Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Mission

Hola Pilgrims,


Eleven days
and I'll be in the air on my way to Mexico City for a week of missionary work a garbage dump and at least one day in an orphanage - November 11 to 17. I often go through Satanic attacks before a mission trip, (no big surprise), and sometimes while on the trip.

In fact, two things are going on right now: 1) I have a bit of a cold/flu - so pray that I heal completely before leaving 2) I am battling a lot of negative thoughts lately - (eg God isn't pleased with you Julie and therefore He will not answer your prayers). I have been praying for evidence that my friend Todd is seeking the Lord - nothing - I wait for Todd to ask me for coffee to talk more about the Lord - nothing - I am resisting the temptation to contact him because ...darn it...I don't want to push it - I want Todd to seek the Lord!! Nothing. Now, perhaps more importantly I've been praying for a deeper desire for the Lord in my own heart! The opposite seems to be happening. I find myself comparing my walk now with my walk about 11 years ago. I had so much more vigor and trust in the Lord. Now I just feel like He is angry at me or disappointed in me all the time. I keep thinking perhaps I've sinned one too many times and He is fed up! I know in my head - logically - that isn't true based on the revelation of who God is in Scripture - but my heart feels entirely different. I've confessed any known sins.....I confess to you my friends as Scripture calls us to do - lately I've been on a nasty slop of telling a few lies here and there to my co-workers - lies just to make myself sound better - how stupid eh? I sit there listening to their stories after a weekend and think - how boring my life is! I have nothing interesting to say so I make up things! I confessed this to God and asked for the grace to stop! Then I thought, "what if I am still harbouring bitterness and unforgiveness towards a couple people who deeply hurt me in 2006?" I confessed it and begged God to help me - cleanse me. Still I feel God isn't pleased! I hate feeling this way. I think some of this is based on the fact that I could never please my parents as a child - nothing I did was acknowledged as good - even when I did something nice like bringing home some artwork from school, they didn't fuss over it. I think it was mainly the way of that generation - my parents are almost 80. But that can't be it entirely because my grandmother, whom I was close to, fussed all the time over my artwork.

Please pray for me pilgrims.

Julie (Little Missionary)

Monday, October 29, 2007

Tired? Discouraged?

The following thoughts were posted on Pilgrim Scribblings this afternoon. It's been a difficult day but the Creator and Sustainer of life has been my strength. Rest in Him, Pilgrim Pals!

Fellow pilgrim, where are you today? What circumstances have caused you to wonder, to question, to stumble? Have the trials along the road stolen some of your joy? Has the sense of wonder and amazement disappeared? Has the God of heaven who launched you on this earthly pilgrimage suddenly become distant and detached?

Perhaps you're having one of those welcomed days when the sun is shining in the midst of the storm. Maybe the situations you're facing today seem inconsequential when lined up against the awesomeness of the all-sufficient One. Do you feel like you and God could handle anything today? If so, praise His name! There are many other pilgrims who'd like to be in your shoes today.

Truthfully speaking we are all are differing stages of the journey. Some have just left home. Others have criss-crossed the landscape and have discovered that God is who He said He is and have found Him to be faithful. Others, perhaps, have disembarked temporarily with a sense that God has forsaken you. Be assured, no matter how convinced you may be that He has...He hasn't! Get back on board!

Today as you struggle to put one foot in front of the other, allow the Great Shepherd of the Sheep, Christ Himself, to come alongside. Walk with Him! Draw from His limitless resources! Cross the valley with the Divine Deliverer! Drink at His well if you are tired and thirsty! Rest awhile before journeying on!

Together let's keep our eyes on Jesus. In our deepest despair He is there! Allow Him to lift you above the crashing storm and take you to your place of quiet rest.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1,2 (NIV)

Sunday, October 28, 2007

$25.00 Poorer

Last year Matthew was a goaltender for the Don Mills Diamonds. This year he wanted to be a forward and today he played his first game. Most games are on Saturday but we had to miss church for today's season opener. Carol couldn't come because we were having an OPEN HOUSE here so she told Matthew that she'd give him $5.00 if he scored a goal.

She'll have to use another means of motivation because Matthew scored 5 goals and added 2 assists in the Diamonds' 8-7 win over the Durham Dragons. He was so excited he could barely contain himself. The coach, realizing that Carol and I were going to be in the poor house, put Matthew back on defence partway through the game but he still scored while playing back.

CONGRATULATIONS Matthew! Your dad was proud of you!

2 Timothy 4:2

blessings to my pilgrim pals this lovely Lord's day! saija

Saturday, October 27, 2007

An Autumn Must-See

Yesterday I bought a copy of the Buffalo News while I was there with the boys on our little get-away. The Picture Page featured a gallery of incredible photos from Letchworth State Park. I couldn't steal or copy the shots so I've given you a link so you can enjoy this gallery portaying the Creator's handiwork.

What beauty! What a God we serve!

Buffalo News: Galleries

P. S. The photo here on this post is mine, taken at Silent Lake before I broke my trusted SONY.

California Fires

Please pray for all the families affected by the terrible fires in California. My sister Shelby lives not even 2 miles away from some of it and her daughter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation recently. This is the sister you were praying for a month ago who still does not have a job.

Praying for all of you as well.
Thanks so much.

Vicki

Friday, October 26, 2007

Pilot-Mom Is Back!


ACK!!!
How does one notify all of one's faithful readers when your one and only computer blows a power cord/something or other?!! I went to blog and post a pic of Pilot taken while he was home when my computer just turned itself off. Really. The nerve of the thing! Lol.But I am now re-united with my beloved computer and all is forgiven since it has been made well again. ;)I will post again later this evening and bring you all up to date on what has been happening here with all the fam and all the "stuff" going on with my dear husband, etc. So be sure to pop back in. With the time difference and my proclivity to post late at night, most of you will read it tomorrow, I'm sure! LOL!Till then... I'M BACK!!! *big grin*

Forever & Fall


"Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants."
Psalm 119:89-91

Thanks to Lisa J. for this!

