My favorite season is Fall for the beautiful colors and the cooler temperatures after a long, hot summer! But I love Spring, too, for the newness of life and the warmer temperatures after the cold, dull and dead of Winter.
Spring reminds me of the new mercies God has for me every day. But it also reminds me that He made all things new in my life when He called me and made me His child! (2 Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”). So many things are new, or should be new…..the way I think, the way I act, the things I do, the things I say, the people I enjoy being with, the places I go…..all the things! All Things Are New in Christ!
I wish I could say all things are perfect! But, that won’t happen until I reach my heavenly home! My temporary, earthly home is cursed! We all struggle daily to keep our focus on Christ and not be drawn away “of our own lusts.” Here are some good verses to remind you and me that, because of Christ, we have All Things New (click on the link to read the verses that came up in ESV on my search and click the verse reference to read it in a different version than shown). I was blessed anew to read them and be reminded of all that I have in Christ:
Last night at church, Pastor Bobby brought to memory an old song that I thought I remembered from my teens. But, according to the internet, it was released in 1980. It was written by Joel Hemphill. You can listen to it HERE. Following are the lyrics to “Pity the Man.”
I guess we should pity the man in this world, Who must use the earth for a bit. And I guess we should pity the man who must toil, From dawn to dusk for his bread. But these can be rich if they have contentment, And share in God’s salvation plan. But if you know any who though they have plenty, Are lost, then pity the man.
Pity the man who has treasures to hold. And holds not the pearl of great price, Pity the man though he lives long on earth, Yet he knows not the Giver of life. Doctor, or lawyer, traveler, or merchant, Or builder who builds on the sand. Pauper or king to be saved is the thing, If he’s lost then pity the man.
And I guess there are those who pity the saved, As though we were missing life’s best. Oh, they’re forgetting the treasures of earth Pass away, And heaven is the place to invest. Their meanwhile esteeming, the man who is Scheming. To hold all the wealth that he can. But if while he’s living, to God he’s not giving His soul, then pity the man.
Pauper or king to be saved is the thing, If he’s lost then pity the man.
The riches of this world are going to pass away. The people who hold those riches are going to pass away. What then? Those riches will vanish. But the people are going to live on in eternity. There’s only one of two places they will be living. Heaven or Hell. The thing is, the preparation begins on Earth. People are not going to get to the doors of eternity and have to choose door #1 or door #2. No! People have to choose while they are living and breathing here on earth. Who have you chosen to spend eternity with? Jesus or Satan?
People joke about joining their friends in hell and having a big party. No, my friend! I’m afraid if that is what you think you are going to be sorely disappointed. The only music you are going to hear are the echos of those telling you about Jesus dying on the cross, inviting you to come to Him, trusting His sacrifice was for you…..dying to pay for your sins so you could be presented to God as righteous. And you are going to hear the flames of hell crackling around you for ever and ever and ever……….you are going to “weep and gnash (grind) your teeth!” Jesus gives many warnings in the Word of God. Read the scriptures before the following verses:
“Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 22:13, KJV
“The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 24:50-51, KJV
“And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Matthew 25:30, KJV
“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.” Luke 13:28, KJV
Oh! My friends and loved ones! If you have not…..why not come to Him now! Admit you are a sinner, believe that Jesus died for your sins and confess your sins to God.
Why Do You Wait? (Why Not?) by George F. Root
Why do you wait, dear brother, Oh, why do you tarry so long? Your Savior is waiting to give you A place in His sanctified throng.
Refrain: Why not? Why not? Why not come to Him now? Why not? Why not? Why not come to Him now?
What do you hope, dear brother, To gain by a further delay? There’s no one to save you but Jesus, There’s no other way but His way.
Do you not feel, dear brother, His Spirit now striving within? Oh, why not accept His salvation, And throw off your bondage to sin?
