"GOD WILL MAKE A WAY..."

... but this isn't just about 

Don Moen's

awarding winning song,

it's the title to his new 'memoir' 

his first-ever book,

"God Will Make a Way

Discovering His Hope in Your Story"

by

Don Moen with Robert Noland

... released on October 16th, 2018, and I couldn't wait to get my hard bound copy to review. For me, to not only read a book by Don Moen, one of my first, personal, favorite worship leader and song writer, which is an honor and delight, but to read one with this song as it's title and theme of hope, starting out with learning the 'story behind the song' for him - because this song (among many of his songs that I love) holds a significant personal meaning for me in 1990, and I never knew the tragic family story from 1987 nor the verse in Isaiah 43:19 until reading this book, followed by listening to his DonMoen.tv video of the story at YouTube. Such an inspirational moment of hope from God to Don Moen to give hope to his loved ones when they really needed "God to make a way". In the same way, as this song, this book pours forth much hope, even now for me, once again in a place where I needed to be reminded of how "God will make a way." Since we each face hard times in our lives, we need a song or book like this to see us through ... and to get us beyond what's happening, to a renewal of hope and fresh faith, to believe God is supernaturally still working behind the scenes of what we see with our eyes to what the Way Maker (God) has done and is doing that may not be so easily seen.

"God Will Make a Way ..." has a Forward by Manny Pacquiao, an Introduction (which is Don's 'personal note to the Weary and the Leary' - me, when I received this book) and 12 Chapters of "God Will Make a Way ..." Through the Storm, Through Our Surrender, Through His Calling, Through Our Trials, Through the Movement of His Spirit, Through Providing His Platform, Through His Miracles, Through Our Testimony, Through Life's Interruptions, Through Our Cooperation with Him, Through Our Worship in Spirit and Truth ... right back to the statements of hope and faith asked in his Introduction, bringing us or leaving us with "God Will Make a Way ... Through His Hope" with a beautiful ending prayer, as he prefaces with: 

"If I was somehow able to sit down with you for a few minutes, this is what I would want us to agree in prayer together for your life ..."

... and as you read through this encouraging book, this is exactly how you feel, as if Don Moen is sitting with you, sharing with you, encouraging you on ... through his personal stories, scriptures and song lyrics that will be familar to those who know his worship songs, with the same worship filled heart that leads us in spirit and truth to the throne room of God in so many of his lifetime of worship albums. He humbly leads us through his life and story, behind the scenes of his songs and ministry, while making a way for us to discover God's hope in our story, whatever our circumstance(s) may be. My only wish is that each of his chapters would have ended with one of his worshipful prayers as only some did (2,3,10,13). I enjoyed the middle section of 4 pages of personal photos that put faces with the people and stories included. I have so many parts marked that I thought I would share in my review, but since there are so many I didn't, so you'll really have to read the book for yourself because I'm sure these personally applied to my life and others will encourage you in your life with whatever you're facing as this book did for me, changing my "nots" into hopeful declarations with a new message of grace (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) because not only can God make a way, He will, even when there doesn't seem to be a way! I read and reread pages time and time again, and know that I will in the future, when I need to be reminded, but the last chapter ... 'through His Hope', with his ten Praise Principles, will be one I will open often, because like Don wrote in that chapter: "Living without hope creates mental, emotional, and spiritual ache in the soul, that leads to a desperate desire to numb life ..." so instead "I Will Sing, I will praise ... " 

I can't say enough about "God Will Make a Way" ... and how thankful I am for having had the privilege to read and have this book added to my library. It definitely is worth it to me to break free from the crushing weight and reality of life's circumstances, thoughts and feelings that devastate us or cause despair and doubt. And who better, than a beloved worship leader, pastor, producer, artist and song writer, to show you the way to the Way Maker, who ultimately is our anchor of Hope, Jesus? 

Disclosure: I received this book free through BookLook Bloggers, from the publisher, in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

{Ok, maybe I'm a little biased as a fellow Minnesotan to Don Moen}

"... PRAYER ... and the Promise that Changes Everything"

This is not an actual Book Review, but more like an announcement of a new book (actually 2 books, and 1 will be an Online Bible (Book) Study (OBS) with FaithGateway starting October 8, 2018). However, both books, without even reading them yet, I guarantee are worthwhile considerations to add to your wish list of books to get. I have read enough of these two authors that with sight unseen (which means book unread) I can vouch that each book will help you grow as a human being and a fruitful Christian. The truth is I am doing a sample of one of the books at You Version and I just received my order of the other one as an ebook deal in Kindle. I decided I needed to find time to get online and write this post, so that if you also are interested that you can take advantage of the very best prices. Clearly, the FaithGateway one, available through their OBS, which will also share the author in video teachings, is lower at this time through them so you will register for their 5 session study with a great teacher. 

Honestly, I jumped online to share just the one I quickly purchased, but as I started, I couldn't help but think about the one I'm currently doing with a small group of sisters in Christ, at YouVersion, so I'm sharing them both, but my priority:

"When you call to me, I will answer you." (Psalm 91:15 GW)

...if anyone understands  desperation for God to answer you answer your endless prayers it would be me...
but because I know and have read other books by Cherie Hill and connected with her years ago personally on her websites through emails, etc. enough so I feel as if I know her when she writes it's as if she gets you and is speaking right with you. Cherie is clear in her messages, insights and her heart  for God and His people.

