Sunday, December 16, 2018

Final List of TRUST Posts

Well, it's been a good year of writing about TRUST; but I'm ready for something new. I am praying about a new topic to write about in 2019. But, for now, here is the final list of TRUST posts from 2018. Take some time to read the ones you missed, or maybe just read through your favorites again.

Thanks for following along with this series.

TRUST #1:  Focus for 2018:  TRUST
TRUST #2:  My Unexplained Pain
TRUST #3:  God Works All Things for Our Good
TRUST #4:  Remember How God Has Helped You in the Past
TRUST #5:  Trust in God's Love for You
TRUST #6:  Trust God's Decision on Leaders
TRUST #7:  A Simple Plan to Help Us TRUST More and Worry Less
TRUST #8:  Trust God to Meet Your Needs (Carolyn McIntosh's Story)
TRUST #9:  He Never Leaves Us Nor Forsakes Us (Daneille Snowden's Story)
TRUST #10:  Following God's Lead (Charity Vanderhoof's Story)
TRUST #11:  Trusting Christ with a "Death Sentence" (Mike Phillip's Story)
TRUST #12:  The First Moment of Real Trust in God
TRUST #13:  Trusting God to Help Us Find Our Way (Daniel McIntosh's Story)
TRUST #14:  Trust God to Listen to Your Heart
TRUST #15:  How to Trust in God When You Don't Know How
TRUST #16:  Trusting God When Your Family Turns Against You (Rein Schmidt's Story)
TRUST #17:  Prayers Can Show Our Trust
TRUST #18:  What Faith Means to Me (Guest: Carolyn McIntosh)
TRUST #19:  "Trust" Quote from Chip Ingram
TRUST #20:  Romans 15:13
TRUST #21:  Twila Paris "Do I Trust You?"
TRUST #22:  "Trust the Engineer" (A Quote by Corrie TenBoom)
TRUST #23:  A Father Who Can Be Trusted
TRUST #24:  Allowing Our Son to Go and Do
TRUST #25:  Trusting the Reliability of God's Word
TRUST #26:  Lauren Daigle "Trust in You"
TRUST #27:  EL is 2 Year Seizure-Free
TRUST #28:  Tis So Sweet to TRUST in Jesus
TRUST #29:  A Review of TRUST Posts
TRUST #30:  He Will Carry Us Safe to Shore
TRUST #31:  Ideas to Help Grandparents Share Their Faith with Their Grandchildren
TRUST #32:  Remember His Wondrous Works (Guest: Carolyn McIntosh)
TRUST #33:  HYMN:  Trusting Jesus
TRUST #34:  Do Not Worry About Tomorrow
TRUST #35:  Choose to Cease Striving
TRUST #36:  David Nevue and Psalm 5
TRUST #37:  Selah "Lord I Trust You"
TRUST #38:  Nahum 1:7 
TRUST #39:  A Good Report on EL's 6th MRI
TRUST #40:  Trusting There is a Reason for Delays 
TRUST #41:  Has My Cancer Returned???
TRUST #42:  The Biopsy
TRUST #43:  The Biopsy Results 
TRUST #44:  Trusting God to Supply All Our Needs  
TRUST #45:  Cancer "Processing Mode"


If anyone was working on a trust story that you didn't finish, feel free to send it my way when you get it done. We can always benefit from more trust stories.



Wednesday, December 12, 2018

TRUST #45: Cancer "Processing Mode"


I'm posting another TRUST post today instead of on Sunday, because I have information to share that I know many of you have been waiting to hear.

I finally had a consultation yesterday with my Oncologist.
 
Here are the facts:
  1. This is a NEW cancer, totally unrelated to my first cancer from 6 years ago.
  2. The cancer is Stage 0 - which means it is currently non-invasive. (This is good news because my first cancer was stage 2.)
  3. The cancer is High Grade - which means it started growing quickly, and will continue growing quickly. So, even though it is currently Stage 0 (non-invasive), it could quickly change into invasive if it is not removed. 
  4. The cancer is 97% Estrogen Positive, which means Estrogen is what is making it grow.
  5. The cancer is also 1% Progesterone Positive.
  6. The best course of action is a mastectomy. I will be seeing my surgeon for a consultation on December 20th. 
  7. I will not be needing any kind of bone scans or PET scans before surgery. I will not need to have them done at all, unless the pathology report after surgery contains new information that would require more testing. 
  8. I have been taking Tamoxifen for the past 5 1/2 years in order to block the estrogen my body makes. If I had not been taking it, this new cancer might have happened a lot sooner than it did. However, it is apparently not working on me as effectively as it should. So, my doctor told me to stop taking it.
  9. After my surgery, I will begin taking a different medication (I don't know the name of it yet) that should hopefully be more effective.
  10. If all goes as planned, and they don't find any "surprises" in my pathology report, I will not need chemo or radiation treatments.

