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I am Sandra - faithful steward. listener. shepherd. dream believer. hard worker. collects brass bells, boots. Jesus follower. contented. star gazer. homemaker. farmer. prayer warrior. country woman. reader. traveler. writer. homebody. living life large.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

3 Moons Later...

Sooooo much news...to begin, Antmee won the embroidered pink elephant and Jacque won the cup, lid and saucer. Lisa, A Whimsical Bohemian, has done it again! What a fabulous time was OWOH2011 and I'm happy to have taken part four out of five years. Lisa is retiring the OWOH name, asking no one use it as it was/is her "baby", but is planning more great things for 2012. Visit her blog for the One World Our Art 2012 tour; it sounds like it's going to be even better than OWOH...how is that possible, you ask? I don't know but I do know Lisa and if she says it, it's going to happen.

Dave is home!

Yes, it's true; Dave came home yesterday. Long story made shorter: last Friday, Daniel drove to Richmond to help us pack and return home. Daniel drove our truck and Dave and I our car and we all left at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Dave was, what we used to call, puny; not feeling terrible, just not feeling good. He and I discussed our options and decided MCV had done all they could and any further appointments could, just as easily, be made with doctors at home, certainly in our region. He wanted to get home to see his regular doctor who knows Dave as a person, not as a packet of papers in a folder.

On the way home, Dave began to slip, just a tad. By the time we reached Wytheville, I was worried but Dave said, "keep going". Bluefield was thirty minutes away and I took him straight to the ER. I drove up to the door, walked in and said, "my husband is in the car; he's a patient of Dr. A.'s and an oncology patient and I think he's crashing." Within five minutes Dave was on a table and being stabilized. The decision was made to admit him to the ICU where he stayed for a few days, spent one day in a private room and came home yesterday. Thank You, God!

Some folks have questioned me putting our personal life on my blog. It's a good question and my answer is this: when I chose to follow Christ, I chose to believe what the Bible says, even when I don't much like what I read or even when I'm being convicted over how I'm living my life. As a Christian, I choose to live a life that's vulnerable and open to speculation. If we can't be honest with each other, if we can't trust each other, if we can't share our Christian walk...then what good is it to call ourselves a Christian? Not every Christian wants to be as open as I; that's okay. God doesn't deal with us all the same; He treats us as individuals and will also judge us as individuals. We'll not be judged on the basis of what someone else has done but what we have done, solo. Bless Him!

Karen, I think, asked me why Jeremiah 29:11 as my Bible verse for the year. In a word, choice. Yes, I've had bad, terrible things foisted upon me by others and yes, it took me years to forgive but, eventually, I forgave. Yes, I've been unkind and said unkind things to others; I hope it doesn't take them years to forgive me but it's their choice and some friends or acquaintances are no longer around. From my vantage point, it looks like they wanted tolerance from me but were not willing to grant such a gift. They want to state their opinion as truth but not willing to listen to my statement, "our opinions don't much matter. What does matter is: what does the word of God have to say about the matter?"

Back to Jeremiah 29:11; KJV says "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Or, the Modern Language, "For I know the thoughts I think concerning you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of hurt, to give you a future and a hope." Or, the Living Bible, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." And, finally, the Revised Standard, "For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

God gives us good, Lucifer gives us evil. As Joseph said to his brothers, "you meant it for evil, God used it for good." A mistake I, too often, make is forgetting this season, this time is not what life is all about. We, as Christians, are being prepared for a future and eternity with God and these trying times are meant to strengthen us, fill us with the love of Christ, the comfort of the Holy Spirit and in doing so, to uplift each other and to help each other on the straight and narrow path.

So often, I get it all wrong. I'm a lousy Christian; just ask anyone who knows me and doesn't like me. -smile- Yet, I keep trying. I keep calling on the name of God, expecting Him to answer and He always does. Maybe not by giving me the answer I want; after all, so often I want God's permissive will and not His perfect will but He knows best for me. I choose to believe and trust God. Even when circumstances say otherwise; God knows the plans He has for me, to give me a future and a hope.

