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!

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Missing Lots BUT Giving Thanks

Families will gather this weekend to eat, enjoy each Others' company and to give thanks.  We too are gathering with our family and as I have contemplated all that I have to be thankful for, I have battled with thoughts of what I used to take for granted.  Sadly there are so many things in life that we don't even think to be thankful for, like sliding into a warm bath, standing so that our clothes hang and sway the way they were designed to, giving a full hug, driving, prepare a meal for my family, tuck my girls into their beds, just Mom & wife stuff.  Being able to access any building shouldn't be so hard.
Yet I am so thankful for so much. I literally have given thanks many times in the past 5 months for my life...For my brain...and my arms. Mike & I are aware of how different things could have been. I am thankful for my amazing husband and that he is able to be with me each mile of this journey. I am thankful for my girls and the strength , courage and maturity they have exhibited, while never allowing their hearts to be hardened. I am thankful for our extended families and the many ways they have and continue to support us in this process. I am thankful for praying and supportive friends and for a church family that is behind us.
I pray everyday that God will heal me.  I know without a doubt that He could speak and I could stand up without any hint of injury. I know this.  The question is never can He...but will He?  So we wait to see what the answer is choosing to remember to be thankful. Because He is good and He is God and one day He will call my name and I will rise.  Until then we thank Him and bless His name... and eat turkey.
We want to remind you all how thankful we are for you and to wish you a blessed Happy Thanksgiving from our overflowing hearts to yours!
Hugs,
Sandra
Sandra
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6 comments:

  1. AnonymousOctober 6, 2012 at 5:30 PM

    Sandra, Your writing puts all we have and are able to do into perspective for us. Thank YOU for pointing us to a higher place of thanks and letting us be a part of what you are going through. I am grateful for YOU this thanksgiving and your faithful heart of trust in the midst of trial and labor (quite literally.. as the videos show!). I love you... Ann

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  2. JenniferOctober 6, 2012 at 11:46 PM

    Beautiful. Have you read "Disappointment with God" by Philip Yancey? In it he talks about how a response of ongoing faith and trust in God, even when faced with difficult circumstances makes a difference in ways that we can't even see. It is a great book and worth reading.
    " Every act of faith by everyone of the people of God is like the tolling of a bell, and a faith like Job's reverberates throughout the universe."
    Bells are ringing and Satan is cringing because of your family's shining faith in this difficult trial. Happy Thanksgiving!

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  3. AnonymousOctober 7, 2012 at 10:27 AM

    You blessed my Thanksgiving Day more than words can express...Giving thanks IN all things has been demonstrated by your lives and we truly have a visual aid to what it can mean when we put it into practice, no matter what our circumstances may be. Thanksgiving Monday this year falls on Peter's Birthday, so we celebrate the day and we celebrate his life and the legacy he left us all, amidst tears of joy and gratitude. Thinking of you all as you gather in His name, Irene

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  4. AnonymousOctober 8, 2012 at 9:03 AM

    Dearest Sandra and Mike... I am so humbled as I read your blog. I pray for you often. This entry so moved me. It reminded me how much I need to continue to live in a spirit of thankfullness every moment of every day. I thankful that you have remained faithful to God's calling upon your lives, even though it is a far different calling than you could have ever imagined! Thank you for your ministry to all of us. Thank you for posting the song. We sing it in church often, and it is one of my favorites. And yes .... One day you will rise:)) Praying His strength and power upon you . Happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
    Much love... Brenda ( your Ca cousin!!)

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  5. AnonymousOctober 8, 2012 at 4:20 PM

    What a beautiful choice of song Sandra, a great reminder that we do nothing in our own strength but only because Jesus has overcome...He is worthy! He will provide all you need this week in your journey of healing, as we continue on our knees for you with visions of you rising onto your feet, walking beside your family...giving praise and honour to the One who lifts you up even now.
    Much love, Greta & Tom

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  6. AnonymousOctober 12, 2012 at 9:33 AM


    Thank you for your words - they are a beautiful testimony of your strength and trust in God.
    Indeed, HE is the ONE in control. We continue to pray here for complete healing and restoration of your body.
    And we give thanks for all the blessings from Him: big and small.
    Peace and strength from the Elzinga's: Floyd, Carolyn, Clay & Gavin

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