Her Introduction immediately drew me in with these words, so if given a break and a few free extra hours, I will continue & finish

"I don't know what you're going through at this moment, what you've been through in the past, or what lies ahead in your future, but God does. He's the One who answers prayers and brings about the miracles you desperately need. That's why you need prayer-it's God's gift to you

Cherie Hill knows what prayer is (check out Scripture Now and see) ... and in this book she addresses the "toughest dilemma every Christian faces: doubt." ... "In this encouraging, affirming exploration of our constant battle with unbelief, author Cherie Hill offers a deeply personal, compelling approach to transforming your own faith by honestly examining your doubt." As an author, Cherie Hill relates to us from a compassionate, understanding heart that knows, with a deep, spiritual insight and much Biblical wisdom. As with all of her books, reading this will be 'eye-opening, heart changing and faith building' and without a doubt, Cherie will pack this book full of God's promises in His Word, prayer promises that will help us take our stand and the 5 chapters will transform your life journey and definitely your prayer life! right into "Your War Room" she will move you to be honest and trust God as you talk and listen to Him - give her and "The Problem of Prayer and the Promise that Changes Everything" a faith trial run, I know you'll be glad you did.
And as far as the other book, you will be changed also, just click on the links to find out more about "unexpected - a journal of faith - leave fear behind, move forward in faith, embrace the adventure". 

"THROUGH MY FATHER'S EYES..."

Book Description "USA Today Bestseller List. Many have written about Billy Graham, the evangelist. This is the first book about Billy Graham, the father, written from the perspective of a son who knew him best. ... “My father left behind a testimony to God,” says Franklin, “a legacy not buried in a grave but still pointing people to a heaven-bound destiny. The Lord will say to my father, and to all who served Him obediently, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ [Matthew 25:21].

  One of the first books I requested to review years ago was "Unto the Hills" written by Billy Graham, so with this book, "Through My Father's Eyes" I will have made a full circle with my respect to this devoted, beloved evangelist, that I have watched and read his books for years: Billy Graham; and who would know him better than his own son, Franklin, giving us an insider insight into this man of God. 
I received this book in the mail this summer but it was actually released back on May 1st, 2018 and I immediately began a sample Bible reading plan at You Version of this book because I couldn't wait to get it. I have it as a hard cover and also in my Kindle Reader because I have been meticulously reading this insightful book that is not just a close look at the life and ministry of Billy Graham, but also as the title indicates "Through My Father's Eyes", which can connote both Franklin's relationship with his dear earthly father, Billy Graham, and seeing things through his eyes as he watched and followed his dad, yet more than that seeing all things with a heavenly perspective, of our Heavenly Father - that both these men have given such a testament of living a life "through our Father in heaven's eyes". So this book is a living biographical tribute to both of Franklin's parents, Billy and Ruth Graham Bell, and also that of Franklin and the entire Graham family. I was deeply moved by each one of them at the celebration (funeral) of his life as each one spoke ... and these pages beautifully continue the legacy in a heartwarming yet biblical as well as bringing forth the message of Billy Graham of salvation through Jesus Christ! 
Franklin Graham (with Donna Lee Toney) must have had this book in the works for many years because it details so much from the Preface and Introduction right through to the end. The Preface and Introduction are so well thought out and explain well Franklin's reflection of the relationship he enjoyed with his earthly father for 65 years as the book goes on to clearly show in 13 chapters ending with "Legacy" and how we can enjoy a divine relationship with Jesus Christ, the message of Franklin's father throughout his lifetime, now past on because those of us who are Christian know that Jesus told his disciples "...only through Me, can you come to the Father" (my paraphrase of "No one comes to the Father except through Me.") However, I challenge even those who do not believe in God or Jesus to read this excellent biographical account of a man of God, who lived an example before his family and the world.
Each of the 13 chapters begin with a biblical scripture and then a quote from Billy Graham, with so much included as well as a continual flow of God's Word speaking forth truth and continuing the powerful message of Billy Graham beyond the hills or "unto the hills" for now that he is in heaven, he has that complete picture and perspective "through the eyes of Our Father" along with his bride, Ruth Graham Bell. There is a beautiful collection of photos for 24 pages inserted between page 240 and 241 in the hardcover book. A wonderful bonus! I highly recommend this as a great resource of a biography of the Reverend Billy Graham, the Graham family, BGEA, Samaritan's Purse (and other ministries of the Evangelical Association and Graham family) as a gift or individual purchase - it is well worth it and so inclusive of Billy Graham's life and love for his family, God, his wife and the salvation message of the God.
{Personal note: I chose this date to publish my review because this is the date my earthly father went home to be with the Lord and joined my mother and brother, only 15 days short of his 90th birthday - an though my dad and I rarely saw "eye to eye" on a wide variety of topics, I do know that I learned and live the legacy of my father and the love of God, because I was taught about God from a young age, given a private education because my father worked hard to give his family the best he was able, much like Billy Graham gave to his own earthly family and many that came to Jesus because of this Evangelist. I honor both men, my dad and Billy Graham, who learned to know, love and serve God in whatever they did and left a legacy to their families and the church family, which is well documented in this uplifting detailed book of a life well-lived. I pray my own life would end so gloriously in Jesus' name and to Him be all glory, honor and praise. Thank You Father, for the life of my dad and Franklin's, one who moved and touched the world for God and the other who touched and moved my world to want to love, know and serve God and gave me this opportunity!}
Thanks dad! Truly receiving, reviewing and reading this book has blessed me and it would have been your birthday gift this year on September 28th if you were still here (it's been the longest 20 yrs. without you and even more without mom and Gary) but because I have the privilege of knowing Jesus, I will see you all again and look forward to that day. And in my eyes, my dad looks similar to Billy Graham (like the cover on the book). Truly this book's a keepsake for me and a tribute to my dad going home on this day in 1998, and Billy Graham's heavenly homecoming on February 21st of this year (20 yrs. after my dad).

Disclosure: I received this book free through BookLook Bloggers, from the publisher, in return for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTCs 16 CFR, Part 255

AN UNEXPECTED MAZE ENDING ...