How is this affecting me?
  • I'm experiencing what you might call "processing mode." I have received all the information, and now I am working through different thoughts and emotions. Even though I have had cancer before, its not any easier this time around.
  • I am so thankful this cancer was caught early. Things could be much worse!
  • At the same time, I'm feeling a bit "down"about needing to go through another mastectomy. 
  • I am also wondering what is making ME so prone to this type of cancer, especially since I have no family history of it. (My dad had prostate cancer, but that's not quite the same). I want answers, but the answers may not be revealed in my lifetime. 
  • Through it all, I'm still TRUSTING in God's plans for my life, and I know He will be there to help me and my family through this.


Sunday, December 9, 2018

TRUST #44: Trusting God to Supply All Our Needs


I have told this story before, but felt it was worth repeating . . .

When I was a young girl around the age of 5, my family lived in Minnesota while my parents were serving with CEF (Child Evangelism Fellowship). They were doing deputation work (appointed to represent the ministries of CEF to others) and did not receive a regular paycheck. Their income was provided by the support of other Christians, and some weeks were financially leaner than others.

During one of our leanest weeks, there was a period of about 4 days when our cupboards were almost bare; but, through faith, God supplied for my family’s needs in miraculous ways.

On day one, we all sat down for supper and were getting ready to eat what was left in our cupboards - some crackers with butter on them (and my sister thinks there might have been a little bit of popcorn as well). We all held hands and Dad prayed, just like we always did before a meal, thanking God for what we had, and also asking Him to provide for our needs. Then, my brother remembers Dad telling us to enjoy our meal, because we didn’t know when or where we would be eating the next one. Soon after that, there was a knock on the door. No one was there. However, a sack of groceries was left anonymously. We were all so excited to see how God had provided for our needs. We had enough food for a good meal that night, as well as some leftovers for breakfast the next morning.

Day 2 - At breakfast, we all prayed again before us three kids left for school, asking God, in faith, to provide for our needs. Later that afternoon, some friends of ours called and said they had made too much supper, so they asked us to come over and join them. Of course, we said yes, and had a nice meal with our friends that night.

Day 3 - We all prayed again before leaving for school. That afternoon, my brother and sister received a small check for a paper route job they had. It was maybe around $6.00, which was worth a lot more 40 years ago than it is now. My dad gave the check to them and asked what they wanted to do with it. They said, “Let’s go to McDonald’s!” So, that was our meal for that night.

Day 4 - I don't remember it, but I’m sure we all prayed again that morning. Later that day, an income check finally arrived. It was enough to provide for our family’s needs for the rest of the month.

God is good, and we can always TRUST in the fact that He has promised to supply all the needs of His children. Not always what we WANT, but exactly what we NEED (both physically and spiritually).

Sunday, December 2, 2018

TRUST #43: The Biopsy Results


One week after my biopsy, a call finally came in from Dr. B. It was a Tuesday evening, around 7:15 p.m. The caller ID showed who it was, so we knew it my doctor. [Yes! Finally!] David and I quickly left the room and put the phone on speaker so we could both hear. The conversation went something like this:
ME: Hello?
Dr. B: Is this Victoria?
ME: Yes it is.
Dr. B: Have I caught you at a bad time?
ME: Ummm, no, now is fine. [I had been watching a new episode of "The Flash" with my family, and we were getting ready to eat ice cream like we always do on Tuesday nights, but this phone call was definitely more important than that.]
Dr. B: Ok. Well, I told you I would call you with your biopsy results.
ME: Yes.
Dr. B: It is not invasive cancer, which is good. However, you do have sort of like "pre-cancer" cells.
ME: Is this what you would call DCIS? [DCIS = Ductal Carcinoma in Situ - a non-invasive form of cancer contained in the milk ducts].
Dr. B: Yes. That is what it is.
ME: Ok. I had that extensively on my other side, along with an invasive tumor. So, I know what that is.
Dr. B: I am at home right now and don't have your file. How long ago was that?
ME: Six years ago.
Dr. B: Ok. I will give your Oncologist a call tomorrow, and will look at your history a little more closely. Then, we will determine what to do next.
ME: Ok. That sounds fine.
Dr. B: You might be okay with just a lumpectomy, but I will know more after discussing with your Oncologist. But, we don't want to wait around too long on this, as it has a potential to change quickly.
ME: I understand.
Dr. B: Ok, then. I will talk to you soon.
ME: Thank you for your call.
We hung up the phone and David gave me a hug. We were not surprised by the news, but it was not what we were hoping for either. At least, there isn't any invasive cancer, so we are very grateful for that.

