Speaking through the Garden and Word

In October, breast cancer awareness month,  a dove appeared outside our window the week before my regular mammogram. I had experienced God sending a white dove only once before when I needed encouragement. Through a dove, a symbol of the Holy Spirit, He let me know his forknowledge of all things in my life ,and that He will not leave me. I took a video of it but, my camera, needing repair did not capture it. My new computer also not working well. Now, I guess I'm the one not working well. My regular mammogram and subsequent biopsy revealed a new primary cancer after 19 cancer free years. God speaks to us through all things. To me it is through our garden.

A year ago I posted this about breast cancer after our daughter-in-law was diagnosed. It now speaks to me and hopefully you.

In September the Lord clearly told me to start a women's Bible study on a regular night at our cottage, and to set aside the time no matter if anyone comes or not. People came and the clear  message has been to us all "Do not be afraid, only believe", "Do not fear. I am with you," repeated consistently before I knew that I had a new primary cancer. How can I not believe He will care for me? I have had peace knowing there was a greater purpose in this all and nothing passes by our Lord without it being for His glory for those who love Him. Although I don't look forward to the treatment, I look forward to this adventure and hope you will join me.

"Do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:8-20

Does God speak to you in your garden?

Where do you need hope and encouragement?

Best 10 Blogs of 2009 to help in 2010

At the Dawn of a New Year

It is only helpful to look back upon an old year to remember God's faithfulness: His grace where we have failed and/or His many faceted provision in need. So I'm posting a few of last year's clips (click on highlighted words) in hopes to encourage you as well for this coming year.

1. "Your faithfulness continue to all generations." Psalm 119:90

2. "Do not store up treasures on earth...for where your treasures is there your heart will be also." Matt 6:19-21

3. " Lo, I am with you always even unto the end of the earth."Matthew 28:20

4. "For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.." Romans 7:18

5. "I desire to do your will, O my God" Psalm 40:8

6. "Sing for joy, O heavens, for the Lord has done this; shout aloud O earth beneath. Burst into song, you mountains, you forests and all your trees... he displays his glory." Isaiah 44:23

7. Considering the storms in our lives , Jesus says, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:3-41

8. "I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is still day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4

9. "...the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

10. “No matter how black the clouds over our heads may be, we are to hold on until the day breaks – and it will eventually break.”

"We are not skilled to understand, what God has willed what God has planned."

With 8760 hours next year minus 2920 hopefully sleeping, I pray you might know God's will for you in the 5840 remaining. How is He encouraging you?

1 Tabletalk Dec 2009, p.65 "our Blessed Struggle" Guy M Richard

Storms ahead

Storm ahead as we traveled South to Seattle several weeks ago

It seems like we have been in a storm ever since we returned to Seattle from the West Indies in December. We arrived in the middle of a huge snow storm not finding our way back to the condo until 4 am. However, the worst storm was the emotional one around Neil’s mom’s death a few weeks later. Then it was the bleak financial forecast precipitating moving out of our condo in order to rent it out.

As we headed to Seattle once again from the San Juan Islands a week or so ago, there was a near blizzard east of Lopez Island to I-5 north of Marysville WA. The snow suddenly stopped with not a trace except for the ominous dark clouds ahead. We had a short break arriving at our condo and slept through the snowfall that came in the night. The morning revealed beautifully white laced trees and a quiet still scape that lasted a day.
It seems this is the way it is with us, a scurry of activity and storms, a break for a bit giving us renewed strength for more to come.

Thank you God for your provision of breaks that give rest, time for reflection, renewal and peace to plan clearly. Help us to always be aware of your presence and provison in our lives whether it is stormy or calm.

“Lo I am with you always, even unto the end of the earth." Matthew 28:20

Provision

Wool sock reminding me of God's provision

I have often need a reminder of God's provision. The living room functions as a music room and a tv room depending on the array of furniture. God's provision of flexible space. Friday was the jam session with the area by the piano opened up; and yesterday, Super Bowl Sunday, tables pushed back and room for 18 or more people. I had not much time to plan or cook food and the freezer's seal broke and I could not get into the freezer. Neil crowbarred his way into the freezer for me, so I could empty it and transfer to the freezers attached to the refrigerators. I wondered what to do with the rest and realized it was God's provision. The chickens from the monastery were roasted, the meatballs and hordouvres found their special occasion they were waiting for. On top of that someone at church asked what I was having for the party and judging by my response that I needed more help, offered lettuce and ceasar salad makings, even though they were going to a different party. I found fall stored apples for a cobbler dessert in the garage as well. It was a feast. I've decided not to replace the freezer. I'm going to trust God and be more generous to others.

I've been cleaning out more than the freezer. Came upon a pair of wool socks that I bought with meagre summer earnings, when I was in jr college, first time away from home. Yes, they lasted this long! That in itself was a miracle with no visable moth holes until I took them out from the back of the drawer this week. Never lost in the dryer because I never put them in. I kept them as a reminder of God's provision. Now I need no reminder.

Last week I put them outside for some animal to keep warm, provision for them. One is gone already.

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not detroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:19-21