... OR NOT ...
[This is actually being written in November. but as I often do, moved back to another earlier date as my added bold note on the last post in this "Unexpected Maze..." Journey. I finally have some available time to write an update, which is positive and hopeful, at this point.]
During October, my spouse made quite a recovery & remarkable progress; with and without his walker, with his once a week visit from Hospice RN and other team members. So much so that we were told in advance that he was doing so well, based on sheer will, determined to regain his life and the capacity to go on, that he would most likely no longer qualify for Hospice Care and he couldn't wait to be independent and on his own. He officially was terminated on November 4th, although his last visit from any Hospice was on Nov. 2nd. He didn't even wait until his official termination to ask a dear friend a favor of taking him into town to a favorite restaurant to eat. So off they went that Saturday afternoon. 
Now, most of us, realize that this was the extended warranty of God's mercy and grace on this individual's life to come to the knowledge and acceptance of knowing Jesus Christ, however, sadly, so far, he has seen this as his own recovery and strength so that he can tie up other loose ends of his life and projects that he was working on with special people that he wants to complete and is continuing as able, with any of their outside help, meeting his demand or requests. One of my fears is that he will spend too much time on his ideas instead of allowing God to reach him, among other fears and stresses I have with my many insecurities, now adding or increasing health problems in me. What a vicious cycle the enemy lays out when he fears he's loosing a soul! (my opinion) The battle and scheme just takes another turn or twist in the 'maze', Yet I still hold on to all iBelieve and the promises I claim in God's Word. 
So this man, suffers a near death destiny placed on palliative care, from a stroke to his cerebellum that moves to the frontal lobe of his brain, further impairing his speech, but never gives him any paralysis so he is able to recover. He's seen his regular, primary doctor twice and only put on one medication daily and one shot of insulin weekly for his diabetes, nothing so far for his Alzheimers at all. I remember having one opportunity in his intensive care unit room to speak life into him, after he made his view clear to me that he believes that when his life ends on this earth, it ends and that's it. I told him that I don't believe that and because I believe in Jesus, I believe that there is a better life after this one ends. Death is not the end. However, I guess, if I thought as he does, that there is nothing else afterwards, I too, would be determined to continue fighting to live and accomplish all I could. But none of this, or any earthly endeavors will bring about an extended, eternal life or guarantee of salvation ... only Jesus. Jesus, still is the only way. Jesus still is the One who saves us from perishing. My heart broke in the hospital when I thought that he may die and perish. It's hard to know someone you know and have prayed for might actual never receive everlasting life and perish. It was so difficult to believe that God would allow this to just happen, not the God, who I know, who loves me, who redeemed me from sin and death. 
At this point, life goes on ... but this 'unexpected maze' although it may seem like it ended when Hospice Care ended ... and this might be considered a blessed miracle or else we just came to one of those parts in the maze where there is no exit ... so you go back and look for another way ... that the Way Maker provides if and when we open our heart and lives to the One and Only WAY out of this 'Maze' ...


still praying and believe
MY GOD
***
I chose 9/11 to post this because it also marks an event with far too many tragic endings to other "unexpected mazes" we may never understand this side of eternity so I'm so thankful for an eternity with God to end the mess and maze of this world <><
"I would have despaired unless I had BELIEVED that I would see the goodness of the Lord..."
Psalm 27:13-14 NASB continues with
"...in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord."

AN UNEXPECTED MAZE CONTINUED ...

I've thought long and hard about whether I should continue the day by day happenings since August 25th until currently and decided that my writing is not that clear, nor are my thoughts, {so no, I won't be} because I'm trying to do this, thinking back, over the days that have blurred together by now ... and yet there were days along this 'maze' that have significant parts rather than me recalling the events of the week of August 26th - August 31st, when my husband came home ... or if I tried to catch you up on the changes that have taken place since then from September 1st to now to let you know that he is still alive (and I believe, God is still in control and at work - actually I can see His hand even in the days prior to the stroke and how God truly knows me and cares about me, but even more, He cares so much about every one of His creations, His children, which includes my husband).

I've known this all along as I prayed for him, for us, for our families ... yes, God holds the key to this entire story being played out before my very eyes. So I've come to the conclusion that I would sum up the significant days thus far ... after day 1 and day 2 ... day 3 and day 4, looked as if he was making great progress with physical and occupational therapy, plans to move him to another room and part of the hospital as soon as a bed became available so he could pursue rehabilitation ... then day 5 hit. It had been explained to us that the swelling on the brain occurs in the first 5 days.

August 29th - (sandwiched in between two very important people's birthdays) I awoke at 5:30 a.m. to the news that our 15 year old daddy dog had taken a turn for the worse, vomiting and falling over, so plans were made to take him to our vet to be put to sleep and return him to be buried at home on our hill. It was a heart breaking beginning to my day and an end to a cherished pet, yet I was so glad for the 15 years I enjoyed this sweet chihuahua mix that seemed more like a Jack Russel and gave me many joyful days and memories. 