Why do you wait, dear brother? The harvest is passing away; Your Savior is longing to bless you, There’s danger and death in delay.
by Octavius Winslow (1808 – 1878), “Christ’s Sympathy to Weary Pilgrims”
“Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid!” Mark 6:50
Listen then, to the voice of Jesus in the storm!
It is I who raised the tempest in your soul—and will control it.
It is I who sent your affliction—and will be with you in it.
It is I who kindled the furnace—and will watch the flames, and bring you through it.
It is I who formed your burden, who carved your cross—and who will strengthen you to bear it.
It is I who mixed your cup of grief—and will enable you to drink it with meek submission to your Father’s will.
It is I who took from you worldly substance, who bereft you of your child, of the wife of your bosom, of the husband of your youth—and will be infinitely better to you than husband, wife, or child.
It is I who has done it ALL!
I make the clouds My chariot—and clothe Myself with the tempest as with a garment. The night hour is My time of coming; and the dark, surging waves are the pavement upon which I walk. Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.
It is I, your Friend, your Brother, your Savior!
I am causing all the circumstances of your life to work together for your good!
It is I who permitted . . . the enemy to assail you, the slander to blast you, the unkindness to wound you, the need to press you! Your affliction did not spring out of the ground, but came down from above, a heaven-sent blessing disguised as an angel of light, clad in a robe of ebony.
I have sent all in love!
This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God.
This bereavement shall not always bow you to the earth, nor drape in changeless gloom your life. It is I who ordered, arranged, and controlled it all!
In every stormy wind, in every darksome night, in every lonesome hour, in every rising fear, the voice of Jesus shall be heard, saying, “Take courage! It is I! Do not be afraid!”
This message speaks entirely of God’s sovereign leading in our lives. It is easy to forget this fact when we are in the thick of it! We try to determine what lesson God is trying to teach us or if there is unconfessed sin in our life when it is probably just that God is working His plan for our good and His glory!
Lord, help me to be ever mindful of Your rule over my life. Father, because I am Your child, I know that You are working all things in my life for my good and Your glory! Thank You, Jesus, for being willing to die on the cross to save this poor, wretched sinner! I love you, Lord!
I love you, Lord And I lift my voice To worship you Oh my soul rejoice Take joy, my king In what you hear May it be a sweet sweet sound In your ear
Please pray for me as I need to make a decision on the treatments the DEXA doctor and my PCP are recommending for my osteoporosis. The possible side effects are scarey, including heart attack and kidney failure to name a few. I am also looking into holistic options, but I don’t know if my pocketbook can handle this option since insurance is not accepted. Pray I follow the Lord’s leading!
Pastor Bobby preached a wonderful message this morning. You can watch on Facebook, here: “The Blessings of Suffering”. I was really blessed by everything he said. His text was from 2 Corinthians 4:7 – 5:8. The only way we will realize the blessings in our sufferings is in the face of Jesus Christ! Salvation is not just a “ticket to heaven” or a “fire escape from hell”! The health and wealth and prosperity preaching of today is not taught in the Bible! The world hated Jesus and His disciples and killed them! Can we expect any less like we are something special? Jesus told His disciples that the world hated Him and it would hate us, too! You better count the cost of putting your faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ! Don’t think your life will be all peaches and cream. If you are truly a child of God, the devil is not going to let you live a life of peaches and cream! You will have difficulties!
Pastor Bobby’s 3 points were: 1. 4:7 – The Treasure Housed in Earthen Vessels – From v.6, the treasure is having the knowledge of God through our relationship in Jesus Christ 2. 4:8 – The Trials That Come to the Children of God – If the world hated Jesus and His disciples, it only stands to reason that the world will hate us, too. Remember who the prince and power of the air is? The devil is the one who causes the world to hate us. The world would just as soon sell Jesus and us at a yard sale for $1! No matter what happens to us, even death, “He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up” 4:14. “Sufferings have a way of fashioning and molding us into the vessel God wants!” (Psalm 116) 3. The Truth is Declared for the Glory of God for His People – 4:16-5:1 “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent (our body is just a temporary dwelling place for earth), is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens!”
