A fellowship of Christian bloggers committed to encouraging one another and giving glory to God.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
New Beginnings
Last night the church family met to vote in a new board and I was asked to pray over them during the service this morning. There is a real sense that God is going to do something special with His people who gather there.
What a privilege to encourage and challenge these dear believers who have hung in there despite these frustrating times!
Now I'm packing my bags and preparing for my train ride to Montreal in the morning for the Hockey Ministries International staff conference.
Thanks for your prayers, dear Pilgrim Pals. I'll be posting on "Pals" while I'm gone, Lord willing.
Much love in Christ,
David
On The Far Side Of The Sea
Gunnar shot the pic.
David wrote the words.
God made it.
I live here......Felisol
The Pilgrim's Response:
Felisol lives 'cross the ocean,
Terry's not too far from here
Both of them are special pilgrims
Teaching me to trust not fear.
One day soon we'll gather yonder
On the OTHER side of life
There we'll look on Christ the Savior
And be done with sin and strife
But 'til then we journey homeward
Trusting, serving every day,
Telling others of our Savior
Truly He's is the only way.
Glad to be part of His family
Hand in hand with pilgrims here
Encouraging and blessing others
'Til we finally meet up there.
- David
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Did You Hear the News ?
a precious baby girl born last night....Praise God for this blessing in their lives.....and let us
keep Arlene and Barry, this new little addition...ohhhh let's just pray for alll of their family
Thank You Lord Jesus
Posted by Donna
Please Pray For Arlene And Barry
I found this picture and this verse and this post at Sara's today.Sara is Miss Patty's daughter.
Arlene really needs our prayers and that is why I have copied and pasted Sara's post.
Please, please everyone pray for dear Arlene and Barry.
http://seasonsofgrace.blogspot.com/
Isaiah 53:5
But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
For Arlene
Posted by Sara at 4:26 PM
FIRE
I can't type for long as I'm currently working off of 2 hours sleep and I'm ready to head back up to bed. Just wanted to fill you in on what happened last night. I haven't had to time to watch any local news, but Pals living in my area might have already heard.
I'm teaching a coaches course all week-end, so last night I headed off to bed at around 11pm. An hour later I was woken up by a loud BOOM. Still dazed and confused by what had happened, my heart stopped when my dad came bursting into my room a minute later yelling "get up, grab a jacket and GET OUT...there's a fire". Along with my neighbours and my parents, I stood outside and watched 2 homes on my street burn down. Not just randoms homes, but these two homes were one house over from mine. The fire started with a gas explosion (which was the boom I heard) and spread to the next house, then started to come dangerously close to igniting my house and my other neighbours'. My house backs onto a creek, which is covered in brush and dried grass, and soon sparks from the fire started heading towards the creek. I just stood there in absolute shock, watching as a fire raged towards my house and another one was close to starting behind it. I don't think I've ever prayed so hard in my life.
You know those campfire "bonding questions" when people always ask questions like " what's the one thing you would save if your house burnt down?". Last night that was a reality for a lot of us. My house and my neighbour's were placed under mandatory evacuation in case the fire spread to us, but we had a fast chance to go in and salvage anything important. My poor mother ran for our photo albums, but I was in such shock I didn't even know what I wanted. I ended up just grabbing my purse and cellphone.
Luckily, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, everyone made it out alive and uninjured from both homes that caught fire, and the firefighters were able to contain the fire before it hit my house.
One home is completely destroyed. It was hard to see the damage in the middle of the night, but looking at it this afternoon, there's nothing left but a skeleton of a former house. The other house involved in half burnt-down, and it will be months before the family can move back in. One of the families involved is very close with mine. My parents do a lot with them, my sister is very good friends with their daughter and I dated their son for a while. It's heartbreaking to see anyone's house burn down, but I think it's worse when you know the people.
I was sleeping in boxers and a tank top, and when my dad got me out of the house I didn't know how bad the fire was, so I only grabbed sandals and a fleece jacket, so I stood outside freezing until 5 a.m., when we were finally able to go back inside. I had to be up for 7 this morning to teach, and even though I dozed in and out, I never really fell into a deep sleep. I've been searching for my own apartment, but I'm so glad I was still with my parents when this happened- I would have been a nervous wreck if I woke up this morning to this news.