I left from this ordeal to the hospital where my husband was waiting to be moved ... to discover, he had a new RN in charge of him that day that did not know the exceptional progress that he had made, and I found that he had digressed significantly because he was unable to get out one word that I could understand, and it was difficult for him to even say the word, which was 'pick' ... up until the evening before he had been speaking in full sentences and carrying on conversations without any difficulty with everyone who had come to visit. His own sister and brother were en route from their home state to ours and he was anticipating their arrival, wanting to get cleaned up again including teeth with a floss pik. I mentioned this change in his speech to his new RN and he alerted the neuro dr., who decided to run another cat-scan to see what was going on or had happened. This is when it was discovered that the swelling was not in the cerebellum where the stroke had first occurred, but the swelling had moved to the frontal lobe of the brain, affecting his speech and swallowing. The dr. drew and explained this on the whiteboard and how they could do surgery by putting in a stent. So that's the direction I thought we were headed until they examined his health care directive (not updated since 2007) which stated that he did not wish to be kept going on any life support machines so they could not proceed with said surgery. I was devastated. To me, if this would give him a chance or save his life, give him more time, then I felt they should proceed but they could not ... and he was told and asked what he wanted by his sister; the only word that came forth was "home" so that is what we proceeded to make possible with Hospice Care provided from our local hospital team and hospital equipment, furniture, etc. was sent to our house on Fri. August 31st as I awaited that and his arrival in an ambulance transport. Meanwhile, of course, his dear home care companion since 2003, had cleared our living room of living room furniture to make ready his new, easily accessible room, along with another friend to help move everything out. That first weekend was so hectic, being Labor Day weekend, and we also had 3 members of his family staying with us. 

He came home and none of his regular pill medications were going to be continued for diabetes and his beginning alzheimers - not even his vitamins. He was prescribed a pain medication every 6 hours. Last week, it was cut in half and currently he is taking none. That medication seemed to be giving him more problems instead of helping him and as I mentioned he was not in pain and has a high tolerance to pain. So after asking why, it was finally cut to half and then eliminated. Part of the reaction to this was nausea even with the med and just water, he continued to throw up then choosing not to eat, thinking he'd just be throwing it up. So that too was eliminated, but another one is available if he is nauseated. This means after 3 weeks, he is taking no medications and only 1 as needed. 

The weather outside is dreary and colder so today he was cold, choosing to wear a jacket indoors. Yet he had a really great day yesterday ... actually it was a highlight of his time home, being interviewed by a columnist of our TC newspaper that he respects and keeps many of his articles. He came to our home. My husband was up early at 6 a.m. (and so was I) as he wanted to shave himself and get ready when the journalist wasn't even coming until later in the afternoon. He's using his walker quite well and insisting on being very independent since over a week ago; having to feed himself, brush his teeth, drink from his glass, get around to the bathroom, kitchen and even once outside last week when the weather was warmer. 

So, we go two steps forward ... some days ... followed by three steps backwards. however this determined individual has a very strong will and much more to do in his earthly life (so does God) I strongly BELIEVE that speaking LIFE into him at the hospital is exactly what God is doing with so many people promising to pray for him, not even realizing his spiritual beliefs; yet God does, God knows him in every detail and aspect, and HE is faithful. I don't know the future or what it may hold for my husband as I hope and continue to press in and pray, but I do know the One who holds the future of this man in His hands.

It's one step at a time, one day at a time, one more moment or person that might make a breakthrough with this person, changing the outcome of being perished to one of being redeemed, which is up to that individual and God, which is why it's a personal relationship and only God sees and knows the heart. My God, my Lord is not so small to be put in a box or the concepts of our human mind ... HE is bigger than every problem, in fact, He knows the outcome before it ever started.

I BELIEVE that God, the Father, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, so that S** (my spouse, your son, your friend, your loved one) would believe in Him (Jesus Christ, Savior of the world from our sin that separates us from the Father) because He loves S** so much (even more than all of us together praying for our loved ones) so that S** (and yours) may not die (which is separation from God) but have eternal life (which is heaven, an eternity in God's Presence - no more death or sorrow or crying or pain, my how I look forward to that and really going "home" not like my husband to our earthly home (house) but to that promise of an eternal home, a longing that is in me (frankly, all of us who know Jesus can't wait, because this is truly where and to whom we belong, it's been inside us since we were created in His image) and I BELIEVE that all of us are, we just need to come to that place of acknowledging Him, believing His Word and confessing Him as Lord... have you? will you? before it's too late

Please don't wait or take the chance that you might be wrong or right in what you believe or chosen not to believe, He has given each of us a free will, but He longs to make us right with Him eternally forgiven and loved. It can't get any better. 

I just received this ebook and this last prayer written from the prayer of Elisha for his servant is what I pray for my and your 'prodigal' (we've all been one) but the Father has His arms open wide - ready to embrace you - just come, home:

{insert his or her, he or she, or their name for word in italics}

" God, open his eyes and let him see that though he has walked out on You, You have never left him, nor will You leave him, he is not alone. God, open his eyes so he can see that You are able to work for good, even out of the darkest and most painful circumstances. God, open his eyes and let him see that You have plans and a purpose for his life, plans for good and not evil. God, open his eyes and let him see that You created him uniquely, specially, a one-of-a-kind masterpiece filled with Your beauty. God, open his eyes that he may see that life being lived to impress others and glorify himself is leading to emptiness. God, open his eyes and let him see that the material wealth, knowledge and possessions of this world will never satisfy. God, open our eyes and let us see the pride that has blinded us, the sin that has hardened us, and the lies that have deceived us. God, open our eyes and let us see that neither death nor life, nor angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate our prodigals from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, Our Lord ... Lord, we pray for A sudden Awakening, brutal Honesty, and immediate Action ... in our own lives, and in the life of those we love. Awaken them. Awaken us ..." from "Praying for your Prodigal", chapter 10, by Kyle Idleman and many more, check out special til 9/19

[I may pop in every now and again, update or let you know what's happening or happened ... but please keep this household in prayer, and I need a supernatural strength to keep this schedule and the ability to keep going with an extra portion of amazing grace and tolerance/patience to the needs of this new mission ... and

lack of sufficient sleep and my own health needs. Thank you in advance]

MOVING THIS POST from 9/12/18 to earlier on 9/9 so I can add one other post before my Book Review to keep these in somewhat of a sequence without another post interrupting any of these "Unexpected Maze' parts.