Unfortunately, I will be facing another surgery, and I am not worried or scared about it; but, to be honest, I just don't want to go through this again! Surgery is painful, and inconveniencing, especially during this time of year.

But . . . if that is the best option, then I will accept it. And, I will continue to TRUST in a loving God who will be with me through it all. He is my refuge and my strength.

I now have a consultation scheduled with my Oncologist for December 11th. We will know more about my case at that appointment.

Sunday, November 25, 2018

TRUST #42: The Biopsy

It was a Stereotactic Core Needle Biopsy - my first one, and hopefully my last. Stereotactic, meaning the accurate positioning of a probe inside a specific part of the body by using three-dimensional images or diagrams. It is less invasive than scalpel surgery, and reportedly more accurate at finding the precise location for biopsies.

My husband (David) and our daughter (EL) went with me to my appointment. Dr. B recognized us from my previous surgeries with him. He is such a kind, caring man. He sat down in the room with us and asked, "Are you scared?"

I shook my head no.

He asked me why, and I said, "You did a good job on my other side, so I trust you." It was 6 years ago when Dr. B performed a lumpectomy on my right side, followed by a mastectomy, and 3 different port-related surgeries. I trusted him then, and I had no reason not to trust him this time around. Although, I was still praying for God to guide his hands, and that the results would be accurate.

I was taken to the procedure room and saw a table with a hole in it. I was instructed to lie down on my stomach and, after I was positioned correctly, they raised the table and worked underneath of me. I found this photo example on RadiologyInfo.org:
First, a few pictures were taken, similar to a mammogram but not as tight. Then, once they had their mark in sight, I was numbed up with Lidocaine. It apparently numbed me up on the outer part. However, when it came time for them to insert the biopsy device, I definitely felt that. They said I would hear a pop, and I sure did! It reminded me of a harpoon, and left me with a sizable ache. Shortly after that, they asked if I needed more Lidocaine, and I said yes.

As they began taking samples, I still felt some mild pain, but it was at least tolerable. I'm guessing they took around 5 or 6 samples. Then, they inserted a small titanium marker that will remain in place to keep track of where the biopsy had been taken.

I bled a lot when they were finished. It's possible the needle hit a vein when it went in. But the bleeding eventually slowed down enough to put Steri-strips and a band-aid on the puncture wound. After that, a couple more mammogram pictures were taken, and I was sent on my way. The whole thing was done in less than an hour.

I hugged David as he left for work, and gave him an extra squeeze to say, "Thankyou for coming."  I love that man. He took time out of his busy schedule to be with me for this. A friend of ours had agreed to come with me and to sit with EL while I was having the procedure; but David said he wanted to be there, so he came instead.

After the appointment I was okay to drive, so EL and I went shopping at Walmart. It helped keep my mind off of "things." Waiting for biopsy results is never easy.

I'm hoping and praying for good results, of course. But, no matter what they are, I will choose to keep TRUSTING in my Lord. I have been through too much already NOT to place my trust in Him. He is my God, and my rock.

If all goes as planned, I should have the results in the next day or two.


Sunday, November 18, 2018

TRUST #41: Has My Cancer Returned???


My annual mammogram was on Wednesday, November 7th. It was done quickly and I left there without a concern. It has been 6 years since I was diagnosed with cancer on my right side and, so far, the left side had always been fine.

The next day, I got a phone call:
"The doctor saw a change in your pictures this year as compared to last year, so we need you to come back in for a few more pictures, so we can get a closer look."
I got off the phone and could tell my heart rate was up, but I had too many other things going on to dwell on it. So, my prayer was short and simple:
 "Not again, Lord. Please. I don't want to go through this again."
Tuesday afternoon (the 13th) was my next appointment. I expected to just have the pictures taken and then be sent home like always. But this time was different. They escorted me into a private room, said the pictures would be sent over to the doctor right away, and then someone would come in to talk to me about them.

