Don't Let Your Storm Go to Waste

In the movie Forrest Gump, you may remember that famous quote Mama always said, "life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get". This is so true because each day can be different, one day things are going great. Then another day you may have a problem or worry, but you're okay. And then comes the STORM. To me, a storm is the big unexpected trial or situation that tests your faith, humbles you, makes you stronger and brings you to your knees in sincere prayer. While going through this storm, you will make a choice to be mad and bitter or choose to accept God's plan and purpose for your life.

My storm has been breast cancer. I was diagnosed in January 2013, had a lumpectomy in February, and had my port put in and started chemo treatments in March and finished them at the end of August. I began radiation in October and finished at the end of November. There were good days and some tough days, but God was always with me. I have a great support group of family, friends and a wonderful church family. I have learned that your life can forever change in just one day.

I know that God has a purpose for me to help and encourage others. He has already given me the opportunity to talk about him with many people at the Cancer Center while I was going through treatments and also in other situations. I have been able to talk about His love and how He has given me peace, joy and overwhelming love. And He can do the same for you.

God has continued to work. In my bedroom I have a small tree with white lights and an angel that lights up and during my treatments and on my tough days I would turn them on and this would give me comfort. God put it on my heart this year in January to make a list of names of my family, friends, co-workers and church family. Every day, I draw names and place on my tree and pray for them. I call this my comfort tree. God knows who is in need that day. I have had so many people tell me that the prayer was just what they needed that day.

I'm so glad that God is in control and He directs our path, if we are willing to obey and get out of our comfort zone. I have to admit this is not always easy but remember, where God guides, he provides.

I have a love for music and love to sing about God and all that He can do. Music can give you peace, joy and comfort. It can help to heal your broken heart and spirit. During my chemo, there were many songs that helped me. "This Storm" by McMillan & Life is just one of the songs that gave me comfort and peace. I actually got to sing this at my church during my treatments. You may be going thru a storm and feel that things are hopeless and you don't know what to do. But remember, God knows even when we don't understand. He has a plan and purpose for your life, so just trust Him.

My purpose for writing about my storm is to encourage and help others who may be going thru that big storm in their life. My prayer is that if you know God, you will choose to trust and obey His will. If you do not know God, that you will realize that He is your answer and assurance for eternal life. God never said life would always be easy, but He did say that he would never leave us. Trust him today because he is our only hope. May God bless you

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus".
                                                      Philippians 4:19

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
                                                       II Timothy 1:7


Paula Hendrick, Guest Blogger

Does Your Life Feel Cracked?

 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well. (Psalm 139:14, NKJV)

A few months ago, I leaned down to pick something up in the church parking lot not knowing what it was. On further examination, I realized it was a piece of jewelry. But, there was a problem. The bracelet had a crack directly in the center. I'd never known jewelry to do that before-just crack right down the middle. But there it was. That got me thinking about our lives. We go through things in life that make us fragil-it may make us crack under the weight and pressure. But, my friend Carolyn Kneifley said it best. She says: "Teacups are like
lives, some are beautiful while others cracked, but they're all worthy
just because they were made." Though the bracelet wasn't a teapot, it's the same principle. Do you feel like your life is cracked? Let me encourage you ladies, God made you, so you're worthy. It doesn't matter what you're going through, it doesn't matter how bad the pain. You're worthy just because you were made.

Father, I ask You to give each reader the strength to get through what she's going through. No matter what the pain, no matter the discouragement, calm her heart. Calm her fears. Most of all Lord, remind her just how worthy she is. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

Praying Friends

Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. (1 Thessolonians 5:11, NKJV)

The retreat was coming to an end. All week, the attendees had been chalenged to work harder in their craft. Now, the time for a worship service was at hand. Sitting there soaking in the music, that's when it happened. My dear friend, Edie Melson sat down beside me and began to pray. While I don't remember the words she said, the thing I do remember is the affirmation I received from her that morning. To this day, anytime I need prayer I know Edie will pray. And though we don't talk or see one another often, when we do it's as if no time has passed. God brought a special lady into my life that day. Who has He brought into your life that you can call on at any time? If you don't have that person, I encourage you to ask Him to help you find someone.

Father, thank You for Edie. Thank you for the many women You have brought into my life. I pray for my readers. I ask You to send them that woman to pray with them at any time. In Jesus Name, Amen. 

God Had the Final Say

But He said, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God." (Luke 18:27, NKJV)

The time was near. It was nearly time for me to go in the chapel to be prayed over before I gave my talk at the retreat. That's when my friend got the text. "I'm in traffic that's not moving. If I don't make it call me so I can pray over the phone." At that point, my nervousness turned to panick. I began to pray silently for my friend to arrive. So did many others who were aware of the situation. A few minutes later, I walked into the chapel and there she was! God had moved that traffic in order for her to be in that room that day. Humanly possible, Kim did all she could to be there. Ultimately, it's was God's decision. God had the final say. What experiences have you had that required God's intervention in order for it to happen?

Father, thank You for Your power. Thank You Lord that you saw fit to get Kim there that morning. I ask for each of my readers that you show up extraordenarily in their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.