Everlasting Arms. . .

Wind Beneath My Wings - Arrangement by Dino Kartsonakis
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)


Today, my husband and I are celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary.  It only seems like yesterday that we were exchanging our vows.

"…To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, for as long as we both shall live. This is my solemn vow."

I love my husband more than any words could ever express. He is my rock. He is my knight in shining armour. He is my shelter from the storm. He has never let me down. 

He is always by my side, giving me strength to be strong, giving me hope to carry on, with a shoulder to always lean on, while holding me in his everlasting arms.  

As much as I love my husband, and I know he loves me ~ I know our heavenly Father loves us even more! It, therefore, brings such great comfort when reading "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deuteronomy 33:27) for He truly is the "Wind Beneath My Wings." 

"In my weakness, leaning on God's everlasting arms 
gives me the strength to endure all things."
~ By Bonita ~

   

The Power of F3. . .

Stand by Me - Arrangement by Elvis Presley
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

It is heartbreaking to hear of the recent news regarding tornado alley in the States and how many lives have been impacted forever by these devastating and ferocious storms. It reminded me of the category F3 tornado that practically destroyed the beautiful downtown area of Goderich a couple of years ago in a matter of minutes.  Where 100 year old, majestic trees once stood or century year old buildings and a church, and after the tornado all that was left was rubble. The aftermath of the tornado left only a path of destruction that looked like a war zone.   

Sometimes, life, itself, can feel like a raging storm too. In fact, I have yet to meet anyone throughout my life who has not experienced some varying degree of storm(s) in their life.  Sooner or later, most of us will face difficult circumstances beyond our wildest dreams.  In my case, it is facing surgery tomorrow that will alter my life forever.  However, I know I am not going through this alone but I have the unconditional love and tremendous support of: 1) my Family, 2) my Friends, and 3) my Faith. In other words, "The Power of F3"!     

Although I may struggle to completely understand why I was stricken with breast cancer, I truly believe there is a purpose for everything that happens in my life and whatever that reason may be, God will give me the strength to endure and become a stronger person for it because I choose to believe that “I can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13).  It is by choosing to have an "attitude of gratitude" that I can cling to God's promise that He is "our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1) knowing that He will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). These are the promises from God that I cling to and claim each and every day!

As the beautiful lyrics of the Southern gospel song entitled, "Stand by Me" claim:

When the storms of life are raging, stand by me,

When the storms of life are raging, stand by me.
When the world is tossing me, like a ship out on the sea;
Thou who "rulest" wind and water, stand by me.

When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I'm growing old and feeble, stand by me.
When I do the best I can, and my friends misunderstand;
Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.
Thou who never lost a battle, stand by me.
 ~ Words and music by Charles A. Tindley ~

"May God give you...For every storm a rainbow, for every tear a smile, for every care a promise and a blessing in each trial. For every problem life sends, a faithful friend to share, for every sigh a sweet song and an answer for each prayer." ~ An Irish Blessing

My Light - My Journey. . .

Be Still My Soul ~ Arrangement by D. Sidel
(Please click for background music as you read this message of H.I.M.)

n early March, I watched a movie entitled, "The Lucky One," which was based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks.  Some may say it was a "chick flick" movie; however, from my perspective, little did I know how much of an impact its opening dialogue would have on my life:

"The smallest thing can change your life in a blink of an eye, something happens by chance, sets you on a course you never planned, into a future you could never have imagined. Where it will take you, that is a journey of our lives, our search for the light. But sometimes finding the light means passing through the deepest darkness."  

Excerpt from "The Lucky One" ~ Nicholas Sparks

In less than four weeks from watching that movie, I would be diagnosed with breast cancer. Consequently, my present life as I know it, my health as I once knew it, and my future journey of life have and will be changing beyond what I could ever have imagined.

What I do know and believe, however, is what I read in Psalm 27:1 that "God is my light and my salvation...The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom (or in my case, of what) will I be afraid?"

For I know through my weaknesses, God will give me the strength to endure what may lie ahead these coming weeks and months. Have I shed tears? Yes! Have I been scared? Yes! Have I been sad? Yes! But, I also know that if I let my faith overcome my tears, my fears and my sadness, God will turn my worries into worship!

And so, I invite you to follow my journey of faith, hope and inspiration over these coming weeks and months ahead.  For I know that if I "Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, He shall strengthen my heart" (Psalm 27:14), in the still moments of my life!  



"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)