If you've ever had a really bad itch, you know why God gave us fingernails! Several weeks ago my fingernails started looking and feeling like I'd hit them with a hammer. They continue to function as scratchers, but not as before due to their being sensitive. This is a result of the chemo and it is now spreading to my toenails. Since I don't scratch with my toenails, that isn't a problem, but the sensitivity slightly affects my walking. Before this chemo started in January, I didn't have an excuse for forgetting things or tiring out while Mary pushed ahead as we walked around the lake or Walmart. Now I can blame all of my shortcomings on the chemo!
Why do I need a reason for not being perfect? Why do I have to blame someone or something? Isn't human nature interesting? How grateful I am for the promises in God's Word~they assure me that I don't have to be perfect for God accepts me just as I am. One day Jesus will return to take ALL of His own home or someday He'll call ME home. Then I'll be free of pain, and this aging body will be with Him forever! With no more itching, I won't even need these fingernails anymore!
Don't forget to thank God everyday for the little things~like your fingernails. I regularly thank God for you and your prayers for Mary and me as we continue this journey.
When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realise that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence. And if, in the process, any of you does not know how to meet any particular problem he has only to ask God - who gives generously to all men without making them feel foolish or guilty - and he may be quite sure that the necessary wisdom will be given him. But he must ask in sincere faith without secret doubts as to whether he really wants God's help or not. The man who trusts God, but with inward reservations, is like a wave of the sea, carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next. That sort of man cannot hope to receive anything from God, and the life of a man of divided loyalty will reveal instability at every turn. James 1:2-8 Phillips translation. Praying today for you folks.
ReplyDeleteGreat passage of Scripture, Jim. And many thanks for your prayers!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the reminder to be grateful - this is the 2nd encouragement on FB I've ready today to be grateful and count blessings. Thanks - you 2 are a blessing in my life and I always appreciate what you share!
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