Our Especial Heather Is Thankful




I am thankful that I have a Savior who never lets me go. His answers may not be my answers and He may not answer in my timeframe, but they are perfect answers. I may not know, this side of heaven, the answers to those questions, but He does. And that is good enough for me. When I seek Him, I find Him. When He seems far away, that is because I have moved. When I don’t have the words to convey what is on my heart, He just knows. He doesn’t make promises that He cant keep.
I am thankful for my family. So very thankful for my family. They make my life so rich and joyous. I have such wonderful parents who would give their lives to see me healthy and whole again. I have a wonderful wonderful husband who, just by looking at me says what is on his heart. And my kids. They are the light of my life. Every.Single.One.Of.Them.
I am thankful for my husband’s job. They have been so understanding and supportive through this cancer ordeal. Every time I go to his office I am greeted with hugs and smiles and well wishes. I am so thankful that my husband has co-workers who love the Lord and pray for me and for him on a daily basis.
I am thankful for my church. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for the people of GCC. They have stepped up and made dinners and bought groceries…. but most of all they pray for me. They pray for my family. They greet me on the Sundays that I am able to attend church with a hug and a smile, and when I am not able, they understand and hug me doubly hard the next Sunday
I am thankful for Laura. She and I have been through so much together. She is a real true friend and I am glad that she is in my life.
I am thankful for you. Words cannot convey how thankful I am to have the support and prayer from you. I know, at any given moment in my day that someone is praying for me. That gives me strength and courage in my lowest points. I often read your comments from past entries over and over again just for strength. Your care and concern are so evident in your comments, and I am thankful for you.
I am thankful for my health, as crazy as that sounds. I am thankful that this morning I felt well enough to go for a walk and really put my thoughts in order. On the days that I don’t feel well, I am thankful for medicine and doctors who continually amaze me with their knowledge.
I am thankful for my support group. I cant tell you what a blessing those ladies are to me. It is one thing to talk to someone who isn’t dealing with cancer and have them empathize, but it is a totally different thing to sit in a room with women who know EXACTLY what you are talking about because they have been through it too.
I am thankful that, in every aspect of my life, I can find something to be thankful fo

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Clint Is My Man

Dear Pals: Yesterday I had a refreshing surprise when I spoke with an old friend Clint Hurdle on the phone. Here is the account that I posted on Pilgrim Scribblings:

Yesterday I took a chance and tried to reach Colorado Rockies' manager Clint Hurdle by phone. My intention was to leave a message of encouragement so I waited until later in the afternoon when I knew he'd be at Fenway Park in Boston. To my surprise Clint picked up the phone and we had a wonderful visit hours before Game 1 of the World Series.

We prayed together before we hung up and it was so good to have that time together. Unfortunately the Rockies had grown rusty from a long layoff and they were pounded 13-1 by the Red Sox. It would be easy to think that my prayer accomplished nothing but I refuse to believe that lie. Clint remarked that our prayertime was the best gift he received all day.

Check out this link for an account of the hurdles that Clint has had to clear over his checkered career.

God bless you, Clint!

Saija Of The Golden Prairies


3 John 1:14
"But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name."

We greet you by name Saija http://saija.blogspot.com and Leo and kitty, Squeaks!
Have a blessed day out west in that beloved Manitoba!



Numbers 6:25
The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee!

With all of our combined love...The Pilgrim Pals

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

The Road To Wellness

On October 23rd I took a sick leave from my employer and I'm embarking on a journey to wellness.

Over the last two years I've had cellulitis three times, osteo-arthritis has taken up residence in one knee and the other foot and bursitis came for a visit in my right hip and elbow.

For over three weeks I've been battling an ear infection and I'm ready to get well...I think.

Most important, I want to be spiritually alive and vitally connected to my God and Savior Jesus Christ.

I'll be posting during my 30 Days to Wellness and trust that my reflections will be an encouragement to you.

We serve an awesome God and we're trusting Him for good things.

Theologically I believe that God can and does heal His people according to His will and purpose and that before sin entered the world it was God's intention for everyone to be well and whole. Since the fall we have inherited sinfulness. Sin was dealt with at the cross. Atonement was made for every sin. Some people believe that the atonement provided healing for every believer in Jesus Christ and that it is our birthright. I don't hold that view. I believe that God allows sickness in the lives of some of His children to work out His purposes. I'd rather be well and that's my prayer but until then I will rest in the knowledge that the Father knows what's best for me.

Whew...I was preaching there.

Better run!

~ David

Proverbs 31 vs 8-9

I am a Proverbs 31 vs 8-9 woman. It's deeply planted into my heart and I praise God for that part of me. God has taken some difficulties I faced early in my life and planted something very godly in my heart. Seeds of hatred tried to grow at times but God wouldn't have it. He watered seeds in me that desired justice - a desire to come to the "rescue" of the "underdog" - the weak one or mistreated one. When I witness injustice no matter how small it may seem, I jump in 99.9% of the time - sometimes mouth first - and then my head follows - not always a good thing if my mouth shoots off loudly before thinking! However, my heart is always in the right place - in Christ Jesus and desiring exactly what He would desire for the "underdog" - justice. I especially have very little patience when I witness an adult mistreating a young person.


Today at lunch I had a "hunkering" for french fries....so I stopped at a take out place and noticed immediately the teenager behind the cash had a badge saying "in training". The supervisor behind a counter in the back peeked out and asked what I wanted - so I ordered a medium order of fries. Apparently this was an "upgrade" - a special "key" on the cash. The teen seemed nervous and unfamiliar with where this particular button for an "upgrade" was on the computer screen. He asked the supervisor where on the screen it was - she was said, "to the right at the top, no the other side, no not there, not there......" she was sounded angry. He was growing nervous and finally asked her to come show him. She huffed, muttered "geez" and came around the counter. I observed them for a moment and began to feel very uncomfortable. The "justice gene" reared in my heart and I looked directly into the supervisor's eyes and said calmly something to this effect: "Cancel my order. I no longer want to give this place my business. There is no need to treat anyone the way you are treating him. It is inappropriate to talk to him like that and especially in front of a customer. He is in training - give the kid a break." She looked stunned and tried to say something but nothing came out of her mouth. The kid looked a bit shocked too. I imagine he was happy someone bothered to stick up for him. I left at that point because I could feel the "justice gene" was actually going to raise to a point that I might actually cross a line and treat her badly - it's a delicate balance - justice vs vengeance.





