Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Mom, who is 86 years old, was rushed to the hospital with a broken hip and arm. The following day she had surgery on both areas, the next night she experienced postsurgical psychosis that lasted 20 hours. She slept the next two days.
A week after her fall, she was still unable, or unwilling to use her legs (because of the immense pain and the confusion surrounding it, due to her advanced dementia)
Early on, members of the hospital staff, including the Chaplain compassionately suggested ‘the obvious’ … a nursing home.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Again, I reached out to my faithful friends in Christ for prayer.
We prayed for His divine intervention. We prayed the LORD would have mercy on Mom. That He would be the strength in her weakness and hold her up that she would cooperate and follow directions. That He lessen her excruciating pain, enabling her to walk.
- The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth. (Psalm 145:18)
"… but God has surely listened and has heard my prayer.Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! "(Psalm 66:19-20)
"The Lord is righteous in all His ways and faithful in all he does.""The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on him in truth.He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; He hears their cry and saves them." (Psalm 145:17-19)
The next day, Mom stood, gripped her walker, and took a couple steps with assistance. The day after that, she walked to the door of her room.
It has been three weeks since her injury, she continues to increase in strength and is looking forward to returning home.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak ...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:29,31)
At night I lay in the recliner next to her bed in the hospital. Throughout the night we pray together and share our love for the LORD. I hold her hand and we express our love for each other … I have heard it said that I am doing a good thing, giving my time. I don’t have to, I get to spend this time with my Mom. Our time together is joy, it is a gift. This time together is the reward! ♡
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (Corinthians 9:7)
All thanksgiving and glory to God for Mom’s progress. We praise Him and give thanks to our LORD Jesus Christ, that she was never alone (during this pandemic). A family member was with her 24 hours a day to encourage and love and validate her.
"My God shall supply all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19)
After three weeks, Mom is coming home tomorrow. Hallelujah! Praise God!
"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you.I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." (Isaiah 46:4)
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 ... God is Love. We love Him, We trust Him. Our hope is in Him!
Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life …… She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
There is someone from Curt's life, whose deception directly affected my life after Curt's death.
What, then, shall I say in response to these things? If God is for me, who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)
The Lord hates cheating and delights in honesty. Proud men end in shame, but the meek become wise. A good man is guided by his honesty; the evil man is destroyed by his dishonesty. Your riches won't help you on Judgment Day; only righteousness counts then. (Proverbs 11:1-4)
Do not take advantage of the widow ... If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. (Exodus 22:22-23)
Matthew 16:26
BUT, my testimony is not about that one ...
and I give thanks to God, that ...
He is patient, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
He rescued me from my own self-righteousness only eight years ago. Though undeserving, God had mercy on me, plucking me from the precipice of the fiery pit. He opened my mind and heart to the truth, and made me a new creation in Jesus Christ. He continues to direct me from the broad road and guides my steps on the narrow path. I pray His forgiveness for my sins daily - that I remain in Him ...
I pray His mercy and grace over your life too!
Psalm 40:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Matthew 7:13-14; John 8:31-32
(see below for referenced scripture)
This is a testament to God's love, protection & provision.
He prepares a table before me in the presence of my enemies. He anoints my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely His goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23:5-6)
In his twenty fourth month battling pancreatic cancer, Curt suffered a stroke. God delivered him on his bed of pain, by drawing Curt near. He spoke to Curt in his affliction, and Curt's eyes were opened to the truth. Curt became a new creation in Christ, and because he believed, he received the gift of eternal life. And, his name could be found in the book of life.
On December 30, 2019, twenty five months after his diagnosis, Curt took his last breath on earth. God allowed me to view a glimpse of heaven's glory reflected in Curt's eyes. He then appeared to me in the wonder of the cloud throughout that night. The LORD IS my strength and my shield. Praise Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine ... All thanksgiving and glory to our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ forever and ever!
Psalm 28:7; Ephesians 3:20-21
(see Curt’s testimony, and Curt's entry into Heaven, links provided below)
By God's mercy and grace ...
My daughter came to Christ as a result of Curt’s death. This alone is a blessing beyond measure! She has been my rock, both physically and emotionally, throughout this difficult time of loss and heartache.
While I may not be a widow in the traditional sense, the Social Security Administration recognizes me as such.
On top of that, I received three art jobs the beginning of 2020, and completed all of the work before the Corona virus dictated our lives in proximity to others.
This income would prove beneficial in the days to come.
I have, since, received two more jobs.
Anne, Curt’s financial advisor, provided her services to me free of charge. She called me most days, blessing me many times over these last few months with her expertise and loving guidance. She truly is a friend indeed!
Michele and Tom, quickly became close friends and were ever present throughout Curt’s ordeal. In a heartfelt invitation, they opened their home to me "as family" after hearing of my sudden, unexpected, grim situation. They are in Christ, and their love and generous nature gave me hope in a desperate time. Their friendship never ceases to bring me great joy.
Audrey, a dear friend, offered to lend me a considerable amount of money to renovate Curt's house early on, in the event I would be able to purchase it. Her love is woven into the fabric of my heart. I am forever blessed with her friendship.