My daughter, EL, and I sat in the room together. The room was quiet and comfortable. The only sounds I heard were of EL flipping through a magazine . . . as well as my thoughts going through my mind. I wasn't nervous, really. In fact, I was pretty calm, considering. I guess, more than anything, I just felt a little discouraged. I didn't want to be going through this, and I didn't want this "inconvenience" in my life.

When the nurse came in, she didn't beat around the bush. She said they saw small undetermined calcifications. They could be nothing, but they need to be checked out, especially considering my history and the fact that this is the first time they have shown up on that side.

So, I have been scheduled for a biopsy for this coming Tuesday. 
  • Am I scared? Not really.
  • Am I worried? Not exactly.
  • Am I nervous? Maybe a little.
  • Do I TRUST the Lord to be with me and help me and my family through this? Absolutely!

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

REVIEW: Ellie Claire Art Journals

Do you enjoy writing in a journal? Do you enjoy creative coloring? Are you looking for a journal that is different than just a bunch of blank lines? Look no further. I was given 3 journals to look through, with the Ellie Claire imprint, and they are unlike any other journals I have seen or used.  You might find what you are looking for with one of these options.

The Illustrated Word, from the Museum of the Bible, is an Illuminated Bible Coloring Journal that includes intricate coloring pages as well as lined pages. There are 40 color illustrations in the journal, inspired by the Museum's collection of illuminated manuscripts (early Bible and book manuscripts that were intricately illustrated to make the Biblical text come alive). These 40 illustrations have been recreated as line drawings for the purpose of coloring and creating your own treasured keepsake.



Illuminate Your Story is also from the Museum of the Bible. It is a bit smaller in size than the first journal I mentioned but it is easy to hold and includes some extra features such as:  an attached cloth bookmark, an elastic strap to hold the book shut, a pocket on the inside of the back cover to hold keepsakes, and an elastic band on the spine to hold a pen or pencil. This journal is unique in the way it provides a step-by-step guide for drawing illuminated letters (like the S on the journal cover). In the introduction, you can also learn about the history and significance of biblical illuminations. So, this smaller journal is BIG in many ways. It provides opportunities for learning about biblical illuminations, for developing a skill, for writing your stories on the lined pages, and for being creative.
Faith & Lettering, is the final journal I was able to review. It is not from Museum of the Bible, but from hand-lettering artist and graphic designer Krystal Whitten. This one is probably my favorite out of the three. It has pretty colors inside and out, and provides practice room for learning how to hand-create different lettering styles and embellishments. It also includes pages for Bible journaling, as well as lined pages for writing down your thoughts.

It really depends on your "style" and what you are looking for in a journal keepsake; but I think I will start out with the Faith & Lettering Journal. It fits my style the best out of the three. But, all of them look great and give new meaning to the phrase "creative journaling."

If you are looking for a unique gift to give to your creative family members, consider one of these journals, or head over to WORTHY PUBLISHING GROUP to see loads of other Ellie Claire journals that are available.

 

    Sunday, November 11, 2018

    TRUST #40: Trusting There is a Reason for Delays


    My husband, David, has not had much chance to sit down and write a "Trust Post" for me. But, he recently told me about something that happened to him on his way home from work, and said I could share it.

    While getting into his car, he somehow dropped his cell phone and it bounced underneath of his car. He had to bend down and reach under the car to retrieve it, which took maybe a total of 5 seconds of his time. He could have easily grumbled about the delay, even though it was a short one. But, instead, he wondered if maybe there was a reason for it.

    It was getting dark out because David had stayed later that evening. So, it was harder to see things out in the fields. As he was driving through the country, a deer jumped out in front of his car and he just missed hitting it. He figured, if he had met that deer just 5 seconds sooner, he would have definitely hit it. Remember ~ It had taken him 5 seconds to retrieve his phone from under his car.

    So, the next time you are frustrated about a delay, take a deep breath and TRUST in the fact that God is in control. He may be causing your delay in order to spare you from an accident or a tragedy that is about to happen.



    Wednesday, November 7, 2018

    Hillsong Kids DVD "Can You Believe It?" (Review & Giveaway)


    Hillsong has a new DVD for kids that could be a great resource for parents and church leaders to use. It's called, "Can You Believe It!? - Songs of Truth."