I was thinking, we are all in various stages of "training" as Christians. And, I pray we who are "supervisors" (more experienced Christians) are patient and grow in godly love towards one another. I also pray as Christians would strive to seek justice for all those who are mistreated - whether they Christian or not - it is a powerful witness to an often hostile world.

Bless you.


Julie (Little Missionary)

Whew! It's Finally Fixed

(This is the inscription that David Shantz wrote on the stick he gave me. Click on the image so you can read it better.)

Dear Pals:

What a relief! We finally resolved my computer problems and I can now log on, enter new posts and comment on your postings! What a blessing! You'll never know how frustrating this was for the last few weeks.

Now I just have to get this ear infection cleared up and find out if my camera can be fixed. I'm still waiting to hear back from SONY. I took the camera in to the service center in Toronto last Wednesday.

Regarding my infection, I see my specialist next Thursday. I went to a naturopath two days ago and he discovered a number of things that are causing me to be "SICK". I'll begin taking some herbal remedies when they come in early next week. We'll see if that helps. I'm so sceptical about alternative medicines but I'm willing to try these.

My sick leave from Christian Horizons began yesterday and I won't be going back until November 27th. Please pray that this time off will be beneficial so I can get rejuvenated physically...and every other way as well.

Tomorrow the boys and I are driving down to Buffalo, NY. They have Thursday and Friday off at their school. On Friday we'll drive over to Rochester, NY to see our friend David Shantz. Some of you commented on the fact that the Florida Panthers called him up to be their back-up goaltender in Toronto last week. It was a thrill for him needless to say. We're really looking forward to seeing David. He has been such a wonderful friend to Matthew and Nathan!

I'll close for now but I'm excited that I can be more regular with my posts and comments.

Finally, my friends, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. - adapted from Ephesians 6:10
I love you all!

David

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Thanks

Thanks to the one who posted about my mission trip! I definitely need and want your prayers. I am really looking forward to this trip for many reasons - not all of them are selfless I'm afraid - it'll be nice to have a break from my workplace - not that it's bad - I just need a break. And, being focused on God - TOTALLY - for a week will do so much good for my spirit I'm sure.

Sorry I haven't posted much lately....just not too inspired. Well, time for bed. God bless you all.


Julie - Little Missionary

Pray For Our Own Little Missionary, Julie




Thursday, October 18, 2007

UPDATE
Hi folks, I haven't had a lot of time lately to blog - when I am at home I end up "vegging" on the couch. But I'm doing great health wise - thanks to my Lord and my "Pilgrim Pals" for their prayers.Three weeks to my departure for "Mission Mexico City 2007"....November 11 to 17...not a very long mission but an intense one nonetheless.Blessings,Julie

In early November I will go on my 6th mission trip - my 3rd trip to Mexico City. While there I will minister with a team made up of Canadians, Americans and Mexicans - it is the most beautiful experience to work along side Christians from various backgrounds and cultures! We will minister in a garbage dump (one of about 15 around Mexico City) where approximately 15,000 people live and work - yes, they work - recycling garbage - tons of it! In the picture with me is Clara - just one of the special children I've met in the garbage dump. The team will also visit an orphanage.


Romans 10:14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.


Little Missionary...May the Lord lead the way and may He be right beside you when you go on this trip...Blessings on you...

Good Morning To Our Sunshine Jel


This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Blessings to our Janice!

Monday, October 22, 2007

His Kingship

Donna's Sister


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Please remember to pray for Donna's sister as she goes in for a bypass surgery today...

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Fall Foliage Is Fleeting

Those who are blessed by living where the seasons change so dramatically can thank God for incredible fall foliage. Sad to say, it only lasts awhile and then the snow flies. Like so many of God's blessings we must enjoy these fall landscrapes while we can. Thank you Father!






















God's Handiwork


God's handiwork is oft displayed
Such beauty by His hand was made;
The things of man will pale and fade...
Compared with God's creation!
-------------------------------------
"Thank you Father for such a portrait...painted for a fallen world to see. O let's rejoice with what you've done and worship Christ Your only Son! AMEN!"
- David

Post 1000..The Incomparable Christ


This morning I'm rejoicing in the One who is above all things. The One who created all things. The One who so lovingly redeemed me and set my feet upon the Rock.


Here's what the beloved apostle Paul writes about our wonderful Savior:

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross." - Colossians 1:15-20 (NIV)


God's eternal Word says it better than I ever could. Let's revel in the Supremacy of Christ today. He is the Pre-eminent One and is worthy of our praise.

~ David

Because of David's computer problems,and his not being able to post on Pilgrim Pals, this wonderful post was taken from Pilgrim Scribblings and transferred over here to the Pals..

It is a excellent one for Post number 1000!!

Thanks David!!!

Note to Terry:

Thanks so much for posting this, dear friend! What a wonderful Savior to speak about with our 1,000th post. Thanks for being tuned in to the fact that it was # 1,000.

We continue to pray for Dad Golden's salvation. I trust that it will happen soon! God is sovereign and He will work this out for His glory and your dad's eternal good!