Love is a choice and I choose Christ. No one else has ever done for me what He's done. No one else died so I might live; not Buddha, not Confucius, not Mohamed. No One. Is it difficult? Sometimes. Do I get discouraged? Sometimes. Do I want to quit? Never!

During these past months, you will never know, this side of the veil, what your notes, cards and comments have meant to me. One or more of three things is true and, in turn, has kept me steadfast and true:

*someone, somewhere has said a prayer for Dave and I
*someone, somewhere is praying for Dave and I
*someone, somewhere will pray for Dave and I

Isn't that what this Christian life is all about? Praying and loving one another; helping one another on the straight and narrow. All my life I've run across people who say in one way or another, "religion is for the birds. Look at those so-called Christians and what they're doing." And, those folks are right. Religion is for the birds and "so-called Christians" do un-Christian things because we're human. Only Christ was perfect and able to live a perfect life and that brings me to the crux of the matter. It's not about religion; it's about Relationship. When a person decides to have an intimate relationship with Christ, they begin to understand and to live a life that's fuller, more joyful, richer, happier and when struggles come...and they will come... when that person calls upon Christ for help and Christ helps, the Holy Spirit comforts and God answers prayers. As Einstein said, "There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.

I choose to live that, because of God, everything is a miracle; even when I don't understand...especially when I don't understand.


Oh, as to luck...Lucifer can keep it. I'll take God's grace, mercy, love, compassion, judgement any day!

Blessings ~ prayers ~ Dave ~ home ~ YOU! ~

Soli Deo Gloria,
Sandra

24 comments:

  1. Sandra -
    I am so very glad that you are home with your beloved Dave. I am sure you both will agree - there is no place like home.

    You are so very blessed - I greatly admire that your strong fait is keeping you focused and srong in the face of this illness and emotional upset. You are both my new heros and I will certainly keep you in my prayers every single day.

    Also - just want to say that the photo of that beautiful moon is fabulous~~

    Vicki
    (do you live close to Wythville?)

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  2. Ah, HOME SWEET HOME.

    fondly,
    Glenda


    ps. When you get a minute, could you e.mail me your home address. I found a card last week that "had your name on it." Thanks, Sandra.
    (dvs3girls@aol.com)

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  3. so happy that you and dave are home where you both belong. i too believe that because of God everything is a miracle. just want you to know sandra that i have prayed for you both, am praying for you both and will continue to. i believe a person can never have too many prayers offered in their behalf. God bless you both.

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  4. I for one and so thankful that you live out loud. I am glad you shared your victory's and your trials.I am so, so thankful you are home. I am thankful you had the wisdom to stop at that hospital. You know my favorite people are always are the one that tell me what they are thinking instead of leaving me to guess. I had my aunts in my life growing up and they always told me how it was and I always appreciated it.
    God says the blows of a friend are better than the kisses of an enemy and I still hold with that. Hey if you were perfect you wouldn't need to be here right. Besides there is only one Jesus and we are all going to fall and one time or another. You have been to Hell and back. So glad you are home now.
    I for one love your verse and I know God will see it through for you and Dave.
    Blessings to you and to Dave and enjoy your animals and the hills.

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  5. Thankful to hear that you and Dave are home, Sandra! Wonderful news, indeed.

    This was an awesome post; I believe in miracles that only our Lord can bring. We don't live in a perfect world, but with God's help we muddle through. When my grandson was killed, I had to make myself believe that it was instant, and that God knew what he was doing in that moment. He, along with those of us who loved Ben, would not have wanted that sweet boy to live paralzed and broken. We miss him terribly, of course, but we trust in God's decison.

    Take care of you and Dave, God bless you both. ((hugs))

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  6. Thank goodness you both are back home, Sandra!
    You always write such wonderful words, but this post was especially good- and very much an encouragement to me!
    Hugs to you both- rest well for now, my friend.

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  7. I'm so glad you're home! Thank you for this inspiring post.

