Thursday, May 22, 2008

I'm Alive

A week away from this place. I've not known what to say, so I've said nothing. However, I think some are beginning to worry. No worries! Just a lot to process right now. My focus needs to change, it must. I know I've said it before but the Lord has made it abundantly clear. Focus on God alone not on my circumstances. So much easier said than done but that's what I'm aiming for.

God has taught me many things this week. First of all I am out of my bed. HALLELUJAH!! That does not mean I am well or healed but I'm able to get up and sit on the couch. I have even had to go to several appointments this week. So I am very grateful for this reprieve in my symptoms! (thank you for praying) Anyway, things God has taught me - or is beginning to teach me (I am a slow learner). God is enough. If I have nothing else my soul should be satisfied with God alone. I believe I am in a time of Sabbath from life, from my marriage, from ministry, so that I can focus on God alone and really learn that if all else is stripped away I still have the greatest gift, the greatest relationship ever planned!

Isn't it crazy that we have the king of kings, the Savior of the world pursuing us and wanting to spend time with us, yet we run to other things or other people to find comfort and satisfaction? And it is so temporary and always lets us down. God intended us to only find true satisfaction in Him alone.

Beauty from ashes...He has promised that to me. So I want to tell you what beauty I have seen already even in the midst of the darkest time of my life.

I have seen beauty in my children. They wrote me the most beautiful letters for Mother's Day. To read the words of a 15 year old son...oh my! And my 12 year old made her own card with my favorite flower and beautiful words. The best was when they walked in with a huge pot of that favorite flower - orange gerbera daisies!!

I've seen beauty in my friends. They've been such a help. Also God has given me many opportunities to be a witness for Him in the way I speak of my husband to them. The friends of the world have a different perspective of how I should treat my husband but I know what God has said and hopefully we're planting seeds.

Beauty in being able to walk around my home. Oh how we take our health for granted. At least I did.

Beauty in spending more time with the Lord, really seeking His will. Learning more and more about how much He loves me. If I only focus on His love and not man's love I will not be let down.

He has set me aside for a time. I know there is a calling on my life. I'm scared about it sometimes. Maybe that's why I'm set aside so He can show me that it's not about me it is about HIM!!

Okay, enough rambling. I shouldn't stay away so long, I get long winded.

I just noticed the Bible verse for today in the right panel: Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you. Accept instruction from his mouth and lay up his words in your heart.
Job 22 : 21-22

Lord, help me to submit so that I will be at peace. Help me to accept your instruction and truly store them in my heart.


9 comments:

His Girl said...

this? this is beautiful!!! wonderful to see you feeling all these things! victory for God!

Joanne@ Blessed... said...

So glad that you are getting up and around more now. Having your body sick can so affect your heart and spirit too. This is a year of new beginnings for you. Step outside and take a deep breath. God has an amazing plan for you Sheryl and this is all a part of the process.

I can't wait to see the beautiful butterfly that you become. In my opinion you are already one good looking caterpillar if I do say so myself.

Blessings, Joanne

Paula V said...

Hi Sheryl. It was so refreshing to read your post. You are soaking Him up and relishing in Him for satisfaction alone and I tell ya, girl, that can be contagious. You share your heart but then you bless our hearts. This is a beautiful reminder from one gal to another gal in "similiar" situations to continue to seek God for all our satisfaction. I believe for most Christians, it is a continual process. We all have things to which we cling. We must continue to let go and let God as they say. Laid it at the feet of Christ if we have to every day, then so be it.
Love to you, my friend.
Paula

Susan said...

OH Sheryl,

I have tears of JOY as I read this beautiful post...

It's in the fiery trials of our lives we truly find out WHO God really is, and yes, He is MORE then enough...if we allow Him to be.

I will thrilled to read you are feeling better and was able to move around and even get out! WOW!!! What an answer to prayer.

I will continue to pray for you daily.

I read a quote recently that says just what you've expressed:

"God is more concerned about our character than our comfort. His goal is not to pamper us physically but to perfect us spiritually." Paul Powell

I see God working mightily in you♥

Anonymous said...

You continue to inspire me as you walk your journey. You don't realize it yet, but God is ALREADY working miracles in your life. You are touching the hearts and minds of many through your words in your blog. Soon enough, you will see it too Sheryl. The GOOD is already starting and the GREAT will be here before you know it. Keep the faith.

Denise in Texas

Sheryl said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sheryl said...

Anonymous Denise, you better get a blog soon so that I can REALLY communicate with you. Thank you for continuing to check in on me and for your encouraging words.

I can say that to all of you, your words mean more to me than you could know.

Now, Denise, go get yourself a blog.

Suzanne said...

Hi Sheryl. I'm so glad you have been able to get up and around more. I'm sure that helps your mood so much.

God bless you!!

Ellen said...

Just stopped over from CFHusband and read your entire blog (I'm addicted to blog-surfing) and I am inspired by what you have shared because you are so very real. I can not imagine going through the illness that has taken your life on such a strange twist but I can relate to trusting God and discovering that He is enough! Just wanted to say Hi and let you know that I prayed for you today! God Bless!