What else can we say? Even so, Come! Lord Jesus!
Psalm 116 (NKJV)
Thanksgiving for Deliverance from Death
116 I love the Lord, because He has heard My voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore I will call upon Him as long as I live.
3 The [a]pains of death surrounded me, And the [b]pangs of Sheol [c]laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”
5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. 6 The Lord preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me. 7 Return to your rest, O my soul, For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.
8 For You have delivered my soul from death, My eyes from tears, And my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord In the land of the living. 10 I believed, therefore I spoke, “I am greatly afflicted.” 11 I said in my haste, “All men are liars.”
12 What shall I render to the Lord For all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people.
15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of His saints.
16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. 17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the Lord.
18 I will pay my vows to the Lord Now in the presence of all His people, 19 In the courts of the Lord’s house, In the midst of you, O Jerusalem.
While I am feeling 95% better, I still have issues. My tongue still has a light white coating. I ordered a refill of the Nystatin Oral Suspension, USP today and sent a message to my primary care doctor to see if she has any concerns about the issue being ongoing after a week. I figure, since the refill was available, that she assumed it would take longer than a week to clear up. We will see how she responds.
Tomorrow is my first Osteoporosis PT session. It will be an hour long. I am curious to see how these exercises will differ from the core strengthening PT exercises for my back.
And, my primary care doctor had the Rehab Medicine doctor fax the DEXA (bone density) and other lab results to her. She gave me the following explanation for the test results:
“Your low bone density scores are the worst in your forearm. Although a fall on an outstretched hand is a very common means for wrist fracture (as you know) in women after menopause, we are mostly concerned about vertebral and hip fractures. A score of greater than -2.5 (mine was -3.6) is the technical breakpoint for diagnosing osteoporosis and you are simply flirting with that number in your spine and hips. Based off of something called the FRAX tool, you have a 10 year risk of hip fracture that is 3.3%, which is an indication to treat your osteoporosis (as is having a hip score of -2.5 anyway). However you and Dr. Hill (the Rehab doctor) decide to treat, it is my opinion that you should be treated and monitored on a yearly basis. Of note, your 10 year risk for any major osteoporotic fracture is 14% – just a fun fact! In regard to your vitamin D, calcium, and PTH (parathyroid). All are within the normal parameters and responding normally to one another. This means you don’t have parathyroid disease a secondary cause for bone mass loss. Also, you may see a section where they tested a number of “globulin” values. This is testing for something called multiple myeloma, which is another potential cause of bone loss. All of your numbers are perfect. All of that to say, you have thinning of your bones for no other reason than that you are a postmenopausal caucasian female who is genetically inclined! Please let me know if you have questions. Great seeing you! Dr. Lexi”
So, I guess the good news is that I’m not vitamin deficient. The bad news is that I have severe osteoporosis because I am an old, white female!
And, by the way, since I am “genetically inclined” that means that you, Jessica Jones and Elisabeth Palmer, are also genetically inclined! Dr. Lexi told me to make sure you take care of your bone health!
On other news, I was able to put my wedding rings back on for the first time on Sunday since I broke that wrist on October 21st!
I will still have to be aware of the swelling that still happens, however! But it was nice to be able to put them on!
Monday was lunch with Mark and Noah at Mamma Mia’s. I think I have told you before that Mark and I order their Chicken Philly Sub combo to split and order an extra drink. It only costs $13.35 during the week. We have ordered the same thing on the weekend and it costs $19+. Since Mark’s new diabetes medicine has cut his appetite exponentially, splitting the combo is plenty of food! And, actually, he eats most of the fries, usually! I don’t like the fries if they are too brown/crunchy!
