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Monday, January 21, 2019

I Will Give You Rest

A few months ago a friend, whose husband also has brain cancer, told me that when she read Scripture the words just rolled off.

I can relate. All of us have times when God's Word doesn't seem to go deeper than words on a page. It seems that times of great need would make Scripture more alive and profitable. But sometimes, like a plant whose soil is so parched that it can't absorb water, a stressed mind doesn't allow words to penetrate.

The only cure that I know is to keep splashing in God's Word with the hope that my heart will absorb some truth. Like several ladies mentioned in our series on Bible reading, I have found it vital to read with a pen in hand with the commitment that I won't stop reading until I write something down - a phrase, a verse, a thought. The process of my hand writing the words help them to go deeper than the visual nerves.

Recently several friends have asked if I choose a Word of the Year. I never have, probably due to my dislike for joining the latest band-wagon. But I do see value in choosing one word, a theme or concept, to focus on for a year.

On the first Sunday of the New Year, I was flipping through my Bible to find the passage the minister was reading and stalled at Hebrews 4. The word "Rest" jumped off the page, and I found my word for the year.

When I think of this coming year I admit that I'm terrified. I don't know what the year will hold, but it is likely to include pain. And there is absolutely nothing I can do to change that fact.

I know by looking at the past that God will carry us through every challenge. I know that I need to trust Him, but humanely it just feels hard.


Ed's MRI last week looked great. We are so grateful that the inflammation is nearly gone, and the tumor is stable. Compared to his MRIs last summer, they are beautiful.

But the treatment that stalled his tumor brought side affects. It might seem silly but now that we are not actively treating Ed's cancer, some of the smaller things like fatigue, lack of concentration, and his inability to work feel overwhelming. We are working with a rehab doctor in hopes of increasing his strength and focus. I struggle to know what I should accept, and what I should push to change. I find myself stressing over little things, possibly since I can't change the big things.

It isn't all gloomy at our house. I've been given a new editing opportunity that I'm excited about. Our boys are loving their new puppy. Homeschooling has been a challenge this year with disrupted schedules, but we are enjoying a new art program and some great read-alouds. Some days (maybe every day) I need to choose whether I'm going to focus on all the things that went wrong or list my many blessings.

When I read Hebrews 4 I can't begin to uncover all its riches. Verse 9 promises rest for the people of God. We are told to listen to God's voice and not harden our hearts (vs. 7). Rest is something to be sought through faith (vs.11) and the power of the Word of God (vs. 12). But best of all is our Lord Jesus Christ, our high priest, who became a man and knows our weakness (vs.14-15) so we can come to the throne of God and find mercy and grace (and rest) in our time of need (vs. 16).

Rest. We can find it because, through faith in Christ, He gives rest.

That is a promise to carry into the unknowns of a new year.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)


15 comments:

  1. QUERIDA HERMANA QUE GUSTO SABER DE TI NUEVAMENTE, Y QUE BUENO QUE ED SE SIENTA UN POCO MEJOR, QUE HAYA CAMBIOS EN SU DIAGNOSTICO AUNQUE SEAN PEQUEÑOS ESOS CAMBIOS, SON UNA BENDICION PARA EL. ENTIENDO LO DE TU CORAZON DURO, VENIMOS PASANDO MAS DE 1 AÑO UNA CRISIS ECONOMICA, ES DIFICIL NO TENER QUE DAR MUCHO DE COMER A LOS NIÑOS EN LA MESA, O ESPERAR PARA PODER COMPRARLE ALGUNA ROPA O CALZADO, AUNQUE SOMOS HUMILDES, NO GASTAMOS EN COSAS MUNDANAS, A VECES SE HACE DIFICIL EL VIVIR DIA A DIA, MUCHAS VECES HE LLORADO Y LE HE DICHO A DIOS PORQUE NOS DAS LAS ESPALDA? ME HE SENTIDO ABRUMADO, CANSADO, MOLESTA, SATURADA DE COSAS, SE QUE DIOS ESTA AHI AUNQUE A VECES NO LO VEAMOS, SU MISERICORDIA ESTA SIEMPRE CON NOSOTROS, Y TOMO PARA MI LOS VERSICULOS QUE PUBLICASTE. SIGO ORANDO Y QUE DIOS TE DE FORTALEZA Y SABIDURIA PARA ESTE NUEVO AÑO QUE EMPEZO.

