Monday, June 29, 2009

The Gift

I've got nothing deep, nothing that God is saying to me. But I have a heart that is full and it needs to "get out". Think I'll just write about us tonight. It's been awhile since I've given you a real update on what is going on around here.

A year ago I had the privilege of meeting some Christian women online to do a Bible study. Friendships were formed and we loosely talked about one day meeting. It was hard to hear all the talk because of how sick I was. I knew it wouldn't be possible for me. Fast forward...I have just returned from Tennessee where I was able to meet several of them in person. GOD IS SO GOOD!! We had a riot. I witnessed God moving in my life so that I could be there. Thankful!!

My health is still a day to day journey. Some days are very decent and I can drive around town, do some grocery shopping (always accompanied by someone), eat out, clean house...all things I love. I have even been able to go to a friend's for Bible study once a week and you know I've been to church a few times! God has brought me so far in the past two years as far as my health goes. Even though each day presents me with challenges, I am trying to be grateful for how far I have come!!

God continues to ask me to pray for restoration of my family. Healing. Beauty from ashes! My "gut" still says that it will happen one day. When I see my kids and the pain they are going through. When I hear the pain in Don's voice. When I miss being married. In those times, it is easy for me to pray for healing. But when I get caught up in the selfishness of being alone (hard to explain that) there are times when I do not want to pray for restoration. Trying to be obedient. Trying to keep my heart softened to what God wants!!

I am so grateful for all of you and for your prayers. Please pray for my kids. David breaks my heart. I want to be able to make it okay for him. I know I can't. Ellie is in denial that her heart is hurting. It's not that I want the wound to bleed for her, but I want her to understand her need to deal with the loss.

I am hanging on and believing that God really does bring good from all things. He ALWAYS has in my past and I know He will continue to! There is so much good that has come already. I wouldn't change it for anything. The sickness has been a gift.

No greater gift than to be pursued by our Savior in order to know Him better.


20 comments:

Kimberly said...

Thankful that you always seem to find the joy in the midst of difficult circumstances! Always praying...love ya to pieces Sherly!

KB

Laura said...

Who would have thought that GOD would do so much within us to bring us all together!! I wish that I could have been there but so thankful for all that GOD has done and will continue in your life.
Love you dearly.
Laura

Farmgirl Paints said...

Sheryl,
So glad you were able to go to meet with your friends. What an amazing blessing.

My heart really goes out to you in regards to your kids. I can't even imagine crossing that path with them and what that must be like for you.

I love what you said...that the sickness has been a "gift". I DO believe that all things work together for good, and somehow through all of this you will actually see that GOOD. I pray that for you.

He & Me + 3 said...

Praying for healing and restoration for the family.

-stephanie- said...

How wonderful that you got to visit some bloggy friends.

Keeping your family in prayer.

Heaven said...

What a beautiful blog you have. I found you through a blog we both were invited to.

I've been through a divorce, so I know the ups and downs, and learning to totally rely on God.

Meeting bloggy friends is an awesome experience, and I'm glad you got to meet some online friends:)

Look forward to reading more as time goes by.

Blessings, Heaven

Anonymous said...

I truly feel your family will be healed when you put your pain aside and stop that from getting in the way of helping your children and your ex form a better relationship. As his friends know, Don is doing great, he is hurt as he tries daily to see the kids and while you say you want them to have a good relationship the kids are allowed to choose what they want. At this age they do not know, as you said they are in denial so you need to direct them and not allow them to choose their path. Don is happier now and feeling better about himself which helps him continue to keep his head up and try with the kids even when he gets no response. Or he asks for a soccer schedule and gets nothing from you until you say the season is over. Parenting is forever even though your marriage is over.

Unknown said...

Sheryl, I am praying, praying, praying for you as you continue on this difficult path. I will be lifting up you, David, Ellie and Don in prayer.
I am so glad that you were able to make the trip to Tennessee! How amazing that you were able to travel that far! I'm sure it was a blessing to you and your friends.

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

Wow, this is so true when you say God does all things for a reason. I have been dealing with this all week in regards to my Sandpaper person, and though it's not "all better" and probably never will be, I felt like God did encourage me... I'm posting that tomorrow. You are such a good mom for caring for the state of your children's emotions. They won't fall far with you there loving them and praying for them... keep it up sister.

Blessings,
Sasha

Paula V said...

No greater gift than the Savior pursuing us...that is so true...and to know Him better...that's icing on the cake.

I do know how you feel. I pray for restoration of my marriage yet some days I cry to the Lord, I can't endure the turmoil of what comes with that (family relationships)...that part of being married just about killed me...it contributed to killing my marriage for sure. I love the peace of not having to worry over what this person meant and what that means...too much worry in loving that part of his family. YET, I will. I will do and go and be whatever He calls. I will love the unlovely. He just needs to make it clear what the path looks like to Him so I can put on my God-gogles and TRY to see His path.

Praising the Lord...how fabulous that you are doing so much...and to travel to TN...that's a trip for me in southern IN let alone from MI.

Leslie said...

I love your last sentence! It is so true. I think of my hardships in the last few years and am actually grateful for them because of where they've put me today. And they remind me that God will always take care of me. (It's that whole bird thing!)

Prayers and Blessings to you!

Sue said...

Hi Sheryl,
God has brought you through so much and I see so much growth in you, It just makes my heart overflow with joy! You always leave me so inspired and uplifted. No matter what is going on in your life you seem to know exactly what to do, and to share with others as to what God has shown you and how you are dealing with it.

I feel the pain that David and Ellie are going through, I am also praying for Don, I am praying too for restoration. My Father is in the restoring business! What is impossible with man is possible with Him.I am also praying for complete healing for your physical body as well.
Hugs,
Sue

Emily said...

I'm glad to hear you had a good time on your trip! Can't wait to see you again sometime soon. :)

Just a little something from Judy said...

I am thankful that I have the privilege because of blogland, to pray for you, Don, David and Ellie. Waiting expectantly to see what He is going to do and how He is going to answer ALL of our prayers. Another meaningful, heartfelt post dear friend.

Anonymous said...

It is refreshing to see you positive and brave in the midst of your heartache. We all face so many challenges in our lives and have a tendency to quickly lose hope. I am sure your post inspires others as we all have heartaches of our own. Its the people we care about most that can do the most damage.

Unknown said...

Thank you so for sharing. I haven't been able to be a part of the group for a while but I am hoping things will slow down enough so I can reconnect.

Sheryl

L. Khan Woman said...

Beautiful piece Sheryl. Not only have you received a gift, you have a gift. I know I often say I am the mole... but I am a friend in real life and I not afraid to share my name.

Anonymous said...

I see you are a John Mayer fan. Of course I have to stop in and say hello then..I LOVE him! Great blog. I really enjoyed the last passage. Would love to add one another as followers. I love networking with other bloggers. Thanks so much! Let me know OR just add me and I will then add you! Happy blogging!

Barbara said...

You are an amazing testimony..that you strive so hard for God in the midst of so much difficulty...and through it all your testimony of Him walking with you.

Thank you for sharing the ups and the downs of live and the unchanging strength and love of God...it is a valuable testimony for His glory.

Have a wonderful 4th. You are in my prayers.

Susan said...

Happy 4th of July Sheryl