The Storms of Life

Sometimes It Takes a Storm - by Jessica King
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Recently, my husband and I watched the torrential rains that were sweeping across our quiet, peaceful neighbourhood by the lake. Although it was only late in the afternoon, the sky was so black, one would have thought it was more like ten o’clock at night.  

This incident reminded me of another severe summer rainstorm a few years ago that I was, unexpectedly, caught in while driving along the highway heading towards home. All of a sudden the heaven’s floodgates opened and a severe down-pour descended within a matter of seconds. I had no idea where I was on the highway and could not see anything beyond the dashboard. One minute I was driving on dry pavement, and the next I felt like I had been blindfolded. Within seconds, I felt absolutely lost and paralyzed on the road by this storm; I was terrified! I had no idea where I was on the road, let alone what cars were either ahead of, beside or behind me. Was I on the right side of the road, middle, or left? How close was I to the shoulder of the road?  I earnestly prayed, as I cried out to God, that He would protect me and keep me safe as I did not think I was ever going to get through this storm. 

I distinctly remember repeating scripture verses I had memorized since I was a child, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalms 46:1)…"I will never leave thee nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). I was clinging onto these promises for dear life! I remember singing, over and over, what I could recall in my terrified state of mind, a few stanzas of an old Southern gospel song entitled, “Stand by Me….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.” (Words and music by Charles A. Tindley)

I have yet to meet anyone throughout my life, thus far, who has not experienced some varying degree of storms in their life. There are times, when we must face unimaginable storms in our lives, which will makes us feel we can never survive. I do believe, however, there is a reason for everything that happens in my life. Without a doubt, I know, and truly believe, God has a purpose and a plan for my life, even while living with cancer. However, it is only through much prayer, soul-searching, trust, and meditation on God’s word that His promises give me the strength and peace for every single day.  It is only then, can I compassionately share with others that sometimes it takes a storm to know when there is nothing else you can do but turn to God.  He will take care of you. It is only then, will you realize God is ALL you will ever need; just cling to Him. For God is with you always and will never leave you. It is only Him that will not only shelter you, but will carry you through each storm.    

He walks with me through the valleys,
He’s with me when life’s billows roll,
I only need turn to Jesus,
My “Rock” and “Refuge” for my soul.
(Inspired by Psalm 94:22)

A Monarch's Message. . .

Draw Me Close To You
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A few days ago, we welcomed the Monarch butterflies, who arrived at our perennial gardens. This definitely is a sign the end of summer is not far away.  In just a matter of a few weeks, the Monarchs will be preparing for their migration route to a much warmer climate in Central Mexico during the winter months.  Did you know Monarchs can travel a distance of approximately 3,100 miles until they reach their destination in the mountains of Mexico?

A couple of months ago, my husband and I moved to Canada’s “most southern town” known as Kingsville, Ontario.  This area is also very well known for Pelee Island, which is in the southern-most tip of Canada. Since Pelee Island is the shortest crossing point over Lake Erie, it has been said that in a single day as many as a 1,000 butterflies can arrive at Pelee Island before they depart for their winter migration. It truly is a spectacular sight to witness. However, these awe-inspiring creatures must overcome many obstacles before reaching their far away destination. Unfortunately, many will perish due to unforeseen forces such as severe weather conditions, nature and, yes, even humans (i.e. collisions with vehicles), or simply perish from exhaustion.        

The maturity of a Monarch butterfly is just as fascinating as it struggles to emerge from its cocoon. Initially, it appears very fragile as it arduously works it way out of its cocoon.  For many hours, it will appear to be just clinging on to its cocoon for dear life, but what is actually happening during this time is fluid slowly being released from its body to fill its wings.  Once the wings are full of this fluid and firm, the Monarch can then expand its wings and freely fly away.

