in the chemo clinic, we heard and saw a bit of a commotion down the way from Caylea's chair. A young man and what appeared to be his wife and infant child were surrounded by nurses from the ward. They were snapping pictures, trying to make the baby smile and generally being loud and rowdy!
The couple and their baby got up and walked out of the ward, smiling and waving. The man in his early 30's at the most, had a ball cap on, covering a bald head. But he looked happy.
All the commotion was the good-bye's and good lucks wished by the staff and others who congratulated this fellow on his last treatment. Reason to celebrate!
Hopefully, in a short time, they will be making much ado for Caylea, when we leave that ward for the final time. Soon...
For now, we will make it through 4 more days of treatment this week and then see what her liver and bloodwork shows.
Tonight, Caylea is making a go of curling. She organized a family team, so she wants to be there for the first game. I will go to the rink dressed to play, just in case she isn't up for a full 8 ends on an evening after treatment. Life goes on and hopefully this will be a fun distraction!
As we sat in the chemo clinic, we heard and saw a bit of a commotion down the way from Caylea's chair. A young man and what appeared to be his wife and infant child were surrounded by nurses from the ward. They were snapping pictures, trying to make the baby smile and generally being loud and rowdy!
The couple and their baby got up and walked out of the ward, smiling and waving. The man in his early 30's at the most, had a ball cap on, covering a bald head. But he looked happy.
All the commotion was the good-bye's and good lucks wished by the staff and others who congratulated this fellow on his last treatment. Reason to celebrate!
Hopefully, in a short time, they will be making much ado for Caylea, when we leave that ward for the final time. Soon...
For now, we will make it through 4 more days of treatment this week and then see what her liver and bloodwork shows.
Tonight, Caylea is making a go of curling. She organized a family team, so she wants to be there for the first game. I will go to the rink dressed to play, just in case she isn't up for a full 8 ends on an evening after treatment. Life goes on and hopefully this will be a fun distraction!
Tuesday 11 October 2016
Another setback today.
Just as Caylea was setting up in the recliner and the nurse had already given her the Tylenol, another nurse came in to stop the treatments for today. Caylea's bloodwork showed the liver counts too high again. So the doctor ordered 2 more days off the Interferon and then do bloodwork on Thursday. If the counts were the same or lower, he would proceed.
Poor girl! She feels pretty good physically after 4 days off the medication. But the mental and emotional roller coaster is tough!
I am so thankful for her positive attitude and ability to adjust.
She is going to use this down time to work on her Scentsy business and spend time with her brother and sister-in-law.
Maybe I will have a chance to go to Curves and catch up on a few things...
Have a good week, friends!
Just as Caylea was setting up in the recliner and the nurse had already given her the Tylenol, another nurse came in to stop the treatments for today. Caylea's bloodwork showed the liver counts too high again. So the doctor ordered 2 more days off the Interferon and then do bloodwork on Thursday. If the counts were the same or lower, he would proceed.
Poor girl! She feels pretty good physically after 4 days off the medication. But the mental and emotional roller coaster is tough!
I am so thankful for her positive attitude and ability to adjust.
She is going to use this down time to work on her Scentsy business and spend time with her brother and sister-in-law.
Maybe I will have a chance to go to Curves and catch up on a few things...
Have a good week, friends!
Monday 10 October 2016
GIVING THANKS
This entire weekend has been a testament of God's goodness.
Friday after Caylea's treatment, we packed up our car and drove to Winnipeg, Manitoba. We met Caylea's wonderful friends from Bible School at a gas station so she could continue on to their place for the weekend. Walter and I continued to Steinbach, where we checked in to the Days Inn. The wedding we would attend on Saturday afternoon was in the small town of Grunthal.
A weekend away...
I am thankful for the safe journey we had.
I am thankful for Caylea's level of health and lack of side effects after the week of Inteferon.
It was marvelous to wake up Saturday morning with no commitments, no appointments, no expectations upon us. We wandered down to the Continental Breakfast room and ran into the father of the groom. Dan sat with us and had breakfast, taking time to introduce us to various family and friends. Their youngest son, Jon was getting married to a girl from Grunthal, whom he met at Nipawin Bible College.
