As we begin this Lenten season, I received an e-mail from one of my wonderful Monterrey friends Barbara. She is truly a special person and she attends the local church called Union Church, here in Monterrey. She sent along this devotional to Jessica and I that was written by Pastor Dave Long, a true man of God. It speaks of the "journey" that we are sometimes asked to take in our walk with the Christian faith. Barbara thought of Jessica and the journey she has had to take with her illness.
Here is the devotional:
Answering the Call to Journey
Genesis 12:1-9
God called Abraham to leave his country and go to the land that God would show him. It was the beginning of the journey to the Promised Land and it would take his family and future generations on a circuitous route until they arrived.
There was a promise that kept him going: I will make you…, I will bless you…, I will make your name…, I will bless those who bless…, I will curse those who curse…, all peoples will be blessed through you. He was traveling with a promise.
Cynthia Clawson is one of my favorite singers. She wrote, My journey has taken me through smiles and miles, fears and tears, doubt and faith, hope and light. It has been a struggle at times, but struggles sometimes help us grow stronger. My trip through this life has been a time to love and learn. It has been during quiet walks with the Master that I have grown most.
These are the lyrics to a song that she and her husband wrote and she sings: The Journey
I’m making a journey, Lord,
The greatest journey of all;
My steps may fail, Lord,
So please don’t let me fall.
The way is narrow, Lord,
And sometimes I feel alone;
And when my heart fears, Lord,
I softly pray this song:
Give me the heart to be pure,
Give me the faith to be sure,
Give me the strength to endure
All of my tribulations.
I need some courage, Lord,
To make it just one more mile;
I want to hold your hand,
I want to see your smile.
Give me the heart to be pure,
Give me the faith to be sure,
Give me the strength to endure
All of my tribulations.
No matter where our journey may take us – to another country or our hometown, through lush green lands or dry deserts, to fame and fortune or unknown and poverty – God has promised to be with us. So may our prayer be to keep a pure heart, to have an abiding faith, to have strength to endure all of our tribulations.
Journey well…God is beside you!
Union Church of Monterrey
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Update on Jessica:
We hope that this message lifts you up during this season of Lent. We thank you all for taking this "Journey" with us and for all the prayers that have been offered on Jessica's and our family's behalf. Jessica has been having a few ups and downs, as you know, and with that a flare of her RSD in the right foot, right arm and stomach. We are forever grateful to Dr. Cantu for all he continues to do for Jessica and his perseverance, commitment and wisdom with this illness. We know that God is in control and we praise him always for all of his miracles and healing for Jessica.
On another note, we ask for your prayers for Jessica's Dad who will be undergoing surgery next week for hernia repair. We ask that all goes well with the surgery and his recovery and we ask God to guide the hands of his surgeon Dr. Greenstein.
Jessica and I are so thrilled to have Katherine here with us this week! We have not seen her since last June-except via Skype-and she was so thrilled to see how improved Jessica is since then! When she arrived to the apartment, Jessica was in her recliner chair to welcome her! They kissed and hugged (something that couldn't be done last year!) They have been enjoying their time together-reconnecting-and we all keep saying to one another how we can't believe that we can enjoy the hugging again, feeling the fresh air together again, seeing the beautiful blue sky, laughing again, listening to music, watching a movie, to see Jessica in so much less pain, etc.......I could go on and on! For me, as their Mom, it takes my breath away, and I have shed a few happy tears this week to see them together like that again! We praise God for all his mighty works, Dr. Cantu for all his love, and I praise my daughter Jessica-she is a fighter and her determination is amazing and inspiring!
May this day find you all well,
In God's love,always,
Sarah Gina
(Mom to 3)
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