~Thankful Thursday~ Rejoice~

Psalm 5:11 ~"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you."

I'M THANKFUL FOR ALL THE PRAYERS BEING SAID ON MY BEHALF AND MY FAMILY. WHAT MORE COULD BE ASK FOR?

1. Jan returns to M.D. Anderson on 8/5/08 for lab work and MRI to see how this new chemo is working. Please pray the chemo is shrinking the tumor. Please also pray for minimal side effects, if any.
2. Last week I came to you with an unspoken prayer request. Would you continue to pray.
3. I've been training this week for my job. It is very different from what I'm used to. But it's been good and challenging to learn something new. I'm rejoicing to have found this job.
4. My cousin got great news at her visit with her oncologist. It has been decided that she will continue on the same oral chemo for now. We are very thankful for this news. Some of her counts were up just a bit and others were within normal range. Thank you for praying with us. The following is a portion of her email to me (in bold). "So much to take in, but I feel that God has answered our prayers and sent the answer we have prayed for. Nothing is too big for my God nor impossible. I feel that He has looked down on me and heard all of the prayers that have been sent heavenward on my behalf and has answered them. What a glorious God! And what a great bunch of bloggers that have interceded in my behalf - I can never thank them enough."

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Iris at Sting My Heart.

Blessings!

~WFW~Believing Prayer Changes Things~

EZEKIEL 22:30 NKJ ~ "So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one."

JOHN 16:23-24 NKJ ~ ". . . Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full."

JOHN 14:13-14 NKJ ~ "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it."

"Christ has delegated a certain amount of His authority in the earth to His Body, the church. Our decisions as believers -- which we can express in prayer -- make a difference in our lives and others' lives."

MARK 11:24 NKJ ~ ".. . whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

JEREMIAH 33:3 NKJ ~ "Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know."

PSALM 50:15 NKJ ~ "Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me."

"God invites me(us) to pray and believe, so His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our Father in Heaven is the God of all peace and the God of all comfort.

I have several things I would ask you join me in prayer:

1. Jan returns to M.D. Anderson on 8/5/08 for lab work and MRI to see how this new chemo is working. Please pray the chemo is shrinking the tumor. Please also pray for minimal side effects, if any.
2. My cousin saw her oncologist Tuesday. I haven't heard what she found out yet. Please pray for peace, good results on her blood work and answers needed to make a decision.
3. I took my Mom to the doctor today for a follow up. She is having further testing to "rule out" a few others possibilities. Pray that her tests will return normal.
4. Joyce had a bone scan and it was clear. She is really tired with having radiation and chemo. Pray the chemo/radiation is working.
5. Last week I came to you with an unspoken prayer request. Would you continue to pray.
6. As I briefly posted last week, I did get a job. Today, I started training. There is so much to learn. The work has been easy. I'm thrilled to be moving forward. Thank you for all your prayers for me regarding a job. I feel really good about this change.

To find more Word-filled Wednesdays, visit 160AcreWoods

~Overcome!~

1 JOHN 5:4 NKJ ~ "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

"All of us have a choice: we can either make excuses, or make progress in life.

Most people have an excuse. They are too young or old, short or tall, educated or uneducated -- whatever. We all have some reason to justify our failure.

But when we focus on God and His ability and willingness to help us in every way -- all our excuses become insignificant.

God's intention is not for His children to be defeated by the problems of life. No! The problems of life are opportunities for us to experience God's help and provision.

God plans for His children to overcome.

How?

By faith!

And faith is available to anyone who will feed on the Bible. Faith comes from God's Word like physical energy comes from eating physical food.

So, if your faith is weak, take in more of God's Word. Then your faith will grow strong. Then you can overcome the problems you face. Then God will be glorified in you.

With the help of God, I(we) will overcome!"

We can accomplish/overcome anything with the help of God. In this devotion I'm sharing today in 1 John it says if we believe Jesus is the Son of Man, we will overcome the world. How? By Faith. Our Faith will grow if we spend more time in God's Word.