We had a few hours before the 3:30 pm ceremony, so we drove downtown to the MCC Thrift Store, a huge building on Main Street with three rambling sections of second-hand treasures. (For those who aren't aware, MCC is an arm of the Mennonite denominations that gives donations and volunteer manpower for those in need of relief and help around the world. Proceeds from the stores go to their various projects. Every big or small community in southern Manitoba with the large Mennonite population, has an MCC store.)
Two hours of wandering, looking, examining and handling various items and we made our way to the checkout counter. The treasures we found this trip were:
Christmas cards
Woodcraft patterns
Black & Decker vegetable steamer/rice cooker
2 pairs of knitted gloves
Long black/grey striped cardigan
Oh, but you should have seen all the great deals we passed up!
I am thankful for the joy of simple pleasures, like shopping with my husband and the leisurely opportunity to do so.
As we tucked our parcels in the trunk, we realized we had to get back to the hotel and get ready for the wedding! Getting ready didn't take that long and we made time to drive through the Tim Horton's to grab a coffee and muffin for the 20-minute drive to Grunthal.
Apart from the Google maps error sending us to the wrong Mennonite church, we made it on time. In fact, we had lots of time to greet people we knew and make our way into the sanctuary long before the ceremony was to begin.
Dim lighting, beautiful harvest decorations and inspiring piano music played by Dan, the groom's father, set a special ambiance. Soon, the ushers brought in the grandmothers, and then the mothers lit candles at the front. The piano music changed as Jon and his groomsmen in dark suits, marched resolutely to the stage. The smiling pastor led the way.
Another musical transition signaled the bridesmaids' entrance. pretty pink and white bouquets held delicately in front of navy blue, lacy cocktail length dresses. Then a pause.
Jon looked a little worried as no bride appeared. The friend who was orchestrating the procession was grinning and looking out into the foyer, but the bride and her father were hidden behind the wall...finally, a radiant young woman, Deana, in simple white gown with sleeveless lace and bodice and a short veil, flowed up the aisle on her father's arm. Half way to the front they stopped, and I wondered if something was wrong, if they were needing to adjust something. (Later, it was explained that she just wanted to slow it all down and savour the moment!)
The music tinkled to a close and the pastor proceeded with the traditional nuptials. The ceremony was short and sweet, with a holy joy and humour to make the special moment fun.
I am thankful for the gift and covenant of marriage.
I am thankful to see young couples making that vow of fidelity and exclusivity in Christian love to one another in light of society's mocking and perverting of marriage.
Following the pronouncement of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon and Deana Woodard, they had family pictures and we guests went downstairs for coffee and visiting. More tasteful decorations and lighting in the basement hall with a coffee bar and soda station. We located our table and then visited with various folks. It was a blessing to see Caylea with all her friends and smiling as if life was normal. And the Lord can make it so!
The meal was a delicious BBQ chicken dinner, with baked potatoes, Caesar salad and a roll. No vegetables? And the dessert was various kinds of trifle and a tiered tree of little cream puffs! Not traditional there at all!
We sat with one of the groom's brothers, Joe and his wife Cara. We've known them for years and it was sweet fellowship. They had news to announce: they are expecting their first child in late March. How exciting for the Woodard family!
I am thankful for friends and the bond in Christ as we rejoice with them.
The evening program did not run late and we said our good-byes. We followed Joe and his wife to their house, which Walter had seen the plans for when Joe was constructing it. We got the tour of the finished product and expressed how good a job and what a lovely home it is!
We were able to relax in our hotel room and get the rest we needed after the past weeks of intensity and anxiety. The next morning we grabbed breakfast with another couple staying at the Days Inn and then packed up to drive back to Carmen, MB, where Caylea was staying. We planned to attend the church there and have lunch with Caylea's friends, then drive back to Regina with Kristina along to visit here in Saskatchewan.
I am thankful for the freedom to worship, the blessings of Christian fellowship and the opportunity to GIVE THANKS for all God's goodness! He is an awesome God! And He has blessed us with a weekend away, a daughter who is powering through these treatments and has such good friends and loyal prayer warriors interceding for her (and for us all as a family).
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
p.s. We have our family meal and celebration at our home today with 17 expected to attend. Everyone will bring a dish or two and I have only to provide the house, the coffee and a pot of potatoes and a ham. Looking forward to a great day!
