Tuesday, May 20, 2008

A Weekend of Blessings and Challenges

We had a very busy but good weekend! MS’s wedding was absolutely beautiful, and it felt like a special “date night” for Tom and me. M and C looked so happy, and I felt a strong desire to have them over for dinner soon to get to know C better.

On Saturday, I had a great meeting and then walked around Apex Lake three times! Later, we headed to E and R’s with A and C to welcome our niece, SC, who had just arrived from California. E picked her up from the airport, and we had a wonderful dinner together. C made wings and biscuits, and we enjoyed salad and dessert. AJ (R's mom) was there as well, making it a sweet time of fellowship.

Sunday was amazing in so many ways. We had used most of the gas we purchased with our $36 in rolled coins, and we wanted to attend the Acts Bible study in Raleigh. However, we also needed enough gas to make it to E’s for A’s birthday party. I had almost resigned myself to skipping the study, but Tom felt strongly that we should go. He searched every possible spot for more change and managed to scrape together another $10! We laughed as we headed to the gas station with our baggie of coins, marveling at the adventure of it all.

With gas prices at $3.75 per gallon, we didn’t get much, but it was just enough. The Bible study was, as always, incredibly enriching. As it wrapped up, EA (BA's daughter) shared a word she had received for us. We recorded it, and here it is verbatim:

“A couple of weeks ago, the last time you guys were here, I saw a picture of you. You were walking—one of you in front and the other behind. It was very windy, and you were pushing against the wind. And, I don’t know what it means, but this week I heard that God is pleased with your steadfastness. That you’re pushing against the wind, but He’s pleased with it. That you’re almost stoic—just keep stepping forward. Slowly but surely, you just keep walking. Just walk the walk.”

Wow. When we heard that “God was pleased with our steadfastness,” it was such a sweet and much-needed confirmation! What a relief to know we are on the right path and to keep pressing forward. Thank you, Jesus!

Then, as I sat down to eat, CA unexpectedly placed a check in my lap and said it was for later. We hadn’t mentioned our financial struggles to anyone, yet the Lord had laid it on her heart to bless us with $50! When Tom told her how we had scraped together change to get there, she laughed and said it must be for a tank of gas. On Monday, I put $49.01 worth into the tank—leaving us with exactly $1 to spare. God provides!

During the meal, the topic of a couples' retreat came up again. Cathy looked at me and said, “I can totally see you doing that out of your home!” This led me to share my “happy pill” moment from last Monday. She also mentioned a couple who run a ministry called “Job’s Retreat,” where they provide a place of rest and renewal for those who are ill or burned out from ministry. She will be giving us their contact information so we can learn from them. Another confirmation—thank You, Jesus!

Later, we headed to E’s for A’s 4th birthday party. The weather was perfect, and the kids had a blast playing on the slip-and-slide and in the small pool.

Unfortunately, I had a tough moment during the party. One of E's friends casually asked Adam, “I hear you have some news too?” and he responded, “Yes, I’m getting married in three weeks!” I was completely stunned. I asked, “Did I miss a conversation somewhere?” and he simply said, “Yes, you must have.” (Not true!) He and C had spent all Saturday evening with us and didn’t mention a word. It hurt deeply to find out this way, especially when I had been in denial about the possibility of them getting married on their planned “vacation” in June. Now, I can’t ignore it any longer.

Despite all the blessings of the weekend, today has been hard. I don’t have a specific reason, but I’m fighting depression again. Physically, I’m feeling pain in my right index finger, knees, neck, and head. Emotionally, I want to isolate and sleep—even after nearly 10 hours of rest last night. I know this is the enemy trying to rob me of my joy, so I’m engaged in a battle of the mind. My feelings do not define the truth!

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
— Philippians 4:4-7

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms…”
— Ephesians 6:10-12

Thank You, Jesus, for Your Word and Your Truth!

On a lighter note, Tom made a fascinating discovery in our front yard! We have a tree that we initially thought was one type, but we now realize it’s actually two different trees that have merged together. When we first moved in, we found it interesting, but now we’ve noticed that it’s producing fruit! We think one tree is a plum tree and the other is a peach tree, but it’s still too early to tell. Since they’re both young, the fruit may not be mature enough to eat this year, but what a cool and symbolic discovery—just like our own growth and journey in this house.

Spirit of Prophecy for Today

Small Straws In A Soft Wind by Marsha Burns — May 20, 2008

"Quiet your soul, watch intently, and listen carefully, for I will confirm what I have spoken to you with signs and wonders. But, you will have to be alert or you could miss the confirmation. I always confirm My word to you as I lead you forth to fulfill My purposes. Be sensitive and yielded to the unction of My Spirit, and do nothing until you are spiritually moved and have the peace that surpasses your own understanding, says the Lord.

'And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.'”
— Mark 16:20

Amen!