- David

The Value Of A Tiny Flower


My friend Leona Horne sent this to me this morning to my email....
"Good Morning,
Doug is booked to go for His Angiogram and Angioplasty Mon. if this is what will fix the problem. They are also talking about pace maker because His heart is stopping for seconds at a time. It always seems to happen at night.
Leave Welland Hospital at 7:30am.
Oh how I wish I knew He was saved. I feel the Lord keeps speaking to him but he just keeps putting it off but only the Lord knows what he is thinking and He is able.
May the Lord Bless you and keep you, Love in Him Leona
PS.. Doug found this poem in a magazine I found for him to read after being put in his hospital room. He showed it to Frances and said he really liked it and there is a lot of truth in it. People take the time to come to the funeral homes which is good for the family but the person needs us while we are living."


"Give Me Your Flower"

I would rather have one little rose
From the garden of a friend,
Than to have the choicest flowers
When my stay on earth must end.
I would rather have a pleasant word.
In kindness said to me,
Than flattery when my heart is still,
And this life has ceased to be
I would rather have a loving smile
From friends I know are true,
Than tears shed around my casket
When this world I bid adieu.
Bring me all the flowers today,
Whether pink, or white, or red;
I'd rather have one blossom now
Than a truckload when I'm dead............. --Author Unknown



I put this little poem in my own blog but I think that it is so good that I figured I better put it into the Pals too!......love Terry

Missing In Action

Greetings, dear friends! The term MIA has been used before to describe some of us...Missing In Action. In recent weeks it could well be used to define the founder of this blog, the Pilgrim himself, me.

Between computer problems, health issues and financial concerns, I've been MISSING from the Pals site far too often. I admit it. I confess. I'm the one who has missed out.

As others have so capably written, we each go through our dark valleys, our tempoarary trials, our dark nights of the soul. None is greater than the other. Each trial looms huge in the eyes of the one who is facing it head on.
Today I pray that each one of the Pilgrim Pals will have a renewed sense of God's faithfulness. A fresh appreciation of all that we are and have in Christ. A greater desire to know the Giver of Life.

And...thanks for your prayers as we continue to trust God during this present darkness. Yesterday we had our first OPEN HOUSE as we attempt to sell our home. The response was disappointing we'll repeat the exercise next weekend. Carol has put so much work into this! I haven't been able to do too much due to my ongoing ear infection. There's still no improvement. I have an appointment with a naturopath tomorrow.

You are in my prayers, dear ones! I miss hearing from many of you. How I'd love to see you all face to face. One day soon we will stand before the One who redeemed us and we'll fall at His feet and cry "Holy, Holy, Holy"! 'Til then let's press on with our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith.

In His love,

~ The Pilgrim, David

P. S. Have a good and godly Lord's day in His house!

What Manner Of Love He Hath Bestowed Upon Us!


Lord, to Thee my heart ascending
For Thy mercy full and free
Thankful sings for grace transcending
Grace vouchsafed to sinful me.
Even me, Even me,
Grace vouchsafed to sinful me!

Holy Father! who with yearning
Of eternal love didst see
Hatred in my bosom burning,
Thou didst give Thy Son for me.
Even me, even me,
Thou didst give Thy Son for me.

Precious Saviour! great Redeemer!
Praise, eternal praise to Thee;
Though so long a wandering sinner
Thou hast kindly welcomed me,
Even me, even me,
Thou hast kindly welcomed me.

But I'm lost in joyful wondering,
And I say, O can it be
That there will be no more sund'ring
'Twixt my blessed Lord and me?
Even me, even me,
'Twixt my blessed Lord and me.

Can it be that I an alien
Now a child shall ever be?
Can it be that all forgiven
Glory is prepared for me?
Even me, even me,
Glory is prepared for me.

Yes! for Jesus liveth ever,
And His blood hath made me free;
From His love no foe can sever
For He gave Himself for me.
Even me, even me,
For He gave Himself for me.

Lord I thank thee for salvation
Grace so mighty and so free;
Take my all in consecration,
Glorify Thyself in me.
Even me, even me,
Glorify Thyself in me..

Friday, October 19, 2007

When It Rains It Pours

A very quick post to ask for prayers this evening...It has been one of those weeks when everything happens at once. I received a call Thursday morning from my older sister that she was hospitalized with chest pains. I traveled to Syracuse today to visit her and she is scheduled for bypass surgery on Monday.

This morning, while visiting her, Ron called to tell me that his aunt had passed away....He was very close to her and his cousins, five girls, one of them married my brother.........she lost what had been a eight year battle with breast cancer....she was 80 years old and one of the sweetest ladies I have known, a dear to both of us. He will be leaving for Tenn tomorrow; I will not be accompanying him on this trip.

If I could ask for prayers for my sister....this is the fourth member of my family to be diagnosed with heart disease....and prayers for Ron as he leaves tomorrow in flight to Tennessee...and for the famly of his aunt as they join together to celebrate her life.

Thanks so much....
Donna

Quick Update On Dad Golden

They did not give Dad Golden the operation today.
Instead they gave him a whole bunch of new tests and a cat scan.
Now they will call him back again.
When Dad phoned me, I noticed a real softness and gentleness about him.
I don't know whether it was relief or whether it was because of all the prayers being sent up to the Lord on his behalf that he would accept God's salvation.
It would be so wonderful if it was the latter...
Thank you for ALL of your prayers.
I will keep you updated!. Love Terry


Dearest Terry:

It's so disappointing that I can't post my prayer for Dad Golden on Pilgrim Pals this morning.

Terry, please know that I have prayed for your dad already this morning and will "pray continually" that he will come through his surgery well and that, most important of all, he will come to know our wonderful Saviour.

"Father, we commit our precious Dad Golden into Your hands right now. Guide the hands of the surgeon and may Dad Golden place his hands in Your strong and mighty hand today. We praise You for your steadfast love which never changes and for Your mercies which are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness.

Encourage my dear friend Terry today. May a real sense of peace pervade her spirit as she trusts You with everything concerning her dad.

Thank You for Your eternal salvation which You have offered us so freely through Your Son Jesus. May Dad Golden experience all that You have for him today.