This entire weekend has been a testament of God's goodness.
Friday after Caylea's treatment, we packed up our car and drove to Winnipeg, Manitoba. We met Caylea's wonderful friends from Bible School at a gas station so she could continue on to their place for the weekend. Walter and I continued to Steinbach, where we checked in to the Days Inn. The wedding we would attend on Saturday afternoon was in the small town of Grunthal.
A weekend away...
I am thankful for the safe journey we had.
I am thankful for Caylea's level of health and lack of side effects after the week of Inteferon.
It was marvelous to wake up Saturday morning with no commitments, no appointments, no expectations upon us. We wandered down to the Continental Breakfast room and ran into the father of the groom. Dan sat with us and had breakfast, taking time to introduce us to various family and friends. Their youngest son, Jon was getting married to a girl from Grunthal, whom he met at Nipawin Bible College.
We had a few hours before the 3:30 pm ceremony, so we drove downtown to the MCC Thrift Store, a huge building on Main Street with three rambling sections of second-hand treasures. (For those who aren't aware, MCC is an arm of the Mennonite denominations that gives donations and volunteer manpower for those in need of relief and help around the world. Proceeds from the stores go to their various projects. Every big or small community in southern Manitoba with the large Mennonite population, has an MCC store.)
Two hours of wandering, looking, examining and handling various items and we made our way to the checkout counter. The treasures we found this trip were:
Christmas cards
Woodcraft patterns
Black & Decker vegetable steamer/rice cooker
2 pairs of knitted gloves
Long black/grey striped cardigan
Oh, but you should have seen all the great deals we passed up!
I am thankful for the joy of simple pleasures, like shopping with my husband and the leisurely opportunity to do so.
As we tucked our parcels in the trunk, we realized we had to get back to the hotel and get ready for the wedding! Getting ready didn't take that long and we made time to drive through the Tim Horton's to grab a coffee and muffin for the 20-minute drive to Grunthal.
Apart from the Google maps error sending us to the wrong Mennonite church, we made it on time. In fact, we had lots of time to greet people we knew and make our way into the sanctuary long before the ceremony was to begin.
Dim lighting, beautiful harvest decorations and inspiring piano music played by Dan, the groom's father, set a special ambiance. Soon, the ushers brought in the grandmothers, and then the mothers lit candles at the front. The piano music changed as Jon and his groomsmen in dark suits, marched resolutely to the stage. The smiling pastor led the way.
Another musical transition signaled the bridesmaids' entrance. pretty pink and white bouquets held delicately in front of navy blue, lacy cocktail length dresses. Then a pause.
Jon looked a little worried as no bride appeared. The friend who was orchestrating the procession was grinning and looking out into the foyer, but the bride and her father were hidden behind the wall...finally, a radiant young woman, Deana, in simple white gown with sleeveless lace and bodice and a short veil, flowed up the aisle on her father's arm. Half way to the front they stopped, and I wondered if something was wrong, if they were needing to adjust something. (Later, it was explained that she just wanted to slow it all down and savour the moment!)
The music tinkled to a close and the pastor proceeded with the traditional nuptials. The ceremony was short and sweet, with a holy joy and humour to make the special moment fun.
I am thankful for the gift and covenant of marriage.
I am thankful to see young couples making that vow of fidelity and exclusivity in Christian love to one another in light of society's mocking and perverting of marriage.
Following the pronouncement of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathon and Deana Woodard, they had family pictures and we guests went downstairs for coffee and visiting. More tasteful decorations and lighting in the basement hall with a coffee bar and soda station. We located our table and then visited with various folks. It was a blessing to see Caylea with all her friends and smiling as if life was normal. And the Lord can make it so!
The meal was a delicious BBQ chicken dinner, with baked potatoes, Caesar salad and a roll. No vegetables? And the dessert was various kinds of trifle and a tiered tree of little cream puffs! Not traditional there at all!
We sat with one of the groom's brothers, Joe and his wife Cara. We've known them for years and it was sweet fellowship. They had news to announce: they are expecting their first child in late March. How exciting for the Woodard family!
I am thankful for friends and the bond in Christ as we rejoice with them.
The evening program did not run late and we said our good-byes. We followed Joe and his wife to their house, which Walter had seen the plans for when Joe was constructing it. We got the tour of the finished product and expressed how good a job and what a lovely home it is!
