Hebrews 12:1-3

Do you see what this means—all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running—and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over that story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas, boy how time flyes!


On November 28th I had my first MRI done. Now that was an experience. I never thought I was claustrophobic but that was on a whole other level and boy is it loud. I found myself praying to the rhythm of the banging and clanging just to keep myself calm. I’ve been looking forward to meeting with Dr. Tsai to hear the results. In the meantime, I had an appointment already made with my rehab doctor. During that appointment she mentioned that she got a copy of the results. She mentioned that I have a pocket of fluid, which is called an Srynix located below my level of injury. This can be both negative and or positive because it can affect motor function. If it was to move and go above my level of injury it could affect my arms so…. Does that mean it’s affect my legs? We have so many questions. We know that this can be drained but don’t know the pros and cons, yet. We just found out that I need to have another MRI done. The first one was done incorrectly; Dr. Tsai needs it to be done using a certain process for her to be able to gather the correct information for the trial. I’m a little frustrated and a little impatient as I was hoping to have some information and answers but we are in a holding pattern. Please be in prayer that I will be able to have this done soon although I’m not looking forward to it.

For the last 8 weeks I’ve been having acupuncture therapy twice a week. I can’t say for sure but it seems since I’ve started my function has increased weekly during my physiotherapy appointments. Every week I seem to be getting stronger. To which I am very grateful for.  I continue to pray that one day when I wake up God will have healed me completely and I will be able to just sit up and throw my legs to the side of the bed and stand.

The last few weeks have been difficult, as we have embarked on this Christmas season. I think of all the things that I was able to do with such ease. Now I’m fortunate if I can do them at all. I need help with most things. Shopping is a challenge, I can’t carry anything and push myself at the same time, getting through a parking lot with the snow is nearly impossible without someone pushing me through the piles. Nothing is simple or quick. Everything has to be thought out and planned. I have to keep thinking about the plan and purpose that God has for me.

God had a plan to have His son come to this earth as a baby, live on this earth and than give His life as a living sacrifice for us. Giving us the hope and choice to live eternally with Him.  During our trial we don’t know why or what He’s up to. Mary couldn’t have known the implications and impact that was going to happen while she was being effected by the trial that she was going through but she choose to be obedient in it and because of that God was able to use her in a way we could never have imagined. I know that God is working in and on me through this trial; I pray daily that I will stay strong and choose to be obedient to Him in it. It’s not easy and I find this time for some reason harder than others. I find myself getting tired dealing with life and what it brings.
A dear friend shared these verses with me just a few days ago.
 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
It makes you realize that we have zero control over everything and anything but she reminded me that we know the one that does ….Jesus.

So, I am thankful for these Christmas season that we have the privilege that we can celebrate the birth of our savior Jesus Christ and that He has given us that choice to follow Him and He is all we need.
Merry Christmas to all of you and may you feel God’s work in your lives and the many blessings He has for you in the New Year.

HUGS Sandra

6 comments:

  1. Sandra, I think of you often wondering how you're doing. I can’t imagine how difficult the Christmas season must be for you. Your unwavering love for Jesus through such a hard trial is absolutely inspiring. Your continual faith and dependence on God is incredible. Thank you for sharing your heart on this blog. God is using you in a very powerful way. I pray that someday very soon, you will be completely healed. Blessings, Sheri Moffatt

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  2. I am so thankful to read your blog, Sandra, and hear how you are doing as you are often in our prayers. My kids were so glad to finally meet you this summer so they have a face to the name :) We will continue to lift you up in the Lord, this coming year, and pray that the results and tests will bring you encouragement for both the physical and spiritual path that God has for you. Don't forget you are an "OVERCOMER!!" Just listen to that song I sent for you, through Julia, and I pray that it will be a blessing to you! Hugs :)

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  3. I thought of you and your family often over the last several weeks. Keep hanging in there waiting on the Lord - which in itself is no easy task. I have been reading about mindfulness - basically it means living right in the moment. I am so often caught up in the long list of things I need to get done that I forget to just live and enjoy the moment. This has helped a lot, perhaps it will be encouraging to you too. Hugs to you as you continue to wait for tests and results. Rhonda :)

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  4. As we are told in Romans 14:17, His Kingdom is "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." If we are seeking first His Kingdom and His righteousness in all of our major decisions, then we will be doing what is right in the sight of the Lord, which leads to true peace that leads to true joy. Lord you also say that when we seek you, all we need shall be added on to us, i ask you Father to bring complete healing to Sandra. May you help Doctors find answers. Take away confusion and bring wisdom and clarity in all medical decisions. Thank you Lord for what you are doing and you are going to do in Sandra's life. Cbonhomme

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  5. Sandra, I just read and re-read your words, watched your video again and want to assure you of our continued prayers for stamina, courage and hope for daily improvement. May you never lose the sense of God's presence and His cheering you on, with Mike at your side, your family's love and support, and the faithful encouragement of all who love you as we do, Irene and Charles

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  6. Dear lovely Sandra: While it may not seem to be so because I write so infrequently, we continue to pray for you daily. Our commitment to prayer for you is sure. And our God is faithful. He has promised to never leave nor forsake us. I know that you must experience times when you wonder "why". You are not alone. As I sit here writing to you, I remember a lovely and beautiful little girl, with golden hair, full of energy, running throughout the house....full of the joy that childhood brings. I remember as if it was yesterday....all those many years ago in the big house near Carp Road. Wonderful little Sandra who brought such joy to all who were near her.....and....you have never stopped bringing that same joy to those around you no matter what your situation. You cannot change. When I saw you in your own home, surrounded by your supportive and loving family and friends, I saw the same spirit within you, the same sparkling eyes, ready smile, heartwarming laugh, and strength of character. Nothing had changed throughout the years, except that you had blossomed into a beautiful woman; one who had grown even closer to the Lord which is so evident in your beautifully written messages to us. There are times when you write, that console and comfort us, when it should be we who offer you support from the pages of Scripture. You are truly such a blessing. As I come to a close, instead of Scripture, I feel that I should write the words that Winston Churchill spoke during a time it appeared that his beloved country would fall resulting in total devastation to its people and inevitably to the whole world. When asked to speak to a mass of expectant listeners, Winston rose, and true to his style, clearly and with emphasis spoke these words: "Never, never, never give up", and with that, he sat down. You are blessed with a spirit much like the one exemplified by that great leader who many believe was called to be Prime Minister for such a time in world history. Unstoppable. Don't give up beautiful one.
    Prayers and Love,
    Duncan and Brenda (Smith).

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