I have several things I would ask you join me in prayer:

1. Jan returns to M.D. Anderson on 8/5/08 for lab work and MRI to see how this new chemo is working. Please pray the chemo is shrinking the tumor. Please also pray for minimal side effects, if any.
2. My cousin sees her oncologist tomorrow. This is an appt. to discuss the possibility of changing her chemo from oral to drip. She has a lot of questions and concerns regarding this. Please pray for peace, good results on her blood work and answers needed to make a decision.
3. I took my Mom to the doctor today for a follow up. She is having further testing to "rule out" a few others possibilities. Pray that her tests will return normal.
4. The last time I talked with Brianna about Joyce, she was struggling with the chemo and radiation. Pray the chemo/radiation is working.
5. Last week I came to you with an unspoken prayer request. Would you continue to pray.
6. As I briefly posted last week, I did get a job. Today, I worked with Tech Support to get all the programs downloaded. I'm supposed to begin training tomorrow, but this depends if I get a delivery in time to get this going. Thank you for all your prayers for me regarding a job. I feel really good about this change. And, I know you will rejoice with our family as tonight my brother-in-law and Jan's step-son, David returned home after being away for 6 months. He is in the Air Force Reserves. We praise God for keeping him safe while he has been gone.

Have a BLESSED week!

~Then Sings My Soul Saturday ~ Song of Love~

It has been good week! I'm so very thankful that I have a job and that I'm moving forward. Jan has returned from M.D. Anderson. I don't think they have the results of her blood work yet. Pray that she continues to tolerate this chemo with no or minimal side effects and good results on her testing. Mom will be seeing her primary physician Monday to follow up on her testing and to see what our next step is. My cousin asked me to Thank everyone for their prayers. She will be seeing her oncologist Tuesday to discuss future treatment. Please pray for peace and knowledge as they move forward in this regard.

Have a great weekend!

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders

~Thankful Thursday~Keep Thanking God~

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 CEV ~ "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do."

There are many things in life we may not understand. But we can understand this verse, and know that God gave these instructions for our benefit, to help us -- not because God is so insecure that He needs constant thanks.

When bad things happen, what should we do?
Will it help to gripe and complain and feel sorry for ourselves?
No. That only makes things worse.

When bad things happen they seem to contradict belief in the goodness and care of God. But we must remember that there is an enemy, the devil, who is out to steal our faith, our peace, and our joy. We are commanded in Scripture to resist him, staying strong in our faith.

Giving thanks is a powerful way to resist the devil. Even when we do not understand, and it seems like things are out of control and going downhill fast -- we should force ourselves to stay in faith and be thankful.

This is not to say that God is responsible or to thank God for evil. Instead, I am saying we can thank God for what He is doing, and what He has already done for us in the sacrifice of Jesus -- no matter what may be happening.)

1 THESSALONIANS 5:18 NLT ~ No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

So, on this "Thankful Thursday," I will keep thanking God, no matter what happens.

I've had several contacts regarding employment and I have a job interview @ 11:00 a.m. (CST) (Thursday). I would like to just step back and allow God to lead me. I'm finishing up some testing for a couple of potential employment opportunities. I'm at the most difficult part of the testing, so please pray that I can get this accomplished successfully. There is one place in particular that looks better "on paper." Update: I have a job. More later.

Jan is back at M.D. Anderson. She will be having 8-hour blood work (Thursday). I would ask that you pray her levels look GREAT. Pray this is the chemo that will wipe out all the cancer, with minimal or no side effects, as well as no problems with the way the chemo and her anti-seizure meds work.

I will be making some phone calls Thursday a.m. for my Mom to her family physician and the cardiologist she saw the other day. We're going to be making some decisions (or she is, I guess I should say) regarding what steps need to take next.

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Iris at Sting My Heart.

Blessings!

~WFW~Hang On~

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Here is a portion of a recent devotion that I received. It speaks volumes.

HEBREWS 10:23 NKJ ~ "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

"Sometimes it seems like there's no hope and no help. Like you have no more strength or ability to go on. You're at the end of yourself and just can't do any more.

Don't worry. Just hang on to your faith in God.

God is faithful. He will not forsake you. He has not forgotten you. (It just seems that way when you face a trial of faith --but it's a lie.)

