Andy Braner–photo
Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
Do you even have mental deadlines that you hold to and know that if you can just make it through that date or that final stress point or major life-event–then you will be able to take a breath, then you will get some sleep, then you will be able to reorganize life and get it back together again……?
Well, I had been holding to a finish line and it was 9 days ago on Wednesday. Holding fast to this deadline since last January after mom dying and dealing with all of those issues, Clay surgery and –I knew that I had 3 moms conferences for Whole Heart, 7 national speech and debate tournaments and trips with Joy, a book deadline, a speaking trip to Canada, Texas, ministry commitments, a two week international trip with Sarah coming from Oxford, blogs, article deadlines, kids coming in and out, Clay medical stuff ongoing, more medical issues with kids, over 100 people in and out of my home in May, National Speech and Debate Week and a sweet family staying with us, and then all the kids home with friends for 5 days–and that was my finish line–
If I can just make it through that date–last Wednesday when I put Nathan back on the plane–I will have run my course, finished my tasks, have at least a few days off to sleep, spend time with the Lord, begin to get my home and desk and emails and life back to order.
Then was up with migraine and throwing up for two hours in the night on Thursday early a.m. (food poisoning?); had an asthma attack in the middle of the night the next night as the smoke started coming in and new unexpected deadlines, calls, book final edited coming in on Friday, and finally a visit to the emergency room for breathing. Sent me home with emergency equipment as so many were coming in with asthma and breathing problems they could not treat them all.
Then, finally, Clay set me up with a fan, a wonderful place to sleep and then at 1:30 Joy called–being evacuated, family with 3 sweet babies moving in with us and a ten day old babe at that and then
this week of constant evacuating friends, running to evacuated students, more and more and more and then ending speaking at a youth conference yesterday in the midst of it all. And more friends taking in more families and all of us working together.
Not going to lie–this old lady is tuckered out and weariness has set in.
The heart is willing but the flesh is weak or exhausted or something.
I was having a short quiet time the other morning trying to walk with God in the midst–
He gently said,
“Sally, that may have been your deadline, but it wasn’t my deadline. I am with you. I knew your days before you were even born and planned to be with you. I knew about the fires, the house guests, the major ministry issues that would arise, the new requests and deadlines, and I knew that if you walked in faith and let me have the burdens, that you would have sufficient strength to walk this road with joy and peace. I trusted you with this week. My grace is sufficient for you–now you just rest every day each minute that you can and don’t waste one moment on anxiety. Give my peace to those around you and trust that as your days, your strength will be in measure.”
And so, in the midst, strength has been there one day at a time, one friend who needed love at a time, one midnight conversation with a child at a time, and precious memories made in the midst.
When I gave my expectations and needs to my sweet Father, He took me into the secret place of His tent and assured me that He was with me and He would care for me.
Your prayers have made my weak one to walk through with joy, peace and strength for each moment. I so appreciate all of you who have walked with us through this and who are with us now.
The fires have been somewhat contained in some areas, but have moved northward toward our little town–but the firefighters are making lines of protection and contingency lines at the edge of our little twon, as it is moving north towards us. We should be safe because we are east of the freeway which it would have to cross, but we are so hopeful for our many friends, that God will help stop the fires from spreading more havoc. But, he knows, His angels are giving charge concerning all of us and we are all at peace.
One person suggested that we were all under God’s judgment. I think not. God is so very gracious and I would think even more, there are 135 national headquarters for Christian ministries in our town–why not consider this could be spiritual warfare and the wonderful Christians in our town have been abundantly generous, amazingly loving, peace giving, comforting and it is amazing seeing the body of Christ coming together.
Indeed I will never forget seeing the spirit of God working so powerfully as He has this week.
We all are on an obstacle course in this life that will require godly endurance, but God is the source of our strength, joy and comfort and this becomes more real to me every day. Sending love to all. So sorry I can’t answer the many phone calls and emails, but your love has been felt and received into our very grateful hearts. May He also bless you indeed.
“My grace is sufficient for you–now you just rest every day each minute that you can and don’t waste one moment on anxiety. ”
These words touched my soul this morning. Thank you for sharing this. I, too, was looking forward to completing that final hurdle in June, only to have new hurdles appear. Your words are a balm and knowing that I’m not alone – Christ and fellow believers run this course too – gives me strength. Thank you for sharing, even in your own weariness.
Up here in northern CO we seem to be past the worst of the High Park fire so we can breath a bit easier (in more than one way!). My prayers are with you in CO Springs as well as those contending with fires throughout the West.