The struggles this tiny creature endures from its beginning reminded me a little bit of our human life. Sometimes we, too, find ourselves struggling with life’s obstacles trying to stay intact emotionally, physically, and, yes, even spiritually.  We wonder if we will ever have the strength to get through a difficult circumstance as we become exhausted in our attempts to overcome this obstacle. Yet, imagine if we did not have obstacles in our lives.  I do not think I would be the same person as I am today were it not for the struggles I have had to endure throughout my life and especial now as I live with Stage IV breast cancer. I know these struggles have taught me to persevere, which has resulted in making me a stronger person so I may not only gain courage and wisdom, but encourage others who may also be facing obstacles in their lives.  I am both strengthened and humbled, when I read Romans 3:3-5, “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

By believing, I know “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13). I pray through the lessons I have learned, I may show more compassion toward others, who may need a shoulder to cry on, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement.  By trusting and relying on God, as He draws me closer to Him, He will give me the strength to confront all obstacles in my life and, through His strength, I will overcome all things in my life when leaning in God's everlasting arms!

In every struggle, I believe there is a blessing,

and there have been showers of blessings 

from all the struggles in my life.

Accept & Adapt ~ My New Journey. . .

I Surrender All - arrangement by Greg Howlett
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In May 2013 while recovering at home for a year, I began a one-year series of writings about the lessons I had learned, after being diagnosed with Stage 2 Breast Cancer.

Sadly, however, in March of this year, due to an unexpected turn of events, I am now living with Stage 4 Breast Cancer, the last stage. To say my beloved family and I are devastated, beyond words, is an understatement; however, this is now my new journey. More than ever before, I must face my mortality and embrace whatever limited time I may be granted with my loved ones.  We all know life is a journey not a destination.  So I ask, have you ever thought of where your life's journey is leading you, what is your purpose in life, or what are your doing with the time you have been granted?

As my medical team of specialists and surgeons are trying everything possible to help slow down the progression of my metastatic disease, I, meanwhile, must accept and adapt that this will most likely be my final chapter in my life.  Therefore, I do not have the energy or time to ask "Why me, God?" or "Woe is me!", but I fervently pray, "Lord, Thy will be done."  I have been repeatedly asked, "How can you look at your terminal illness this way? Why aren't you angry? Why aren't you bitter? Are you afraid to die?" My response is, "I accepted Christ in my life when I was a little girl at the age of 10 years old.  Throughout my entire life He has never forsaken me, but has always protected me. I trust Him, more than ever now, as I know He has allowed this cancer to come into my life for a reason. It is only through His grace and strength can I embrace each day with whatever may come my way."  Do I cry at times with this burden I am now carrying? You betcha! Am I sad as I watch this disease slowly, like an onion, peel away one layer at a time of my independence as well as what good health I still have? You betcha. Am I afraid of dying?  Absolutely not!

Throughout my life, I have chosen to believe in God's Word and His promises.  I have repeatedly drawn strength from Psalm 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me." I am no longer walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but I am now climbing a mountain that has taken me to new heights along my journey.  I am, in fact, at a place in my life where I completely surrender all to God ~ my fears, my tears, and my uncertainties with respect to how much time I have left, believing He is preparing a place for my next everlasting destination.

Consequently, whatever time I may be given, it is my sincere passion to share with others the spiritual lessons I continue learning. "Why?" you might ask. Because, I believe God's purpose for my life is to pass along the Hope, Inspiration and Motivation (H.I.M.) that He has given to me throughout my life.  

Regardless while the cancer continues progressing throughout my body, I choose to believe in a glass half-full, not half-empty. I choose to be a better person, not a bitter person.  I choose to look at this final chapter in my life as another building block; in other words, for me to rise above this trial and turn it into a triumph rather than a tragedy. I choose, with God's grace, to make a difference in the lives of others, to build them up, and give them H.I.M.                

As I have said many times, "it is not what happens in my/our life, but how I/we choose to react that will define who I/we really am/are as a person. Therefore, to be free of the worries and cares of this life, I must surrender all to God, if I want His perfect peace in my life.  The lyrics of this beautiful, old hymn mean so much to me.  I sincerely pray it will be a blessing to you too. 

All to Jesus I surrender

All to Him I freely give.

I will always love and trust Him

In His presence daily live.

I surrender all

I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender,

I surrender all.

All to Jesus, I surrender
Humbly at His feet I bow.
Worldly pleasures now forsaken,
Take me Jesus, Take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender
Lord, I give myself to Thee.
Fill me with your love and power,
Let Thy blessings fall on me.
(J.W. van De Venter, 1896)    

~ My Thought for the day ~ 

It is only when I surrender my all to Him,

Can God completely abide with me.