Monday, August 27, 2012

Praising Him and Rejoicing!

It's been time for me to stop, take a breath, and share with you all what's happening around here. I know it's been way too long since I actually posted a personal update!

First of all, I am just in awe of our God. He is so amazing and so loving! For those of you that have been following my blog for awhile, you know that two years ago, I fell and injured my back. I already had a bad disc, but with the fall, I injured two more. I was in so much pain, I had to give up everything I was doing in my life and was living day to day in a haze of pain and agony. I was told I probably wouldn't get much better and I steeled myself for a life filled with horrible pain, isolation, and loneliness. However, God had a much better plan for my life!

About 4 months ago, I woke up to find that I didn't have that horrible pain running down my leg! Praise God! I still have pain, but it has gotten so much better! I have been able to slowly, but surely, get back into my life that I had to leave. My latest amazing blessing is that I will be leading a women's Bible study at my church this year! Oh, dear Lord, I thank you and praise you for this huge blessing!! I love being a leader - getting to know the ladies of my church, praying for them, having a precious small, group that loves ones another and the Lord. I will be honest - I never thought I would again be able to do this. The Lord knew the desires of my heart, though, and blessed me.

One thing I must say here - I would have praised Him regardless of how He chose to direct my life. If I were still in horrible pain, I would praise Him. If I never got to lead a study again - I would praise Him. If I was stuck in a recliner, wheelchair, or whatever His will was - I would praise Him. He is worthy to be praised no matter where He directs our life. I never want to forget where I've been - where's He's brought me - I praise Him through all things.

Another amazing thing is that my hubby's psa levels have gone down! This is really another miracle as my husband's doctor didn't expect them to go down - he said he would be happy if they stayed the same as last time as it would be an indication that the cancer was not growing. His first blood test went down 3 points! Praise the Lord! Such wonderful news and I'm so thankful for the many prayers that have gone up for us. My hubby is still tired from all the radiation, but he's improving daily and not having this cancer thing hanging over his head, is truly a blessing.

I actually had a dear friend over for lunch not long ago! Another miracle! I never thought I would be doing that again, either. It was so much fun to talk and giggle. She's a sweet friend and I'm so blessed to have spent such a special time with her. We're going to plan some crafting days so we can get a head start on Christmas presents! This means I'll actually be getting back out to my studio on a regular basis. Another miracle!

I've been reading up a storm (as you can tell from all the book reviews), working on my cross stitch, working on my Christmas felt projects, and am pretty much taking care of my house. My family still helps me, but I'm able to do so much more than I ever thought possible. I have to take it easy at times, but I'm perfectly okay with that! :)

Thank you for your prayers, dear reader. God truly cares so much for us - in all our circumstances. You may be in pain right now, you may be struggling financially, you may be having family issues, but the Lord is with you. He cares for you. Don't give up because you never know what amazing beautiful thing God has in store for you.  

I'm going to share my life verse with you as it has gotten me through and kept my eyes on Him:

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.
                                Romans 5:3-5

God bless you - Julie

4 comments:

  1. This is wonderful news! Thanking God for His special healing of you and your husband. I look forward to hearing all about what you will be doing in the upcoming weeks and months. :)
    Have a blessed day!

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  2. Julie, this is wonderful!! There is something about thinking our lives were over and then when we even get a glimpse of it back, the joy...the hope....the plans..!!! I am so happy for you and your hubby's news!! Great news all around. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  3. Hi Julie! Oh, what an uplifting post and you're already ministering to us. I'm praising the Lord with you about your pain. So sorry to hear you've had to go through all of this but isn't God faithful! How marvelous you'll be leading a Bible Study and I know the ladies will be blessed to have you. What good news about your husband too! I can tell you're just rejoicing and I'm so glad you came to visit me so I could come over and read how good our God is and you are giving Him all the glory! :)
    Be a sweetie,
    Shelia ;)

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  4. Such wonderful news!

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