Please pray for these families as they try to figure out a way to deal with all of this.
~lauren-mary
EPISTLES written in FLESH
Friday, September 28, 2007
FROM LPP
After reading on a post last night the phrase “God is good all the time”, I thought I’d share the song by the same name (which is one of favorites!), and a few scriptures I’ve been thinking of.
God bless you all, LPP
Chorus:
God is good all the time He put a song of praise in this heart of mine God is good all the time Through the darkest night, His light will shine God is good, God is good all the time
If you're walking through the valley And there are shadows all around Do not fear, He will guide you He will keep you safe and sound' Cause He's promised to never leave you Nor forsake you and His Word is true
Chorus
We were sinners - so unworthy Still for us He chose to die
Filled us with His Holy Spirit Now we can stand and testify
That His love is everlasting And His mercies - they will never end
Chorus Bridge:
Though I may not understand All the plans He has for me
My life is in His hands And through the eyes of faith I can clearly see
Chorus
This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.
It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him.
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.
It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth….For the Lord will not cast off for ever: But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men…Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD…He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.
(KJV) Lamentations 3:21-27; 31-33; 40; Psalm 33:5
Droplets of Water on Precious Souls
My Day
My day was heavy - my heart is burdened. Burdened for the lost, the poor, the rejected ones, and burdened with whether or not to go on mission to Mexico City in November for one week. This will add to my debt load and I just don't know if I should do this. My heart says go, my brain says no you can't afford this right now. My heart thinks of the kids - like little Clara pictured here in my arms. My brain thinks of my bank account!
What to do!! I have some financial support from friends but it will not cover the total cost of the trip. If I go I will have to take 4 days without pay from work as I have no more vacation time this year. Pals, please keep this in your prayers as I discern - God grant me wisdom!
On another note, I stopped by a Christian book store today to pick up a copy of the Autobiography of George Muller - I've never read it! I also found another book called "Through the eyes of a street child" - a story of a missionary in Guatemala and the children who inspired her to stay. Guatemala was the first country I travelled to as a missionary in 1999 - that country is forever deep in my heart. I loved the people I met, especially the natives in the jungle region I visited.
Then another very small booklet caught my attention - a booklet called, "Why I believe in Christ" by Charles Colson. When I opened it the first thing I read was, "Does God Exist?" I immediately sensed that I was to buy the booklet and give it to Todd for his birthday (which is in October). The last time I spoke with Todd he told me he doesn't believe in God but rather he does believe in the "big bang" theory - to which I said, well....who caused the big bang Todd? He didn't answer. Chuck Colson speaks about the big bang theory in this booklet. I know I am called to give this booklet to Todd. Yikes! I'm scared but still I am willing for the Lord! This will be my most direct witness to Todd. I will let you know when it comes time to give it to Todd so you can be in prayer for his heart.
Thanks my friends!
Julie (LM - an undecided missionary :)
Meandering
So, friends, let's make sure we redeem the time and enjoy every moment the Lord has graciously given us.
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
Catching Up
We had our first MONDAY WE HAVE FISH chapel service with the PETERBOROUGH PETES on Monday evening. 21 of the 24 guys on the roster came out. We had a great evening! Please pray for me as I build new relationships with the rookies on the team.
Today (Friday) I'll be at the ballpark in Toronto (The Rogers Centre) to say my "good byes" to my friends on the Toronto Blue Jays. Tomorrow I'll be going back with some friends who were promised a trip to the ballpark early in the season. It took me this long to be able to keep my promise.
Sunday morning I'm preaching at Keswick Christian Church about an hour from home. I'm looking forward to that opportunity.
Monday morning I leave by train for Montreal for the annual Hockey Ministries International Staff Conference which runs until Wednesday at noon. A relaxing train ride will bring me back home again on Wednesday evening just in time to get to work at Christian Horizons.