Mary, another dear friend, continues to overwhelm me with her kindness and generosity. By God's grace and with her help as a realtor, I purchased a brand new home, in my preferred location, on the first day we ventured out. Mary not only waived her commission, but insisted on lending me the large downpayment as I awaited a promised gift from Curt's estate. Mary's obedience to Christ’s greatest commandment is a testimony to the power of love and compassion. I am grateful she is in my life and will forever cherish her friendship.
These beautiful people mentioned above, along with countless others, continue to grace me with their love and compassion and friendship ...
What great wealth I have accumulated in such a brief time!
Luke 10:27; also in the gospel of Matthew 22:36-40 and Mark 12:28-31, as "The greatest commandment ..."
Since that amazing moment the blinders of this world fell from my eyes, I was able to see the reality of Jesus ...
I trust My Father,
who knows my needs & always provides!
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. (Ezekiel 36:26)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17)
In my blog, dated October 30, 2019, I shared my dire situation. I did this, knowing that God would meet my needs, and I would be able to testify to His goodness.
I trust His perfect ways and timing!
(see Weakness, a Self-Portrait, link and further explanation provided below)
I fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of my faith!
Hebrews 12:2
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. (Romans 8:28-29)
For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the LORD, who is worthy of praise, and I have been saved from my enemies. (Psalm 18:2-3)
1 Corinthians 13:4, 6-7
We cannot hide our true feelings or intentions from God. He knows our thoughts and our motives. So, “above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
"For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21)
"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust. Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.He will cover you with his feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart …" (Psalm 91:1-7)
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life … Your heavenly Father knows what you need. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:25, 32-33)
I also began formal Bible studies in January of this year ...
For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.The LORD loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of His unfailing love. By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth.He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; He puts the deep into storehouses.Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere Him.For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm. The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples.But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all mankind; from His dwelling place He watches all who live on earth — He who forms the hearts of all, who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength.A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in His unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; He is our help and our shield. In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:4-22)
I do not love Him for what He can do for me,
but for who He is!
Amen! Praise God!
Referenced Scripture:
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. (Psalm 40:2) ... Jesus is my rock and firm foundation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: he old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) ... Jesus is the way the truth and the life (John 14:6)
"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, an only a few find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) ... Jesus is the gate
... Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Than you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)
“Or someone may be chastened on a bed of pain with constant distress in their bones, so that their body finds food repulsive and their soul loathes the choicest meal. Their flesh wastes away to nothing, and their bones, once hidden, now stick out. They draw near to the pit, and their life to the messengers of death. Yet if there is an angel at their side, a messenger, one out of a thousand, sent to tell them how to be upright,and he is gracious to that person and says to God, ‘Spare them from going down to the pit; I have found a ransom for them (Job 33:19-24)
But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. (Job 36:15)
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.(Ezekiel 36:26)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in[a]Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.” (Zechariah 3:1-4)
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:12-15)
In my testimony (part 4), I spoke of loved ones with cancer. Curt was one of those whose cancer returned, but in his weakness and pain, he devoted his last days to Christ, assuring him a home in God's eternal kingdom. My friend, Lori, who years ago invited me to a meeting that forever changed my life, also passed away from cancer (days after Curt). I look forward to seeing them when The LORD calls me home. There is another, my Step-Father, who God has since healed of cancer. He continues to love and care for my Mom, whose dementia is in no way improved, but there is a peace that is evident most days.
“Vicki, pray over me. The devil is trying to get me!”
I knelt beside him at once, praying the Full Armor of God over him. I reminded Curt that he was in Christ and belonged to God. And, that the devil was a liar and a murder from the beginning, and there is no truth in him. We continued to wield the Sword of the Spirit (praying scripture over Curt) throughout the night. We thanked Jesus for His presence and protection, sheltered by the Shield of Faith.
(Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 3:23, 1 John 2:23-25, John 8:44, Jude 9, James 4:7, Matthew 18:20, Hebrews 4:12)
“Did you hear me screaming?”
“It was so real!”
Curt’s Dream:
“Are you watching this on TV?! Are you watching this?!” Mom shouts through my phone.
I am living it ... I am scared to death ...
I am in the abandoned lot across the street from my childhood home.
I am terrified ... Cars and debris of all sizes fly through the air by tremendous force ...
Everything airborne is yellow or white.
What’s happening?
I am horrified by the chaos, and by the knowledge that nothing can control it ...
Not a single thing whizzing around me, touches me ...
It’s going to kill me … I’m going to die …
I do not see him, but, I am fully aware of his evil presence - and, of his intention ...
I'm scared!
I scream, “satan is trying to take me …”
Vicki prays, but she quickly loses interest and drifts back to sleep.
I am alone - again!
Panicked, I cry out to God! But, the words that pass my lips defy my heart, and come out ...
“Satan give me strength ... Satan help me …”
I cry out to Vicki for prayer ...
I prayed fervently over Curt.