In Jesus' name I pray,

AMEN"

Love you, Terry,

Pilgrim David

The Operation Is Friday At Eight Thirty AM

This is a picture of Dad Golden reading Donna's entreating letter that she wrote especially to Dad Golden.
I took it over to him this morning. He also has enduring notes from the other Pilgrim Pals in his hands.
I have put Dad Golden into the rainbow picture that I borrowed from my Georgian friend, Ron. ...http://rrbj.wordpress.com
The Promise of God that He is listening to our prayers and as my kindred spirit, Susan mentioned in her letter that He is gathering up our tears and putting them into His bottle...the sweet prayers of His dear saints.

Dad Golden just loves the beautiful card that my Felisol and her princess daughter, Serina made.
Just look at his smile!

Mom Golden looks fairly happy in this picture but she has been down in the dumps the past week.
When Sandra, my little sister came down from Toronto, we took Mom out today and spoiled her by taking her to the Blue Star restaurant. Mom Golden loves to go there. After all when she was a newly wed, she used to work there almost 60 years ago!

This is a cozy picture of Dad and Mom Golden and Sandra.
I wasn't going to take pictures today but Dad Golden insisted on it!

Dad Golden and his fifth child, Sandra Leigh Golden.

Whenever that Sandra Leigh Golden comes down for a visit, Mom Golden's apartment looks like a small whirl wind has gone through it, but Mom never seems to mind.
Mom Golden took this picture. She seems to be getting like Betty and Gail and me...always has a camera in her hand!
Well, I will be waiting anxiously for Dad Golden's morning phone call.
It will be at six am instead of seven because Dad's brother, Uncle Roy will be picking him up 630 and taking him to Hamilton.





Thursday, October 18, 2007

More Good News From Our Arlene


Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Good News!
Once again, I am so amazed at the love of God in my life. Today I had to go to the cancer center to have my last radiation treatment. There were 15 total. When I got there, they said you won't ever have to wear this mask again...good thing..the steroids were making it very tight. When I got up off of the table they presented me with certificate that said go and have some fun now that you don't have to be here everyday. You know, sometimes its the little things that count so much.Then I had to have my blood tested so that tomorrow I can get the anti-body again. One of the most special ladies at the Cancer Center came to me to tell me that our friend, Ron, was back in the hospital. She really wasn't supposed to but she knows we are good friends with them. Immediately Barry wanted to go pray. We aren't sure of this man's soul. He grew up in church, but we're not sure about his salvation. He is having a very hard time breathing. They had a hard time getting a blood return on me, and as yet, still haven't gotten it through the port, so one of the nurses told me to go up to see him if we wanted to. When we got up there, the nurses were all friendly asking us just what we were doing and we told them we were going to visit Ronnie. When we got in his room, we told him and his wife that we would not be staying there long. We just came to pray and encourage them. We prayed and Carolyn said that she felt so much better. She needed it. We told her that we would leave now and she asked us if we had seen Dr. Momin. We said no. She said he just left their room. When we got to the nurses station we could hear his voice. He seemed shocked for just a minute, then he said to me...I had forgotten how good you could look. Then he looked at Barry and said, see, didn't I tell you she was gonna be alright? Talk about encouraging words! He could have easily said nothing or something negative. Then, I think I have said this before on my blog, but if not, here goes. God help us to do something today that will impact eternity.Talking with Dr. Momin, was my very favorite nurse Katie. I also think I mentioned that she is 26 and our daughter, Amber, is 26 too. Both of them are very sweet and always smiling, so Katie kind of became like "a second daughter" to me. The last time I was in the hospital Katie and her mom are both Oncology Nurses, but her Mom doesn't practice at Oakwood where I go, just Katie. Anyway, Katie came to me one day and said that her Mom was going for a breast biopsy and Katie was naturally worried. Barry and I asked her if we could pray for her and her Mom. She was thrilled. Apparently we were the only ones that asked her that question. She reached her sweet hands out and we prayed. The biopsy seemed to take forever to come back and by the time it did, I had been released from the hospital. I didn't think to give Katie my number or get hers, but I did plenty of praying and was very concerned. Last week when I had to go to get my anti-body who was my nurse but Katie. Now I have never seen Katie anywhere but the 5th floor, so it was a great surprise and then she turned out to be my nurse. She told us the biopsy had turned out fine and thanked us many times for the prayer. Today, however, for whatever reason...just a God thing, as Dr. Momin and Katie were at the nurses desk, Katie looked kind of surprised to see us there and then all of the sudden, she introduced us to her Mom. Her Mom got tears in her eyes and said thank you so much for praying for me. We believe we did impact eternity today...Dr. Momin was all smiles. He seemed happy that we had prayed and of course Katie and her Mom were ecstatic, as were we. God always gives us opportunities to do something for Him if we will just look. This morning I wanted blackberry pancakes and so we went to Cracker Barrel. We were sitting at our table by the window and I looked at Barry and said that little old man looks so lost. Barry said with tears running down his face, I have been praying for him. Now if you know Bear, you will know that he has such a tender heart that it is easy for him to cry..it's God coming out of him. This morning I was putting on my make up and my phone rang. It was a friend that we haven't seen or heard from probably in at least 8 months. I answered and she asked if we would like to go to dinner. We accepted and had a wonderful time and she topped it off by giving us a loaf of Amish bread that she made this morning. God is so good to us. I will ALWAYS be amazed at his goodness!
I Thessalonians 1:11 - 12 - Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power: That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Today is the Day of Salvation