My husband heard someone on TV say this was God’s judgement. He looked over at me and asked if it was God’s judgement, why would He choose Colorado Springs which probably has more Christian ministries per capita than any other U.S. city?
I do believe God allows judgement to fall on a nation but just because there is a large fire or a hurricane or (like in our part of the nation) a tornado outbreak… does not mean it is a judgement.
This post did make me smile, I kept telling myself if I survived through the week of Christopher’s wedding then I could rest. I didn’t count on developing an ear infection (I am on the second round of antibiotics), or a heat wave and drought causing so much extra care for the garden, or the car breaking down for good.
There is one good thing (among many) about being our age… we can look back and see how God has brought us through every other day and month and year! Hoping you get to go to Italy.
Ya’ll have so many who love you and are standing in prayer. These updates give us direction and affirmation – thank you. May the Lord give you rest in the days ahead and truly heal your land. We send our love from DFW.
This was a timely thing. I had wallowed in self pity last night. We bought a used car last month only to find it was a lemon. We had to clear one savings account to get the transmission replaced. Last night a very large deer jumped into the side of it as I drove down our long dirt road. The damage is extensive and will clear a nice chunk out of our other savings account. I did not set a very good example for our children. I had a temper tantrum and a good cry. This AM things looked a whole lot less dismal though, when I saw pictures of the fires. I have so much to be grateful for. I suppose my self imposed finish line (saving and having a certain amount of money in the bank) must not have been the Father’s goal. Our family is standing with your community in all of this.
come get it
God is simply ” AWESOME”… what an “AMAZING” God we serve. We can say without a doubt that God will take those ashes and bring beauty. It is our prayer that He’s presence is already on display for the glory of the gospel. We praise the Lord for you & Clay! When you grow weary precious Ones, remember the body of Christ. Our position and ministry is to ” Pray” without ceasing…Holding your arms up heavenward knowing that you are loved with an ever-lasting love and empowered with a strength that is unlike any other. That as we continue to lift your arms heavenward that Christ would do only a work through you that He can. Oh, precious Ones that His lavished grace and peace that passes all understanding will continue to kindle afresh hearts that are overwhelmed w/great loss with a inner joy that is unshakable. May the power of the Holy Spirit bring refreshing air and renewed strength for the journey. We know that God is above ALL…including the fires! So together we keep our eyes fixed upon Him. We know that God can be trusted with the “ashes” of our lives. He is a restore to those that seek Him. May God’s purposes & blessings continue to fall afresh . May He continue to do a work that out live ” the fires” in all of our lives. May we live to ignite a greater passion for His glory as we journeying in His presence. Love ya’ll….
Sally, I stalk your blog all the time, but rarely comment. This post touched my heart. I just want you to know that your are such an inspiration. Your blogs, your books and your conferences. (I’ve been blessed to attend 2 of them!) I pray you get some rest and soon feel refreshed.
Sweet Sally. I promise you will see beauty from ashes. We are 10 months post wildfire here in Bastrop County, Texas (~1700 homes lost). The road is long… burned trees are still being cut down, new houses still being built. But God is sovereign, and has worked in countless miraculous ways in the lives of the people who lost everything and those of us who live here and love. Yes, He knew. Knew your break wasn’t coming quite yet. Knows what will burn today and what will stand. What will burn tomorrow and what will stand. And He will work all of it for His good for those who love Him. Your love for Him is so steadfast and such a blessing to us all. I wonder if this essay written by one of our local moms about losing her home in the fire, and God’s exquisitely detailed planning, would be an encouragement to you and your dear ones now evacuated? http://donotdepart.com/here-i-raise-my-ebenezer-the-lord-is-our-shield When we were evacuated there loomed such a large unknown. How comforting it was to trust that He knew. I am praying with all my heart.
Our amazing God just used you in your extreme weariness to encourage me in regards to the current piddling problems that I have been grumbling about. Many timely reminders for me in this post. Thank you for pushing through exhaustionn to take time to share these thoughts with us.
Prayers are continuing for you and all in your area.
Sally, Thank you for writing your thoughts and continuing to minister to others as you go through the tempest. I have been praying for you, your family, and all those in harms way, as my family goes through its own whirlwind. I read your words tonight and they fed peace into my heart. Thank you. God is always there and He knows all. Praise be to God.
Oh my sweet friend you have been on my heart daily. I wrote you a card and it’s on the way. I came across this really encouraging poem and thought of you knowing how you have been looking so forward to the special time away.
Disappointment –His Appointment
by Edith Lillian Young
“Disappointment — His Appointment”
Change one letter, then I see
That the thwarting of my purpose
Is God’s better choice for me.