I'll be taking my laptop and my camera with me so I'll try to post a few times while I'm in Montreal. Thanks for your prayers.
Carol and I are almost ready to put our home up for sale. I'm still struggling with the whole idea but I'm trusting God to do something great once we are in motion.
Be assured of my love and prayers, dear ones!
Standing with you,
~ David, the Pilgrim
P. S. Thanks LPP. The "care" package arrived yesterday! And, everything was in the envelope the last time...if you know what I mean. THANKS!
GOD'S THOUGHTS for us are ALWAYS GOOD
Thursday, September 27, 2007
A Request From Pilgrim Pal Heather
Wednesday 20
My dad has a blog, and I encourage you to read todays entry. I am still not feeling very well right now (chemo sucks the life out of me), so instead of writing about that, I want to encourage you to please go here and read my dads post, leave a comment, and bookmark him.
God has truly blessed me with a wonderful wonderful family.
Be back soon,-H
(in case the link didn’t work for you : http://gracesrq.com/blog/)
Update from Arlene
Here is the update I received from Arlene......
I went home from the hospital on Monday and was admitted again on Tuesday through the ER. I was having a little trouble with my left leg walking. It was a new development. The best way I know was that it feels heavy.
They did a CT scan before I left last week and found tumors in the belly and yesterday in ER 3 brain tumors, which of course means that all of that chemo, as strong as it was, didn't work. Today they took me down for another CT Scan to check for bone cancer, but I haven't heard the results yet. Tomorrow I will start radiation for 15 days and then he wants to talk to us again about chemo. I'm pretty tired of chemo.
I still do not believe that it is time for me to go. I have so much work to do for Him. i have quite a bit of strength and NO PAIN, thank you Jesus! He has shown me some of that work and I can't wait to get started.
I think we are going to go away by ourselves and just get with God and ask Him what He wants us to do next. I know this won't make sense to but only a few, but I can tell you, I still have that peace that passes all understanding.
Please keep us in prayer! We love you all! BY HIS STRIPES!!!! It's time for those old fashioned miracles and am without a doubt believing for one!
GOD IS GOOD ALL OF THE TIME!
Posted by Donna
IN TOUCH
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
FORGOTTEN --------- NEVER -------
PLEASE TAKE HEART ------------
good nite , please stay strong --------- we have to persevere, Dad Golden needs saving and a success in his upcoming surgery ---- Minerva needs salvation and a miracle -- Arlene , a quiet , graceful lady of the Lord --- Heather, a testimony of God's work.
passing-thru
Wednesday Post At Miss Patty's
......"Daughter your faith has healed you. Go in peace."
Isaiah 53:5 ~ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.
Posted by Pat at Wednesday, September 26 2007..... http://livingongrace.blogspot.com
FROM TERRY
SAIJA'S PILGRIM
Old Time preacher, simple , to the point , God annointed , Spirit filled, Bible taught, Blood Applied, no frills , just SOLID TRUTH from God's Word.
Saija said on one comment , she likes that word and that picture of being a "pilgrim" .
We do too , Saija -- When "we" got saved, our citizenship also got changed, it says that in the WORD. We are sojourners here, bringing a message from our New Birth Place. We are "witnesses" of a better life. "let your light so shine before men"
At work have used opportunities to help carry stuff for the nurses, pushed heavy carts up the ramp for houskeeping women, and slowly winning the respect and good favor of many there. Have been able to talk to a few of the staff on the "new birth"
A simple "pilgrim" sowing seed -- GOD'S SEED .
All U "pals" are wonderful pilgrims sowing in your fields the same precious seed. Lord Bless U all tonight --- going to wednesday nite communion service , followed by a church supper , good fellowship and good food ! :-)
passing-thru
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
GOOD STUFF
GOOD STUFF -------(scroll down a few posts )
a Vance Havner story
blessings on your week, pilgrim pals ... saija
Golden Silence Broken!
On a visit to Pilgrim Pal David's http://pilgrimscribblings.blogspot.com I found that the Fish has been holding out on us.
