Garden of your heart

The unexpected trials in life!

The past few days have been full of unexpected trials. 

1.  My cousin was in a very serious auto accident and is in the hospital with brain damage, in a coma, and many broken bones all over his body.  I am so thankful to have just received a call that the swelling has gone down just a bit in his brain.  Some good news!  :)

2.  My dad went in for what we thought was a simple battery replacement for his pacemaker.  He was supposed to come home afterwards.  Instead, they installed a new pacemaker and he is spending the night.  As we were talking to the Dr. we found out why they put in the newer pacemaker.....he has SEVERE congestive heart failure!    Call us dumb, but we really didn't have a clue that he was that sick.  He also was told a few weeks ago that he has the beginnings of Emphazima.  Not a good combo to have. 

3.  My dear sweet friend in Michigan is going through severe trials through a move, caring for an elderly parent who has alzheimers, caring for 5 kids, etc. 

You know.....we are never guaranteed to escape trials.  We are guaranteed to have God with us through them.   We are not guaranteed to have a cushy and easy life, but guaranteed that the trials will produce perseverance, character and hope.   We aren't guaranteed to have everything we want here on earth, but we are guaranteed to have an inheritance in heaven through Jesus Christ.   

So....whatever we are experiencing in our lives the one thing is constant.....Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.   His word will always stand.   His purpose will always prevail!  Let's keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith!  :)

Oh these trials~

06:17, Thursday, August 23, 2007 .. Posted by g

Hi Debbie, got the email about your cousin and I will continue praying...I am really glad to hear that his body is in the beginning stages of recovery!

So sorry to hear about your dad too! That is awesome that the Dr.'s were able to uncover the other stuff going on and replace the pacemaker, etc. He is very fortunate and blessed to have you to take care of him.

I really feel for your friend too. 5 kids and a parent with alzheimers (sp?) must be too difficult for words!

I LOVED what you said about keeping our eyes on Jesus...just yesterday I received yet another letter from my ex's attorney...went to church last night, and the message I keep getting from the Lord is "He sees all, and He is with us"!! I have to remind myself almost every minute to keep my focus on Him rather than my circumstances.

Thanks for sharing these things as it is so good to know how we can lift you up in prayer too. May God continue to give you peace as you are able to encourage others in trials and be encouraged in them as well.

Love,
g

Oh these trials~

06:18, Thursday, August 23, 2007 .. Posted by g

Hi Debbie, got the email about your cousin and I will continue praying...I am really glad to hear that his body is in the beginning stages of recovery!

So sorry to hear about your dad too! That is awesome that the Dr.'s were able to uncover the other stuff going on and replace the pacemaker, etc. He is very fortunate and blessed to have you to take care of him.

I really feel for your friend too. 5 kids and a parent with alzheimers (sp?) must be too difficult for words!

I LOVED what you said about keeping our eyes on Jesus...just yesterday I received yet another letter from my ex's attorney...went to church last night, and the message I keep getting from the Lord is "He sees all, and He is with us"!! I have to remind myself almost every minute to keep my focus on Him rather than my circumstances.

Thanks for sharing these things as it is so good to know how we can lift you up in prayer too. May God continue to give you peace as you are able to encourage others in trials and be encouraged in them as well.

Love,
g

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11:00, Thursday, August 23, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

G - dad doesn't have alzheimers! He does have severe congestive heart failure and COPD (pulmonary disease). He does struggle with his memory some, but I think that is due to the heart.

I know God is faithful and will help us through each day of taking care of him and living with family as well. We must be the "hip" house because everyone wants to live with us! ;)

me again

12:26, Thursday, August 23, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

Sorry, about the double comment thing-computer acted up when I posted it.

Oh, no, I didn't think he did, I was talking about your friend's dad, and her kids.

D and I will pray! And yeah, you must be HIP! ; )
I might want to move in soon too!!!!!~

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07:33, Thursday, August 23, 2007 .. Posted by Anonymous

G - duh.....I think I was tired this morning when I read it! I started thinking about it later and realized you were talking about my friend! Oh well!

I am exciting about your new place! :)