Mark’s shop is just a few minutes from the restaurant. We can usually be back at his shop in about 45 minutes. On the way to the restaurant, we go by Sheetz. Well, on Monday when we passed Sheetz the price for Regular gas was $3.19 which was already up $0.20 from Sunday. Guess what it was when I took Mark and Noah back to the shop? They jacked the price up to $3.35 within that 45 minute span of time! I didn’t need gas. I had half of a tank. But, because I was curious, on the way home I went to the Kelly’s Marathon down the street from home……
Guess who filled up even though I didn’t need the gas? This girl…..even though I almost got blown away doing so…..literally…..
The wind-blown look is not my best look, LOL!
Tuesday I, once again, was able to take the widows to Damascus Baptist Church in Statesville for their monthly meeting! I haven’t done so since my fall last October as I just didn’t think my back would hold out for the hour trip there, sitting for 2 hours while there and then another hour traveling back home. Thank the Lord, I had no repercussions from the trip yesterday! And it was so wonderful to be able to see those sweet ladies again! The food was wonderful, as usual! The devotion was wonderful, as usual! And the new song we sang was wonderful! Juanita Wallace (the pastor’s wife) always see to it that the food and table is fixed with love for the widows. She had Pasta Fagioli soup, Caesar salad, breadsticks and someone made some yummy desserts. And each of the ladies got a little Valentine’s Day treat to take home.
Don’t those lovely flowers make you yearn for Spring?!
Linda’s devotion was taken from 1 Kings 17 where Elijah was sent to the widow at Zarephath and how the Lord provided for their needs daily because she willingly gave the last of her provisions sacrificially to Elijah first. And that is the theme behind the new song we sang:
It truly does pay to serve Jesus! No, life isn’t perfect. There are health problems. There are car problems. There are all manor of things that break down and have to be repaired. And sometimes the pathway seems dreary. But, one of these days, it will be worth it all…….
It Will Be Worth it All by Esther Kerr Rusthoi (February 21, 1909 – April 8, 1962)
(1) Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear, We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair; But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away, All tears forever over in God’s eternal day.
(2) Sometimes the sky looks dark with not a ray of light, We’re tossed and driven on , no human help in sight; But there is one in heav’n who knows our deepest care, Let Jesus solve your problem – just go to Him in pray’r.
(3) Life’s day will soon be o’er, all storms forever past, We’ll cross the great divide, to glory, safe at last; We’ll share the joys of heav’n – a harp, a home, a crown, The tempter will be banished, we’ll lay our burden down.
Chorus It will be worth it all when we see Jesus, Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ; One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase, So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
We’ve had a couple of trying weeks. Really, I think this whole year has been trying. Between the health issues and the car troubles and furnace issues, it has been one event after another! I’m feeling pretty weary at the moment!
Sunday evening I noticed that my tongue and my swallowing felt different when I was eating some wheat thins, but I didn’t think too much about it until I woke up with a sore throat on Monday and the “weirdness” was still evident to my tongue and throat, I took a look in the mirror at my tongue. Sure enough, it was covered with something (yeast, I have since learned). I immediately called the doctor and got an appointment for this morning.
When I googled, “why is my tongue white?” there were several reasons given from being dehydrated to taking antibiotics and the balance of bacteria in my mouth being messed up. I didn’t think I was on an antibiotic. But when I googled the COVID meds I’ve been on, it turns out that one of them is an antibiotic.
I got up and showered to get ready for my appointment this morning. Got in the car, drove less than .25 miles when I noticed the engine light on. GREAT! I turned around and went back to the house and called Mark. He came to my rescue and we made it to my appointment being just a few minutes late.
“It” is, indeed, from taking the antibiotic (the doctor never did really call “it” anything). So, now I have a prescription for a “swish and swallow” mouth rinse. It is not “supposed” to upset my stomach! Is that true for someone with IBS? I guess we shall see!
Yes, I’m tired and OH, so weary of this sin-cursed world! My thoughts more and more turn to heaven and I find myself saying, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” But, I also realize that there is an appointed day for me to leave this world…..and it could be today…..but probably not. It is when I’m feeling discouraged and tired and ready to give up that the Lord begins my day with a verse like He gave me today in my “Mornings with Jesus” devotional…….