I mean isn't this just one lovely picture of Silent Lake?
They say that "silence is golden" but as far as I am concerned this Golden girl has never been silent, so David here is the picture that I swiped off your site!
And I have TOLD on you to the rest of the pals!!
Not nice!!!
Happy Birthday Vera Lynn
We had a party in the park on Saturday which included family and friends....and this very delicious cake that her Mom had specially made just for her....
Tonight, Vera and her Mommy, Aunt Kim and Uncle Jared and her Grandpa and I are celebrating at our house with a special dinner of spaghetti with homemade sauce, toss salad and bread and an angel food cake with strawberries....Aside from the toss salad, Vera can enjoy it all...being that she is officially ONE with FIVE teeth !! Grandbabies are the best!!
Can you tell she loves strawberries??
into the soil of God's marvelous love.
And may you have the power to understand
as all God's people should,
how wide, how long ,how high and how deep
his love really.
May you experience
the love of Christ,
though it is so great you will
never fully understand it
Ephesians 3:17-19
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AWARD
"Through obedience to God and His word, one will find everlasting peace. If you think you have found it outside of God, you are deceived. If you think you will find it in your spouse or job or education, you are deceived. If you think you are someone's peace, you are deceiving that person. For some it comes overnight....for others it may take their entire lifetime.....for me it came in little steps....through a succession of events...some days I took two steps forward and three steps back.....but I stayed with it, encouraged by faithful friends and followers of Christ.... it came by way of devoting myself to reading the greatest story ever; a book that overflows with the truth about how to live life...full of grace, mercy, prayer, forgiveness, doubt, trust, love, hate, sickness, diseases, marriage, birth, deaths, people in need, the best seller books, the greatest authors, gifted musicians and entertainers, wars fought, enemies defeated but best of all, the Prince of Peace.
Donna made and is making this journey with the heart , not the mind , she is not rationalizing any longer, she is obeying from the heart, prompted by the Holy Spirit.
Touching Words From Heather
Sunday
having taken with you only one thing… I pray that it is Jesus. I pray that He touches you, and you leave here renewed and uplifted. I pray that if you came in doubting His love for you, you leave here knowing that He loves you more than I could ever find words to describe on this blog.
If you learn anything from my journey, I pray that you realize it isn’t about me. It isn’t about my cancer, or my daughters illness, its about the hope that I have in Him, even when I cant feel His hand, He is still there. He holds every tear that I shed in His hand.
He is holding you, even when you cant feel it… He is there. He loves you.
He means it....Heather
Monday, September 24, 2007
Black & White
Stark against the clouds
Can leave me cold and damp
While it the brightness shrouds
But far above the jagged rocks
God is enthroned and hears the knocks
When I am overcome with fear
And long to sense Him close and near
He answers with a powerful word
And I'm at peace...
Thus saith the Lord.
~ David, September 24th, 2007
Rail Fences & Autumn Splendor
Lisa posted this photo along with her Morning Coffee scripture on her Thoughts from the Teahouse blog today.
Here is the scripture verse she chose:
"Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation." - Romans 5:9-11
Thank you, Father, that you justified me, saved me, reconciled me and gave me new life! Hallelujah, what a Savior! AMEN!
EBENEZER
Prayer Request.....UPDATE
Could you please pray for Betty's husband, John who was taken to the hospital yesterday?He was admitted because of pancreatic problems.
The young man in the next bed from him is dying with cancer and he confided in Betty that it has been a real bad year for him.
He lost his wife and child in a car accident, his beloved mother just passed away and he lost his job that he had for 22 years and now this cancer.
His name is Mike S.
I called one of the Christian man that used to work with him and I am hoping that he will be able to speak the Gospel to this young man.
Please pray for John and Mike and that a way will be open to speak the words that are needed to point Mike to the Lord..........Thanking you in advance
PP Terry
UPDATE
I could feel the prayers of God's dear people and I saw the Lord's hand throughout the visit.
John looked quite well and can now at least have fluid food instead of just water.
