ANCHORED BY HOPE

I just love it that our newest grandson's nursery decor is both nautical and spiritual.

In fact, it's as if those aspects are intertwined.

Adoption can be tedious as we've learned with our newest grandchild. 
An up and down roller coaster of sorts. 

Exhilarating but risky!

But God, in His love and mercy is keeping us anchored in hope by the prayers of friends!!

Friends who are warriors for us in the spiritual realm!

How grateful we are for each of you.

SWEET AROMA

12/30/13

Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "Prayers of God's people are as sweet to Him as incense, even though we come before Him unfit to pray." He calls the Holy Spirit the "Believer's Apothecary." (my Bible marginalia) Prayers "dispensed" by the Spirit seem to me to be the prayers with the sweet aroma that pleases the Lord.

In Revelation 5:8 one is reminded of that aroma of believers' prayers...."and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Twelve Christmases ago, I received a gift with a special tag. So special, it still resides in my NIV Bible. Everytime I see it, I meditate on the scripture because I'm convicted of my responsibility as a Christian to be a fragrance of Christ to the world and to the Lord as I pray for others in the household of faith.

 An "aroma from life to life" from one believer to another.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.....(2 Corinthians 2:15)

Incense. A sweet aroma that comes from Him. 

“SEEING GOD’S HAND”

3/30/12 “Seeing God’s Hand” is always located on the left side of the blog as my way of continuing to look for those God incidences in life. Since my cancer diagnosis and Bobbie McCarty’s authoritative, earnest and encouraging counsel to watch for God’s hand in every aspect of life, I have done just that!

But this time, God’s hand was so evident in someone else’s life, of which I just played a small part, I had to share it in my blog’s BIG space.

Meet Trey Erwin. 

Erwin family photo

• Daughter Molly first told me about this 15 yr. old young man from Collierville who was diagnosed with an “adult” form of pancreatic cancer. 

I, as many others, began praying.

• Article appeared in Memphis Commercial Appeal giving even more details of this “valiant warrior” who chooses to go into this battle with the Lord at his side.

Age-wise, Trey qualified for St. Jude but an “adult” form of cancer cannot be treated there. But God…..St. Jude is helping foot West Clinic bill for his treatments.

Houston High teacher, Karla R., who had been such a prayer warrior for me during my cancer battle, e-mailed asking if I  had any way to get in touch with Sarah Young (author of Jesus Calling) because Trey used that little book every day as his devotional. She gave me his Caring Bridge site. 

• (3/28 am ) I posted telling Trey that I had sent a link of his story to Sarah Young.

• (3/28 pm email from Sarah Young to me)

Trey is an amazing young man! I just posted something on his Caring Bridge page. I hope it will encourage him. Thank you for telling me about this inspiring boy.  

• (3/28 pm Sarah Young posted)

Trey, this is Sarah Young, writing you from way down under in Perth, Australia. Dotsy wrote me about you and said that my book, Jesus Calling, has been helpful to you. I want you to know that I pray daily, at some length, for all readers. So you have been in my daily prayers. I will also pray for you specifically by name.

I am so inspired by your love for Jesus, and your positive, trusting attitude as you go through this ordeal. I just finished writing a book on hope, which is scheduled to release in October. If you like, I'll ask my publisher to send you a copy as soon as the books are available. You can tell me via Dotsy, if you like.

May Jesus bless you and your family with Peace in His Presence, Sarah Young

• (3/29/am, Trey’s mom Lisa, excitedly posted)

He (Trey) reads his devotional book Jesus Calling every morning and does his quiet time.  I called him this morning and told him you are not going to believe this, but Sarah Young signed your guestbook.  He said how cool because he just got through reading this morning's devotion.

Today's verses are very appropriate for what he is feeling in his frustration of wanting to help and see what God is doing in this world.

John 16:33  "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Ecc. 3:1  "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven;" 

Jesus Calling says ~ "Accept the limitations of living one day at a time.  When something comes to your attention, ask Me whether or not it is part of today's agenda.  If is isn't, release it into My care and go on about today's duties."

• 3/29 e-mail received from Trey’s mom

When I saw it (Sarah Young’s CB post) this morning, I called him immediately and said TREY YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS!  I read her post to him.  He thought that was so cool.  I gave the book (Jesus Calling) to him over a year ago and he reads it over and over, just like I do.  It stays by his pillow on his bed next to his iphone.  Yes! He would love to have her book (soon to be published “Hope” book)  It might be just what he needs.  Thank you very much!

• 3/30/12 Book request info was given to Sarah Young and she contacted her publisher---done deal!--- 

Read 2 comments from others

….. from a Collierville School teacher

Trey, you have been in my prayers daily along with your parents and Collin! I, too, read "Jesus Calling" each day. This book has touched so many lives! I pray this week you will have more strength. 
Camille Valentine

....from folks who don't know Trey
Trey & Family, even though we have never met nor have our paths crossed in anyways. We first heard your story on K-love And it has touched our lives and our Hearts forever. We continue to Pray for our Healing God to make Trey stronger each passing day. His love for our God is so powerful And he has inspired us to begin reading Jesus Calling. Our thoughts and prayers are with you each day. Sincerely, 
Mary & Amber S. 

I see God’s hand all over this young man’s life. A life of one whom I’ve never met and yet a life that blesses me to the core. Thanks, Trey!

Join me in praying God's best for him! 

HHH

10/21/10 H.H.H. are the initials of a precious 8 yr. old girl from Allen Bible church. 3 weeks ago she was fine 'til she had a bad stomach ache.
Synopsis:
Tweets begin. TESTS. Waiting. MRI. Very rare cancer. Waiting. Bilirubin up. Meds given. Waiting. Meds don''t work. Fewer tweets, more prayers. Prayers for younger brother, Jacob. Surgery for stent to drain fluids. Waiting. Lung collapses. Waiting. Lung improves. Family at hospital day & night. Waiting. Consult with liver transplant team. Waiting. Another MRI needed. MRI postponed. Waiting. MRI completed. Results due in hours. The longest waiting begins.

Recent tweets with prayer requests:

• Healing of her Liver & for Hannah's emotions & spirit to remain positive, calm, upbeat & to know she is loved!
• Bilirubin to come down so they can treat the cancer!
• MRI & Xrays to show improvements not regression!
  
• A liver transplant after determining that the cancer has not spread is the only earthly possibility for Hannah's survival!
  
• Thursday is HUGE in our daughter's life for sure, but AGAIN, our hope is in the Lord & to Glorify God even if they come back & say NO!
  
• Give us Hope Lord! Purify our Hearts Jesus to be more like you!
  
• We believe that you are the Christ & our Savior & your ways are perfect!
  
• Everyone who reads this Tweet, we need your prayers more than ever for our sweet little Hannah!

Please join me throughout the day in praying God's best for Hannah Hasslen.

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)
May the we pray for the Hasslens to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction and fervent in prayer." (Romans 12:12)

To God be the Glory!