Dear Father in heaven…we come to You this evening…our hearts burdened for one so very loved. Our precious Terry has been praying for her Daddy’s salvation for so very long and to date he has not accepted Your freewill offering of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord. Father…You are omniscient…we are not. You know the day and hour of Dad Golden’s salvation…we do not. Each day of his life was written before You even laid the foundation of this world. Your word assures us that You desire that all would come to repentance and that no one would perish. Father…we ask that Dad Golden is one of those “whosoever” that You have called. Your word also tells us that no one is able to come unto You unless You have drawn them. Father…we pray that even now…You are drawing Dad Golden to You so that he might receive the free gift of salvation. We pray that he will know the peace that comes with the forgiveness of all our sins. We pray that before Dad Golden undergoes his surgery that he will receive Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Who can resist You Jesus? You know what it is like to have a loved one not receive Your salvation. Jesus…when You walked in the earth, veiled in human flesh, You knew some people who didn’t receive You as their Lord and Savior. You know first hand the pain that can bring. So Jesus…it is with that pain and burden we come to You. We know that You have a perfect plan and know each day our lives. We pray that today is the day of Dad Golden’s salvation. We pray that You will oversee each aspect of his surgery. Guide the physician’s hands…enable them to clear the blockage with ease. We pray that the surgery goes well and that there are no complications. We entrust Dad Golden to Your perfect will, care and love for him. We ask he has an easy recovery, listens to the doctor’s instruction. We ask You to fill Terry and her family with peace. Peace because they know that the God who loves them…He who created the world. The God who knows the very number of hair on our head and collects our tears in a bottle is the same God in whose hand Dad Golden is entrusted. It’s in Jesus precious name we pray…Amen!

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Letter to Dad Golden

Dear Dad Golden,

You don't know me but I know your precious daughter Terry from Canadian Blogger and from Pilgrim Pals. Everytime she writes about you or posts a picture of you on her blog, I can't help but remember my own daddy. He had one of those contagious smiles just like you. But more important than that smile, he was a dedicated and loving father to all eight of his children. Ohhh, he had some issues in life, as we all do, but he always said he survived each day on just a bit of mercy but a ton of grace...My dear mother was a devout catholic, bless her heart.... but my daddy, well.....he just never saw any sense in all the church stuff. BUT....every Saturday night he would get out the family Bible and read to himself...I can remember asking him how long he thought it would take until he finished reading the whole book and he said, "until I get it". He never talked much about it cause he said I was already going to church and learning about God and he didn't want to cause me any confusion. But I have to tell you the truth here..he was 58 years old when he finally "got it"......and I never truly "got it" until I was forty seven....One day someone just started to talk to me about God and I picked up my Bible and started to read it and all of a sudden, things made more sense to me and I haven't put it down since. Everytime I open it up, I can hear God talking to me, reminding me of things He would like me to say or how to help the people around me and how He wants me to live my life. Just this morning I was reading where Jesus said, "Ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you; for everyone that asks, receives; he that seeks, finds; and to him that knocks, it shall be opened.

So I got down on my knees, Dad Golden and I prayed " Thank you Lord for this day, thank you for your word and for guiding me along this path here on earth....Thank you for the wonderful husband and loving father you created in Dad Golden; thank you for blessing him with a beautiful wife and nine children to love and encourage him today. I ask, in your precious name, to guide the hands and minds of the doctors and staff for his procedure on Friday; before, during and after. Let your presence be known to him Lord as you comfort him and his family. May his belief, faith and trust in You, be awakened in his heart and in his life this very moment." Amen.

After I prayed, I was a little weepy thinking about my own dad and then my mom.....both of them left this earth many many years ago and are with God in heaven and I look forward to the day we all come together again with Him; during the time that my mom was sick with cancer, her and I used to read scriptures together....and so I am going to share with you one of her favorite ones....she said it is one I should always remember her by and share with others for her....read along with me and I pray it helps you understand God's purpose for your life just like it did my moms.....

"For I know the thoughts I think towards you says the Lord,
thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

Then shall you call upon me and you shall go and
pray unto me and I will hearken unto you

And you shall seek me and find me, when you search for me with
your whole heart.

And I will be found of you said the Lord and I will turn away your
captivity and I will gather you from all the nations and from all
the places I have driven you and I will bring you again into
the place where I caused you to be carried away captive.

Jeremiah 29:11-14

God bless you Dad Golden
Love,
Donna

Dad Golden's Operation Day



Dad Golden was called this morning and told that he will be going into the hospital this Friday for the surgery on his neck arteries.
They are almost 100 per cent plugged so he will probably have to have a stent put in.
Dad Golden is an amazing father to this large family and he is a good husband to Mom Golden but he is not saved.
I am asking for all of your continuing prayer for my Dad.
Oh when he gets saved, I will be eternally grateful to you all...

Love Terry

Praising God For Pilgrim Pals



Dear Friends:

I haven't been able to post very much lately but I always read all of your posts and I'm encouraged!

Let's continue to lift each other up before the Father. Each of us have different trials that we're going through but they are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed when we see Jesus. What a day that will be!

But until then, my heart will go on singing. Until then with joy I'll carry on. Until that day my eyes behold that city, Until that day God calls me home.

"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed." - 1 Peter 4:12,13 (NIV)

Praying for you,

~ David

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

We are merely pilgrims.....

My fellow Pilgrim Pals,

I know that many of us are in tough seasons and whether or not we are in Spring, Fall, Summer or Winter in our lives, please be encouraged that it is only a season. There is coming a time very soon where we will no longer be pilgrims in this dark world. We will soon be with Jesus and once there, oh man…..the joy we will experience, the rest, it will be pure bliss.

In the mean time, think food. Think water. Think air. Think sleep. Now, envision in your mind a burning desire for God that so far exceeds your desire for all these things, that they would appear to be insignificant to you.

How do we get that desire? We begin to faithfully and consistently do the things we may feel like doing least in our pursuit of God. Though we may not feel like it, we need to practically go after God in ways that outwardly show He is more important to our than food, water, air, and sleep.

This means waiting on Him and seeking Him through prayer and worship and meditation upon His Word. This means choosing to trust Him when you feel like doing it least. This means serving Him by reaching out to the lost and serving the saints when you would rather not do so. Then something wonderful will happen: you will begin to actually desire God more than food, water, air, and sleep.

Even if all you do for months is confess to God that you do not desire Him more than these things, and consistently and continually cry out to Him to give you this kind of desire for Him, you are on the right track, and it will come.