It may seem dark and hopeless, but God is holding on to you. God is working behind the scenes. Things will work out.

When you don't know what to do, just continue to trust in God, and know that He is helping you. Persevere even when you feel like you can't. Just don't give up.

JAMES 1:2-4 Barclay ~ "My brothers, you must regard it as nothing but joy when you are involved in all kinds of trials, for you must realize that when faith has passed through the ordeal of testing the result is the ability to pass the breaking-point and not to break. This ability must go right on to the end, and then you will be perfect and complete, without a weak spot."

Trials are no fun. But we should not be surprised when we find our faith being tested.

The devil is doing his best to steal your faith in God, but his best is not good enough. God is greater than the devil. Hang onto your faith!

Remember that God is for you. God is on your side. God will help you and see you through.

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep praising and thanking God -- especially when you don't feel like it. Don't give up. Hang on!"

I have an unspoken prayer request tonight. I don't feel comfortable posting the details tonight. God already knows what it is. I would be honored if you would join me as I pray for this matter.

To find more Word-filled Wednesdays, visit 160AcreWoods.

~Thankful Thursday

~Gift of Prayer~

Most of you who’ve been to my blog know that my younger sister has been fighting an aggressive brain cancer since November 13, 2007. We have seen God’s hand at work in many ways since then. It is a desire that God will be given the Praise and Glory for EVERYTHING, as well as Jan having the support and love as she fights this cancer.

Jan’s blog was set up so that family and friends could check on her progress, as well as a place where prayer requests could be listed and to all Honor God.

I had created my blog in May of 2007, but never posted anything until last December. It is my desire that my blog not be about me, but one that reflects and honors Him.

Over the last several months I’ve asked prayer many times for Jan. There have been many who have come along side as we PRAYED AND PRAISED God. Prayer is very powerful! I’ve said many times in the last few months, “There is no better gift than the gift of prayer.”

In Matthew 18:20 NIV it says, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them." The Message puts it a bit differently, "Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action. And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."

Anytime we Praise and Honor God satan gets angry! In saying this, over the last 8 months or so there are many occasions where Satan has been angry because of the actions taken to Praise and Honor God. It is satan’s goal to beat us down or set us up for failure. He has been attacking in many different ways. Even though God is walking with us, or maybe I should say God is carrying us, I(we) are human and it is hard not to get caught up, hurt and/or frustrated by these attacks on us by satan.

Satan is using these attacks to try to get our focus off of God. We know that we CAN’T give satan this power. But, as I said above, I(we) are human and its hard not to become involved or troubled by the circumstances. Satan has a way of causing worry, doubt, and question (just to name a few) to creep in our minds.

In saying all this, I would ask that you pray for Jan as she fights this cancer. I would also ask that you pray for OUR FAMILY that we will stand STRONG and FIRM in our belief. We have been blessed with the “gift of prayer” by so many. Pray that we will Honor God in all we do.

We spent the majority of the day in the hospital with our Mom. She woke up quite early; when she got out of bed she experienced left chest and back pain. We thought it best to have this checked. We were very fortunate that she was able to have all the many tests performed today. Everything on her heart has checked out with NO PROBLEMS, so she didn't have to stay overnight. It is possible she could have done something to her back. So, in saying that, I would like you to join me in Praising God for good results today and that this is something minor, such as a pulled muscle or THAT IT IS NOTHING. Update: Tonight this area where she was experiencing pain is very SORE.

I have been richly blessed to have you walk beside me (so to speak) and especially by all the prayers you have offered on my behalf and for my family.

Thank You!

Love,

~Be Still~

~Who Do You Serve?~

I ran across this devotional by pastor, James McDonald:

Choose this day whom you will serve. Joshua 24:15

Everybody serves somebody. Everybody has somebody in charge of his life. I’m not sure that Bob Dylan got a lot of things right, but he was right on target when he wrote the song, “Gotta Serve Somebody.” It’s the truth:

• Some people choose an esteemed person to serve. They make the dangerous choice to look to an authority figure, a pastor, a professor, or a politician. Problem is, look closely enough and you’ll see that person’s massive imperfections and become disillusioned.