His appointment must be blessing,
Tho’ it may come in disguise,
For the end from the beginning
Open to His wisdom lies.
“Disappointment — His Appointment”
Whose? The Lord, who loves me best,
Understands and knows me fully,
Who my faith and love would test;
For, like loving earthly parent,
He rejoices when He knows
That His child accepts, UNQUESTIONED,
All that from His wisdom flows.
“Disappointment — His Appointment”
“No good thing will He withhold,”
From denials oft we gather
Treasures of His love untold,
Well He knows each broken purpose
Leads to fuller, deeper trust,
And the end of all His dealings
Proves our God is wise and just.
“Disappointment — His Appointment”
Lord, I take it, then, as such.
Like the clay in hands of potter,
Yielding wholly to Thy touch.
All my life’s plan in Thy moulding,
Not one single choice be mine;
Let me answer, unrepining –
“Father, not my will, but Thine.”
Job 23:14 For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me:
and many such things are with him.
Thank you so much Sally for taking the rime to write this post. I’ve been praying for you, your family, and all of those in Colorado. I don’t think the fires are judgement but rather preparation. God is making his people stronger. I don’t know what is to come, but I rest in knowing God’s ways are perfect. Much love, hope and peace to you today as you walk through the fire and wait for beauty to rise from it’s ashes. God is not done yet. Thank you so very much again for taking some of your precious time to write this post and encourage others. Even in the midst of trial, you serve the Lord willing and with a whole heart. I needed to hear your words and see your example. Much love to you.
I pray that you will be encouraged by the Lord today in many ways big & small!!!
Wonderful blog posts. Your blog readers need to know what you are saying — information/circumstances/trials that the TV news does not have time to report. The suggestion this is spiritual warfare in a city teaming with Christian ministry headquarters has got to be true. I believe it. I am praying for you and yours.
I can’ imagine trying to breath in such conditions. I’m glad they sent you home with equipment to help you. i guess your house is like a motel for the weary right now. Many are wishing that they could do what you are doing adn help those people. You are blessed. I will keep you in my prayers I know it can be exhasting. My husband was just in an accident last night and that just wore me out. He’s recovering at home now but that was scarry. Take care. Come by and see our blog when you get a chance.
Wow! You are so good and so right. Life’s hardships almost seem to never stop. I think to myself “If I can just get over this hurdle” often. Then as one chapter is closed, another new saga or dillema appears. God will only give us what we can
handle, right?Thank you fro the reminder that wee do have purpose and worrying has no purpose.
These thoughts are perfect for me this week, too! A different race for me to run, but I needed endurance and peace and the reminder that God’s path for me is often different than the one I’d choose! Mine would be easy but not nearly as good
Praying for you this weekend as you continue toward that finish line, Sally!!
p.s. “Give my peace to those around you” is soooo great!
I have never left a comment for you before. Either I was too tired to think of something to say or life was too busy and I had to just keep moving. You know of what I speak.
I have to tell you now that I am so thankful for your blog, books, and being able to hear you speak in New Brunswick this spring. I have to admit that sometimes I’m not sure if I want to feel strengthened after reading your posts/book chapters or give up now and just cry. You are very real and do not hide the fact that life is hard, major trials come…. and it’s not going to get any easier the older I get. I know that from watching my own mother as well. But as I watch her and read from you I am also encouraged that it is possible to enjoy and embrace the mayhem and turn it into beauty. Wait, change that to -God will turn the mayhem into beauty. You constantly challenge me to return life’s focus back to Christ, not rules, not circumstances, not my exhaustion and feeling sorry for myself.
Now reading of your newest set of trials and your own exhaustion and how you remain positive and servant-hearted in the midst of it…. well, just makes me want to keep plugging away at this crazy life God has for me all the way to the finish line.
But I think I’ll go get a really good night’s sleep first!
Praying that you get some rest yourself,
~Shannon
The other night I told my husband that it feels like the world is upside down, with the fires in Colorado, my friends dad dying, a leader in our church falling into a pit of sin, decisions being made that may change our country forever. He responded with, “The world is not upside down. God knew all these things were going to happen. You just didn’t know.”
I opened a journel that someone recently gave me and read: “How about that problem you’re grappling with? Because you’re so close to it, does it seem bigger than God? Does it cast a shadow that seems to hid God’s presence?” (I instantly thought of Nathan’s Blog
)
“Is anything too hard for LORD?” Genesis 18:14
“God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20
Do not ask “what can I do?” but “what can He not do?” Corrie Ten Boom – Amazing Love
Sending you Love,
Michelle
love to you!