Praises Along the Way--Changes

October 27, 2008

The weather is changing and while its getting colder outside the warmth of Danni's heart is still becoming more beautiful each day. She is a light burning brightly. Yesterday we had our time together with our family reading the word and praying. We talked about Hebrews 11, commonly known as the "faith chapter" and also chapter 12.

We discussed how we go through disciplines that increase our faith and cause us to grow closer to God. The word says in Hebrews 12:7 to "endure hardship as discipline" and that the discipline comes to those God loves (vs.6). When we had finished talking about these things we all went around and said what it was that we have learned in the past 9 months.

Jessi (15) was the first to speak and she said she had become very curious as to what God's plan was for her life. Atlee (10) said that he had learned that "we can't do the things that God can do." Matt said that he had learned more about God's love and mercy also that God is in control. My ideas were along the lines of what Matt and Atlee had said but Danni's were different. She said that she had learned to "trust God and never ever give up."

Nothing blesses a mom's heart more than to know their child has given themselves to the purposes of God wholeheartedly. If through all these circumstances of discipline Danni came near to God and fully gave herself to him then all the struggle and pain has produced a "harvest of righteousness" (Heb. 12:11). The word "discipline" used here does not mean punishment but in the sense that an athlete "disciplines" his body for the race to make it stronger. (Heb. 12:1)

I love it when the Lord brings his word into our lives and shows us through situations exactly what he means by what he has spoken. It's a beautiful thing.

Things are also changing with Danni's pain, it has increased and where she didn't have pain before now she has pain. It has moved from her right shoulder to her right ribs, at this point it doesn't matter what the pain is coming from our goal is to keep her comfortable so we've changed pain meds from the current ones she is taking to others that are much stronger.

She still has her sense of humor even with all she's facing. Yesterday I gave her a pill for her to swallow and she lifted her hand palm up to the ceiling. She was moving her arm up and down so I asked her if she wanted the head of the bed up higher and she said, "No, I'm dancing!" So funny!

I'm so grateful that she's home and that we live in a country where we can get the meds we need to keep the pain at bay, where she can lay in an air bed to keep her skin well, where people pull together no matter what walk of life they are from to give of themselves in such loving ways.

Lord, I thank you and I praise you for your love and provision for us! You are awesome! Your yoke is light and your burden is easy. Thank you for bearing the weight of this on your shoulders as it would easily crush us into dust. I praise you, I praise you, I praise you! You are good all the time!

8 comments:

Jillian said...

Christy, I feel like you are my daily dose of perspective. Thank you for the constant reminders of what a thankful and trusting heart look like. I know the circumstances are less than ideal, but your family is sharing such an intimate relationship with Christ. What a blessing, as a mom, to know that God is using each of your children for a special purpose.
Danni, I wish I lived near you! I'm sure that if I had the chance to "meet" you in person that I would really want to be your friend. You are my brand of funny! I think you have an awesome and humorous personality and your vibrant spirit is apparent in the way your mom talks about you. Cancer is crappy, but you are an amazingly awesome girl! You are beautiful inside and out!! I'll say a special prayer for you today that God would take away that extra pain you're having and as always, pray for your healing.
jill Winslow

jj said...

Bless all of ya!

Anonymous said...

God is Good All the Time and All the Time God is Good! As Mindi our worship leader likes to say. WE KNOW HE is in CONTROL and has a grand plan for us all. You all have been and ARE an awesome example of embracing God's daily plans for us. You're testimony keeps us humble and I know many are encouraged by your courage and Faith. WE love you very, very, very much and continue to pray for you healing and the relief of pain
We love it Danni that you are STILL DANCING!!! Keep it up.
Your loving Friends,
Kala & Diane

Sus said...

A friend of a grandmother gave me this blog. I read it at least once a week. Your perspective is so Godly and positive. I pray for you as a family. I touch Danni with my own heartfelt fears, hopes and acceptance of allowing God to be all the God is. my saying is"Let go and Let God"
Danni, You know that you are loved and prayed for by many people who do not even know you. I am one of those. Right now as I write I am in the Goshen hospital for round 7 of 8 rounds of aggressive chemo to try and put my mantel cell lymphoma stage 4 into remission. I am wise and old enough (60) to know that unless there is a miracle, the best I can get is a limited remission. I am not in pain and am thankful for that and have said extra prayers for the control of Danni's pain.
I was diagnosed in mid June. I understand Danni and I am also trying to get people to understand cancer and the hope of God in all of this. Your mom does a fantastic job with the blog. Mine is less scripture, but hopefully an awareness is conveyed that God is real and my source of hope and comfort. i also am trying to help people realize the life of the cancer patient and the special needs we have and how they can help. I hope that maybe you could read mine and see the joy of the support I have also with familly. I will continue to hold you and your family up.
my blog is www.journeywithsus.typepad.com
I would love to hear from you MOm. I thank you for your genuine love and excellent verbal expressions.
Blessings to each of you during this journey.
Sus

Anonymous said...

Autumn Greetings

Dear God,
The lady reading this is beautiful, classy and strong and I love her. Help her live her life to the fullest. Please promote her and cause her to excel above expectations. Help her to shine in darkest places and love where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most. let her know that when she walks with you..she will always be safe.

I received this thru email today and wanted to pass it along.

Anonymous said...

It seems like you and your family are on my mind all the time and in my everydays prayer. This blog has touched so many lives and we all love you all so much!
God bless each one of you!

Anonymous said...

Danni i love you so much!! even though you are going through things that are more difficult then any of the rest of us could never imagine going through you still have that spontanious mischivious part of you! hearing about the goofy things you do like dancing with ur pill always makes me smile and i realize how blessed i am to have you in my life. You are such an amazing person and God sure knew what he was doing when he made you. you are amazing kid. stay ur strong amazing self.
love yous tons!
kala*

Anonymous said...

Just a little note to say that your family is in my prayers daily. I am very touched by your words you write and share. I have learned and am blessed from your words. Your daughter has such a beautiful spirit and she is so precious.
I attend your parents church in Florida. They are special and caring people.

Love to you all
Tami