Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tripping Over This Story!

Hey Y'all,

Here's the latest update on our long journey to the Army Chaplaincy. Last week we received word that the MEPS doctor did say that the letter from our primary physician was enough to satisfy the allergy issues....YES! But...oh how I sometimes hate that word....he (The MEPS doctor) now needed more from our physician on Mike's IBS....what IBS? It seems that 6 years ago, Mike was having some problems with his digestive system and the doctor did some tests. Nothing was found to cause the issues... so it was ruled IBS...irritable bowel syndrome. No medicine was ever given and the problem resolved itself. No further problems of this nature have happened since. The MEPS doctor is being cautious. I understand. It would be a huge problem to be in the middle of a conflict, in an isolated and remote area, and have your chaplain with....uhm...let's say...bathroom distress. Our physician did a detailed physical on Mike today and has sent another letter to the army; stating that he has not treated Mike for any IBS type symptoms for the last 6 years, and can find no evidence that he has any digestive tract issues of any nature!
Hopefully this will be enough and Mike can go get the MEPS physical and complete his packet to now go before the November boards. Pray for and with us us about this.

Now for my post.

I love stories! No, you don't quiet get it....I...LOVE.....STORIES! I love reading them, telling them, hearing them, and creating them.

One vision I have of what might be in heaven, is a large room lined wall to wall, with books of all colors, shapes and sizes. In each book, there is the story of a life lived. The stories in the book will tell of every second that person has lived here on earth, and with God eternally. The stories about the life lived on earth, will not only have the full details of that life lived out in the physical world, but also what was happening in the spiritual world. We would be able to read about every service the angels preformed for this person. We would also see how every prayer, laughter, and tear affected the heavenlies. Would that not be fascinating? To read in amazement about loved ones, brothers and sisters...unknown to us now... about how fully God interacted with their lives? I tell you the thought gives me chills! I could record the physical facts of my life...what I remember...and what I'd have to research, but to also have recorded by the One, who only forgets my repented sins, what only He knows. WOW! Just simmer there a moment and let that sizzle a little around in your spirit. Swirl it deep into your heart, mind, and soul. Let it penetrate to the marrow of your being....then think of this.....

It's not your story after all

It's really only volumes of one story...GOD"S STORY. He is the main character! We are just mere supporting roles!

That bites at my pride a little, but also it makes my spirit sing out for joy!

NOW THAT MY FRIENDS IS A STORY!

I love that you and I are part of it together!
Pamela

Monday, September 14, 2009

Ooops! That's Me Right There Beside Myself!

Hey Y'all,
The last few weeks have been a little wobbly. We all have been caught in a weird game of "Hopscotch" vs. "Twister" on the path of "Life". We still are waiting on the next direction from the Army. Will it be come get the physical and finish your packet? Will it be go get another allergy test? Or will it be Strike Three Your Out?!" We are praying it is the first one! Since neither Mike or I are working steadily full-time hours, this makes our balance over the finance dots precocious to say the least.

This weekend we were both trying to balance our faith and trust in God over these issues, with the question what is our next move? We went back and forth....my faith was up, so I could encourage him...His faith was up, so he could encourage me. Several times God reminded us of His faithfulness. From having some wonderful meals provided for us out of fellowship and generosity, to feeding our spirits as we went and worshipped at Thrive church with Lisa Whittle. The message along with the worship, stirred our hearts and challenged our minds to trust the One...we gave up all to follow. Thanks Pastor Scott! Coming home we talked about how we both take back those worries way to often, and don't truly let go of them in God's hands. We say we do with our heads. I believe to the best that we understand at the time, we do lay them there. But somewhere, we hear that we need to now act or do something and that's when we take it up again. Maybe it's because like the disciples of old, we do not think Jesus is acting fast enough. Or maybe like them, we are looking for Him to do something different. No matter the reason why I take it back up, the truth is...it honestly comes down to trust. Trust His decision. Trust His timing. Trust His way.

We are trying again. TURST! TRUST! TRUST!

It isn't easy. Especially when new worries assail you everyday. Today, Zoie came home and had made an "F" on her first math test in 5th grade. She was crushed. The teacher is letting the class take a retest tomorrow. (She wasn't the only one. It's a new math textbook and they started out with expanded numbers and exponents. Actually makes my brain hurt.)

There is a verse that I have been holding onto and now I am memorizing. I actually posted about it in my last post.

Psalm 94:19 "In the multitudes of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delights my soul." NKJV

Last night I looked it up in the other translations

NLT---"When doubts filled my mind, Your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."

The Message---"When I am upset and beside myself, You calm me down and cheer me up!"

Wow! God doesn't just want to take care of our anxieties, doubts or what sets us beside ourselves! He WILL CHEER US UP!

So tonight, as I am bombarded with the doubts about our future, Zoie's grades and feeling beside myself. I'm going to look to the one who is always beside me, in front of me, behind me, and in me! The ONE TRUE GOD...MY HOPE...MY LOVE...and MY CHEER.

MY JESUS!

Hey! I'm a smiling already! (*_*)
Love ya
Pamela

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

I'm Giving Up My "V" Colored Glasses!

Hey Y'all!

Still no word about a medical waiver from the Army for Mike yet, so keep praying. We did miss the September Board deadline but are still praying to be before the November boards.

I had to start wearing glasses when I was 16 years old. I found out I was nearsighted in Driver's Ed. class. I was devastated. To make matters worse, I could not wear contacts. I felt like those glasses just compounded to my own ugliness and would often choose not to wear them.

Over the years I have come to value seeing everything more clearer, over looking prettier. There is more value to me now in knowing the truth about small details, and having a clear perspective.

Which is why it came as a complete surprise recently, when I discovered that I have been wearing two pair of glasses!

One pair helps my eyes focus on the details in this world, while the other (to my utter shock) blurs my spiritual vision. I have been wearing "V" colored glasses! The truth is these are the wrong prescription...in fact...it wasn't even from my doctor! The Great Physician!

The enemy has been sneaky and got me to wear these "V" glasses. They have clouded my spiritual vision to see myself as a.....

"Victim"

Being born with a physical disability = Victim.
Being of short stature = Victim.
Teased and called "Crippled Midget" = Victim.
Being mislabeled by teachers as "Slow" = Victim.
An attempted molestation at age 9 = Victim.
Being called the "Ugliest girl in school" by the cutest boy in school = Victim.
Not getting married until I was 36 years old = Victim.
Having been sexually assaulted = Victim.
Hard pregnancy = Victim.
Being told we were a sterile couple and could have no more children = Victim.
Many Health issues...some life and death = Victim.
Persecuted for following Christ even among "Christians" = Victim.
Struggling with my looks and self worth = Victim.

The list could go on and on. I know I'm not alone and that many have even worst cases for supporting wearing the "Victim" glasses. But here's the thing....as God revealed to me that I had been wearing these glasses...and I decided to take them off...New Vision...True Vision has taken place. God placed on my head the correct prescription for "V" glasses.

"Victory"

I'm not only a survivor, but a Victor! I began to see how with each trial God brought with it an abundance of blessings. In each case listed as a victim above, I can name at least 10 blessings God has given me or has used me to bless someone else. That my friends = Victory! I didn't just overcome these things they have brought both Glory to God and blessings to me!

Why don't you join me by throwing away your own "Victim" glasses for "Victory" glasses and take a good clear look at your blessings

Psalm 94:19 "In the multitude of my anxieties within me, your comforts delight my soul."

Love you all so much you are one of my most treasured blessings
Pamela