It's not
what, but
Who.
I can't talk about my Wilms' tumor story and the course of my
life without including the One who's given me hope and health and
joy...
Jesus.
I haven't always known Him personally, but I'm
convinced that He's had a hand in my life since the beginning. So often
I read about the heredity question in Wilms' tumor profiles. There are
long lists of risk factors, odds of getting recurrent tumors, and
survival rates. It can get scary just reading it all!
But I can add my own lists... of blessings I didn't
deserve, the wonderful people used by God to care for me and love me,
parents who nurtured me and have enjoyed long healthy lives of their
own, years enjoyed with my brother and three sisters and loving
relatives and friends, the five beautiful children doctors said I'd
never have and now two darling grandchildren, a host of in-laws who
love me and each other, and now a precious son-in-law and
daughter-in-law. I could go on and on. How I have been blessed!
Beyond the tangible blessings, which are treasures
indeed, there is the unconditional love, the never-ending mercy, the
peace that passes understanding, and the abundant grace of God the
Father through His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah of the ages. Before I
even thought about Him, He was working in my life. All the years I gave
Him lip service in church and Sunday School, He was caring for me. And
one day I heard that He was waiting for me to recognize and acknowledge
my sin, and see my need for Him as Savior from the wrath of God and as
Lord to reign in my life.
I opened my heart to Him and began a journey that
continues today, and will last for eternity. Every day there's sin or
disappointment in me for Him to deal with, but He's always there to
forgive and teach and love. His presence chases away fear, and leaves
hope instead. I'm amazed that, the more I get to know Him, the more I
understand that there's an infinite vastness in His Person, and I could
spend eternity learning of Him. And yet He cares for me! It's humbling
and exhilarating all at the same time. Even as my physical body
struggles with the long-term effects of cancer treatments and plain-old
aging, I know that His name is above all names, including that of
cancer and radiation and all that is on the lists and web sites. What
peace! I'd even love to talk about heaven more often (but don't want my
family thinking I'm heading there soon).
If you're afraid and need His comfort, or just don't
know what it's like to know the Creator of all things intimately
through His Son, Jesus, I'd love to pray for you and share more about
Him. Let me know how I can help
you. He gave His life to give you life and love
you forever!
If you want to know more about the love of God, or have
doubts about His heart for you, please read His
loveletter. (Click on the picture.)
GOD IS
Author Unknown to me
He is the First and Last,
the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!
He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!
The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him, and
The leaders can't ignore Him.
Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
Donahue can't explain Him away!
He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right,
His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and
His mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and
He is my Peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!
I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.
I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The Ancient of Days, the Ruler of rulers,
The Leader of leaders, the Overseer of the overcomers, and
The Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.
And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,
Every time, and every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing, for GOD IS!
Sometimes He Calms the Storm
song lyrics written by Tony Wood and Kevin Stokes
All who sail the sea of faith
Find out before too long
How quickly blue skies can grow dark
And gentle winds grow strong
Suddenly fear is like white water
Pounding on the soul
Still we sail on knowing
That our Lord is in control
CHORUS
Sometimes He calms the storm
With a whispered "Peace be still"
He can settle any sea
But it doesn't mean He will
Sometimes He holds us close
And lets the wind and waves go wild
Sometimes He calms the storm
And other times He calms His child
He has a reason for each trial
That we pass through in life
And though we're shaken
We cannot be pulled apart from Christ
No matter how the driving rain beats down
On those who hold to faith
A heart of trust will always
Be a quiet peaceful place
CHORUS