AN UNEXPECTED MAZE ... day 2

Most of what happened on Day 2, I already mentioned briefly in Day 1 in the "T" part in blue of signs of strokes ... so this is about how long it took us to convince my spouse that he had to go to the ER/hospital (from 2 a.m. 'til about 10 a.m.). He insisted that he needed to clean up, call people to cancel scheduled appointments, and oh, he let us know, that he really needs to get some sleep first (since he had been up, back and forth on his own to his bathroom all night since 11 p.m.) We knew that he was dehydrated but as I wrote on day 1, we had no idea that he had had a stroke ... which we found out when our local hospital ran a cat-scan, informing us that he needed to be transported to a Brain Trauma, Critical Care Unit in our State Capitol area, led by a nationally, recognized team of expert care {I found most of the staff, especially the RN's, to be so - they all work together so well to provide the best care} 
Again, too many visitors, which should have been just immediate family ... but my husband considers that umbrella to extend beyond our family. His brother and sister came on Weds. and shortly joined by his other sister. Of course, they are family and our daughter (accompanied by her oldest children on different days, but not her youngest two, until he was moved home). But there were others considered 'family' to him. My priority for him, especially in this Critical Care Unit was his care and that needed to take precedence to all the visits.
Since this was Sunday, and in no way, seemed like a SONday for me, I definitely knew he needed his rest and so did I and the other caregiver that had been up with him. Rest - it's such a needed state in our lives for our physical bodies and our spiritual soul, whether we believe we have one or not, God created each of us with that special place within us, created in His very image ... I believe so His Spirit can reside within us and speak to the spirit in us. 

"The Lord replied, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." (Exodus 33:14)

I knew without a doubt that I needed His REST now more than ever (but in retrospect, it looks like this was just the beginning of an endless need of rest, that I would not be getting physically yet knew I needed to spiritually whether I had the time or not -because I need His Presence continually with me for this "unexpected maze" that was just getting started). God knew this months before, even a year ago, as I was so blessed to read Bonnie Gray's "Whispers of Rest" (and could soak in this all over again, if I could just find an extra minute)... so for now, I will soak in instrumentals playing in the background and the verse that God has spoken into my spirit all summer (Matthew 11:28-29) - His Promise that I cling to and remind myself daily to "Come ..."
Even in the hectic scuffle, back and forth, to hospital and home, I found the time with our local Christian radio station, KTIS in my car ... and those beautiful instrumental videos with Bible verses, I was trying to saturate my spirit to find the strength for this hard place, that has now become my new mission to serve and love in the hard places, even when I'm rejected or pushed aside or receive harsh comments, I must try ... but only by God, by His power and the Holy Spirit, will I find my way through this 'unexpected maze' ... where He leads, may I submit and surrender to do and be like Jesus. And tomorrow's another day - a new day, where His mercies and grace are new every morning
I leave my husband in the care of a well-trained team for his physical care, asking God to care and reach His spiritual need, actually begging and pleading God to come through ... to get through, to rescue him from perishing and asking for God's forgiveness, mercy and an abundant outpouring of the aMazing Grace that I have been so blessed to have, please touch and break through this hardened heart and mind set that this life is all there is ... and his living care directive asks for no spiritual person to interact with him to bombard him with religion and all we are asking for is that he realize his personal need to be rescued, to be saved, to repent and COME to Jesus - that there is an afterlife to those who BELIEVE and the only way to God (the Father) is through Jesus, His Son - not just a great teacher or prophet {as he believes} but the sacrificial lamb that paid the price for all of us and our sin. On this SONday, I stop at the hospital chapel and cry out to the One, who I BELIEVE in, to redeem this man, who by his own works, he has done so much, how much more he could have done with God.

AN UNEXPECTED MAZE ... day 1

Although I am writing this on a Saturday afternoon in September, long after this occurred, I'm going back posting this on the day, my life - our life, took a turn into a new unexpected 'maze' however, we did not realize that was the path we were now taking, or on, until 5 days after August 25th, 2018 ... nor did we discover what happened this day until 24 hours later, on Sunday, August 26th ... 

Most often, I try not to share about the personal life of others on my blog especially without their permission. The only problem with this is that almost every facet of our lives are intertwined and impacted greatly by those we live with, love and their lives affect ours in some way every day. The course of our lives are deeply connected to the lives of those around us. 

I've read other's blogs about their loved ones or their own journey through a serious or chronic illness, even some down the road of watching their loved one die. I have found some of these blogs to deeply speak to me and felt as if I was an up-close friend of their loved one or them and was walking through this journey with them. Two that come to mind are: Rory Feek (about his beloved Joey, which use to be "This Life I Live", but now it's just his name for the link to his blog) and Kara Tippett, "Mundane Faithfulness". And there was one more person, who shared much of her life struggles with health, Denise ... my dear Shortybear. All have gone home with Jesus! Hallelujah!

 ... but the one I want to write about and feel compelled to share 'his story' does not even think there's a 'home' or place or life after this one, he doesn't know Jesus as his Savior or Lord, nor that Jesus is/was the Son of God ... and to me, this is the most devastating, pessimistic view for any human to have, one without hope. I think(hope, believe) his story may/might change, but so many times I have wept and prayed because I can't imagine God allowing someone to die when that person - that soul - would perish eternally. My whole life, I have never known one who has done so much yet will not surrender to Jesus, a heart so hard, and a mind so set that life here ends when it ends, there is nothing after (although I know there are so many) ... I can't wrap my head around this and how much God's heart must ache, when I ache at the thought of this. So let me begin ... or go back to

Saturday, August 25th, 2018 - the day my husband of 42 yrs. had a stroke to the cerebellum, but we did not know it. This stroke had none of the signs to spot a stroke (F.A.S.T. is the acronym used for the signs of stroke){in blue are my comments}: 

