One, Two, Three...Eyes on Me!....(and an update)

   This is my third day home and I'm still lovin' it!  I've continued to do my devotion, but have been sleeping a lot, so I've missed a few days on the blog.  I decided to combine the last three devotions from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  When I looked back over them a phrase that most teachers will recognize came to mind: "One, two, three...eyes on me!" The central theme I got from the devotions (I say that because God could show something different to someone else. I've found that when I read the same scripture at different times in my life I get something different from it each time that applies to that particular time of my life.) is to keep focused on Christ by being in His Presence.
   On Monday the phrases that stood out to me were:

Spend time with Me for the pure pleasure of being in My company...I can add sparkle to the routines of daily life...A mind that is unfocused is vulnerable to "the world, the flesh, and the devil," all of which exert a downward pull on your thoughts...The best remedy is to refocus your mind and heart on Me, your constant Companion...My Presence goes with you wherever you go, providing Light for your Path.

   On Tuesday the phrases that stood out to me were:

Grow strong in the Light of My Presence.  As My Face shines upon you, you receive nutrients that enhance your growth in grace...this interaction strengthens your soul...This meditative time with Me blesses you doubly: You experience My Presence here and now, and you are refreshed by the hope of heaven, where you will know Me in ecstatic Joy.

   For today, Wednesday, the phrases that stood out to me were (pretty much everything!):

Demonstrate your trust in Me by sitting quietly in My Presence.  Put aside all that is waiting to be done, and refuse to worry about anything.  This sacred time together strengthens you and prepares you to face whatever the day will bring...The most effective way to resit evil is to draw near Me.  When you need to take action, I will guide you clearly through My Spirit and My Word.  The world is so complex and over stimulating that you can easily lose your sense of direction. doing countless unnecessary activities will dissipate your energy.  When you spend time with Me, I restore your sense of direction.  As you look to Me for guidance, I enable you to do less by accomplish more.

  So here's my take: Those who know me know that the one word that stood out was SPARKLE. I love sparkly things.  The idea of Jesus adding sparkle to my day felt like a heart hug! I am guilty of getting so caught up with the business of life that I sometimes just "do" my quiet time devotion or "do" my Bible study. This was a great reminder to focus on what's really important...Jesus.  Take time for what's really important...Jesus.  When I focus on Jesus, He goes with me where ever I go...not just when I sit and have my devotion or have a purposeful time with Him.  Now that I think about it, when I focus on Him, all my time can be purposeful. Being in His presence makes my time purposeful.
   Tuesday's words for me were "ecstatic Joy," since that's this go-round's theme. The words "light" and "shine" also put me in the thought of "sparkle" from the day before. Being in God's presence daily and receiving the nutrients to grow in grace and strengthen my soul do give me peace and assurance here and now and strengthen the hope I have for heaven.
   Today's devotion really tested my Martha personality. It's hard for me to just sit at any time. I tried this...just sitting quietly in His Presence. It's amazing...I didn't feel like I wasn't doing something. I felt like I was strengthening my relationship with my Savior. Did I spend a lot of time sitting quietly? Probably not as much as I should, but I know I can now.  It's okay to work on my Mary side. (Check out the story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:38-42 in the NIV and the Message.) I especially like the "I restore your sense of direction" for I need direction (not just when I'm driving) everyday. Do know I need to spend more time in His Presence to work on the "trust" issue.  Realized this today when my phone rang and saw it was Dr. B's office.  Momentarily felt dread, but answered anyway. Just a reminder that I had an appointment on Friday. Relieved! Was thrown off because I thought they always called the day before to remind...silly me!
   So now you know I think God is telling me...One, two, three...eyes on ME!

Update:
    Still feeling good! Blood pressure continues to be good...I'm convinced it's because I'm home and not in the hospital.  Yes, I was the lady at the drive-thru at the bank who used a kleenex to get the container and return it. Yes, you had to wait on me while I put the money in my wallet and then used anti-bacterial lotion before I drove away. :-) Met with my Bible study at Panera! Met between lunch and dinner crowd, but was overjoyed to be able to be there! A sweet friend brought lasagna and salad for dinner. Sis did some shopping for me and visited. Continue to nap throughout the day, but still love being home!!!!God continues to be faithful and true!

All My Moments...(and an update)

This morning's devotion was about God being the Eternal I Am. It was kind of like yesterday's when it talked about God being everywhere; this talked about God always having been and always will be.  Here's more from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

...In My Presence you experience Love and Light, Peace and Joy.  I am intimately involved in all your moments...I am central in your innermost being...Do not be alarmed by your inability to remain focused on Me.  Simply bring your thoughts gently back to Me each time they wander.  The quickest way to redirect your mind to me is to whisper My Name.

