What you discover about life’s shell game
is that it’s hardest to follow the pea when you’re the pea.
~Robert Brault
I met Ann three years ago....not literally...but in the pages of her book 1000 Gifts. It changed my life. I felt the axis of my world shift ever so slightly to the right and a strange sense of Peace took over where Fear used to live. I love this woman. Like...I LITERALLY love this woman. And here I was....getting to meet her face to face. It was better than meeting Elton John.
It was just the day before meeting Ann, Chuck and I had taken a little bit of East Texas with us when we made the same 2-hour trip into downtown Dallas to UTSW. We were meeting with Dr. Hornberger....Chuck's urologist. We didn't realize until we were well on our way that we had dressed alike that day. We looked like two country bumpkins coming to the "big city" in our bright red flannel shirts. We laughed (although he was asleep when I snapped this picture...LOL).....
There was more red going on that day than just on our flannel shirts, though......there was internal bleeding...there was soul-bleeding.....there was "I-hope-this-isn't-what-I-think-it-is" bleeding from our hearts.
It's Fall....and I remember something I read Ann say three years ago ....."Count the blessings of this life.....number them....write them down." So I grab my journal I've been writing in....I open straight up to #423 in my Thanksgiving Journal...."Thank You, Lord, for the season of Fall.....the beauty just before the rest of Winter."
"You defeat your dark when Thanksgiving is your default.
It is in the dark that God is passing by."
It is in the dark that God is passing by."
Ann VosKamp
And I must admit, it's hard sometimes to not look up into the heavens and ask "Why?? Haven't we been through enough this year, Lord? Why?"
And then He gently reminds me of the scripture I just painted on the freshly sheetrocked living room wall as He meets me on the dock each morning and we sip our coffee together....waiting in anticipation for the gift of a sunrise He hands me when the sun clips the tops of the trees over the Carmichael's house.....
"When you go thru deep waters, Liz,
I will be with you."
Isaiah 43:2
And I trust Him....cause He sees tomorrow....I just see my feet.
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43 comments:
I just pushed the "like" button,but it was one of those times when I needed to be able to push the "sad" button at the same time. I'll keep you and Chuck in my prayers.
Oh Liz. So sorry for your news. Lifting you up in thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you and Chuck.
donna and Bob
Praying for you and Chuck! Sending our love!
Hugs, love and prayers for you both.
Sending prayers from Greg and I for both of you...
Have been praying for both of you...
Praying for you and Chuck. Love you both.
I'm so sorry Liz. I will be praying for you and your husband.
So so sorry Liz for the sad news! Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Chuck. Love and hugs to you and Chuck.
Praying for good results from treatments and for ultimate cure. We had similar experience about 16 years ago with John waking up with heavy bleeding and with treatment he has been cancer free for over 15 years. I know this will present extra challenge for Chuck, but God will be in it and with you both
Praying !!!
Both prayers and praise for you Liz. Prayers for the best treatment, minimal side effects, and a cure, and praise that you are still able to praise - even in the midst of the storms. Praise that God is able to use your faithfulness (as well as your pen and your photography) as a witness to others. I am so sorry that you are having to go through this. Love and hugs.
Praying for both of you !!
So sorry sweet friend. Lifting you and Chuck up to our Saviour and Healer!
We love you. We will lift you up to the Holy One. May He continue to work in both of you, continuing to prepare you for His work, His plan for you. May His will be done.
Ah Liz I must reply today because tomorrow I won't. It has been a rough year in my house and life too my best friend to cancer and mom to ALS, and Ajax with her issues and now you and Chuck. Prayers and love to you and courage and strength and the assurance that God controls all. Love Alan and Jo
....And your message of Christ’s love, and your Christ-like example to many continues to go on!!!
Powerful East Texas prayers are going up for Chuck AND you!
Love you, dear sweetest of friends!
ss
Man, you guys are really going through it! I’ve been having some down times lately and just recently realized that I think God is refining me. I think my refining comes sort of as small things that I have to deal with on a daily basis. It seems like God is refining you guys like a tidal wave! I’m so sorry to hear about Chuck’s cancer. Please know that I’m praying for you (I have been praying for you for a long time.) and will continue to do so. I love you guys!