    This DVD includes a 25-minute "radio show" called Funny Man Dan. In this show, there is humor, fun, interviews, and music videos featuring kids in action. The 4 music videos are:
    • I Give You My Halleluiah
    • My Best Friend
    • What a Beautiful Name
    • We Came to Meet with You
    In the show, the hosts mention how they chose 6 topics for what they believe about God and put them into the songs. Those topics are: (1) The Bible, (2) God, (3) Separation & a Savior, (4) Living for God, (5) God's House/The Church, and (6) The Best is Yet to Come.

    The DVD also includes a section of 14 lyric videos to sing along with; and these same songs can also be watched in a "Live from the Studio" section.

    MY THOUGHTS:
    Hillsong's desire is that this collection of fun and faith-filled songs will help children around the world declare God's love and grace for them. After watching this DVD, I can see how it could be a useful tool for instilling God's love into the hearts of children. In my opinion, it would probably work best in a group setting, but it could be used successfully in a variety of different ways, including in the home, church, Sunday School, youth group, and more.

    WATCH PREVIEW HERE:
    HILLSONG KIDS PREVIEW

    BUY HERE:
    HILLSONG KIDS "CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?"


    ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:
    If you are already signed up to receive my posts in your e-mail, then you are already entered into this giveaway. If you are not on the e-mail list, then you can use the FEEDBURNER form located near the top of this blog. (NOTE: You may need to be viewing the web version of this blog in order to see the Feedburner form.) If you don't want to join the e-mail list, feel free to enter the giveaway by leaving a comment under this post. Entries will be accepted through Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Central Time. A random drawing will be held at that time and the winner will be notified. Open to United States only.

    11-10-18 WINNER:  Melissa B

    ~~~~~~~~~~

    Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. 

    Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

    Sunday, November 4, 2018

    TRUST #39: A Good Report on EL's 6th MRI


    On Wednesday, we took a trip to St. Louis for EL's 6th sedated MRI, and then a checkup with her Neuro-Oncologist. These brain scans have been necessary for monitoring the potential growth of a [currently] non-active tumor in her pituitary gland, and also a cyst in her pineal gland. Her last MRI was 2 years ago.


    These visits are never easy, but this one was probably the easiest one we have had so far. EL was in a fairly good mood and knew what to expect, which was helpful; but there was one thing they did differently that made a world of difference. Instead of using Versed to relax her during the IV needle stick, they used a mask with Nitrous Oxide (the stuff used in a Dentist office). 


    Versed was previously administered as a spray in her nose, which she hated; and it gave side effects that always made her wake up grumpy and angry. The Nitrous, however, was easy to use, smelled good (like cherries), helped her to relax during the needle stick, and she did not wake up with a nasty Versed "hangover." Woo Hoo!


    After she woke up, we gave her some apple juice to drink and waited until she could walk without falling over before leaving to get lunch. Then, after lunch, we met with her Neuro-Oncologist to go over the results.

    In the picture below, the left side gives us a look at the scan from Wednesday. The right side is a scan from 2 years ago. On the left, I circled and labeled the two spots of concern. The pituitary tumor is a small solid mass at the lower portion of the pituitary gland. The pineal cyst is harder to see because it is fluid-filled; but it can be seen inside of the pineal gland.


    I am pleased to report her MRI results showed no changes from the previous scan! The tumor and the cyst have not grown in size, and are not causing any problems with vision or with hormone levels. This is great news, of course; and we won't need to have another scan until 2 years from now, unless she begins exhibiting symptoms. Another Woo Hoo!

    We are thankful, grateful, and blessed, and will continue TRUSTING in the Lord - not just because of our good results, but because He is our God, He cares about us, and He is worthy of our praise.

    Friday, October 26, 2018

    REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Chris Tomlin “Holy Roar” CD


    What does it mean to praise God? Chris Tomlin and Darren Whitehead say:  "In the ancient world something extraordinary happened when God’s people gathered to worship him. It was more than just singing; it was a declaration, a proclamation, a time to fully embody praise to God for who he is, and what he has done. In fact, in the Psalms, there are seven Hebrew words that are translated into the English word “praise,” each of which represents a different aspect of what it means to truly praise God."

    You can read more about this in their new book:

    And, if you enjoy listening to worship music, Chris Tomlin's newly released companion CD will not disappoint you. I am listening to it as I write this, and its great. The words and the music are an uplifting reminder that God is good, He loves me unlike any other, and He is worthy of my praise.

