In His Image

As I sit here this evening, I must confess that I am somewhat disturbed in my spirit and some feelings are welling up inside me in a way they never have before or at least for a long time.  I struggle to grasp the significance of what is going on in the lives of those so precious to me.

As you can read in the post before, my little niece, Regan, at the ripe old age of 4 develops a tumor on her brain that turns out to be, larger than a golf ball but not quite as large as a tangerine.  They had surgery today, less than 36 hours after it’s discovery.  The ongoing treatment and what caused it are unknown at this point.  She made it thru the surgery safe and for that we are most grateful!

Then we heard from my Grandfather that my Grandma’s bone that broke was caused by her having bone cancer.  Yet the doctors are unable to figure out were it is coming from so right now, they are unsure how to proceed with treatment.

I talked to a good friend of mine in Ohio who knows of two children close to them there, who have come down with cancer and the one is given a 25% chance of survival and if he makes it thru the first year, they raise the odds to 50%.

I have put up a sign at my store that reads thus;

#2 Question:
“Is today the day
I die?”

I am slowly coming to grips with the fact that life and what we we know of it here, is so short lived.  To see these loved ones face the ultimate trial of life, to stare death in the face and realize that we have no promise of tomorrow, brings home the reality that this life is only the prep course.  We were born to die.  The only difference between those who have cancer and those of us who are “healthy” is the fact that they have a better idea of when they might die.  We both will, it’s just a matter of when. 

Our greatest fulfillment will never happen on this side of the grave, but will happen when we see our Saviors face.  I long in a greater way tonight for the rapture.  To see my loved ones suffer, makes me long for the day that there will be no pain, no more cancer, no more life and death struggles!  I long, not for my own comfort this time, but because so many around me are hurting.  Like the saints under the alter I ask, “How long?”

So to conclude, the young lady asked me the other day, “If that’s the number two question, what is number one?!” 

“Am I ready to die?”

Many of you may remember about our quick trip in east to help my brother and sister-in-law to build an addition onto their house.  We just got a call from them this afternoon that their second daughter has been having headaches and so they took her to the doctor a few days ago and the doctor recommended they get a CAT scan done.  The scan was done today and instead of days for the results, they got a call this afternoon that Regan has a tumor pressing on her brain.

The are currently trying to find someone to help do the work on the farm while they go up to Roanoke to have the surgery done.  Please pray for them and for wisdom as they make many decisions that they have never had to face before.

Have you ever had a song that just wouldn’t leave your head. It just goes around and around and never seems to quit! Sometimes it is not a bad thing, like the polite burp after a Thanksgiving meal, all the good tastes are still there. Other times it’s not the kind of song you want and just like a bit of bad cheese that you ate, it goes around and around and around and finally either comes up or settles down and behaves itself!

This afternoon the song “I Could Not Do Without Thee,” has been occupying the repeat cycle in my mind. This is not a bad thing since it reminds me in such a beautiful way that;

I could not do without thee
I cannot stand alone.
I have no strength or goodness,
no wisdom of my own.
But Thou beloved Savior,
Art all in all to me
And weakness will be power
If leaning hard on Thee

I could not do without Thee,
O Jesus Saviour, dear;
E’en when my eyes are ‘holden,
I know that Thou art near.
How dreary and how lonely
This changeful life would be
Without the sweet communion,
the secret rest with Thee!I could not do without Thee,
For years are fleeting fast,
And soon in solemn loneness,
The river must be passed.
But Thou wilt never leave me,
And though the waves roll high,
I know that Thou wilt be near me,
And whisper, “It is I.”

This song was sung by the Soundforth Singers and Orchestra. We found this CD after the death of Krystal Yoder and heard the song, “We Are Not Alone.” We bought the CD for that song alone and were so blessed with the rest of the whole album. It has such a quiet and peaceful tone that we often have it playing in the house while the children are waking up, or when they need to settle down! If you would like to hear a sample from each of the 14 tracks click on the picture below. In todays atmosphere of harsh, grating music, I love when people refer me to good, solid music, and thus I want to return the favor! Have a blessed day!

I have always wanted to be a pilot someday. After reading this, I am not sure! I laughed so hard at these that I had to share them!:lol:

After every flight, Qantas pilots fill out a form, called a “gripe sheet,” which tells mechanics about problems with the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems, document their repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the next flight. Never let it be said that ground crews lack a sense of humor. Here are some actual maintenance complaints submitted by Qantas’ pilots (marked with a P) and the solutions recorded (marked with an S) by maintenance engineers.

By the way, Qantas is the only major airline that has never, ever, had an accident.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
P: Left inside main tire almost needs replacement.
S: Almost replaced left inside main tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land very rough.
S: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit.
S: Something tightened in cockpit.

P: Dead bugs on windshield.
S: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent.
S: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear.
S: Evidence removed.

P: DME volume unbelievably loud.
S: DME volume set to more believable level.

P: Friction locks cause throttle levers to stick.
S: That’s what friction locks are for.

P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode.
S: IFF always inoperative in OFF mode.

P: Suspected crack in windshield.
S: Suspect you’re right.

P: Number 3 engine missing.
S: Engine found on right wing after brief search.

P: Aircraft handles funny. (I love this one!)
S: Aircraft warned to: straighten up, fly right, and be serious.

P: Target radar hums.
S: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics.

P: Mouse in cockpit.
S: Cat installed.

And the best one for last………………

P: Noise coming from under instrument panel. Sounds like a midget pounding on something with a hammer.
S: Took hammer away from midget.

Last night we had the privilage of staying at a customer’s house that they have for rent. Aimee and I usually try to do something special for our anniversary and this year, it was this! Aimee is a southern girl and not used to swimming in our lakes that sometimes have all sort of “icky” things on the bottom, like sticks and weeds and such. Thus when I found out about this place that had an indoor pool, jacuzzi, and jet air tube, I went to find out if we could work something out for our anniversary. This place was HUGE! Six bedrooms, three baths, huge deck, (too cold for that this time of year!:eek:) and huge dining, living area that’s in the picture.

It was a special way to remember the commitment that we made six years ago.

Truly, God has given me a Godly woman, far beyond my highest hopes. She is the one that so quietly encourages me on in my spiritual walk and it is such a privilege to walk thru life with her! I love you Sweetheart!!