2 Corinthians 4:17-18. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
My troubles seem heavy to me, especially while in the midst of them. But, compared to the glory that awaits us in our eternal home, my troubles are nothing! I’m glad there is going to be peace in heaven’s valley!
Peace in the Valley
Oh well, I’m tired and so weary But I must go alone ‘Til the Lord comes and calls Calls me away, oh yes Well, the morning’s so bright And the lamp is alight And the night Night is as black as the sea, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow No trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me
Well the bear will be gentle And the wolves will be tame And the lion shall lay down By the lamb, oh yes And the beasts from the wild Shall be lit by a child And I’ll be changed Changed from this creature that I am, oh yes
There will be peace in the valley for me, some day There will be peace in the valley for me, oh Lord I pray There’ll be no sadness, no sorrow Oh my Lord, no trouble, trouble I see There will be peace in the valley for me, for me
Goodbye, World! Goodbye!
I’ve told all my troubles goodbye, Goodbye to each tear and each sigh. This world where I roam cannot be my home, I’m bound for that home in the sky. I walk and I talk with my Lord, I feast every day on His word, Heaven is near and I can’t stay here Goodbye world, goodbye.
I won’t have the blues anymore When I step across to that shore. And I’ll never pine for I’ll leave behind My heartaches and cares ever more. A day maybe two then goodbye, Goodbye to each sorrow and sigh. Heaven is near and I can’t stay here, Goodbye world, goodbye.
Now don’t you weep for me when I’m gone For I won’t have to leave here alone. And when I hear that last trumpet sound My feet won’t stay on the ground. I’m gonna rise with a shout, gonna fly, Gonna rise with my Lord in the sky. Heaven is near and I can’t stay here, Goodbye world, goodbye.
If you don’t hear from me again, you know where I’ll be! I pray I will see you there some sweet day, too! Love to all, MOM/Vicky
Unfortunately, Mark is still testing COVID positive today. He was negative on Wednesday morning but positive Wednesday evening. So he is hoping that when he tests again tonight that he will no longer be positive. He is feeling well enough to go back to work. I can tell he is feeling much better today! But, I’m thinking he will be dragging by tonight! It’s just the way it is!
My symptoms are a head cold. My nose is sore from blowing! But, other than that and still having some hoarseness when I talk, I am feeling much better!
This is a new week and the Lord’s mercies are new every morning! Great is His faithfulness! Thank You, Lord! And thank you prayer warriors for your continued prayers on our behalf! I am looking forward to being able to get back into church this Wednesday evening!
I think I have figured out that the prednisone is making me have hot flashes……and wanting to eat, eat, eat! But my stomach rebels, which is a good thing! So, I at least know better than to push it if I want to feel halfway decent and not nauseous all the time.
I am feeling better every day. My smell and taste is not great. I can smell Vicks Vapo if it is right under my nose. My head is full of snot. My hoarseness is clearing up except for the end of the day.
Mark’s sinuses have been on a rampage today and he has sneezed all day. His smell and taste are pretty much gone, too. But he did feel well enough to spend a little bit of time in the woods. So I thank the Lord for that!
Thanks for your continued prayers as we continue to feel better and get past this mess!
Mark had a rough night of sleeplessness. He couldn’t breathe through his nose. He still has the nagging headache but is not planning on going to the doctor unless his symptoms get worse.
I am feeling even better today than yesterday! My nose is very sore from all of the tissue usage, even though they are + lotion, LOL! Coughing here and there. Headache very slight. Pill intake still abundant!
I wanted to share a scrapbook page I made using a picture I took last month of a bird I have/haven’t seen before. I did not realize that the American Goldfinch could be the color shown. I think the image will be clear enough that you can read why it is the color it is. Very interesting!
No matter the color, it is still beautiful, don’t you agree?!
Continued prayers for our health is greatly appreciated!
she was unwilling, but God... 
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