But in the shower, out loud, and out of NOWHERE, I chose life! I started to ask for another 20 years, but then decided to leave it in His hands. I babbled on a bit, dried off, and got ready for church. Only later did I realize it was The Sanctity of Life Sunday.
Then this past Wednesday morning - and very unexpectedly, I might add - I sat maybe 25 feet away from this woman--Vonnette Bright. I know she is over 80; I just don't know how MUCH over. I observed her vitality and love for the Lord Jesus. And with this privilege, the Lord strengthened and confirmed my determination to live howEVER long He chooses--and to live WELL. Isn't He awesome? Isn't He faithful?
"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you
that I have
set before you life and death, blessings and curses.
Now choose life, so
that you and your children may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19)
POSTSCRIPT
After reading a few early comments, I realize I may have called attention to my discouragements and failed to point to the goodness, faithfulness and awesomeness of God! My "troubles" are no worse than anyone elses. I'm on the "victory" side of this!
POSTSCRIPT
After reading a few early comments, I realize I may have called attention to my discouragements and failed to point to the goodness, faithfulness and awesomeness of God! My "troubles" are no worse than anyone elses. I'm on the "victory" side of this!
So sorry you've been going through a rough patch. But I'm so happy to hear that the Spirit within stirred you to 'soldier on'!
ReplyDeleteI go through those spells too, and it's only the Grace of God that lifts me.
God Bless you, Rebecca.
Love and Prayers,
Eileen
You hit the nail on the head, Eileen! It is the Spirit within me stirring me to 'soldier on'! I'm SO thankful for His grace and mercy.
DeleteWow, that was certainly a God moment! Praise Jesus for His Holy Spirit to guide your words and steps, Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteI too am sorry to hear of your feelings of discouragement and being overwhelmed, Rebecca. Hope the health issues are more a nuisance than serious.
ReplyDeleteIt's all good, Wanda.
DeleteLife gets hard sometimes and we become weak but God is strong and always faithful to lift us up. I will keep you in prayer over the discouragements and health issues....hugs♥
ReplyDeleteI had a "down" day this past week where I fell captive to some self-pitying ... but by the end of the day I was able again to focus on the goodness of God. Lots of opportunities to feel overwhelmed, aren't there? And then we remember He told us, "Be still and know that I am God". I stand with you in choosing life Rebecca!
ReplyDeleteYes, for sure we have to face each day with that 'soldier on' attitude, Rebecca. I know all about that. You just cried out to your Lord in your desperate need, which we all have, and He heard His child and brought you out!! Thanks for such encouragement and you NEVER bore true believers when you talk to them about their awesome God!! And yes, I've heard of this saintly woman and she is really inspiring, to say the least. For all of us, as our days so shall our strength be!!
ReplyDeleteHugs~
That's right, Sandy! That's just what I did - cried out in my desperate need - and really, it was His Spirit crying out FOR me. I didn't know what/how to cry! That's the amazing thing!
DeleteI can identify with your discouragement and feelings of being overwhelmed. Like you, I am choosing Life and am so thankful for the assurance that He takes my hand and pulls me up when I'm down. He is faithful!! I appreciate your honesty.
ReplyDeleteUnless you changed something I have to say that I found what you wrote very encouraging.. definitely not discouraging!
ReplyDeleteI think we've all been there.
Blessings, Debbie
Rebecca....20 years sounds wonderful, and 40 sounds even better.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you and wanted you to know. I have found myself asking the Lord to "come quickly"...and then I think, "But wait. ___ (fill in the blank with names of family/loved ones/friends) doesn't know you yet, so please, tarry a while longer...please."
Thank you for sharing your heart and feelings. We've all been there, I promise.
Love you,
Jackie
Glad you made the right choice. Isn't this what God told the Israelites in Deuteronomy..."I have set before thee life and death...choose life." I do believe that we must choose life, often in the face of despair. It's really an act of faith that God will be in all of our tomorrows. I once begged God to give my ailing mother 10 more years; He granted it, and then some! I don't know how old you are, but 20 seems too little. I am asking to live vitally until somewhere between 92 and 100!
ReplyDeleteWhen I'm going through times of spiritual dryness, Duet. 30:19 is a reminder of His great mercy towards us and allows us a fresh start. Many of the Psalms bring me back to a place of serenity, especially 119. It's long enough that by the time I've gotten half way through it I've forgotten what was causing my distress. Romans 12 seems to address self-esteem issues that can really tie me up in a knot. I pray God's mercy will surround you and give you peace, and it seems he certainly has already done that.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Vonnette Bright...I believe she is the widow of Bill Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ. What a privilege to be in such close proximity to her!
