The Many Ways of God
God's ways are a mystery to me. The way he is sovereign in our lives and brings about good even through hard times; The way he cares for us, like no other; The way he calls us out of this world, to Himself, to live a pure, holy life in spite of our human tendencies; The way he gives us his Spirit to DO what he has called. He is a mystery. As I look back on my life I see his mighty sovereign hand in every situation guiding me to his purposes. I see that even my mistakes have been used for good b/c HE is good and forgiving, and even now I see God's mighty hand at work in my life, in my families lives, and, though I don't know the immediate outcome of each circumstance, I know he will use each for his good and glory. I thank Him for that and want to pursue holiness in each situation. I preface my update with this, b/c I want to, in all of these things, declare God's sovereignty and glory!

Faith To Be Strong
Many of you have known that for a while my dad has had cancer (about 4 years now) but this past year it has really started taking a toll on his health. I have posted before different specific prayer requests, and so many of you have graciously responded with prayers and encouragement. Thank you so much. I just wanted to give an update and request for you guys to continue to pray for my dad and our family. He has been really battling a lot of pain (among other health issues due to the cancer), and is finding it hard to work every day. His medication makes him tired, and that is hard for him (my dad is one of the hardest workers I know, and really does his jobs well, thus it is hard for him when he is not feeling well enough to work). Most days he goes to work regardless of how he feels, but there have been some that he just couldn't! He did a few chemo treatments a while back, but non of them did any good and the tumors actually grew during that time. My dad has FAITH like no other person I have ever met. He has faith in God's goodness, and in healing. We are praying for that! Please join us in prayers of faith for his healing.
God has been good to remind me of how PRECIOUS our family and friends are, and the importance of not taking ONE MINUTE for granted. Soak up the time with joy and fulfillment of God's goodness! Encourage each other, and thank each other. Show appreciation and admiration to those you love!
I was listening to a few CD's this morning, and could relate to these lines:

From Faith To Be Strong
by Andy Peterson
Give us peace when we're torn
Mend us up when we break
This flesh can be wounded and shaking
When there's much too much trouble for one heart to take
Give us peace when we're torn

Give us faith to be strong
Give us strength to be faithful
This life is not long, but it's hard
Give us grace to go on
Make us willing and able
Lord, give us faith to be strong

And the other day I was listening to Rich Mullins (one of my favorite musicians!) and If I Stand was playing.... This line was imprinted in my mind.

If I weep let it be as a man who is longing for his Home!

God is giving me such an eternal perspective of what is important.

To be absent from the body is to be PRESENT with the Lord, and from what I know of him, that must be very good!
-Sara Groves

May God get the ALL the glory due is NAME!