It's been a while since I last blogged. I've had a rough season recovering from the medications I took and merged our church with another church in Fishers. Both things have been harder than I expected. I've been done with treatments since May but have experienced some depression and anxiety. Hard to blog about those things when you're struggling with your faith and hope.
Today I was reading in Psalm 80 where it says, the Lord God Almighty restores us, makes his face shine on us that we will be saved. When i exercised this morning the sun was shining thru the window on me, as i finished the son had moved so it wasn't shining through the window anymore, when i went to a different room it was shining through again. I was struck by how God's Son Jesus is always moving in our life doing something new so we have to be willing to move and join him where he is at work so we can experience his light shining on our life and in turn extend that to others.
As I was reading the Bible I received a phone call from the dermatologist that a mole I had removed last week on my leg came back negative for cancer. I'm thankful for how God has spared my life and is watching over me so others can see how GREAT God is and put their faith in him. God reminded me today that just because something is hard doesn't mean his favor isn't on your life. I was also reminded that sharing the way God is working in our life is what redeems our struggles and uses them for good in other's lives.
Today is also Luke's 10th birthday! Wow hard to believe our youngest is double digits. It was so great to see how excited he was!
Thank you for all your prayers! I prayed for you today that God would encourage you as you read.
Have a great day!
Fred
Fred, I think of you often and do keep you in my prayers, you And your beautiful family. Yes, I can't believe Luke is 10 already, remembering him so well as a baby.
ReplyDeleteThe depression and anxiety are probably the hardest things you've dealt with, I know a little about those two horrible feelings, it's a black hole you feel you will never get out of, believe me, you will. It doesn't last forever, I don't think even my family realized where I was at that time, I was younger than you are now, so the kids were real young. Prayers for you and many blessings on you and family. Always loving you all, Jeannine
Fred, you and your family continue to be in my prayers! Praise God for your healing and physical health. I will continue to pray for your emotional health. Depression and anxiety are hard for those who have never experienced to understand, but having experienced it myself, I know how dark of a place it can be. I am thankful that you are seeking the "sun" within the Son! God's favor is upon you and I know He is so grateful that you are a living testimony of His love!!!
ReplyDeleteFred, I echo what has already been said. Also, please don't limit God's reach to the written word. Allow Him to work through His people to bless you, encourage you, and point out things you can't see. My son just turned one and the first nine months I had some dark days but when I no longer pushed the feelings away and reached out to a mental health professional at the hospital where I gave birth and again with a coach provided by my work, they were able to point out things for me to work on, provide encouragement on the things I was doing well, and caring and assurance that I was absolutely not alone. It really turned a corner for me. I love you and am reassured that you are clinging not to the gifts God has given to you, but to the Giver Himself. Don't be afraid to reach out. Love, Christa Shoot Grimmer
ReplyDeleteSatan tries to put things like cancer in our life to give us doubts and question our faith. But we have a God who turns all things to his glory. It is through tough times that our faith strengthens.
ReplyDeleteFred, you have been the ultimate encourager in many of our lives. God's Holy Spirit flows through you like no other I have met! Our family thinks the world of you, brother, and anything you need, we would be happy to provide. We might even let you win in a game of ping pong! :) Remember to continue to do what fills you up! You are already seeking the Lord which is the best (and only) way to get out of the depression ditch. Many of us are standing on the edge willing to help pull you up at any moment, just reach for our hands and we'll be there. You are loved way beyond anything you could imagine! The Day's
ReplyDeleteFred , the "wise ole owl" from your childhood days thinks of you often and pray for you often . Best wishes to you from all of us-- Chucko Pat, Pat #2,Robbie, We all love you and hope for your complete recovery. Signed The " wise ole Owl"
DeleteI spoke with your dad on Daytona raceday three times. seems he also has had some health problems but is recovering. Thank God mom is well. Also tist and cheryl .We thinnk of you often and pray for you and yours daily..Stay warm in that cold weather Love you very much. The wise ole owl in the woodlands.
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