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  2. This was a real encouragement to me, this morning. Thank you for sharing!

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  3. Thank you for continuing to minister to us online. Your posts always convict and encourage me. Praying for you all!

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  4. Keep writing and thanks for the word "rest" It isn't easy when you or your spouse is dealing with health issues. I want to focus on "one day" at a time this month :)
    Always good to hear from you You are so honest about your struggles and yet so positive !!

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  5. Holding Ed & your family in prayer for continued renewal & health. All praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Have a blessed day!

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  6. It is so good to hear a report on your family. Thankful for the stability of the tumor. Praying over the fatigue, etc., that are no doubt very big concerns.
    Oh, what would we do without the power of our Mighty God! How I pray that each of us would run to Him for the rest our weary souls need.
    Gina, dear sister, may you find rest in Him. Thank you for teaching us.
    Praying on.........

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  7. Rest is hard-won at times, isn't it? What a courageous word to hold for the year ahead. I am so grateful that the tumor is stable, but I understand a bit of the complexity of side effects on the brain. I am glad you spoke honestly and I always admire your rootedness. Thinking of you and praying for you.

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  8. I can understand that you are a bit nervous about what the year will bring, Gina. I know that you will find reat in the Lord but sometimes it all seems so hard. We will continue to pray for your family. Big hugs.

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  9. Such an inspirational and encouraging post, continued prayers for Ed. I have been listening to Esther Mui who sings the psalms and scriptures so beautifully, here is a link to Come Unto Me, I pray yoy find it a blessing and a comfort.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRzRrc7XEjs&list=PLhvTTPyjymp-IaBQ-kC8s3emYxc1ZciQP

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  10. I could totally relate to this. When a difficult seasons begins the adrenaline alone can keep you going. But as hard seasons drag on and you see no good resolution in sight, it's really hard not to lose your focus. This hit me big time at the three year mark with Isaiah. The constant just trying to keep someone alive 24/7 is so exhausting. And I often feel like because he IS still alive I have no right to complain. But I have come to the place of realizing I need to grieve and process this hard, even though I'm so very thankful To have him with us. And the word REST... I feel like that is so hard. Type A personality... Trying to make everything okay for everyone. Doing all the things. I forget to just rest in Jesus. To just be still. Thanks for sharing Gina.

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    1. Bek-
      I think of you often. You've had a kind of hard that I can't hardly imagine. Thankful we both have God to lean on.
      Gina

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  11. That's so interesting Gina because rest is my word too and I didn't to get into the word of the year thing either. But because I've been stressed over my husband's heart problems and financial issues. But I was looking at the cover of my Homemaker's Friend Planner and the theme this year is Rest. I knew it came from the Lord. He wants me to rest in Him.

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  12. Gina I think of you Ed and the kids everyday. I constantly keep you in my prayers and I hope Ed continues to do well and the drs can help with his fatigue and focus. I am currently not working I broke a toe Christmas caroling Dec 17 at church getting in the van. Walked and worked for about 3 and half weeks without knowing it was brokrb til I got an X-ray done now I'm in a boot and no walking on it. So I read alot read my Bible and watch biblical movies do you have any favorites? Love you dear God bless

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  13. I have never heard of choosing a word from Scripture for the year, yet I can see the great benefits! I especially like Philippians 4:6-7: "Be anxious for nothing, bit in everything, by prayer and supplication,with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will GUARD your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." I noticed the picture of you and your husband in this post, both smiling; yet there is an anxious look in your eyes. Remember you have a faithful God who is guarding your heart and mind as you trust Him for your peace. And remember that there are so many of us who are praying for you, your husband and family. Thanking for the work you do on your encouraging blog!

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  14. I know I dont say this often enough ,but God bless you and your family Gina. You'll are in our thoughts and prayers even though we dont see you often anymore. Keep up the good fight!

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