[1]"It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
[2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
[3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
[4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
[5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.
[6] For though I would desire to glory, I shall not be a fool; for I will say the truth: but now I forbear, lest any man should think of me above that which he seeth me to be, or that he heareth of me.
[7] And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
[8] For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
[9] And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
[10] Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." 2 Cor 12

Taking my own advice

This is a thought I had back in January, before I ever suspected what I'd be called to suffer:                      

"I noticed when my eyes began to fade at 40-something, that when I'd be crying over my Bible, I could see the words very clearly. I guess the tears act like a wet contact lens. So, I'd sit there and see how much I could read thru my tears and think it a very special gift of the moment.

But tears don't make anything else clear! Everything else is blurry. You can't be sure of someones expression and you can't see afar off very well.

So, when God gives you tears from trials, look to the word. You can focus on those promises and really appreciate them, even though you don't understand the whole picture."

  Now, I find that God has given me the whole picture, to put my suffering in perspective. If all I saw was my loss, and never knew the promise of our happy reunion, I would be most miserable.

  I was talking to an athiest about all of this when I suddenly asked her, Do you think my baby knew me when I was carrying her? Even tho she couldn't see me, do you think she sensed my presence?  Even tho she was sleeping most of the time, and in another sub-conscious world- a limited world bcz of her incomplete development- don't you think whe was aware of her loving mother? My friend said "yes! of course!"  "Then," said I, "don't you think there's a similar understanding between our Heavenly Father and his children. We know his presence because we are spiritually quickened and we hear his loving words and we feel his tender comfort. Our spiritual development allows us to know our Heavenly Father who is carrying us to the day when we will be in his loving arms and see his wonderful face.

He's Been Faithful To Me

Looking back, his love and mercy I see.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdO2cRXVHII&feature=related

I am willing Lord, to be what you want me to be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BhKuhn_KDH8

Sometimes when I am down and I don’t think that you’re around, Oh Lord

Feeling so sorry for me, not knowing that all the time you’re working to see

If when I’m put through the fire I’ll come out shining like gold

Oh Lord please don’t ever stop working with me

 ‘Til you see I can be what you want me to be

I am willing Lord, I am willing Lord

To be just exactly what you want me to be

Often when I ask why, teach me then on you to rely, O Lord

You surely know what is best

May I learn that in confidence and strength I can rest

Then, leaning fully on you my questions fall one by one

Dear Lord please don’t ever stop working with me

 ‘Til you see I can be what you want me to be

I am willing Lord, I am willing Lord

To be just exactly what you want me to be

I am willing Lord, I am willing Lord

To be just exactly what you want me to be

Her Story

One day in heaven, God said to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, “I have this wonderful idea. Her name is Charlotte. Do you know a willing vessel?”

The Holy Spirit said, “Oh yes!  I’ve delivered just such a message from the heart of Karen Godin. I put that desire in her, and she’s expressed just such a willingness to have another baby- particularly if you desired it.”

Jesus, thrilled with the idea, added “And I’ve got her sins covered, and a place prepared for her. Just say the word!”

And so Charlotte was conceived in the mind of God, and by her parents, and every member was written down and in continuance, formed. She was anticipated with joy by her parents and siblings. She grew in a loving, musical atmosphere of praise and prayer until the day she would be born.

She came into the world, a beautiful child, loved by all who cared for her. She had her mother’s hair and ears, and legs; her father’s nose and eyes,  feet and hands. She was beautiful to behold. But she was not theirs to keep. And as difficult a truth that was to learn, her parents trusted the One who gave her to them. Having learned God’s love, they knew he was worthy to be trusted.  And so they rocked and sang their precious babe to the threshold of glory, and He took her while she slept in her mother’s arms.

Charlotte awoke to that beautiful smile of Jesus, and the comfort of his loving arms holding her!  In her heavenly birth she breathed freely, and knew the happy familiar smells of the Saviour and heard his loving voice say her name, “Hello, sweet Charlotte!”  

“What have you there, my Son?” asked God.  Jesus proudly presented her to Him. “Thank you, Father. She’s wonderful. I love her!’

“She is just what I had in mind. Beautiful! Did you see those hands? I thought, the harp- like her mother! By the way, they did well, did they not?”

“They certainly did.” said the Holy Ghost. “And why not? With such a Saviour for an example! Don’t worry- I am comforting them. She said to tell Charlotte that she loves and misses her, but that she is very happy for her. And, she’ll be along soon.”

And so Charlotte was born for the glory of God, as he said. We will one day be reunited

very soon, and God will wipe away all our tears.

What Dan Was Thinking