I do not know of any man or woman who sought God in this way and in the end did not become absolutely addicted to the Lord. No one! However, I know of many men and women who say: "I want it, and I don't have it." But when I ask them if they are going after God in the manner I described above, they all say: "no." When I ask them why not, they usually say that it is because they don't have the "feelings" or the "drive" or the "time" they need to be able to do that.

This is where they prove that they have chosen to be slaves to their emotions and circumstances rather than masters of their wills. That is what it will come down to. You will either rule over your spirit, or you will be ruled and acted upon by your emotions and circumstances.

Don't let that happen! "Think Water. Think air. Think sleep. Now envision in your mind a burning desire for God that so far exceeds your desire for all these things, that they would appear to be insignificant to you."

Now just remember, you are not about to try out an experiment. There is no doubt that if you do the biblical things I described (which are already spelled out in God's Word), you will glorify the Lord, and you will impact others around you.

Think of it: Even if you became master of your will and began pursuing God today, in the manner I described, and ended up dying next week (before any supporting feelings or desires came), will that not still mean that you became a man or woman who passionately pursued the Lord? A man or woman who glorified God and touched others?

Think of it: You will have been in constant and continual communion with God (even if it meant that you mostly cried out to Him to create in you a great desire for Himself); you will have been demonstrating your trust in Him (because you were crying out to Him to help you when you felt like it least); you will have been proclaiming His precious gospel to the lost (resulting in seeds being planted and watered, or souls being saved); you will have been loving the saints by serving them through praying for them and meeting their needs (which will bring about blessing, encouragement, and edification in their lives).

Would you be ashamed to die in that state? Will that last week of your life have been spent in vain? You see, we are all too often consumed with needing to have supporting feelings in order to sense that the things that we did for God and others were valid. Honestly, that's a bunch of rubbish.

Do you think your prayers for yourself and others are going to be any less effective because you didn't feel like praying when you did? Do you think you are going to disappoint the Lord because you cried out to Him earnestly and honestly about wanting more of Him, while humbly confessing to Him that you lack this desire? Do you think that the lost man who gets saved because you preached the gospel to him will be any less grateful if he discovers you didn't feel like sharing the gospel with him when you did? Will the saint whose need you met be any less grateful if he discovers that you went out of your way to serve him, even though you didn't feel like doing it. Do you think that if you did all these things, even while you did not have supporting emotions, that it will result in God being disglorified and others being untouched (even yourself)?

There will be much time for unhindered pleasure and euphoric feelings in eternity. For now, let the joy of the Lord sustain you as you pursue Him with all your heart, even though you may not have any supporting feelings.

God may give you those supporting feelings in his own good time; and on the other hand, He may not. That is really none of our business. Let us be about our Father's business.

Here is the real question: Do we pursue the Lord and serve others for the sake of getting some kind of feeling out of it, or do we do it out of a desire to glorify the God who created us and redeemed us? Do we not do it out of glad and loving obedience towards Him and out of genuine care for others?

When Paul was hungry and naked and suffering from sleeplessness, beatings, shipwreck, I guarantee you he wasn't feeling good. But He kept pursuing God and was sustained by the Joy of the Lord (a fruit of the Spirit) and his passion to glorify God and serve others. Now think of all the saints that suffered all the same sorts of things throughout history. Do you think they ultimately allowed themselves to be controlled by their feelings (or lack thereof) in the midst of their pursuit to glorify God and serve others? No! They pressed on in doing these things, all the while sustained by the joy of the Lord.

And as our final example, how did the Lord of Joy handle making the greatest and most difficult of all sacrifices, when he felt like it least? Well, the events in the garden of Gethsemane shed great light on the matter. In that dark and lonely garden He cried out to the Father that, if there was any way possible, that dreadful cup would pass from Him. Was he feeling good about going to the Cross? In His agony, He sweat great drops of blood over the thought of it. But He bore it; and He bore it well.

Why? Because: "For the joy set before Him, He endured the Cross!" And because he always did those things which pleased and glorified the Father. Go thou and do likewise! And it is no doubt true, as John Piper has often said: "God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him." And we are never more satisfied in God than when we are bringing Him glory, than when we are passionately pursuing Him as the source of supply for our every need and our every pleasure.

"Think food. Think water. Think air. Think sleep. Now envision in your mind a burning desire for God that so far exceeds your desire for all these things, that, in comparison, they would appear to be insignificant to you." Now, be master of your will and not slave of your emotions and circumstances, and pursue the Lord with all your heart (even when you don't "feel" like it)!

Bill Scott, Sr.
http://billscott1974.blogspot.com/

Where Two or Three are Gathered Together


Dear Father in Heaven…I lift up the father of my precious sister Christ to Your care. Jesus…we know that You reached out with Your powerful touch. You healed the spotted leper, You restored sight to the blind, Your touch allowed the deaf to hear. You conquered death…You raised the dead and You rose from the grave victorious. We know that nothing, no nothing is too hard for You. We ask for Your healing touch to rest up this man. May You bring relief from the pain…may You give him sweet restorative rest. We ask that You would strengthen him. We pray that You will give the doctors great wisdom in diagnosing and treating him. We know that You don’t need doctors…but sometime you work through frail, flawed sinful man. We ask for You to touch him and bring much needed relief from this pain. We ask that You will draw him near and reveal Yourself to him. Help him to know of Your love and care for him. Comfort his daughter and help her to come to you in prayer…clear her mind…fill her with peace because she know that the power rests in You and Your healing touch alone. It in Jesus name we pray…Amen!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Blind But Seeing

The following post was written back in the fall of 2004 when Pilgrim Scribblings was still young:

The old hymns hold a special place in my heart! I’ve always enjoyed reading the biographies of the great hymn writers from a bygone day, writers like Isaac Watts, William Cowper and Fanny Crosby.


I marvel at the lyrics penned by Fanny Crosby who lost her sight when she was only six (6) weeks old. When she was only eight (8) she wrote the following poem:

"Oh what a happy soul am I!
Although I cannot see,
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't.
To weep and sigh because I'm blind,
I cannot and I won't."

