Hi to All,
As many of you know, I have a love of the beach - its sounds, its smells, and also its abundance of shells!!! My favorite beach for shell collecting is the beach in Marco Island, Florida, where my mother, sister and brother all live with their families. In happier times, before Jessica became ill, I would walk the beach with my sister or my daughters; stopping every time we saw another magnificent shell to pick and call our own! When Jessica is better, the first thing I want to do is stroll the beach with her, and my other daughters Katherine and Michelle, and my sister Carol, who introduced me to that beach and all of its wonderful shells! I tell you this because of the following story I received from my friend Nita. It was sent to me via e-mail because she knows of my love of shells! Here is the story, entitled: "Hearing the Voice of God":
Do you remember the first time you ever put a conch shell up to your ear? Wasn't it miraculous that you could actually hear the sound of the ocean? What is also miraculous about the conch shell is that it is known for its indestructible quality and is a symbol of strength and endurance against the sea. When life seems to be tossing you about like the sea, seek solitude so that you can hear the "still small voice" of God that is described in Kings 19:12. Also, Psalm 46:10 urges us to "Be still and Know that I am God". Be still in His presence so that you may hear God's still small voice. Pretend that you are holding a conch shell and let it be your reminder to shut out the "roar" of the sea that is going on around you and be indestructible with your walk with God. Be strengthened by the One who can help you endure!!!
How appropriate this can be for all of us! Sometimes, even when you are going thru those difficult times, I guess you have to try to shut out all the negative thoughts that will come your way. At those moments, we should try to listen for that "voice" of God - the "voice" of reasoning - the "voice" of hope --- the "voice" that truly never fails us --- the "voice" of a God that loves us so!!!
Jessica asks for some special prayers that her vision is restored to normal. That the "static" vision that she has been experiencing will go away, so that she can "focus" on the days and weeks ahead of her to that road of recovery from this illness and to take the "small" steps here in Mexico that she needs to take, so that one day she and I can take those "bigger" steps on that beach together, collecting seashells once again!!!
All our love,
Jessica's Mom
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Small steps in the sand together... Just for the SHELL of it!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you...
BeachBums-Nancy & Joe
Dearest Jessica and Gina, I keep you in my heart and prayers nonstop, as does my family. Gina, when I read the first part of your blog about the shells, I had a great memory of when you lived on Huntington Road. I remember your "shell bathroom" where you made the window cornice out of shells and you knew where you got every one of them! It was so beautiful and so YOU! Also, that hanging shell mobile that you made was so pretty and so creative! You have always been such a special person and friend, Gina. You have always uplifted those lucky enough to be around you with your caring, concern, creativity, positive energy, and beautiful smile and spirit. I hope you and Jessica can feel our prayers and well wishes settle around you like a soft blanket that protects you and keeps you warm and safe. I will hold in my mind that image of you and Jess walking on the beach- Love always, Angel
ReplyDeleteHey Sarah - Seating at your sister's dining room table reading all your recent blogs. The story about Dr. Rainbow is amazing but to me, not unbelievable. My mother has appeared to my young niece on several occasions when she's been distressed with school, friends, etc. The stories the little one tells us could not have been know by anyone but my siblings.
ReplyDeleteI am going to make every attempt to attend the fundraiser in Garden City.
Lastly, I want to tell you that I find your sister looking wonderful and feeling well. We even went dancing in a local Marco bar. We have stories for you when we are all back together again. You'll laugh. There is hope Sarah. I see it here this week. God bless you and Jessica.
Love, Barbara
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to hear you're moving your toes ans legs more. Keep fighting! We can't let RSD win! We continue to pray for you daily.
I'm going in for 3 consecutive days of ketamine this week, at the recommendation of the doctors. I'm learning to recognize and respect my limitations, and the importance of the ketamine boosters.
God is good and you, too will have your miracle in Monterrey!
Love and blessings,
Emily Wilford
Hi Jessica and Mrs. Stevens,
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be praying for these things. I know it is incredibly difficult to continue to look to better days when the current days are so difficult. It is hard to see the end to the storm when you are so entrenched IN the storm. I know sometimes we just felt like if only God would give us something to hold on to, something to put our hopes in, some promise for the future. One thing I felt him saying to me during these times is "Hold on to me. I am enough." While that was incredibly difficult, it did bring some comfort. While I wished I had more to hang on to, I did learn, in a way I never thought possible, God was enough. We wouldn't have gotten through those difficult days at all if he wasn't. It was only him that pulled us through those times.
You know, something funny that I have realized since my recovery and after getting through those dark times, those times when God felt so silent, so absent, were some of the defining days that God's hand was at work. Though it was impossible to see at the time, his hand was at work far more than we ever could have imagined. Some of those times when things seem to be spiraling out of control, when everything seemed to be going "wrong", were some of the defining moments in my recovery and part of the reason I am dong so well today. Isn't it amazing how God works? When he says 'my ways are not your ways' he wasn't kidding. :)
Jessica, you are in my prayers and thoughts constantly, If I can do anything to help, or you just want to talk, email me or we can always skype if that helps.
Love Always,
Lindsay Spengler
love is being sent to you this very moment.
ReplyDeletelove from Saratoga
Linda
Sarah Gina,
ReplyDeleteTHank you for sharing the story. I am so amazed at how close God is to you and Jessica right now - in so many ways. I truly believe the miracles will keep on coming - even if they are very small steps every day. But me (and about a million other people) will continue to pray for the strength to make it through all of the challenges you are experiencing along the way. Lindsay's note was so beautiful and so relavent. I know in my heart that anyone who has or is experiencing what both Jessica and Lindsay have experienced, are truly touched by God. They each are putting their mark in this world and making such a difference for so many.
Love you.
Love Jessica.
Nita
Jessica my thoughts and prayers are with you.. Jacquie
ReplyDelete