Having survived the phlebotomist attack today, I thought it was time I chime in.
I listen to people for a living. Well, not so much for a living, but it is a calling and a part time occupation for me as a counselor. These days, the white noise of hardships has ramped up and listening well to what is TRUE has been more of a challenge. There’s a lot of static in my heart–fears, health questions, concerns for children. This is where YOU all come into the picture. You all have been like a megaphone of truth-filled hope to my heart. Here is what you have been telling me…
There is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ. Cancer included. Romans 8:35-39.
God does not hold out on us. He is good. He has ordained and is intimately involved in every single moment of my life, my children’s lives, my husband’s life. Not a hair can fall from my head without our Heavenly Father knowing it. (That is good news considering I will be going wig shopping soon.) Romans 8:28-34.
Jesus is limitless. The height, depth, length, and width of his love is boundless. And it’s mine. I have hit my self-resource limits, friends. They are shallow anyway, so I am joyfully wading into the deep love of Christ. Ephesians 3:16-19.
God draws near the brokenhearted. He counts our tears. He’s been counting a lot of mine the last few weeks. Thank you for weeping with me. Rejoicing in the secured hope that all things will be made new one day. Psalm 34:18, Psalm 56:8, Revelation 21:4.
There is nothing lost that will not be restored. I love what one breast cancer survivor friend shared with me–she gained more than was lost in her journey through cancer. That is encouraging stuff. Joel 2:25, Philippians 3:7-11.
In the midst of suffering, God doesn’t just give resources, he give HIMSELF. I’ve been chewing on this a lot. Maker of Heaven and Earth WITH me. He certainly gives resources, too. My mom is moving in with us for the treatment season. She’s a rock star. You all are feeding us for several months. My kids are going to have a terrific summer with all the offers of play dates. Grace and mercy have been full-on flowing. Isaiah 43:1-2, Hebrews 4:16.
Wherever I am, God’s Spirit is there. Even the far side of the sea. Even the MRI tube. I have a love/hate relationship with that amazing piece of technology that unfortunately feels like a casket. Even the long months of feeling icky ahead. Even the sleepless nights. EVEN THERE God’s everlasting presence is with me. Psalm 139.
God is faithful. Knowing this is true for my kiddos is deeply comforting as a mommy. Psalm 117, 1 Corinthians 1:9.
The glory of Christ is evident in the church especially when a member is suffering and all the other members swarm in like a swat team to carry the burdens. We are swarmed and carried and we are ever grateful. Ephesians 3:10-13.
Keep on telling/texting/emailing this hope! I’m listening!
facing the thief 
🙂
I needed that Anne.
Hugs
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Anne, you and your entire family have been in my thoughts and prayers! I’m so glad for technology that allows this blog / communications & for advanced medical technology that will help you K.C.A.! I’m not in Raleigh, but just down the road sending love, prayers, hugs and all the good vibes and positive thoughts I can send your way!
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Anne, you have faithfully and graciously blessed so many clients and friends through your listening. I believe you are experiencing this swarming swat team, the firehose outpouring, as a response to your generous life. We continue to pray, along with many, many others. I am confident our mighty God will be carrying you, Van, and your precious 3 over these next weeks.
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We love you Anne! We are praying for a miraculous recovery.
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Anne, all of the truths you have been reminded of are such important reminders for us all — thank you. Jeremy was playing ‘Before the Throne of God Above’ tonight on the piano and I told him I just had to go put those lyrics on here somewhere to hopefully encourage you tonight.
P.S. I’m probably going to be kicked off your blog for being too wordy soon : ) Summarizing has never been my strong suit! Praying for you tonight.
Before the throne of God above
I have a strong and perfect plea:
A great High Priest, whose name is Love,
Who ever lives and pleads for me.
My name is graven on His hands,
My name is written on His heart;
I know that while in heaven He stands
No tongue can bid me thence depart
No tongue can bid me thence depart.
When Satan tempts me to despair,
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look, and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me
To look on Him and pardon me
Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Praise the One,
Risen Son of God!
Behold Him there, the Risen Lamb
My perfect, spotless righteousness,
The great unchangeable I am,
The King of glory and of grace!
One with Himself I cannot die
My soul is purchased by His blood
My life is hid with Christ on high,
With Christ, my Savior and my God
With Christ, my Savior and my God
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A High Priest who ever lives and pleads for me….This is a favorite hymn of mine, Erin. That Jesus himself intercedes for his saints could not be more encouraging. Thank you for sharing!! Rich food for a weary soul!
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Love you, Anne! Words of truth for all of us so sweetly shared. We are in this with you!
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