We were able to relax in our hotel room and get the rest we needed after the past weeks of intensity and anxiety. The next morning we grabbed breakfast with another couple staying at the Days Inn and then packed up to drive back to Carmen, MB, where Caylea was staying. We planned to attend the church there and have lunch with Caylea's friends, then drive back to Regina with Kristina along to visit here in Saskatchewan.
I am thankful for the freedom to worship, the blessings of Christian fellowship and the opportunity to GIVE THANKS for all God's goodness! He is an awesome God! And He has blessed us with a weekend away, a daughter who is powering through these treatments and has such good friends and loyal prayer warriors interceding for her (and for us all as a family).
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!
p.s. We have our family meal and celebration at our home today with 17 expected to attend. Everyone will bring a dish or two and I have only to provide the house, the coffee and a pot of potatoes and a ham. Looking forward to a great day!
Wednesday 5 October 2016
Another day of treatment finished and 2 more to go this week.
Today was particularly difficult and I am so glad I was able to spend more time in prayer this morning in preparation for the day.
I especially focused on verses in Romans 15 and 16 about peace and grace. They were in my thoughts and I could repeat them as I watched my daughter shake, turn pale and struggle with the medication taking effect.
We also find ourselves making constant judgement calls on travel, invitations and commitments. Caylea's journey is our priority right now but some things in life and ministry must carry on...yes, common sense plays a major role in our decision-making. And yes, we know we are not indispensable in God's Kingdom. But what do we set aside and what do we continue to do?
I am thankful for the words our supervisor, Neal, said to us Monday afternoon. We are not to feel any obligation to our ministry responsibilities during this time. This gave me a sense of freedom and relief to know our mission family was standing behind us with grace, not performance expectations!
There are a couple big decisions coming up that we do need wisdom for and that have some time parameters. The Lord also knows these details and how we are quite preoccupied so as not to give proper consideration as we would normally give to such decisions.
Thank you, friends, for reading and for keeping us in prayer!
Today was particularly difficult and I am so glad I was able to spend more time in prayer this morning in preparation for the day.
I especially focused on verses in Romans 15 and 16 about peace and grace. They were in my thoughts and I could repeat them as I watched my daughter shake, turn pale and struggle with the medication taking effect.
We also find ourselves making constant judgement calls on travel, invitations and commitments. Caylea's journey is our priority right now but some things in life and ministry must carry on...yes, common sense plays a major role in our decision-making. And yes, we know we are not indispensable in God's Kingdom. But what do we set aside and what do we continue to do?
I am thankful for the words our supervisor, Neal, said to us Monday afternoon. We are not to feel any obligation to our ministry responsibilities during this time. This gave me a sense of freedom and relief to know our mission family was standing behind us with grace, not performance expectations!
There are a couple big decisions coming up that we do need wisdom for and that have some time parameters. The Lord also knows these details and how we are quite preoccupied so as not to give proper consideration as we would normally give to such decisions.
Thank you, friends, for reading and for keeping us in prayer!
Tuesday 4 October 2016
Rounding the corner of Cormorant Drive, I could see the old P T Cruiser in our driveway.
Mark and Amy are home!
Caylea finished another session of the Interferon treatment and felt the headache and tiredness coming on as we arrived back home. The dose was half what she started out with so we are hoping it will be effective but with milder side effects. She was wrapped in her afghan from Great Grandma Cecile as she walked carefully up the stairs to our front door.
It was wonderful to see Caylea's face perk up as she greeted her brother and sister-in-law. We all visited for a while as they gave Caylea a belated birthday gift (a warm, soft blanket/shawl) and a souvenir from the Maritimes (a Put Pot-ceramic dish for rings, or what-nots).
Walter was going to meet them at the Healing Hearts Ministry Centre to give them keys and let them move in to the suite upstairs. They will stay there while Mark helps do concrete and framing of the woodshop rebuild for the next few weeks. I am excited to have them stay nearby, if only for a while.
As they took their things into the suite and arranged furniture to their liking, Caylea rested and watched a couple episodes of "Planet Earth", on loan from Grandma Dinah. By supper time, she was feeling somewhat better and ate a reasonable amount of chicken, pasta and sauce.
