Today is a day I have been dreading in a sense. Not really sure why dread is the word…but I know how I have been feeling. One year ago today is when we received ‘the phone call’. Mom had suffered a subdural hematoma(brain bleed) and we didn’t know what was next. Our whole world changed in an instance!
As today approached, my anticipation grew. Again, I don’t know why…I should be thrilled we are one year out! (and don’t get me wrong I am!!!) This morning when I awoke and read my devotional I realized God didn’t want me to feel anxious…He wanted me learn. And learn I did!
The first thing I did upon waking was make one of two phone calls. The first phone call was to mom. Guess what she was doing? Getting ready to go play golf! Is God not so good? He is so very faithful! I was able to tell I love her and how blessed I am to know she is one year out from her ordeal. AND – she is 100%! God is so good! Wow is all I can really say!!!
The second phone call was to dad. I blubbered a little bit with mom and more so with daddy. I remember so vividly crouching down on the floor in one of our back bedrooms when I took ‘the call’ from dad last year. Mike sat beside me with his arm around me. He knew it wasn’t good. This years call was the opposite. Yes, there were tears, but tears of joy. This ‘call’ was happy! God has been faithful!
So what did God teach me? Well, after making the phone calls I had my breakfast and read my devotionals. I have three books I am reading out of and would you believe ALL three spoke in some way to this day! The messages were clear. First, from Jesus Calling: The first sentence: “Let ME help you get through this day.” The last sentence: “Thank Me for each problem you encounter, and watch to see how I transform trials into blessings!” Wow!!! This year has been a year of transforming trials into blessings!!! I have had a front row seat between Boston, Mom and Mike. 🙂
Second was from Daily Devotions for Die-hard Fans-Arkansas Razorbacks(This devotional is awesome and all SEC teams have one…just an FYI!) The title for the devotion was Memory Loss. Within the devotion he writes: “Memory makes us how we are. Whether our memories are dreams or nightmares, they shape us and to a large extent determine both our actions and our reactions.” He continues, “God uses memory as a means through which we experience spiritual revival. To remember is to keep our faith alive!” He was referencing the Lord’s supper and the importance of remembering Jesus. We had to remember Jesus during the whole ordeal with mom. He was our strength and our hope. The memory of today shows God’s faithfulness!
The last devotion book was Praying God’s Word by Beth Moore. The last scripture she used is one I reference a lot, but one that gained a whole new meaning to me this last year.
Hebrews 12.1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.
We could not see the end. Now we can. We hoped and had faith His glory would be seen. We are blessed the outcome was what it has been – mom at 100% – we know His glory would have been seen with another outcome as well…but boy, are we thankful He chose this one! As our family verse states:
Romans 8.28
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
He had a purpose in the events that happened on June 12. He is still fulfilling that purpose. The memories of today help us continue to have faith in the one true God! He is alive and overcame death so we too can be alive in Him. My prayer for all reading this is that you too will experience the one true relationship that leads to eternal salvation – the one with Jesus Christ our Lord. We would not have made through this last year with the many ups and downs without Him. Our faith is what sustains us and gives us peace and joy in ALL circumstances.
1 Thessalonians 5.16-18
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
thenextmailboxboston 
Praising our Lord along with you and trusting Him in 2014-2015. A family favorite verse is (dad’s) Psalm 5:3. “Trusting in those daily new mercies each and every morning! I will look up!” Psalm 121:1 (mom’s) My paraphrase! I’m looking for the Blessed Hope! Literally—at this moment TV cat commercial sang, “things are looking up”. GOD knows how to get and keep our attention!!! Wow