• Some people serve a close relationship as their ultimate authority. “I just do whatever my wife wants.” Or “Unless my son is happy, I can’t be either.” Psychologists call it codependency, when you’re so wired into another person that your life goes sideways if his gets off track.

• Some people decide to serve a mission, a value, or an organization. They’re always raising the flag for some important cause. We feed the poor, we save the trees, or we elect the best possible candidates.

• Some people serve a personal agenda. I’ll get this degree; I’ll reach this milestone; I’ll break this record; I’ll build this company. Of course, that’s just a thinly veiled version of the most common one, the goal that most people are pursuing...

• Most people serve themselves. Most people live by this philosophy. At the end of the day, I’ll do what works for me. I’m the one who’s in charge here. That’s the religion of the masses.

If you have never made a choice, a real choice, for Jesus Christ as Lord, you probably are on this last agenda by default. You may not feel like you chose, but by not making a deliberate, conscious choice, you have been swept up in the cultural current and carried along in the whitewater of living for self.

Far truer than people are willing to admit, you choose who you serve. Your life can be different, your choice to change it is right within your grasp. The person who adamantly claims he has no choice is at that moment making the choice to articulate his frustration about the pressure from others to choose what he wants. Still, we choose whether or not to accept the pressure.

As much as someone might love you, no one can choose for you. Even God, who loves you perfectly, will not choose for you. There are simply some crucial decisions you have to make for yourself. The ball is in your court. Joshua was right when he challenged Israel, “Choose this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15).

~Then Sings My Soul Saturday~

Be Who You Are

1 CORINTHIANS 15:10 NIV ~ But by the grace of God I am what I am....
ROMANS 12:2 Wuest, An Expanded Translation ~ And stop assuming an outward expression that does not come from within you and is not representative of what you are in your inner being but is patterned after this age; but change your outward expression to one that comes from within and is representative of your inner being, by the renewing of your mind, resulting in your putting to the test what is the will of God, the good and well-pleasing and complete will, and having found that it meets specifications, place your approval upon it. God is a brilliant Creator. He only makes originals -- not copies. According to Ephesians 2:10, you are God's work of art.

God made you unique. So be all that God created you to be.

Don't try to be someone else. Don't try to be an ear in the Body of Christ, if God made you a foot. Just be yourself.

This does not mean that you cannot improve, or grow. Growth is part of God's plan. And we can certainly learn from others, and imitate excellent actions and attitudes.

But too many people are insecure and hope to gain acceptance from others by conforming to what they think will make them popular or successful -- even though they hate it and know they are not being real.

ROMANS 12:2 Phillips ~ Don't let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould....

Don't let the world pressure you into conforming.

Express the originality that God put within you. God made you the way you are for a purpose -- His purpose.

This is not to encourage rebellion, of course. But it is not God's plan for us all to be identical and do everything in the same way.

I am not saying you have to try to be different. Just be who God made you -- without fear.

Not everyone may like you, or what you do. But that is normal. You can't always please everyone. Make it your aim to please God by expressing what He made you.

ROMANS 12:2 NLT ~ Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

The Bible reveals many truths about who we are once we receive Jesus Christ. We actually receive new life, a new standing with God, and new ability. As you feed the Word of God into your thinking, that new life will be able to manifest more and more.

I am what I am by the grace of God. I will be what God made me and fulfil His plan for me.

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders

~Thankful Thursday~Trust~

Psalms 37: 3, 5 ~"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture;
Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this..."

TRUST ~ That can be BIG and DIFFICULT at times. I posted three verses all saying we should, "Trust in the Lord." How often do we lay our problems at God's feet, trusting Him; AND then before long we've taken them back to handle ourselves? Do we REALLY think we can handle our problems or concerns better than GOD? AND, do we instead make a bigger problem or have more concerns when we try to handle things?