Daniel has been house-sitting for our friends who are on a missions trip to Uganda for a month. We had invited him for supper tonight but he had the first league curling game tonight of the new season. Still, it is a balm of comfort to have my kids all home in the same city! Does a mother's heart good!
As we face this week of resumed cancer treatments, I need the Lord as much as ever.
And yet, it seems with Mark and Amy's presence here not just for a visit but to stay for an extended period, I feel encouraged that they can help us get through...by helping build, by spending time with Caylea, by participating in church and family events. Maybe this is one of the ways God is providing for us.
I am so thankful that the Lord is with us - I can't imagine trying to cope without Him.
Mark and Amy are home!
Caylea finished another session of the Interferon treatment and felt the headache and tiredness coming on as we arrived back home. The dose was half what she started out with so we are hoping it will be effective but with milder side effects. She was wrapped in her afghan from Great Grandma Cecile as she walked carefully up the stairs to our front door.
It was wonderful to see Caylea's face perk up as she greeted her brother and sister-in-law. We all visited for a while as they gave Caylea a belated birthday gift (a warm, soft blanket/shawl) and a souvenir from the Maritimes (a Put Pot-ceramic dish for rings, or what-nots).
Walter was going to meet them at the Healing Hearts Ministry Centre to give them keys and let them move in to the suite upstairs. They will stay there while Mark helps do concrete and framing of the woodshop rebuild for the next few weeks. I am excited to have them stay nearby, if only for a while.
As they took their things into the suite and arranged furniture to their liking, Caylea rested and watched a couple episodes of "Planet Earth", on loan from Grandma Dinah. By supper time, she was feeling somewhat better and ate a reasonable amount of chicken, pasta and sauce.
Daniel has been house-sitting for our friends who are on a missions trip to Uganda for a month. We had invited him for supper tonight but he had the first league curling game tonight of the new season. Still, it is a balm of comfort to have my kids all home in the same city! Does a mother's heart good!
As we face this week of resumed cancer treatments, I need the Lord as much as ever.
And yet, it seems with Mark and Amy's presence here not just for a visit but to stay for an extended period, I feel encouraged that they can help us get through...by helping build, by spending time with Caylea, by participating in church and family events. Maybe this is one of the ways God is providing for us.
I am so thankful that the Lord is with us - I can't imagine trying to cope without Him.
Sunday 2 October 2016
Each day last week, Caylea seemed to get stronger and look healthier without the daily dose of Interferon. Tomorrow, Monday morning, she is to have bloodwork done again and then it will be determined when she will resume treatments.
I read Psalm 130 during my devotions and was struck with these words:
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His Word I hope..."
We have done a lot of waiting throughout this journey with melanoma.
Waiting for appointments.
Waiting for tests.
Waiting for results.
Waiting for surgery dates.
Waiting during recovery.
Waiting for treatments.
Now waiting for Caylea's liver enzymes to be at acceptable levels.
I know what I am learning as we wait.
But what is my daughter feeling and experiencing and learning?
Some day we will see the bigger picture and know what God knows. We are in the midst of the trials right now and its too soon to evaluate and truly process the waiting and the lessons.
I do know for sure that the Lord is not making us wait for nothing! He does have a plan and a purpose. He is worth waiting for. And His Word is true and full of promises for His children.
I also read in Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound in hope."
We trust that this coming week will be the right time for God!
I read Psalm 130 during my devotions and was struck with these words:
"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in His Word I hope..."
We have done a lot of waiting throughout this journey with melanoma.
Waiting for appointments.
Waiting for tests.
Waiting for results.
Waiting for surgery dates.
Waiting during recovery.
Waiting for treatments.
Now waiting for Caylea's liver enzymes to be at acceptable levels.
I know what I am learning as we wait.
But what is my daughter feeling and experiencing and learning?
Some day we will see the bigger picture and know what God knows. We are in the midst of the trials right now and its too soon to evaluate and truly process the waiting and the lessons.
I do know for sure that the Lord is not making us wait for nothing! He does have a plan and a purpose. He is worth waiting for. And His Word is true and full of promises for His children.
I also read in Romans 15:13
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing,
so that by the power of the Holy Spirit
you may abound in hope."
We trust that this coming week will be the right time for God!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)