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  8. I am thrilled you and Dave are home!!! My prayers are and will continue to go up for the two of you. You are such a inspiration in what faith can do and get you through. I am thankful you share your life, thoughts, and faith with us. Hugs to you my friend and thank you for being you.

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  9. Sandra, together forever...wonderful to hear.

    Do you make knit scarves or throws?

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  10. I'm so glad to hear that you and Dave are home. I've been thinking about you the past week. Of course you will both remain in my prayers. Big hugs!

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  11. Amen AMEN! Take care of YOU in this homecoming. It will be easy to look at all that needs to be done. Pace yourself and know it will be okay if it isnt done today, tomorrow or even in a week. It will just be okay. Hugs o you.

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  12. Good to hear Dave is home - home is where the heart is and you both have hearts for your special place just as we do for ours. God gives us grace and strength for today - tomorrow is gonna needs it's own dose. We've had a tiring week - doctors and hospitals wear a person smooth out! Much better to be a lousy Christian than think we are "good enough" - I'd rather get into Heaven by a frog's hair of grace than spend eternity in hell because I was sure I was "good enough". Your transparency is admirable - and yes ma'am - every thing is a miracle - Bless y'all - we have prayed, are praying and will continue to pray and praise God for brothers and sisters in the faith who are also walking some more challenging roads.

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  13. Amen!
    Thank you for not withholding from us the privilege and high honor of praying for you and Dave. And thank you for letting us know how God is answering our prayers.

    OH, it must be so! good! to be home!

    Jer 29:11 is one of my most favorite-est verses. He knows what He's doing and He's doing it for us to give us the assurance of a future and hope. Thank you, Jesus.

    Zeph 3:17 is another super favorite. He sings over us. Over me! Over you! Over Dave! Sings!!!

    Blessings on you both!
    Linda H

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  14. So happy that Dave is home. Hope you can get some rest and some time just for you. Keeping you both in prayer. I really enjoyed your post today it was truly a blessing. God bless Tonya.

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  15. Sandra, Ditto and Amen Sister!

    I am very happy to see God chose to answer prayers allowing Dave to go home, He knows best and He knows you and Dave need, yes NEED your home. Let the healing begin , physically, emotionally, spiritually. Home, sigh.

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  16. Great post - Real words of honesty from a real and caring person, appreciating all that is good and finding hope, strength and encouragement. That's where I find religion.

    I hope Dave has many better days ahead, and you too, Sandra -

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  17. Darling Sandra...What you choose to post on YOUR blog is your decision only. Readers who make complaints about the subject matter need to adhere to blog etiquette...if you cannot say something nice, say nothing. So happy that Dave is home, being there will make him feel so much better. You two have overcome so so much, springtime is around the corner, the sun will come out, flowers will bloom. Keep the faith, babe, all we have is each day so my belief is to make each one as happy as possible. Smile. xx's

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  18. I love the view from your window,so pretty. I am new to your blog,your husband is not doing well? I hope and pray all goes better soon. I am following your blog, you are welcome to follow mine as well. Blessings jane

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  19. Welcome Home Dave!!

    You are an inspiration and you know prayers are always coming your way!

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  20. I love your blog. I love your honesty, transparency, and authenticity. It is an example and inspiration to me. You and Dave are in my prayers.

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  21. thank you for sharing your story. we care
    about you and dave, and it helps us to
    know HOW you're doing.

    sooooo happy you're home.

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  22. We ALL care about whatis going on in yours and Dave's lives together.....we are here beacuse we care.....and we pray because that's just whow we are...if only we all lived closer....you are a blessing,,,NEVER think twice about sharing with us!
    Love and healing prayers to both of you,
    Nancy & family

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  23. I echo your other, thoughtful commentators - home is where the heart is and I am glad you are both there. Your honest words speak volumes to me and I so appreciate and understand them. I have prayed, I do pray and I will continue to pray for you and your family. Fondly, Cathy

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  24. This post is so wonderful ~ just wonderful and "Inspired" Thank you ever so much for sharing and for standing firmly and with great courage. Blessings to you dear one!
    ~ Katie

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