*Today, I'm thankful I have God to handle my problems.
*And, if I have problems letting Him handle them, I'm thankful He's always there to take control when I've made a mess or realize I need to let Him handle things.
*I'm thankful I've had time to rest in the last week.
*I'm thankful for all that God created.
*I'm thankful Jan is tolerating her new treatment with MINIMAL side effects.
*I'm thankful for good friends and family.
*I'm thankful I have money to pay my bills.
*I'm thankful I'm not limited to one skill and I have options in terms of work.
*And, last but surely not least, I'm thankful for Ripley. Talk about trust. This little fella trusts me 100%.

I'll leave you with a picture of Ripley aka The Begger

I would ask that you continue to pray for Jan, Joyce, and my cousin. They are all fighting cancer, as well as pray that I will trust God as I continue this job search. I know He will provide what I need.

May God Bless Each of You!

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Iris at Sting My Heart.

~WFW~Security & Contentment~

Phillipians 4:13 ~ I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
John 15:5 ~ I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing .

I was shy when I was a child. When in kindergarten my "security blanket" so to speak was to hang on to my teacher's dress. From 1st grade to 3rd grade I cried (at least) the first day of each school year. I have memories of struggling some in 1st grade with not wanting to be at school. My Mom tells the story of repeatedly taking me to doctor because I complained of my stomach hurting. After 1st grade I don't remember not liking school, but I do remember feeling more secure when I was at home. I can't deny there were also times when it was more "interesting" to be at home, rather than school.

Today, I feel secure because of Christ. I have come to realize that security and contentment is a choice. True joy is not the result of having everything I want but of gratefully receiving exactly what God has given me. The enemy robs many of us of joy by getting us to live in that foolish realm of "if only..." If we are not secure and content with what we have, we will not be content with what we think we want.

The deepest needs and longings of our hearts can only be filled by God Himself.

Without Christ, I am NOTHING. He strengthens me daily.

I would ask that you pray for my search for a job. I have several things that I'm looking into and working on. Jan has also started her new treatment. Please pray for great results with minimal to side effects.

To find more Word-filled Wednesdays, visit 160AcreWoods

~THANK YOU TRACY & LEA!~

I was quite surprised, honored and humbled today! I wasn't expecting one, much less two of the Arte y Pico (meaning “Peak of Art”) award. I received these awards from Tracy at My Cup Runneth Over and from Lea at Shabby Olde Potting Shed.

I enjoy Tracy's blog for many reasons. Tracy has a heart for the Lord. If you visit her blog, which I suggest you do, you will be uplifted. There are times in life you meet someone whom you are instantly drawn to. Tracy is that person for me. Thank you, Tracy. Not just for this award, but for who you are, as well as all your prayers and encouragement you send my way! You inspire me to be a better person.

Next, I enjoy Lea's blog for many reasons also. Lea also has a heart for the Lord. You will also receive a blessing if you visit Lea. There hasn't been a time that I've visited Lea and didn't come away with a smile and a lot of times laughing. Lea, you truly are an inspiration to me. Thank you for this award, as well as all your prayers and for just being the woman you are!

As a recipient of these awards, I have been asked to share each award with five blogs that bless me. I have chosen:

Sheryl at The Perch
Christina at All That Blog
Darlene at Everything to Me aka Puff's Pocket
Kim at ~Seasons of My Heart~
Peggy at Mazes, Messes, Miracles...aMAZING GRACE

Tracy at My Cup Runneth Over
Susan at Forever His
Melanie at The Fruits of the Spirit
Angie at Knightly News
Pia at My Life's Journey

All of these women have touched me in many different ways. They are all Godly women who
I've never met in person, though I would love to and will ONE DAY. If it is not this side of heaven, then it will be the other.

I visit these blogs frequently and I always leave being blessed! There is no "thank you" big enough for all your kind words and prayers for me, my family and most especially the prayers for my sister who is fighting an aggressive cancer.

There are so many other blogs that I adore and mean so much to me. This was certainly a difficult decision!

Congratulations friends!

Your “official instructions” follow. Now go forth and share the love! To the recipients of the award...pick five blogs you consider deserving of this award, whether for creativity, design, interesting material, or contributions to the blogging community, no matter what language. Name each nominee and link to his/her blog. Show the award and include the name (and link to his/her blog) of whoever presented you with this award.Link to the Arte y Pico blog so everyone knows the origin of this award. Post these rules.