What a positive attitude! She has written meaningful words to close to 9,000 hymns. Many of them have references to seeing, sight, etc.

Here are just a few examples that reveal Fanny Crosby’s deep-seated faith that one day she would see Jesus face to face:

“My Savior First of All”:

“When my life work is ended and I cross the swelling tide,
When the bright and glorious morning I shall see.”
“Oh the soul thrilling rapture when I see His blessed face

And the luster of His kindly beaming eye.”

“To God Be the Glory”:

“But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.”

“Tell Me the Story of Jesus”:

“Love in that story so tender, clearer than ever I see.
Stay, let me weep while your whisper, Love paid the ransom for me.”

“Near the Cross”:

“Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day, with its shadows o’er me.”

“Redeemed”:

“I know I shall see in His beauty, the King in whose law I delight;
Who lovingly guardeth my footsteps and giveth me songs in the night.”

“Give Me Jesus”:

“Take the world but give me Jesus; let me view His constant smile.
Then thro’-out my pilgrim journey, light will cheer me all the while.”

“Blessed Assurance”:

“Perfect submission, perfect delight!
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above,
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love.”

“He Hideth My Soul”:

“A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, a wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock, where rivers of pleasure I see.

“All the Way My Savior Leads Me”:

“Tho my weary steps may falter, and my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me, Lo! A spring of joy I see.”

What a glorious faith Fanny Crosby possessed! One day we will see Jesus face to face. Until then, let’s revel in His love and rejoice in His provision. - David W. Fisher

Pressing On

My posts and comments have been sporadic over the last couple of weeks. Everything seems to be mitigating against my writing on PILGRIM PALS.

Perhaps it's writer's block. Maybe spiritual dryness. Possibly the fact that I can't post on the three computers in our home, my laptop is giving me problems and my camera broke and may be unfixable (if that's a word).

As I drove to work tonight I was missing the encouragement of one of our most faithful pals, Passing-Thru (Bob). I e-mailed him tonight to see how he's doing. My dear friend Terry e-mailed me tonight because she was concerned. Thank you, dear one! You are a special gift from the Father!

My ear infection continues to plague me. Tomorrow I'll go back to the hospital to get some help, hopefully. They changed my medication last Thursday but it's still not getting any better. My ear, nose and throat specialist is mourning the loss of his father and won't be in his office 'til Thursday.

Carol and I are busy getting our home ready for two open houses this weekend, Saturday and Sunday afternoons. As you know this is a very painful time for us as we seek to get back on our feet financially. Thanks for your prayers!

So, having said all that several things remain constant:
  • God remains faithful to His Word
  • He continues to encourage me in the face of the temporary trials we face
  • He uses marred, broken vessels like me to accomplish His purposes
  • I'm awed by God's majesty
  • I'm humbled by His unconditional love

So, dear friends, thanks for hearing me out. Be strong in the Lord. Keep looking to Jesus. Trust Him implicitly. Keep a high view of scripture. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Tell others of His love.

You are loved,

~ the pilgrim David

Message From The Ole Pligirm


My ear infection continues to get worse instead of better.

It's been very frustrating.

The only computer that I can post or comment on is my laptop, at my office, and I haven't been there very much in the last two weeks.

Tonight I have to go to work at Christian Horizons and I'll try to post an update.

Please post something on my behalf, letting everyone know that I miss posting things, that I'm praying for them and that I'd value their prayers concerning my health.

Have you heard from Passing-Thru (Bob) lately? I've missed him.

Tonight we had our Bible study with the Peterborough Petes hockey team and 23 of the 25 guys attended. What a thrill!

Thanks for faithfully carrying on.

Lots of love,
David
Note: This was posted by Terry at the request of David.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

God with us ...

may we all sense God's presence with us, as we start the week ... blessings to my pilgrim pals ... saija

Blessed Lord's Day Everyone!


Three Crosses standing side by side,
Oh what a sight sublime!
Two for their own transgressions died,
The middle One for mine!
Lest I forget Gethsemane.
Lest I forget thine agony.
Lest I forget thy love to me,
Lead me to Calvary.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Heather...My Help Comes From The Lord





I lift up my eyes to the hills-


Where does my help come from?


My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.


He will not let your foot slip -


He who watches over you will not slumber;


Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.


The LORD watches over you


The LORD is your shade at your right hand;


The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.


The LORD will keep you from all harm -


He will watch over your life;


The LORD will watch over your coming and going


Both now and forevermore.Psalm 121.








God Is Good All The Time----Ask Arlene & Barry & Hudsyn


Thursday, October 11, 2007

It's Time!
It's time to thank the Lord for all He has done and is doing for me.
It's time to thank you for praying for our family throughout this crisis time.
It's time for us to know that God is really doing something so very special in our lives and get excited about it.
It's time to connect with old friends.
It's time for us to go gather the Harvest of Souls that are out there waiting for us.
It's time for us to minister the healing of Jesus Christ to people that are suffering.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; surely he bore our sorrows and joys and by his stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 - and the words to the song.
Yesterday I had to get my blood tested and found out today that everything looked good. I went in today to get the chemo treatment and found out that I didn't have to have chemo for at least one month. Isn't that exciting? I have to have radiation until next Wednesday and believe that will be over at that time. God has been so good to me that I can hardly believe it! I am so thankful.
If you are one of the people that have brought food or had us over to your house for dinner, we thank you so much. It has been such a blessing to us. We appreciate it more than you could possibly know.
We are going to attempt to get my strength back a little now too and I am going to try to start cooking a little and working around the house. What a blessing that is. I am still not as strong as I want to be, but I will be there!
Posted by Arlene - BY HIS STRIPES!!!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Hudsyn
Am just called and Hudsyn's cultures came back negative. Thank you Jesus and thank you all for your prayers!....Arlene...http://lovinggodandlife.blogspot.com/