    HOLY ROAR: the freedom, the experience, the wonder of worship. It is seeing the church come together, hands lifted to God, pouring out our praise with an eternal song in our hearts. It’s every voice together, changing the way we worship.  

    There are so many great songs on this CD. Here's a sample of just one:



    LYRICS:  Nobody Loves Me Like You
    Morning, I see You in the sunrise every morning
    It’s like a picture that You’ve painted for me
    A love letter in the sky

    Story, I could’ve had a really different story
    But You came down from Heaven to restore me
    Forever saved my life

    Chorus
    Nobody loves me like You love me Jesus
    I stand in awe of Your amazing ways
    I worship You as long as I am breathing
    God, You are faithful and true
    Nobody loves me like You

    Mountains, You’re breaking down the weight of all my mountains
    Even when it feels like I’m surrounded
    You never leave my side

    Chorus 

    Oh, what a song to sing  (x3)
    Jesus, You love me 
    And I love You, God

    Chorus
     
    © 2018 Rivermusic Holdings, LP, 
    under exclusive license to Capitol Christian Music Group, Inc. 

    BUY THE CD HERE:
    HOLY ROAR 

    ENTER THE GIVEAWAY: 
    I am able to give away a copy of this CD to one of my blog readers! If you are interested, please leave a comment on this blog post, or leave a comment (or a "like") under the post on our Facebook page:  HE HOLDS MY RIGHT HAND MINISTRIES. Entries will be accepted until Sunday, October 28, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Central Time. Open to United States only.

    10-28-18 WINNER:  Rhonda J.


     


    Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

    Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

     

    Sunday, October 21, 2018

    TRUST #37: Selah "Lord I Trust You"


    Todd Smith is one of the vocalists in the Christian group, Selah. He says, "This song was inspired by believers in persecution who are standing for the name of Jesus even when it costs them their lives." However, it is a great song for all of us to be reminded that our God is God, through the good times and the hard times. TRUSTING in Him is a choice we need to make, regardless of joy or loss.

    Co-written by Todd Smith and Travis Ryan

    Verse1:  It may not seem I have what it will take
    I fear that in the face of trial I'll break
    Any trouble's just a day away

    Verse 2:  The best to worst of days are yet to come
    Be glorified regardless of the cost
    Be magnified whether joy or loss
    Lord, I trust You

    [Chorus]
    Lord, You are life inside the fire
    Lord, You are the grace that rises higher
    Oh, there will never be
    A day that You are not with me
    Oh Lord, I trust You

    Verse 3:  I believe but help my unbelief
    Help me go wherever You will lead
    Do with me whatever You would please
    Lord, I trust You

    [Chorus]

    Bridge:  I can't find the strength to pray
    All seems lost and it's too late, oh-ohh
    I cannot fear what comes my way
    Find me faithful in the day, oh-ohh
    'Cause the only hope I have is You will be enough

    [Chorus]

    Oh Lord, I trust, You





    Sunday, October 14, 2018

    TRUST #36: David Nevue and Psalm 5


    David Nevue is one of my favorite piano players. I love listening to his relaxing inspirational music each night as I fall asleep.

    One of my favorites of his is Psalm 5. It is so calming and peaceful and . . . oh, the words . . . they are a beautiful picture of what it means to really TRUST in God.

    You can't audibly hear the words in Mr. Nevue's piano music but, if you know what they are, you can hear them in your mind while he is playing. Many years ago in the 70's and 80's, I remember listening to this song being sung by the Maranatha singers, so I do know the words. I encourage you to learn them as well, as the words are taken directly from Scripture - Psalm 5:1-3 - 

    Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation. Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.

    Using the Lexicon on Bible Hub, I came up with the following paraphrase that might give you a little better understanding of this passage:

    Give ear to my words, O Lord 
    Listen to me, Oh Lord (Yahweh - Hebrew name for eternal God)
    consider my meditation 
    understand my groanings, musings, whisperings
    Hearken unto the voice of my cry 
    Give attention to my cries for help
    my king, and my God 
    my king, and my God (Elohim - Hebrew name for strong and powerful God)
    for unto thee will I pray 
    I ask You to intervene
    My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord
    You will hear me in the morning, Yahweh
    in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, 
    in the morning I will lay my requests before you,
    and will look up 
    and will keep watch, or wait expectantly.