His roommate who I had mistakenly called Jeff in the prayer request turned out to be "Mike", but that is alright...God knew who you were praying for!
I must tell you what happened,
We had quite a nice chat with the young man and learned that his past year has been really heart breaking.
When his wife and daughter were killed in a head-on crash, he had been following behind them by motorcycle.
His dear mom died Christmas eve and his remaining son will have nothing to do with him.
Bernie and I went to the sixth floor while John's son visited his dad.
We went to see a friend who also has cancer.
She was very glad to see us and suggested we go outside to sit for a while.
She is a Christian also and she has stomach cancer
As we were sitting there, she was telling Bernie and I that she has heard so many sad stories in the hospital.
I told her about Mike's tragic story.
Valarie pretty near jumped off the bench in her excitement.
"Why that is who I was going to tell you about!"
Real strange,eh?
He has been going up to see her on the sixth floor.
John and he are on the fourth floor and he must of met Valarie for the first time in the coffee shop which is on the first floor.
When we got back to John's and Mike's, I was so happy to tell Mike that we had a "mutual" friend and that was Valarie!
I told him then and there that he would be having all kinds of people praying for him!!
I told John a few minutes later when we were by ourselves that this must be the reason that HE had landed in the hospital.
The Lord is using this to Mike's advantage.
It is all the Lord's timing and now Mike who is surely dying will be given the chance to be saved!
How about that, eh?
And John is feeling better since he has been in the hospital.
He just has to have a few tests..
Thanks for your prayers........Love Terry
Shots of Silent Lake
Fall Colors
As much as I hate to see the summer end, I love the colors in the fall.
What an awesome God we serve!
WHAT A GREAT TESTIMONY
Hey Felisol, we sing that song at Gospel meetings. I shall never forget several years ago now that Papere who was not saved had been out to a Gospel meeting and "Just As I Am" was sung at the end of the meeting. It was a winter evening, so it was already dark when I left and was backing up my car to drive home and suddenly....Crunch!! I had backed into somebody's car and it was a Cadilac! A big black Cadilac!I guess my bother, Teddy, who was still inside heard the whack! He came running out and found me bawling! "Never mind that", he told me, "Papere just got saved!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
The PILGRIM Has Landed
This morning I spoke in Flesherton, Ontario at the Split Rail Festival's Community Church Service. My topic was...29 Things I Learned in the 29 Years I Spent With the Toronto Blue Jays. Long title! The crowd gasped, thinking I'd spend 4 or 5 minutes on each point and we'd be there for 2 1/2 hours. I calmed their fears quickly.
Here are the 29 things I've learned:
10 - The 10 Commandments are as relevant today as they were when God called Moses up to Mount Sinai.
9 - The Beatitudes (the 9 "blesseds") are still as true todayas when Jesus taught them to the disciples on the mountainside (The Sermon on the Mount).
9 - The 9 Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5) are still worth cultivating today.
1 - The is only 1 way to peace with God and eternal life...a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
10 plus 9 plus 9 plus 1 = 29
I'm still not able to post on PILGRIM PALS with any of the computers at home. It's so frustrating!
Be encouraged, dear ones! God is still on His throne and He cares for His own.
~ The weary pilgrim
Hello Pilgrims
Love, Julie (LM)
PS Hey Pilgrim Dave - please let "little Fish"
know I'm praying he gets back on his skates real soon! I was disappointed that he wasn't able to be at "Sensfest" last Sunday at Scotiabank Place, but it was great to see all the other Senators going through their drills.....GO SENS GO!!!!
THY WORD IS A LIGHT UNTO MY PATH
Refreshing -- He spoke from Lev. 16th chapter -- focused in on verse 4 -- Aaron the high priest , before going in to the holy of holies was to remove his colorful, ostentacious, high priestly robe, breastplate etc. and put on a plain linen outfit, breeches and coat of plain linen. He was to disrobe of all the pomp and glory that his high priestly clothes made him to be and go into the PRESENCE of God , humble and lowly -- LIKE CHRIST who took on the form of man, left HIS NOBLE PRESENCE IN THE KINGDOM , took on lowly flesh, humbled HIMSELF and went to the Cross and OPENED HEAVENS GATE for us.