F-face drooping {none, not at all, not even now}; 

A-arm weakness {no numbness reported by him, however a week later on Labor Day weekend, I did experience the numbness in my right arm and the tingling going up and all the way down to my toes, but  I was checked out and no stroke}; 

S-speech difficulty {not on that day, but that is what occurred on that 5th day, when we thought he was in the clear and had made good progress on day 3 & 4, wham, it showed up with trying to ask me for a 'pick' to clean his teeth - hard to get the full word up and out and I could not distinguish it at all and he had been using full sentences or thoughts the day before. This was definitely not how I wanted to start my day with him, after just coming from putting our 15 yr.old sweetheart male dog, Chimi to sleep, up with him at 5:30 a.m., my heart was heavy but this was an unexpected blow};

T-time to call 911 {I didn't that day, and it took hours to convince him that I had to take him to ER-local hospital for an IV because he was severely dehydrated, where finally after 12 hours since his initial awkward sensation that ascended up from his shoulders to the top of his head, with a sharp head ache, which he rarely ever had and also because he has a high tolerance to pain - that pain had to be very severe. But he believed it had to do with his diabetes and other health issues, and we never even considered a stroke. We took blood pressure (really good, compared to mine) and his glucose had only doubled from normal, not sky rocketed high like many suffer. I would add that another key sign would be sudden weakness, a sense of not being able to move ... yet he was from 11 p.m. to 2-3 a.m. as I heard him going back and forth to the bathroom, then finally went to check on him, finding out he had been throwing up, not just making frequent bathroom trips. Immediately the other person here went into town to buy Gatorades and other stuff to rehydrate, but he couldn't take that so when I told him, let me take him to the hospital, he replied after I get some sleep and get cleaned up ... the 1st he wasn't allowed to do but he did do the 2nd and insisted that I call people on his social calendar before he'd leave - unbelievable. But we finally got him there, 12 hrs. more after, making it 24 hrs. later in total. The ER put him on an IV and took him for a cat-scan, coming back and reporting he had had a stroke so he needed to be transported to the city hospital that handles this in the Trama Critical Care Unit ... off he went by ambulance and me, by car}

So, in no way, was this by the book, or according to the signs, and as we soon found out, that it's a rare stroke.

I ponder "should I do like these other blogs and share this journey, this maze that our lives have now become?" ... a new norm ... one very unfamilar to me and after that Weds. August 29th to August 31st when we moved him home to 'die with dignity' under hospice care, but 24/7 really depends on me and one other person to take care of him, with intermittant visits every other week day, of a very caring hospice team that come to the house - On August 31st, our living room was changed - with a hospital bed, wheelchair, commode and other such portable devices, a walker and later a bench transfer seat for the shower - to the best comfortable bedroom we could give him, to keep watch and wait; I wait to see what God will do. 

God is not finished with this man (nor with me) and I search for the lesson and God's hand. I definitely see His hand holding on to me and I've had some glimmers of hope from my husband, but then back to what he believes so strongly. He has no 'will' ready, and nothing except the house is in my name with his, so the battle ahead for me will be a tough one, but I see this determined man with a 'will' to live, a gift from God, every moment, every day, so that he might come to BELIEVE (my One Word for 2018) and we can better prepare. Yet as we got ready to leave the hospital in one intimate conversation I had with him, fully aware, I spoke 'life' into this man and told him that the opposite of this is death, but I know someone and believe in the One who can change all this: Jesus, the Son of God ... and the Spirit just flowed in that conversation. I thought I had made some progress, but I've seen a little resilence and backsteps since he's been home, with far too many visitors, concerned though also for his spiritual as well as physical life; as we head out on this new 'maze' of healing with renewed hope in me, praying that he will hear and receive the truth from anyone.

Then enters my own story ... my own health changes that I'm dealing with ... knowing in Whom I BELIEVE and who holds my life. Perhaps, he will outlive me ... only God knows. Maybe his will may help him to be one of the 10% that survive. And as for me, I'm looking forward to going home, joining those above, when my Father calls me - I want to be ready. 

[please let me know in the comments if you think I should continue this story, his story or my story of an Unexpected Maze through Life unto Death (if it would be helpful to others?) and where this goes, or how God reveals Himself mightily, as I trust He will; if not for my husband, I do know that He has, and will for me - daily I see His grace, His mercy, His love in the unexpected maze of my life - it's not a mess right now, but I'm sure hoping for a miracle ... the greatest one being Eternal Life for my husband, not that he might continue life here healed or he might, God willing; but that there is a hope, a life, an eternity available to him and God is giving him an extended warranty, a chance to live eternally, healed forever].

If you read my previous blog post, then you realize that it was perfect timing ... for I am 'finding God in the hard places' and I'm so thankful that I can, and that I do, hoping and praying that this lost child of God, my spouse, may find his way to the Son of God, Jesus Christ and BELIEVE! 

Praying for your loved ones also that are 'prodigals' and in need of a Messiah, a Savior, a Redeemer ... my Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be all glory, honor and praise! He is the very breath I take each part of my day and night that all seem to just ebb and flow together right now. Perhaps you can tell by the way I have written this and rambled on ... in a blog post, winging it on this new phase of an unexpected maze that changes daily. This maze is like no other and the gamble or risk, in my eyes, is for eternity of one soul that is being given time to not perish. Often we don't get this extended time to choose, but God is never late, definitely not early in this case and always has the perfect time.

