Rebuilding Faith

The past 5 years of my life have been some of the most challenging I have ever faced.  To say my faith has been tested would be an understatement.  I wish I could say that I had the faith of Job but that would not be true.  There were times I questioned God.  There were other times I lost all hope.  And still other moments that I was downright angry.


I knew God was there throughout each and every trial - even when I couldn't seem to muster the faith.  Some of these trials I faced with support from friends and family.  But I had to face a few with only God by my side.  Through it all God has been good and faithful... even when I have not.  I wish I could say I was the textbook Christian through it all but I am only human and am therefore imperfect.

I have had my faith challenged and almost completely shattered.  From the summation of these challenges I recognize my weakened state and my utter dependence on God.  And even though I have a great support system of family and friends, I recognize they may not always be available as they too have their own responsibilities and challenges.  And I may not always be available to them for the same reasons.  In addition, we may not understand what someone is going through and therefore at a loss of how to help.  Though we are to love, support, and encourage one another, only God can be there for us at all times.

As I reflect back over these past five years I see how God has been faithful - ALWAYS!  I see how He has taken care of me and worked out His plan in my life - both good and bad times!  His strong hand has been there supporting me through thick and thin, giving me the stamina to survive some challenging times and the strength to make tough decisions.  He sent the right people at the right time, opened doors that had been long closed, and answered prayers in ways that left no doubt that it was God's handiwork.  Some of these trials seemed to crushed my spirit to the point of losing any and all hope. But He stepped in.  He heard my cries.  He  healed my broken heart and brought life to my crushed spirit.  He can do the same for you!  Only he can bring complete healing!  Seek Him today!

The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help.
    He rescues them from all their troubles.
¹⁸ The Lord is close to the brokenhearted;
    he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

¹⁹ The righteous person faces many troubles,
    but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.

 

                                                   Psalm 34:17-19

In His Love,  Cathy

Update on My Sweet Niece

Baby Cathryn is doing so much better.  Her doctors at Shand's indicated that her feeding tube had been inserted too far down and that was causing some of the medical issues she was having.  Since readjusting the feeding tube, she has been able to keep down her food and they have been able to increase her feedings.  However, she is still only 8 pounds (at 2 months old) and not yet able to feed from a bottle.  My brother got to visit her yesterday in Shand's and the news it that if she continues to improve she will be home soon!  Please continue to pray for her.  It has been a long, hard journey for this little one but we are thanking God for his mercies and healing! 

Peace and Love, friends!

(Isn't she a cutie!)

In His Love, Cathy

Psalm 19:14

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer."  Psalm 19:14 (NLT)

Lord,

Instead of criticism, may I offer encouragement.

Instead of words that tear down, may I have words that build up.

Instead of selfishness, may I be selfless.

Instead of pride, may I be humble.

Instead of a calloused heart, may I have a soft heart.

Instead of  'me first', 'THEY first'...thinking of others as more important than myself.

Instead of focusing on my hurts, help me to focus on helping others who are hurting.

Instead of my will, THY WILL!


Instead of me...YOU!


In His Love, Cathy

Prayer Request

Please be in prayer for my 2 month old niece, Cathryn Michelle.  Baby Cathryn has been in the Prenatal ICU at Tallahassee Memorial for about a month now.  She was released to a regular hospital room last Friday but seemed to take a turn for the worse.  She was taken to Shand's Hospital in Gainesville this afternoon.  Information has been limited all we know is that little Cathryn has been battling several severe infections.  Please pray for her healing and for her family at this very scary time.  Thank you my friends!

Peace and love!  

In His Love, Cathy

Psalm 109:21-22, 30-31

"But deal well with me, O Sovereign LORD,
  for the sake of your own reputation!
Rescue me
  because you are so faithful and good.
For I am poor and needy,
  and my heart is full of pain. …
But I will give repeated thanks to the LORD,
  praising him to everyone.
For he stands beside the needy,
  ready to save them from those who condemn them."

Psalm 109:21–22, 30–31

Encouragement for Today

"This is the stance of someone who thirsts for God, someone whom God delights to rescue: the psalmist acknowledges that he's poor and needy, and is willing to give God all the glory. Note the confidence in God: he's giving thanks, apparently even before the deliverance he needed actually happened. This is a picture of faith!"—Diane Eble, author of Abundant Gifts: A Daybook of Grace-Filled Devotions

Thankful this morning for a God who knows us inside out - yet still loves us.  When others let us down, remember God can always be counted on!  He is always faithful!  Recognize your need for Him and  trust in Christ today!

Peace and blessings!
In His Love, Cathy

WAR EAGLE BABY!!! Auburn Family ALL IN!

Will be an interesting game...especially since half of our siblings are die hard FSU fans.  Let the sibling rivalry begin!!!  WAREAGLE BABY!!!