I was always aware of the colorful outfit the High Priest wore but for some reason , was never aware of the plain clothes that he had to wear entering the Holiest place.
THE WORD IS RICH and so important for us in Christian living , goes along with Donna's post and the many comments that went with her post.
GOOD STUFF
passing-thru
Where To Find Peace
I frequent this blog and many others; I read about grace, mercy, prayer, forgiveness, sickness, diseases, marriage, divorce, birth, deaths, people in need, who is reading the best selling book, who the greatest authors are; the best music, the absolute worst of hollywood, politics, terrorism, war. I am a reader, not a lurker, although in the blog world lurkers are people like me who don't comment much; the truth laid bare is I have a genuine care and interest in people, so I read and pray and sometimes I comment. Yet, I find myself logging onto the computer less and less these days as my time is being divied up to serve many; striving to be a more attentive and caring wife to Ron, keeping pace with the role of mother and grandmother and dedicating mega hours to the care of the elderly. These are my missions to which God has entrusted me in the present time. My blogging ministry has always been to share those bits and pieces of my life which enable the world to see Christ and His life in me and to offer prayers and encouragement to those in need.
I entered into the season of "empty nester" a few years back, it's completion came this past August. I was met with many days of adversity and heartache, neither of which I could laugh at or ignore. The first child graduating, moving out and marrying, the onset and strife of depression, the years of college life and new adventures for the girls, the disruption of my marriage, the birth of a grandbaby, the second child graduating and marrying. Adjustments, transitions, empty rooms, the roles of a parent change, the needs of a child mature and are fulfilled by others. satan waited at every juncture, never satisfied as he sat, waiting to strike when least expected, he loves to strip people of their joy. And so he dug deep into the life of a young man...one alive and well, but one who willingly jumped into the enemy's camp, oblivious to the vows made before God to a young woman, whose child now will face the brokenness of family. A devastating blow to the Kingdom. Some say that is just life...to which I agree, yes, it is life as we have come to know and accept in our day and age....I am not exempt from it, for it was life as I knew and accepted back when I was twenty five and walked away from God, and even as recently as one year ago when I left my marriage of twenty four years. A disappointment to the Father, a blow to the Kingdom. I have since returned, realizing it is not life. Because when one is in relationship with Christ and walks away, it is HELL. It is a living HELL. When one is not in relationship with Christ....it is still HELL....even though one is fooled into believing it is life.
I joined Divorce Care last year, a Christ based support group that Paul McKay referred me. While attending, God clearly revealed to me...number one, the condition of my heart towards my husband and... number two, that the road to divorce would take me places He did not want me to go. In as much as I was needing to be needed, needing to be loved, needing to be heard, needing to be cured, needing to be accepted, needing to find me, needing to live a fuller, better, more rewarding life, the end result was..... I needed God more than any of those. Thanks to Paul, God was able to get ahold of me and set me back on the right path.
I do not expect to be rid of anger or sadness, sickness or heartache instantly. I try not to dwell on yesterday or be anxious about tomorrow. I am not fearful or dreading of each day, nor do I live each day as though it were my first or last. I live each day as though it were the only day, awake, hopeful and thankful; alive in Him; ready, willing and able to devote the best of me (my life in Christ) to the Kingdom.....and in doing so I have a peace that sustains me.
Through obedience to God and His word, one will find everlasting peace. If you think you have found it outside of God, you are deceived. If you think you will find it in your spouse or job or education, you are deceived. If you think you are someone's peace, you are deceiving that person. For some it comes overnight....for others it may take their entire lifetime.....for me it came in little steps....through a succession of events...some days I took two steps forward and three steps back.....but I stayed with it, encouraged by faithful friends and followers of Christ.... it came by way of devoting myself to reading the greatest story ever; a book that overflows with the truth about how to live life...full of grace, mercy, prayer, forgiveness, doubt, trust, love, hate, sickness, diseases, marriage, birth, deaths, people in need, the best seller books, the greatest authors, gifted musicians and entertainers, wars fought, enemies defeated but best of all, the Prince of Peace.