ReplyDeleteYes. It was a privilege. I figure she has about 20 years on me.... It seemed like it was a "sign" that the Father heard my prayer! A blessing to be sure.
DeleteAmen, Rebecca! I choose life too! Loved your comments. I'm all for healthy, long lives! I've had enough challenges in life that I've had to claim the scripture you mentioned and several others to battle through to the other side--victory!
ReplyDeleteah Rebecca, your heart cry is familiar to every one of us I daresay. We've all been there, and then God takes over again and shows us He is very much with us. We already knew it, but need His reminders sometimes.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting that you sat near Vonette. Oh the memories my family shares with Bill & Vonette. My sister was married at Arrowhead Springs where CC first headquarters was. Vonette hosted the whole thing with my mom. They shared so many dinners in our home, and such fellowship with my parents. When Bill was nearing the end, Vonette was the first one at the funeral home when my dad died. What stories she could share!
Hang in there friend, and at the same time, you already know that those moments may come again... I think it's called l.i.f.e. None of us are exempt from satan's darts, even when we already know better. :)
Love that you shared this...
Dear Rebecca, I'm so very glad you have chosen Life, though in the midst of heavy tribulations it can be tempting to fantasize about any escape! *Winks* You're at the same place The Man is, he's been battling extreme Health limitations and Trials, which can be very disheartening, especially when chronic pain and/or depression is involved and Life changes because of what you are no longer able to do or enjoy. My Prayers are with you and I'm sending Healing Positive energies your way as we stand in Agreement and rely upon a Faithful and Merciful God, who will always know the Heart and limits of each of us.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by with condolences *winks*, thankfully the VA Docs were able to relieve some of The Man's suffering with Treatment and Meds... the Little Prince has recovered from whatever ailment he had... and The Aunt took Mercy upon me and has the Beast Princess for the weekend so I could concentrate on my Yard Sale. I'm in serious Edit & Purge Mode and reading a great Wabi Sabi Book for Simplifying Life and creating Space and tips for letting go {not easy for Moi, LOL}. I'm doing surprisingly well at it and some Friends came out to help with the Sale, it was a great time of Fellowship & earning some much needed Recreational Money off selling my excess. Be Well my Friend and get one of those Suitcases with the little wheels to Save the Knees! *Winks* Dawn... The Bohemian
I'm glad you came to your senses! Life can be very discouraging at times, I know this to be true!! But I always remind myself that I am here for a reason. God wanted me here. So onward I go. And in actuality, we have so many blessings. I think we just need a good reminder every now and again! Love Di ♥
ReplyDeleteOh, isn't it true that we want exactly the time that he has designed for us? No more, no less.
ReplyDeleteThese aging bodies do overwhelm at times. It is hard to be content with decreased energy and stamina and increased aches and pains. (I know!) Thank the Lord that He is above all that... and can use us for His glory in the here-and-now!
Thanks for the encouraging words, Rebecca!
A couple of years ago, I made this bold proclamation of faith...
ReplyDelete"It doesn't matter how long God chooses to preserve my earthly life; what matters is how I choose to preserve him in the earthly life I've been given."
Time and again, God brings that refrain around again. A gut-check of sorts... making sure that I'm living up to the faith that I boldly proclaim.
Keep to it... choosing life with you today!
peace~elaine
PS: How are you able to add comments below others' comments? What do I need to change in blogger?
ReplyDeleteWish I knew. It seems like it might have just happened. Do you have to come back here to read it? I'm going to go look in my settings and let you know if I "did" something. I'll let you know.
DeleteRebecca, This was so uplifting to read.And all you ladies and your comments. well this is huge to me! I wish I felt thisway for a day. and one big cry out to God. and BAM! all better. I deal with this on a monthly, mostly yearly basis. Usually I am unable to cry out, generally it is a whisper. But I know, I KNOW, my Lord and savior hears my whispers just as well. I am ever grateful when He lifts that darkness and I know it is ok to remain here...waiting to go home. I am very happy to finally be able to say that I no longer think about the dreaded "S" word and can say ,"I just want to go home". Big difference! Possitive, heartflt influences have been and continue to make all the difference in my life. On a good day I choose life. On a great day I choose to live it well and try to bless others.
ReplyDeleteIt is NOT a one-time thing with me, either, Vicki. I don't want to give that impression. However, this particular time, there was something different - I wasn't really "thinking" about it. The "I choose to live" came from somewhere or someONE else. Hard to explain.
DeleteThe "living out" of it IS a daily choice. And I don't always do it well....