May your lives be richly blessed!

~Be Still~

~Then Sings My Soul Saturdays~Mighty to Save~Hillsong~

Please remember Jan as she started her new treatment Thursday. Everything seems to be going good. Our prayer would be that this is the treatment that will kill ALL tumor and cancer cells, as well as NO long term side effects and if any minimal side effects while on treatment. Please ask God to give her Peace, Faith and Hope, as well. As she told me recently, it takes everything she has to fight this. I can't begin to imagine the heavy load this must be. We've see God's hand at work throughout her journey thus far and we Praise God for his help and guidance every step of the way!

Please also remember my Mom and Jan's husband, Gerald. They are probably the 2 closest people to Jan.

I would also ask that you remember me as I continue my search for a job. Pray that I will "Be Still and Listen" so that I will know where I will best fit. Although I have peace, it is uncomfortable.

Please also remember my cousin who is also fighting cancer, and Joyce who should be starting chemo Monday. She has had a very bumpy road so far. She had a PET CT scan Thursday. They probably won't get the results until Monday.

Following are the words to "Mighty to Save." We know that God has the ability to do anything! Nothing is too big or too small for Him. He cares about our biggest concerns, as well as our smallest concerns.

Have a great weekend!

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save

Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave
So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders

~Thankful Thursday~ Random~

*



*I'm thankful for PEACE, COMFORT AND HOPE!
*I'm thankful for Life;
*I'm thankful for blessings;
*I'm thankful you sent your Son so that we may have HOPE of new life;
*I'm thankful for the results Jan got today! How awesome is our God?
*I'm thankful for comments left on by blog;
*I'm thankful for all friends;
*I'm thankful for the seasons and that summer is here;
*Lastly, I'm thankful for my Rippee. He has a birthday today, July 10. He will be 4.

I would ask that you keep Jan in your prayers. She is beginning a new clinical trial tomorrow. Prayer she has no long term side effects from these meds; and pray that if she has any side effects while on the meds that they be minimal. Pray this treatment she is the one that will "kick her cancer's booty!" Jan has handled this cancer with such GRACE. I stand amazed and so very proud of her.

Please pray for our family as we strive to help Jan, but most especially pray for my Mom and Jan's husband Gerald. This is especially stressful for them.

I would also ask that you remember me as I'm starting this new job search. Pray that I will "Be Still and Listen" so that I will know where I will best fit. Although I have peace, it is uncomfortable.

Thankful Thursday is hosted by Iris at Sting My Heart.

~WFW~

The last two days have been rather stressful, but I'm now ready to begin a new chapter. I'm working on some short term goals/ideas, as well as long term goals/ideas. I knew I was miserable before all this came about, but I didn't realize how miserable until today.

Please pray that I allow God to work here as he chooses. I would ask that you pray for Peace, Guidance and Wisdom as I move along.

Also, Jan had her testing yesterday and is seeing the doctor at this time to find out the results of her MRI and if she is a candidate for this new trial. Please pray as God directs them, as well as NO GROWTH in the tumor in the last 2 weeks. Update ~ Let me tell you how awesome our God is! Jan originally had a larger tumor (which they were able to take part of it out) and then 2 spots. After her initial treatment, one spot was gone, the original tumor had shrunk considerably and the other spot was there, but appeared to have over radiation. Her results 2 weeks ago showed very minimal growth. TODAY, after being on NO treatment for 6 weeks, her results show the original tumor HAS SHRUNK. The other spot has very minimal growth. This type of cancer is so aggressive that without treatment and sometimes with treatment they can grow so much in 2-3 weeks time. She is a candidate for this new clinical trial. The chemos and clinical trials often have so many potential side effects. Please pray that God places a shield around Jan so she is does not have any long term side effects and very minimal side effects while on treatment. We are absolutely thrilled today with these results!

To find more Word-filled Wednesdays, visit 160AcreWoods

~God Has A Plan~

The following is a devotion that I recently received. It seems most appropriate today!