    Sunday, October 7, 2018

    TRUST #35: Choose to Cease Striving



    Charles Swindoll, a well-known Bible-teaching pastor and the Founder of INSIGHT FOR LIVING, has a quote based around the verse above. He says:

    "We must cease striving and TRUST God to provide what He thinks is best and in whatever time He chooses to make it available. But this kind of trusting doesn't come naturally. It's a spiritual crisis of the will in which we must choose to exercise faith." - Charles R. Swindoll

    If we wish to strengthen our TRUST, we must choose to exercise our FAITH.

    How do we do that?  We cease striving.

    In other words, BE STILL! Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Stop fighting and struggling to win a war YOU cannot win! Be at rest as you pray and acknowledge that God is in control of your circumstances. BELIEVE He will not fail you. Have FAITH in Him.

    I've heard it said that FAITH is "believing without seeing." In fact, Hebrews 11:1 says, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." (NIV)

    Having faith means:

    • Believing God is real, and good, and is always watching over us, even when we can't physically see Him.
    • Choosing to "see" God through the actions of other Believers, and in the beauty surrounding us.
    • Believing God's Word is true, and that He will always keep His promises.
    • Trusting that ALL things will work out for the good of those who love Him. 
    • Having hope that better things are on the way.

    Cease striving (be still) and know that HE IS GOD.
    It is a choice.

     

    Sunday, September 30, 2018

    TRUST #34: Do Not Worry About Tomorrow


    My niece, Carolyn, and I have occasionally been corresponding the "old fashioned" way - via physical letters sent through the post office. She is a 3rd year student at Moody Bible Institute this year, and she wrote to me shortly before returning to classes this Fall. I asked her if I could share a portion of her letter, and she agreed.

    In this portion of her letter, Carolyn shares one of the ways the Lord has taught her to let go of her worries and TRUST in Him: 
    It has been an amazing and growing experience being at Moody! I've loved it so much! One thing God really emphasized during last year at Moody was TRUSTING Him, and processing my emotions. He taught me how to breathe, name off everything that was worrying me or weighing me down, literally count them on my hands, then let go of them, exhale, and say "I give 'such and such' to You. I TRUST You." That has been amazing!
     

    Sunday, September 23, 2018

    TRUST #33: HYMN - Trusting Jesus

    When we put our TRUST in the Lord, it can bring us comfort as we realize that, even when we don't understand God's ways, everything we go through in life happens for a reason. It brings us peace. 

    Edgar P. Stites was a hymn writer and an active member of his church in the mid to late 1800's. One of the hymns he wrote, Trusting Jesus, conveys the type of trust he had. The lyr­ics first ap­peared as a po­em in a news­pa­per. Then, the words were giv­en to Evangelist, Dwight L. Moo­dy, who then asked his song leader, Ira D. Sank­ey, to put the words to mu­sic. A beautiful hymn was the result. It is a timeless hymn that has encouraged many to keep "trusting Him whate'r befall, TRUSTING Jesus, that is all." 

    TRUSTING JESUS
    Words by: Edgar P. Stites
    Music by: Ira D. Sankey

    Simply trusting every day,
    Trusting through a stormy way;
    Even when my faith is small,
    Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    Refrain
    Trusting as the moments fly,
    Trusting as the days go by;
    Trusting Him whate’er befall,
    Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    Brightly does His Spirit shine
    Into this poor heart of mine;
    While He leads I cannot fall;
    Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    Refrain
    Singing if my way is clear,
    Praying if the path be drear;
    If in danger for Him call;
    Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    Refrain

    Trusting Him while life shall last,
    Trusting Him till earth be past;
    Till within the jasper wall,
    Trusting Jesus, that is all.

    Refrain



    REFERENCES:

    Wednesday, September 19, 2018

    REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

    Let me introduce you to a new, illustrated story Bible, sweetly written by Doris Rikkers, and colorfully illustrated by Fernando Juarez. Before you start thinking, "Oh, its just another Bible storybook for children," let me tell you what's unique about this one.

    The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible uses over 40 short stories, presented in a way that helps readers understand how God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today.

    The book starts out with the account of Creation, where it says in Genesis 1:2, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." (NIV) From there, we are taken through many of the accounts in the Old Testament - some of which will be new stories to the children (and even the adults) who read them. Then, after the building of the temple in Jerusalem is completed, we are taken into the New Testament where we are taught about the life of Christ, and the birth of the church. 

    In my opinion, this storybook is a unique way of presenting the Bible to children of all ages, while also being appealing (and educational) for adults.