... just count the days from August 25th to September 15th (when I am typing this) with tomorrow being the celebration of Mexican Independence (like our 4th of July) but the greatest freedom we can find according to my personal beliefs, is found in Jesus Christ. We are dependent on God yet given free will to be set free through the blood of Jesus Christ, on that Cross on Calvary (independent choice) and once we enter into a relationship, we are interdependent (but God ... He doesn't need us, we need Him). It's not about religion or beliefs of one denomination or differences between us, it's about our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and then all our relationships that we share with others, with the same kind of love that Jesus showed us. This is what we need to celebrate, this is what we need to have, this is what we need to long for ... a home eternally with Him. There is no greater celebration than the homecoming of one of God's children! No greater freedom!

No greater love than what the Father has given us in Jesus! 

"FINDING GOD IN THE HARD PLACES"

By now, from my posts on this blog, you know I do my daily Bible Reading plans, mostly with You Version (see button on right sidebar), however I also use the First 5 App (excellent for reading through books of the Bible with community and wise devotional writers that spend time studying to share) and I sometimes choose to do plans with Love God Greatly blog (which formerly was Good Morning Girls, but the two separated) LGG is also usually available at You Version. I get emails from Jennifer Camp, because I signed up for LOOP devotionals but there are at least 16 available at You Version, that I've saved!

Most recently, I accepted an invitation of a former blogger friend to join her at You Version with her friends to do a short 7 day reading plan but almost had to decline because I am doing 2 OBS (Online Bible Studies) currently{previous post shares 1 of the 2, the other is Beth Moore's at LifeWay}  and barely have enough time for them as I am also suppose to be reading a book to review (only 1/4 done) {sigh} yet the reason of this blog post is to share this group plan I'm doing at You Version:

...FINDING GOD IN THE HARD PLACES...

{it's probably a book, but I haven't checked it out any further than the author's blog} "Old-Fashioned Truth-Telling" so far I love her style ... and thoughts!

Here's is what I typed out at You Version for Day 1

"As I start out on this new journey today doing this YV plan with a friend and her friends ... I reflect on the title of this: “Finding God in the Hard Places”  ... which is definitely so true for most of us that have walked this earthly life knowing not only that God exists, but depending on our relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, and the Word, knowing that by His Holy Spirit, we can know Him intimately and be with Him daily. So not only to we have this immense opportunity to know God, but we can find Him, as we seek Him, yet not only that He exists but that He is the very reason, we exist... that we move, and breathe and our mere existence is to glorify Him and His very purpose in us. How we can come to Him because He is right here with us - in the good and especially in the bad or the hard times ... those places that seem so dark or the ones that seem unbearable or those that we find hard, maybe even impassable but with Him those impossible, difficult, dark day places become ones lite up by His Light, His very Life, His heartbeat becomes one with ours until we sense His very presence and we see that we can overcome, we can make it through this - nothing is impossible with Him! I wish we could live lives without the ‘hard’ but it is because of those hard impasses we are to relax and see the good inspite of those hard moments. The 1st day of this plan entitled “where are You” ... is referring to where is God when we feel like we’re drowning; when we think we cannot take one more ‘bad’; when we are in despair and cry out “where are You, God?” or “why?” or “how” and we desperately need to hear an audible Voice from God reminding us of all the GOOD in GOD or with God, that it’s because of Him, we can go on ... we do go on ... we find a way to hold on, hang on and hope - to persevere beyond all the hard. My hard is not your hard yet we can relate and empathize with each other because we know what it’s like when we feel like our backs are up against a wall but here’s another thing I know from a “Reckless Love” (Cory Ashbury) Bethel song: “... There's no shadow You won't light up Mountain You won't climb up, Coming after me There's no wall You won't kick down No lie, You won't tear down, Coming after me" (another video from Passion 2018)Melodie Malone

and this is what I shared initially because each day has a"Talk It Over"part and so farday 1 and day 2the devotionals end with a"Practice"
always good to apply what you read inGod's Word

“Finding God in the Hard Places” YV plan, day 1 - MSG scriptures for today: “”When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I’ll listen. “When you come looking for me, you’ll find me. “Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.” GOD ’s Decree. “I’ll turn things around for you. I’ll bring you back from all the countries into which I drove you”— GOD ’s Decree—“bring you home to the place from which I sent you off into exile. You can count on it.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29:12-14‬ ‭MSG‬‬

*{needed to add or include the verse most of us know that precedes this, Jeremiah 29:11, just as I did with the verse 28 in Matthew 11 (below) to the given verses Matthew 11:29-30}

““Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.””

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11:28-30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

I added in “Talk it over” ... from another LOOP devo (in YV and I get in my email from Jennifer Camp) the following I chose of what I might hear God speaking to me: “Know How You Know?” 

- "Remember where I’ve been, my child. Remember how I’ve held you, how I’ve walked with you, how I’ve always been near. I know you struggle here. I know you wonder, “Have you? Have you been close to me, God? Have you been near? I am hurting. I don’t know the way to You. You don’t feel close. What does it mean to live with You close?”

Look deep within you first. Sit in a quiet place where you can be still, if only for a few moments. There is my word to read, the way this world began, the lives I’ve loved, the stories of adventures and glory and stumbling and pain. Stories of falling and getting up again and choosing to believe in something more than yourself for strength, for hope, for a future. And these are more than stories.

But, also, there is a listening I want to teach you, a discovery of who you are with Me, unique from everyone else. I have placed within you the map to find Me, your heart yearning for more than what you physically see. I show you beauty around you, hope and possibility in the smallest, most hidden places. But to see with My eyes, there is a listening that comes from within your heart, the place where we connect, the place where I speak to you. 

Do you know how you are familiar with the voice of your closest friends? Do you know how you are so familiar you can sense their presence in a room without looking up? You know the sound of their step, their shuffle, the slide of their foot, the way the floor creaks when they pivot and stand. You know their voice, the subtle variations as they speak, revealing their mood, the expression of their heart. You know, without having to look at them, exactly their mood—if there is laughter in their eyes, or sorrow, tears beginning to spill. You know how their voice cracks when they are nervous and how their laughter starts small at first and then grows, to fill a room. You know your friends’ pasts, their stories, their pain, their glories, what has made their hearts ache, what has made them smile. 