Are you struggling with life's issues, looking for peace and don't know where to turn? Are you physically, emotionally or mentally sick, finding no resolve or peace in doctors, counselors, medications, surgery or drugs. Are you disheartened by the loss of a job, death of a loved one? Are you lonely, afraid, tired, weary or angry? Please pick up this Book and read it front to back....it's what I did.
The Holy Bible
Donna
Happy Birthday Minerva
Saturday, September 22, 2007
PILOT MOM
INTENSITY of color and the BALANCE of nature
DOES IT MATTER ?
THE WORD
All other books , no matter how good they are , are a poor substitute for knowing and doing the Will of God on a moment by moment, day by day, crisis by crisis living.
Heather..."To Experience Life Not Just To Live It"
Today, I write to you from my living room couch. Easton is playing with Bailey on the floor, shes wrapped up in a blanket and he is digging her out. Elijah is building a Star Wars Space Ship out of Lego’s on my bedroom floor. Emma is at school. She reminded me this morning that it was Ice Cream day and she always gets a Sponge Bob Popsicle.
Easton is about to start her math, Elijah - his phonics. It’s going to be a good day.
This week, I took the time to remember what all I have been blessed with. I took time to slow down, and to really listen to my body, to listen to the things that are going on around me. I took time out to just be.
Last night, I took 300mg’s of Temador (chemo), 1mg of Kytril, 1 Compazine, and three Excedrin Extra Strength (along with my standard laxatives). I woke up this morning feeling pretty good except for the chemo headache that the Excedrin hasn’t touched. Its like little pins are going off in my brain, behind my eyes. (I like to think that it is the chemo attacking the stray cancer cells ) I hear this is common, so I am not too concerned. The nausea has been minimal, although I remember waking up around 4am feeling sick but rolling over and going back to sleep.
I am not going to lie to you guys, I am struggling right now. I think that the constant go go go since April is finally catching up with me and I am feeling the effects of all the emotions of finally realizing that I have cancer. It wasn’t nearly this real a month ago.
I will tell you that I am rediscovering Gods love for me, even when I am down in the depths, He reminds me that I am loved. Even when I feel so very ugly, hairless, and just worn down, He reminds me that I am beautiful- When a certain song comes on the radio, or my kids say something that makes my heart stop, or Mark touches my hand as a passes by, He reminds me.
Cancer is an Emotional battle just as much as it is a physical one. It takes the cancer patient every bit of strength to fight off depression and loss of hope. And the fear of the unknown, it grips our souls.
But there is beauty in the Cancer experience also. Cancer patients have the ability to look at life through cancers eyes. To stop and listen to the birds chirp, to watch children playing on the playground, to spend long hours listening to the things and sounds going on around them. That is one of cancers many gifts.
"To experience life, not just live it."
Heather has to take Chemo until Tuesday..
Friday, September 21, 2007
Silent Lake, Holy Lake
All is calm, all is bright;
Students swim and hike all day
Eating lunch along the way
Sleep in damp, sandy tents
Sleep in damp, sandy tents.
Matthew and I got back from our excellent wilderness adventure at Silent Lake earlier this afternoon! What a wonderful time of relaxation and interaction with the kids!
I've gone some incredible photos to share with my pals later. Sure missed being connected with you. We had no electricity, no cell phone service which being translated means, NO INTERRUPTIONS.
This morning I had the joy of standing on the rocky shore of Silent Lake leading devotions for Matthew's grade 7 class. A very special time!
More later concerning the trip.
Tomorrow I had two engagements with several hours of driving between them. I'll be in Belleville, ON for an OHL/OHA chaplains gathering from noon to 5. Then I have about a 4 hour drive to Flesherton, ON where I'll be speaking early Sunday morning at a church service connected with the annual Split Rail Festival. I covet your prayers as I travel and speak.
I've missed you, friends, but I've been praying for you!
Lots of love,
David, the Pilgrim