God Bless you both....Chuck and Liz, may God give you strength and peace in this life that we live.
This is awesome. I appreciate that you take the time to write blogs like this! 😉
Liz. My friend hang tight! There's a gift inside your pain. We have to give in to realizing we don't know God's thoughts which are far above ours. There is a purpose in your traveling this road. God will use it for His glory. I am actually in physical pain and have to fight the feeling of aloneness so my sweet friend I understand your quandary. Look up. Stand firm. He is with you. I will keep you in my prayers!! May God hold you close and give you his strength. Always your distant friend. Barbara
Dearest Sweet Liz,
I responded on Facebook but I just want to hug you and not let go.
God Bless and strengthen you my friend,
Donna
Oh! Liz,
My heart! You are such a blessing especially in your "storms." I just love you so much.
I'm so sorry. I've been thinking about you all lately. Does
He have to have an operation and chemo? Stay strong my friend your in my thoughts and prayers ! Love you
Frosty
Outstanding blog. Outstanding post. Outstanding friend. More than outstanding God. My heart is too full to express it's contents. Just know . . . TOL
Oh my sweet friend...I didn't open up your blog immediately bcz I treasure them...I wanted to sit down and soak up your words as though we were face to face...never in a million years did I think I was going to read what I just read...My friend I have no words...just stunned silence!!!!!
Sadness, already tired for you both and the journey hasn't begun!!!! You and Chuck are so deserving of some PEACE...not another battle (war)...asking God why even though HE loves you more than I could ever think of loving...my sweet sister...I am in tears right along side you!
Oh Liz my sweet friend!
Only Him could explain it to you both. He works in mysterious ways. May His peace that surpasses all understanding fill your hearts and minds.
Love you both! Don't see you much, but that does not stop my feelings. Sooo sorry.
My heart BREAKS for you both. When is enuf enuf??? I'm thankful for sweet life u two have shared n for your close church family n friends. I'm thankful for resurrection day When dead in Christ rise n we can b together for ever in peace n happiness . I'm here for you I love you u r in my prayers. God Bless n Comfort you both.
Praying for you both my friend....God will see you through this! You have been through sooo much together and God knows this. BIG HUGS
Sending major love and prayers for you and Chuck my sweet friend, love you !
God is in control, and I love your faith in Him, keeping you in my prayers, I admire you so much, and I admire your strong husband, God gave Him You and what a testimony you have. Lots of Love here.
My love to you and your family.
Prayers for you both. Makes me sad to hear the news.
Stay strong. Prayers for both of you.Tell Chuck hello from California.
I love you!!
Prayer for you both!
Sending two special people a big hug!
Liz, you and Chuck are both in my prayers. I didn't want to read your blog because I didn't want to hear of more trouble for the two of you to bear. You are both such special people and your "grace under fire" inspires me to be better than I am.
My dear Liz,
Sending a BIG hug to you both, knowing the news you got, and your demonstration of FAITH beyond that only HE can give to you. You are a witness for GOD's love to us. You know HE is building us UP to endure and when we see HIM come in clouds of Heaven we cannot imagine, but it will have been worth it all....
Love and continued prayers, amazing that we pick up where we left off and yet we have not see or been with each other in over . . . .wait. . .(starting to feel old) in 37 years. And of course we do not look it right ? Angie
Lifting you both up to Him.
I treasure your words! Liz, You are officially added to my prayer journal. It's brand new. Can you believe I have never had a personal prayer journal? Well, I have one for my husband & family, and plenty of UNORGANIZED notes, but have just now made a personal PJ. Check out this link:
http://intentionalbygrace.com/
Intentional By Grace - Be intentional. Rely on grace. Live ...
intentionalbygrace.com
A grace-motivated intentional life is possible. Join me in seeking to live for Him in all we do! FREE Topical Bible Reading Plans; FREE Monthly Intentional Living ...
This lady is amazing! You may already know about her...
Anyway, I plan to petition God with intention for your peace, comfort & definite healing for your hubby!
You are such a dear, precious & special soul. That is so clear.
Love you.
Prayers and love for you and Chuck!
Liz, what is going on. Thin about you and Chuck all the time and the fun we always had,
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