    This is what stood out to me this morning and throughout the day:

• Again...JOY in God's presence.
•  God is intimately involved in all my moments...my moments...everything that happens to me, not just every day, but every moment of every day. For some reason, the whole "moment" thing makes me feel closer to God and more like He really knows me and cares about everything in every moment...the cancer, the side effects, the poop, the boogers, the headaches...all of it.
• Since God is central in my innermost being, I don't have to be afraid or worried about the outcome of any of my moments. God, the Creator, Sustainer, and Healer, is here with me every moment.
• Talk about an "ah-ha" moment..."inability to remain focused," I resemble that remark. My mind does wonder...sometimes during quiet time, sometimes while I work on my Bible study, sometimes while I pray.  I like this KISS (Keep It Simple Sweetie) approach..."The quickest way to redirect your mind to me is to whisper my Name." Gonna be doing a lot of whispering!!!

Trust and Joy:

• Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the Eternal (Nice tie in to today's devotion.)  Rock. Isaiah 26:4
• With joy you will drink deeply from the fountain of salvation! Isaiah 12:3
• But may all who search for You be filled with joy and gladness in You.  May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, "The Lord is great!" Psalm 40:16
• From my journal: "Laughter is joy overflowing. (Lots of joy overflowing today!)

   So the whole "moments" thing got me thinking about some special moments that I had today.  Had an early morning visit from a school friend who brought cards made by my students.  She happen to be here when Dr. B came and also prayed with us.  It was really neat.  I am so thankful for an oncologist that recognizes a God thing when she sees it and prays with me every morning. Something else really cool...Dr. B and her daughter are participating in the Glow Run 5K which benefits the  The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
   More moments...more friends from school visited throughout the day...found out one use to work with someone I know and attended church with...nice visit with family playing with "Find It" and Bro-In-Law's new phone. Sis picked up the bracelet I won on Facebook and brought it to me. Friends called to check on me...looking forward to visits tomorrow. Cards, emails, and texts continue to encourage me and bring joy to my day.

Update:
   Another really good day! No headaches. Another med was discontinued today. Still no go home date, but getting closer.  Blood counts were very good today...second day in a row no transfusions needed. Got to take a bird bath today! (So looking forward to being able to take a shower again!) It's really weird, tomorrow will mark week 4 of my hospital stay...I feel like the month of August hasn't really existed for me. I praise God that, in spite of the long stay, I've experienced a minimal amount of side effects and feel well enough to be up and about. God continues to be my Rock, Strength, and Strong Tower.

(EN)trust and JOY! JOY! JOY!...(and an update)

  Today's devotion from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young , p. 246, was more about trust.  It was actually entrusting...your loved ones to God.

Entrust your loved ones to Me; release them into My protective care. They are much safer with Me than in your clinging hands...When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand.  As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them.  My Presence will go with them where ever they go, and I will give them rest.  This same Presence stays with you as you relax and place your trust in me.Watch to see what I will do.

  After reading this, I wondered why I found it easier to trust God with myself than with my family and friends. I think it all goes back to my control issues and Martha personality.  I want to take care of my family and friends.  I want to make sure they have what they need.  I want to make sure they're safe.  I'll pray for them, then I want to try to do God's job. Yes, noticed the frequent use of the word "I."  So what I'm thinking is that when I pray for my family and friends, I should trust God with my treasures knowing He cares for them a gazillion times more than me. His presence is enough for us all.
   Joy continues to keep popping up, so I thought I'd share some of the "joyisms" from the last couple of days:

• Verse of the day from my favorite radio: Psalm 146:5 "But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God."
• Posted on Joyce Meyer Ministries today:  "When we give God our worry, He gives us His peace. When we give Him our cares and concerns, He gives us His protection, stability and joy."
• From my journal: "When we are filled with Jesus, then life is filled with joy."
• "You have made know to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence." Acts 2:28 NIV
• "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross." Hebrews 12:2 NIV
• And one of the funnest (Ignore the grammar, please!) versions of "Joyful, Joyful" can be found in the movie "Sister Act."

 

Update:

    Another good day.  Night headache, but got to sleep later.  Visit from school friend...miss being there! Napped on and off. Took a bird bath and changed clothes. (Isn't it amazing how the simple things turn in to such big deals that we look forward to?) Starting to be taken off meds one at a time.  Told I could blow my nose as hard as I wanted...platelets were good! Visit with a special lady; enjoyed ice cream and snacks. Now have a very cool game to work on and share. Unplanned nap in middle of Facebook post; this is why things are a little later tonight.  Enjoyed calls, texts, and emails. God continues to reveal Himself as the Ever Faithful and Peaceful One.