I have no idea how many readers follow these posts but I am well aware that there are more than a few who do not share my Christian faith. When God moved me to start this blog He made it perfectly, without a doubt clear that the blog would be not about me but about Him. It is only for this reason that I write each day. But here's my concern. There are plenty of "soap box evangelists" out there who are ready to hit their listeners over the heads with their Bibles and to cram their beliefs, whether Scripturally accurate or not, down the throats of those who opt to listen. My constant prayer has been that I never, never come across like these misguided souls in my blogs. My one and only motivation for this diary, of sorts, is to give my God the praise for His continual voice throughout this personal journey of ours. If there is encouragement in any small way for the reader, all glory goes to Him. And for those who are not on the same page as I regarding your personal life foundation, my equally fervent (to use an old word) prayer is that you are encouraged equally by some word contained here in your trek through this thing we call life. There is absolutely no "beating you over the head with my Bible" intended in my words. So, that being said, here we go!
Oswald reminds me to consider two things this morning. He reminds me that I can only take the initiative in a limited way. "We are in danger of forgetting that we cannot do what God does, and that God will not do what we can do."-Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest-Updated Edition). And then he reminds me that I must do what I can do, which in my case will be to take to heart the wonderful reality of what God has already done, and will continue to do in me as I hang on to Him for dear life!
So, no sitting back and feeling sorry for myself for this girl! I will heed Oswald's words today; "We [I] have to get in the habit of hearkening to God about everything, to find out what God says. If, when a crisis comes, we [I] instinctively turn to God, we [I] know that the habit has been formed. We [I] have to take the initiative where we are [I am], not where we are [I am] not."-Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest-Classic Edition).
"For it is God Who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose."-Philippians 2:13. (NIV).
On the health front:
Great news: Due to a few of the Nasty Shots and my week off from chemo, my white cells responded beautifully. My infusion chemo happened.
Disclaimer from Dr. Polowy: Don't get too ecstatic. We might see a return of the shots and the tanked white blood cells again as the cumulative effects of chemotherapy reappear.
But today will be a good day, since I'm taking the initiative in claiming God's promise that His plan for me is the best one😊
Hi Barb - I am so thankful to hear your words to Christians and non-Christians alike about "brow beating" with the Bible. Ashamedly, I tend to not be so eager to share my deep faith because of my fears that others will think I am "brow beating" them. I fear that my words will come across judgemental and prideful. In reality I am sure this is probably just an excuse for not facing my fears. So in reading your sincere words of your blog being for God's glory, it is comforting to know your heart and also your initiative to go forward by boldly, yet lovingly, sharing your deep faith with Christians and non-Christians alike. It is good news to hear of you WBC count improving.
ReplyDeleteDear Mystery Friend,
ReplyDeleteUntil my walk into the great unknown I felt exactly like you do. Fears have been erased, albeit at a pretty substantial price....but that being said, I wouldn't change a thing.
Thank you for your continued honesty. You are so refreshing.
Barb