And how do you know all these things? How do you know these voices, these hearts? How are you so familiar with one another? 

You have listened. You have watched. You have been vulnerable. You have spent time together. You have been present with one another when the waves have swept high and times have been difficult and long. You have been present with one another when the sun shines warm on your faces, and laughter comes fast and easy.

Come to Me, daughter. Sit with Me. Become familiar with Me. Spend time with Me. Let Me teach you the sound of my voice in you. Listen close now. Let Me show you what makes Me smile, what makes Me sad. I know you. I know you. So come be with Me. I invite you to know Me, too.” (day 2) of the LOOP reading plan -"Know His Voice:Become Familiar with God"

... although I wanted to write my own like this or personalize the 2 scripture passages as if being spoken directly to me, I chose to share what Jennifer wrote as if God was speaking it to us - each of us.

This is day 1 of 7 “Finding God in the Hard Places” - “Where are You?” God - we were asked to re-read the scripture passages then write that and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to (you) us. Record what you hear from God. 

In the “Talk it over” part, I wrote quite lengthy reply (below) but I wanted to write my response like LOOP does (but didn't, it is how ever how it flowed as I read and wrote my response):

“As I seek God with all my heart, put Him first, He is there with me and I can lean in and listen to Him throughout my day I can come to Him, release anything weighing me down - even when ... I mess up, others come against me or try to provoke my flesh to respond, I can pause and listen to His Spirit, alive within me and choose to hold back my flesh and allow the Spirit to guide and lead me. oh how I wish to remember these sweet moments with God in the morning when the enemy comes at me (through others) during my day, I will be spirit controlled rather than let my flesh respond or react, I will take THAT moment to pause, to hear the Holy Spirit and refrain from entering into their battle, their taunt, or the enemy trying to get the best of me, which causes me to go back to the old fleshly habits rather than Godly spirit control-that I might pray knowing Jesus is defending me, His my Advocate, I don’t have to allow myself to be pushed, prodded, provoked or respond. God is with me.”

- Yet, I don’t think I wonder “Where are You, God?” but more often [as the “Quest” study with Beth Moore points out in session one (day 1) {I am also doing 2 OBS right now, one which is this one with Lifeway/Beth Moore and the other with Faith/Study Gateway- “The Rock, The Road and The Rabbi” both have samples of study in YV}

“... We have established five divine questions that, dare we answer, have the potential to recalibrate and reignite a walk with God that has gotten off track, stuck in a cul-de-sac, or has lost steam or our interest. Start today memorizing these questions. Get them so far down in the quick of your brain that you could list them in your dreams. The first two are asked by God the Father, and the last three are asked by Jesus the Son. Some are abbreviated for easy memorization.

“WHERE are you?” (Genesis 3:9)

“WHO told you that?” (Genesis 3:11)

“WHAT are you seeking?” (John 1:38)

“WHY are you afraid?” (Matthew 8:26)

“HOW much more ... ?” (Luke 11:13)*

Though you will encounter numerous other inquiries on the road ahead, answering these five will establish a baseline you can look back on for reflection and evaluation.”~Beth Moore

... I hear God ask me “where are you, Peggy?” as He did Adam and Eve in the garden. So for today, I will let His Holy Spirit keep speaking to me through these Bible verses found in Jeremiah 29:12-14 and Matthew 11:28-30 (I included 28) and what LOOP shares, because I hear His Spirit tell me to

“Come ...” not just now in my quiet time but any time, throughout my day ... 

-when I am burdened...

-when I am weary...

-when I am bombarded by the enemy through others ...

-when I am trying to defend myself and respond in my old flesh instead of a well-spirit fed daughter of the Most High and Mighty God, who is with me, who sent His Spirit to abide in me and me in Him ... who defends me at the right hand of the Father, as my Advocate - our Lord Jesus, who calls me His Beloved, His Own, His Child - for I am a new creature, the old is gone, I am washed and covered by the precious blood of Jesus, I don’t need to defend myself nor do I need to cower but rise up, stand strong and take my rightful place as His daughter, not a ‘victim’ to be trampled upon yet a ‘victorious’ child of the King - this is who I am and where I am? ... is under His Wings (Ps 91) and where is God? right beside me! right within me - living and breathing through me, may I not forget ... with every breath, I give Him thanks! ... 

HE IS WITH ME!

- when the warfare or the battle is on, may I rely on His Spirit to respond not my flesh and rely on Jesus, who I know and believe is defending me and He's already won my victory, defeated as I may feel, I am not ...

GOD IS WITH ME!

I am a child of God

Hallelujah (anyhow) {right, sis?} Received a great song in my comment!!! {at least I think it was a comment to this from my sister in Christ}

[I don't usually share my private life and generally you have to read between the lines in what I do share about my personal life, I try not to share other's lives without asking their permission, not even when their life strongly impacts or is tied to mine. I try to respect other's privacy.]

I'm not sure about what the next days of this plan hold for me but I know it will just touch the tip of the iceberg for me ... my hard places are exactly where I have seen God's hand ... His fingerprints all around me! His arms extended and embracing me, holding me and my 'tears and fears' because they all seem wrapped up as one with the One that matters most to me! 

{trying not to share images or photos anymore or any thing that may 'flag' me and cause problems like the one in my APOLOGY after my blog post when I drafted most of my blog but I won't be surprised if some of my links cause a problem ... also I've received for 2 other blogs messages from Google that I haven't a clue what they're talking about or how to fix... they really are making it difficult to 'blog' thus the reason for not so many anymore on here, sorry for being so lax and awol here}