I feel like I am in a Valley now and things are looking a bit foggy. I have had some news lately that is really hard to deal with. The death of my neighbor, leaving behind her husband and 2 kids. My friend Emily who has been told by the doctors that her baby will die within weeks. That 2 weeks is up in days or so. I struggle watching the hurt and pain and wanting to do more to help than prayers and baking for the kids. My friend Rebecca's little girl has lukemia and is back at the Ronald McDonald House after having the lukemia come back and needing a blood transfusion.
I had been trying to get devotions prepared for the Golden Girls Retreat that we do for the elder women, and it is now cancelled for the year because we are hosting Church Conventions this year and there just isn't the time or resources. There will also be no mom's retreat either.
I know that I will not be in the Valley I am in for long but can't help feeling sad in all this. I know God has a reason for all of these things, and something wonderful is going tocome from them. Yet I still feel that I am losing some of my zeal. I don't want to ask God why because itis not my place to question Him. I am doing my best to stay faithful, hopeful, and upbeat. I am just a littledown right now and strugglingwith the fact that I feel that way when God is who He is. Awesome Wonderful Perfect Loving............. and the list continues.
I am going through a spot in my life where I feel like nothing is growing, kind of like winter and I can't wait for spring to come. Patience, I think that is my biggest problem.
Thanks for listening to my rambling just wanted to share what was going on here.
Katrina
katrina- i am on the way out of a valley i've been walking in for 10 years. they finally found the problem with my heart, installed a stint, and i am free of chest pain since last Thursday. i still have a way to go, as i am not where i need to be physically, and my leg is still giving me pain where artery blew out, but i am on the mend. i give God the glory, for having the docs find the problem. and i still have faith that if they hadn't found something, God would have healed me.
as for being in the valley, my pastor's wife (a great teacher of the Bible) has expressed several times to me during this struggle--even though it's great to be on the top of the mountain, it's in the valley that we grow!! look to nature-the mountain top is barren, but the valleys are fertile. even though we don't like to walk through the valley, we will be stronger and more grounded in the Word, our faith will be stronger, and our knowledge in the ability of God to meet all our needs will be greater because of our growing time during the trials of the valley.
i don't post very often on here, even though i read the forums several times a day, but i just had to post to let you know that i will be praying especially for you and your friends through these trials. please let us know how we may help, if possible, and know that you are not walking alone. your partner in prayer-Bill
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Behold, I have created the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and that bringeth forth an instrument for his work ~Isaiah 54:16
I am sorry to hear of all the sadness in your life right now. I will be praying for you. I want you to know that I oftenthink of the story you shared of your mother and the decisions she made when she was pregnant for you and then some of the things you faced later in life. I want you to know that God has had an incredible blessing on your life. It has been an inspiration to me and many others I'm sure. I really can't add much to Knifemakerbill's advice.
[quote
as for being in the valley, my pastor's wife (a great teacher of the Bible) has expressed several times to me during this struggle--even though it's great to be on the top of the mountain, it's in the valley that we grow!! look to nature-the mountain top is barren, but the valleys are fertile. even though we don't like to walk through the valley, we will be stronger and more grounded in the Word, our faith will be stronger, and our knowledge in the ability of God to meet all our needs will be greater because of our growing time during the trials of the valley.]
Blessings.....Pastorjim
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There is no greater love than this: that a man would lay down his life for a friend.
The valley is often a misaliegned place. It is in the valley that we find the Lily of the Valley. As has been said, it is the most productive of all places.
Remember the old favorite, "I thank you for the valley, I walked through today?"
When I am tried, I shall come forth as gold tried in the fire. Brother Job was a wise man and his latter end was better than his beginning.
Where he leads, I will follow. Just trust Him.
Hey Katrina,
God loves you..I can relate sister..been dealing with the same issue with my wife..
Not sure if it will help but I'll give to you what I feel the Lord gave to me..a. I play the guitar as you know." I sensed the Lord telling me to..."Sing only songs that speak of my love and mercy.".."Whatever is of good report or worthy of praise think on these things AND the GOd of all peace shall rule your heart."
b."Pray in your prayer closet..alone ..in seceret"..and I will openly reward you..
C. Minister to others..there is always someone worst off..focus on others..sing of His love and mercy
D. and as Paul and Silas did in their valley..Sing songs of thanksgiving.
E. And as David did in his valley..remember it's Him that leadeth us for his name sake, His rod and staff comfort us..He sets us table before us in the presence of out enemies..He annointeh our heads with oil and causes our cups to overflow..and we shall dwell with Him forever in the House of the Lord..
F. I also keep instrumental hymns playing alot when in the valley..DIFFENTLY not the blues of the world..and in the morning..I play the Book of John while getting ready for work.. Summary.. FEED YOUR SPIRIT.. This life is but a vapor sister..Our present trials work for us a much more weightier weight of glory..Paul said, It's so goo don the other side..I'm not sure if I want to stay here or go anyway.
PS..Lyn is doing better..We've changed doctors ..and got one who cares much more..Praise be to God..
Thank you all for your heartfelt replies. If there is one thing that I have learned in my life it is that when I am struggling with someone that I need to talk about it and let others know. And not always just the ones I am close to.
Bill thanks a million for sharing, I have been praying for you. Well I have been praying for all of you.
And I hope you all are still praying for Renfrowridge(CHUCK) I know I am not on here very much but it's been awhile since I have seen he has been on. He is the perfect example of a sermon in shoes.
Came on to update a few things. And I have some good news. Just got word this morning Natalie's test results came back and all is okay at least for now. She had recieved a bone marrow transplant awhile back and then it came back so they decided to do a blood transfusion to see if that would kick it. It seems to have worked, and she will get to go home soon.
I think I am in a valley right now
