December 31, 2010 Happy New Year

From today's Our Daily Bread...so fitting for "our journeys toward healing". Thank you Lord for the many joys and struggles of 2010.

Rearview Mirror Reflections

December 31, 2010 — by Joe Stowell

Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Psalm 111

For You, Lord, have made me glad . . . ; I will triumph in the works of Your hands. —Psalm 92:4

I’ve always thought that you can see the hand of God best in the rearview mirror. Looking back, it’s easier to understand why He placed us in the home that He did; why He brought certain people and circumstances into and out of our lives; why He permitted difficulties and pain; why He took us to different places and put us in various jobs and careers.

In my own life, I get a lot of clarity (though not perfect clarity—that’s heaven’s joy!) about the wise and loving ways of God as I reflect on the ways He has managed my journey by “the works of [His] hands” (Ps. 92:4). With the psalmist, it makes me glad and strikes a note of joy in my heart to see how often God has assisted, directed, and managed the outcomes so faithfully (Ps. 111).

Looking ahead, though, is not always so clear. Have you ever had that lost feeling when the road ahead seems twisted, foggy, and scary? Before you move into next year, stop and look in the rearview mirror of the year gone by, and joyfully realize that God meant it when He said, “‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear’ ” (Heb. 13:5-6).

With the promise of God’s presence and help in mind, you can move ahead into 2011 with utmost confidence.

Shall not He who led me safely
Through the footsteps of this day
Lead with equal understanding
All along my future way? —Adams

God’s guidance in the past gives courage for the future.

December 23, 2010

We had our family Christmas last night. What a joy to have all our kids together. Our grandson Haakon was an little angel last night. Helping give out presents and opening anyone's gift if he asked. He helped clean up all the  gift wrap...one of his specialties! As everyone was leaving I was helping him get his coat on and said to him, "Merry Christmas Haakon." He looked at me and said, "Merry Christmas to you too, Grandpa." I will never forget those sweet genuine words of love from his heart.

We celebrated by reading the Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20...my Father used to read it every Christmas Eve before we ate our Christmas Dinner. This is the first Christmas Dad is not with us but his memory lives on.

Our Christmas dinner menu was different due to Lois' surgery and complications following surgery. Yet we had a full meal thanks to the "Costco Cooks!" We had a delicious meal that we put together from Costco. I know that may sound strange but what a gift to have such a place for such a time as this. Next year we will return to our traditional fondue feast...the kids were a little disappointed but will recover.

Our stockings numbered 11 this year. Next year there will 13! Two new grand babies on the way in 2011. Whitney and Colin are due in May. Justin and Amy are due in June.
We celebrated our "New Life in Christ" as we remembered Dad while celebrating "new life" as we anticipate the arrival of our new grand babies.

What a wonderful Christmas!
Remember Luke's words as you celebrate too..."But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2.10-11

December 17th, 2010

Well it has been a interesting nine days...

Lois was hospitalized with a blood clot in her leg and multiple pulmonary emboli in both lungs. She came home on the 13th and continues to recover from her surgery and recent hospitalization. God has blessed us with great family and friends. It is humbling to be in need; overwhelming when others share and care so much. We have been encouraged and built up in these days. Thank you Lord.

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5.11

December 8th, 2010

Our morning started with a trip to the ER. Lois has a DVT or blood clot in her leg. With medication she should be fine but still it's a little unsettling. I think our pharmacy thinks we are trying to start "our own pharmacy"! They know us by our first names which is not something to be overly joyful about...

Lois' back is mending slowly. She has more mobility each day. We took a walk at Target yesterday only to realize that you have to be able to get back to the car so don't go too far. She over did it a bit but there are benches in Target so a short rest and we were on our way. Feeling rather "old" :-\

Our morning devotions are a blessing as we remember all our prayer partners and those who have asked for prayer. The list grows but it is a joy to pray for others. This morning from Our Daily Bread we were reminded by Dwight L. Moody,

“When a man thinks he has got a good deal of strength, and is self-confident, you may look for his downfall. It may be years before it comes to light, but it is already commenced.” 

...When God gives us success in any area of our lives, let’s not forget the Source of our success. May we choose humility, for God gives grace to the humble.

We are humbled by God's love and grace poured out on us by friends and family in these days.

December 1, 2010

Junior in Nemo, SD 2007

Had to keep a picture of Junior on the blog.

Lois is doing well. More progress each day. Hoping by Christmas she will be more mobil and pain free.

Thanks for all the prayers and kindness shown us during this season of healing.
This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118:24