    For more information and to view a sampler, click the "landing page" here:

    GIVEAWAY:  I am happy to be able to give away a copy of this bible to one of my readers. If you are interested, you will need to do ONE of two things - either make a comment on this blog post and make sure I have a contact e-mail for you, or make a comment on the Facebook post on HHMRH MINISTRIES PAGE where I will contact you via private message if you are the winner. For all those who comment, a random drawing will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time.
     
    ~~~~~~~~~~

    Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

    Sunday, September 16, 2018

    TRUST #32: Remember His Wondrous Works (GUEST: Carolyn McIntosh)

    At the end of July, before taking a blogging break, I gave a list of  TRUST posts that had already been published: TRUST #29:  A REVIEW OF TRUST POSTS 

    In that post, I asked you all to share what your favorite posts have been to that point, or share a testimony of how these posts have impacted you.

    My mom, the wonderful and great encourager that she is, jumped at the chance to write a note and share her thoughts with all of us. Here is what she wrote: 
    One of the TRUST blogs Vicky has written, and I enjoyed, was the one about remembering how God has helped us in the past - TRUST #4:  Remember How God Has Helped You in the Past
    In my late 30's, I was going through a real hard time emotionally. During that time, Vicky (a teenager then) made me a homemade verse card. It was Isaiah 41:13 - For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee. I still have the card some 35 years later in my living room and I still read it, reminding me He does help us through rough times. It has become one of my favorite Bible verses. 
    I also like Hebrews 13:5 - I will never leave thee nor forsake thee. Since losing my husband 16 months ago, this verse I say often. It is a promise I am never alone. There have been many things I have needed to do and, because of Him, I don’t have to do them alone. He has been there to help provide through my family and my church family. He is there to help me, and will continue to be there. He cares for the small things as well as the bigger ones. We have an awesome God!   ~ Carolyn McIntosh (Mom)

    Wednesday, September 12, 2018

    REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Tori Kelly "Hiding Place" CD


    You may know her as a fairly new pop-artist whose debut album "Unbreakable Smile" was released in 2015. You may remember her as the voice of "Meena the elephant" on the animated film SING. But, what you may not know is that TORI KELLY has had a lifelong passion for gospel music.

    With the help of her manager, Scooter Braun, the L.A.-based singer/songwriter connected with Kirk Franklin, a 12-time Grammy Award-winning gospel artist and one of Kelly’s musical idols. “I flew to Dallas and Kirk showed me a few songs he’d written, and I fell in love with all of them,” says Kelly. So, with its R&B-infused take on classic gospel, Ms. Kelly's newest album, Hiding Place, will be released on September 14, 2018. It presents what Franklin refers to as “hope-pop.”

    Kelly says, "One of the things I want for this album is for people to feel uplifted and encouraged when they listen." She goes on to say, "I want them to know that, no matter what they’re going through, there’s a God who loves them so much and so unconditionally, and there’s always a reason to feel hope. That’s what I really believe in, and I want everyone out there to hear my heart."

    As I listened to the CD, I definitely noticed the R & B style, which is not my favorite style of music. However, Ms. Kelly has a beautiful voice, and the lyrics to each of the 8 songs bring out the importance of being real with God and with placing our faith, hope and trust in Him. My favorite is "Souls Anthem," the last song on the album. Check out these lyrics:

    Teach me how to love you. Show me how to trust you,
    more than with my words or with a song.
    No, it's not been easy to live life down on my knees,
    but with faith I know I'll carry on.

    There is more to see than with my eyes.
    Fear sometimes can leave me paralyzed.
    I realize that I'm not in control, 
    yet it is well with my soul.

    The enemy's against me, arrows all around me, 
    never knew the fight would last so long.
    In seasons of depression, I plead for your protection.
    Make me right, I'm tired of being wrong.

    Every time there's hope, it seems to die, 
    and the voices all around they feed that lie.
    Everything I see tells me to let go, 
    yet it it well with my soul.

    This fight I'm in is not of flesh and blood. 
    The weapons that I need are in your love.
    Lord, don't you ever let me go, 
    You make it well with my soul. 


    GIVEAWAY:  I am able to give away a copy of this CD to one of my readers who are in the United States. If you are interested, do one of two things - either make a comment on this blog post and make sure I have a contact e-mail for you, or make a comment under the Facebook post on HHMRH MINISTRIES PAGE where I will contact you via private message if you are the winner. For all who comment, a random drawing will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time. 


    Here is a video of Ms. Kelly singing "Never Alone." 



    Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.