Fear gripped him throughout the remainder of the night ...
Curt added later, how strange he thought it was, that in the midst of the chaotic atmosphere and colors he saw in his dream, there was no blood.
When he recounts his dream, he relives the fear and how real his vivid dream had been - including my nonchalant prayer, of which I have no memory.
David, a close friend, stopped by a couple days before Curt’s dream. He shared a story about Mr. Rogers (of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood).
David's story came to mind the morning after Curt's dream.
I looked it up:
Mr. Rogers spoke with a fan of his, a teenage boy severely afflicted with cerebral palsy and terrible anger.
Mr. Rogers asked him, 'I would like you to do something for me. Would you do something for me?' On his computer, the boy answered yes, of course, he would do anything for Mister Rogers, so then Mister Rogers said: I would like you to pray for me. Will you pray for me?”'
When asked about this at a later time, Mr. Rogers said, “I didn't ask him for his prayers for him; I asked for me. I asked him because I think that anyone who has gone through challenges like that must be very close to God. I asked him because I wanted his intercession.”
― Tim Madigan
Curt has gone through many challenges these last two years. After enduring months of grueling chemotherapy, radiation and radical surgery, he enjoyed only a brief remission. He recently suffered a minor stroke and just completed radiation on a tumor that had fractured a vertebrae in his neck (which has caused him excruciating pain). He will resume chemo in a couple days.
I have witnessed Curt’s love for the Lord intensify over these last months. His trust in God has magnified, and, despite his afflictions, he constantly blesses Jesus with his faith, prayers and thanksgiving …
“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.Your sons and daughters will prophesy,your young men will see visions,your old men will dream dreams.
Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.”
Joel 2:28, Acts 2:17-18
The significance of yellow in the bible:
Yellow is one of the colors of the rainbow - which represents God’s everlasting covenant between Him and all living creatures. (Genesis 9:14-16) But, in Revelation, yellow is used to describe the breastplate of one of the four released bound angels whose horses breathe fire, smoke and sulfur, killing a third of mankind by plagues during the second woe. (Revelation 9:17-18).
Yellow is also used in the Old Testament to reveal a defiling skin disease on the head and chin. (Leviticus 13:30)
The significance of white in the Bible:
While white represents righteousness and victory in Revelation (Revelation 19:11-16, Revelation 3:5 & 21, Revelation 21:7), the first rider of the apocalypse appears on the scene riding a white horse. After Jesus opens the first seal, this rider is seen carrying a bow (Christ’s weapon is a sword). This is the counterfeit or anti-Christ. He wears a crown, because he is given authority (by God) to rule for a time (specified by God). He carries with him no arrows — so, he will seize control with intrigue, false peace and deceit. This rider comes in his own name and the world will receive him (whereas Christ came in His Father’s name, and the world did not receive Him).
(Revelation 6:2, Daniel 11:21-23, Daniel 7:27, John 5:43, 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4, Matthew 24:4-5 & 15)
In the Old Testament, a white sore revealed skin disease. (Leviticus 13:3)
“The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths …
The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood — idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
(Revelation 9:17-21)
“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:2)
“… a contemptible person who has not been given the honor of royalty. He will invade the kingdom when its people feel secure, and he will seize it through intrigue. Then an overwhelming army will be swept away before him; both it and a prince of the covenant will be destroyed. After coming to an agreement with him, he will act deceitfully, and with only a few people he will rise to power.” (Daniel 11:21-23)
“He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.” (Daniel 9:27)
Jesus said, “I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.” (John 5:43)
Jesus also said: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many …
“So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination that causes desolation,’ spoken of through the prophet Daniel — let the reader understand …”
(Matthew 24:4-5 & 15)
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.”
(2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)
“The beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise its authority for forty-two months. It opened its mouth to blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who live in heaven. It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast — all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.
Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
(Revelation 13:5-9)
“… God will stretch out over Edom the measuring line of chaos and the plumb line of desolation.” (Isaiah 34:8-11)
Warnings Against Denying the Son
“Dear children, this is the last hour; and as you have heard that the antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have come. This is how we know it is the last hour.”
(1 John 2:18)
John 14:6
“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. This is how we know if they have the Spirit of God: If a person claiming to be a prophet acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in a real body, that person has the Spirit of God. But if someone claims to be a prophet and does not acknowledge the truth about Jesus, that person is not from God. Such a person has the spirit of the Antichrist, which you heard is coming into the world and indeed is already here.” (1 John 4)
“All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life, the Lamb who was slain from the creation of the world.” (Revelation 13:8)
“Whoever has ears, let them hear.”
Revelation 22:20-21
The Armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
(Ephesians 6:10-18)
No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”
(1 John 2:23-25)
“… and you are of Christ, and Christ is of God.”
(1 Corinthians 3:23)
“The devil was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44)
But even the archangel Michael, when he was disputing with the devil about the body of Moses, did not himself dare to condemn him for slander but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” (Jude 9)
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20)
“For the Word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
STAND! And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. (Ephesians 6:10-18)