I'm in the midst of making employment changes. I've worked for a very difficult neurologist for 5-6 years. For my own well being and respect, it has come to the place where we've had to part ways. I believe I should have made this change before now, but since I didn't there's no time like the present.

I would ask that you pray for Wisdom as I try to decide where God wants me and Peace while things may not be easy for some time.

JEREMIAH 29:11 NIV ~ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Genesis 37 tells the story of Joseph being sold into slavery by his brothers. At that time, I'm sure it didn't look to Joseph like God had a plan -- at least not one that was good for him.

Joseph surely thought what many of us have, "Why did you let this happen to me, God?"

No doubt things looked clearer to Joseph later on when he was ruling Egypt and was able to save his entire family from starvation. (Genesis 45-50)

Often life may seem confusing and out-of-control. But don't despair. God has a plan for you which He is working out. If you could only see the end He has in mind for you -- you would begin to rejoice and thank God right now.

I know God has a plan for me, and I will trust Him to work everything out in my life.

~Jesus Will Not Reject You~ PRAYER UPDATE

First, I talked to Jan this morning. She has a knot on her leg. This is a new finding. She has been off treatment for almost 6 weeks. Please pray this is a benign finding. She will be calling M.D. Anderson in the morning to let them know and they will also be leaving for M.D. Anderson tomorrow.

Second, they have still be unable to keep Joyce's lung inflated. I talked to Brianna this morning and she most likely will have surgery today to sew the lung where it was punctured. Joyce is very frightened and does not want surgery. I know last week when she saw the oncologist her concern was she was going to die anytime. Remember she is not a Christian.

These are 2 very IMPORTANT prayer requests. I would ask that you pray for Peace for Jan and Joyce. Pray that Jan's cancer is not growing and that she will be able to begin treatment this week. Pray that they will be able to get Joyce's lung to remain inflated. And, pray God places the desire in her to know Him.

JOHN 6:37 LB ~ 37 "But some will come to me--those the Father has given me-- and I will never, never reject them."

People may reject you. But Jesus won't.

Jesus died for sinners. He loves them and will help them -- if only they will come to Him.

Jesus didn't come to condemn us, but to help us. Think of the Bible account of the woman caught in adultery.

JOHN 8:11 NIV ~ 11 "No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

Religious people will reject you for any number of reasons. The length of your hair, the food you eat, the way you are or the clothes you wear are only examples of reasons they may reject you.

But Jesus is different. He will accept you just as you are.

Many people think they need to clean up their life and get their act together before coming to Jesus. But they have it backwards. They should come to Jesus now, and let Him "clean them up."

If we could make ourselves perfect -- we wouldn't need a Savior.

TSMS- Saturday ~ Who Am I ~ Casting Crowns

Esphesians 2: 8-9 ~ For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.

Psalm 147:11 ~ the LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

Romans 3:24 ~ and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 9:30 ~ What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;

Psalm 25:11 ~ Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.

Jan/Gerald will leave Monday to return M.D. Anderson for testing on Tuesday/Wednesday. Please pray for safe travels, no tumor growth while on no treatment, and for her to pass the requirements for this clinical trial IF it is God's will that she be on this trial. If it is not, please have God open the door to what treatment she should be on IMMEDIATELY, so she can get started on treatment again.

Joyce had a lung biopsy on Wednesday. At the time of the biopsy the doctor punctured her lung. It wasn't until Friday afternoon that they were able to get her lung to stay inflated. She hasn't had the PET CT scan as of yet because of all these other problems. They do have part of the results back on the biopsy and she has "NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER." This is the better of the two, if you can say that with any cancer. Please pray that the cancer has not metastasized. Please also remember Joyce is not a Christian.

Please remember my cousin also who has CLL. She is contemplating a new clinical trial.

PLEASE PRAY ALL 3 OF THESE WOMEN HAVE A GREAT SENSE OF PEACE! They each have a different type of cancer. Please pray God will intervene here with complete earthly healing.

Thanking God today for His gift of salvation and also for our Freedom!

For more "Then Sings My Soul Saturday" posts visit Amy at Signs, Miracles and Wonders