Eternal Perspectives

I was telling a friend today that there is so much I want to share on this Blog, but I’m often too exhausted to or just don’t have the correct words. I concluded by saying how thankful I am that, in Heaven, Christians will have all of the time they need to share what the Lord has done for and through them.

“Oh, how sweet is a harbor after a long storm, and a sunshiny day after a dark and tempestuous night, and a warm spring after a sharp winter! The miseries and difficulties that a man meets with in this world, will exceedingly sweeten the glory of that other world.” -From the book Smooth Stones. (Thank you, Jennifer B., for the quote.)

The theme for today seems to be “Having an eternal perspective”. This morning, I read the quote above. Then, this afternoon my friend and I finished the Bible study Walking By Faith (Jennifer Rothschild). The last week’s lesson was on “waiting with an eternal perspective”. Rothschild- who has been blind since 15 years of age- made the point that sometimes God does not “heal” our desires, because He wants us to long for Heaven. If He answered all of our desires than we would most likely not look forward to Heaven as much as we do or ought to.

It has been over a year since I first entered the hospital, thinking I “only” had Appendicitis. The Lord has humbled me in every way and it was needed. He has shown me His ways. Sweet moments have come out of every hard event. After a year of this HPS rollercoaster, I can emphatically state that the Lord’s grace is indeed sufficient. However, one of the lessons I have learned and experienced the most is the one of keeping an Eternal perspective.

Everyone has sorrow and heartache- if not presently surely in the past and/or future. Sometimes in the hospital, Mom and I came across other people with worse sorrows than mine. Right now, I’m following several websites of children with cancer. My heart aches for their family and friends. The question for us as Christians is, “How will I view these sorrows and will I let God display His glory through them?” In answering that question myself, I’m more able to live it out correctly if I keep an Eternal perspective, knowing that my “light and momentary troubles” are “achieving an eternal glory”, by God’s grace (2 Cor. 4:16-18).

My heart longs for Heaven. I know the Lord has more for me to do here, so I will learn to wait contently. However, I do agree with the quote above. For me, the “miseries and difficulties” of this world do make the realities of Heaven sweeter.

Comments:

1. Effie Says:
   July 28th, 2007 at 8:22 pm

   Dearest Katy,
   “The miseries and difficulties that a man meets with in this world, will exceedingly sweeten the glory of that other world” - that is a wonderful quote and how true it is! You have shown this attitude throughout this entire struggle and it has been such a blessing to those of us around you. You have given credit to Him and thanked Him for the trials even though some days have been exceedingly difficult, and that’s putting it lightly! Thank you for your sweet spirit and never-ending encouragement. I am so thankful to be able to call you my sister in Christ. My family and I have prayed daily for you to feel His presence and that His healing hand would strengthen and encourage you. Thank you again for the blessing. I look forward to spending some time with you when you are stronger. Let me know when you feel up to it.

   In His love,
   Effie

2. Laura Griffith Says:
   July 28th, 2007 at 9:38 pm

   I’m in awe about how the Lord works in your life. I do pray that you will have many pain free days ahead. I know you are so excited about your little sister arriving. I hope it will be a joyous occasion when she joins your family. You have much to share with her.

3. Jennifer S. :-) Says:
   July 28th, 2007 at 11:12 pm

   Katy,
   It’s so good to see you posting again and it was great to talk to you earlier. I’m glad you’re doing better. I will pray that it continues and that you will remain in good health when your sister comes. It’s so exciting!
   Love and prayers,
   Jen

4. Sarah Says:
   August 7th, 2007 at 2:26 pm

   That is so wild what you mom said last week! God is so good and we are very excited about this blessing #4!

For a Friend

I normally don’t do these, but I have a blog friend (and member of our church) who “tagged” me, so I thought I’d do it for her. I like her questions, anyway.

1). What is your favored worship song/hymn?

That is a hard question!

Hymns: Trust and Obey, Great is Thy Faithfulness, Jesus I am Resting Resting, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Blessed Assurance, Savior Like a Shepherd Lead Us, and My Faith Has Found a Resting Place.

Worship Songs: Before The Throne of God Above, In Christ Alone, Grace and Peace, any many others that seem to change depending on my mood.

2). Favorite verse, and/or chapter in the Bible?

My Life Verse is Psalm 119:105. However, I also love the Books Isaiah, Psalms, Daniel, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Hebrews.
3). What lead you to God? Let us hear your testimony!

When I was eight years old, the Lord revealed to me my need of Him. I remember particularly that the frequent missionaries who spoke at the church amazed me with their zeal for the Lord- even at that young of an age. I wanted to be like them and I remember thinking, “If they are giving up everything for the Lord, than I must really need Him, too.” I then recommitted my life to God at age 12 after a hard and rebellious period in my life. I do believe, though, that I have grown closer with the Lord the most during this past year (since I first became sick in July 2006).

4). How do you live day by day with the Lord?

Well, some days are not as “successful” as others, of course! However, I find that if I have a guideline, I stay more focused. I subscribed to Turning Point’s (Dr. David Jeremiah) Daily Devotional. I also read Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Devotions. Currently, I’m doing the Beth Moore study of Daniel: Lives of Integrity, Words of Prophecy.

5). Living Bible? NIV? KJV? The Message? Which is your favorite and why?

Growing up, I used the NASV. Most of the verses I’ve memorized are in KJV, though. Currently, I’m using the NIV version and that is my favorite. Some day, I would like to buy a parallel translation Bible, but I can’t ever find one in large enough print for me.

Comment:

1. Amanda Says:
   August 20th, 2007 at 4:04 pm

   Hey Katy!
   I found out about you through my mom a while back and I have been keeping up with you through your web site since then. I admire you for doing the Daniel study right now. It’s not an easy one! Well, I just wanted to say hello. God bless you today!
   Love,
   Amanda

Busy as Bees

I saw a bee the other day when I went outside to examine our ever-growing flowers. He was so busy buzzing around me. This week, I felt like that bee, buzzing around the house and Roanoke. It’s been a whirlwind of a week, but the days have been filled with God’s mercy, goodness, and answered prayers. The beginning of the week was hard, because of the Prednisone taper experiment- a venture that went awry from the beginning. Now I know that I cannot taper without first having another drug in place, but I didn’t realize that last Saturday when I decided to taper. It’s frustrating to feel “stuck” on a drug that I know is not really good for my body, but the alternative is worse. Much worse. I was in bed with a total HPS flare up for five days. It’s awful to have everything from head to toe inflamed. My ears close up, so I can’t hear and even my eyes hurt, so I can’t read. I utilized the HPS “support group” this week and found it to be encouraging. While I don’t wish HPS on anyone, I am thankful I’m not alone.

Last Sunday night, we had some friends arrive for a week-long visit. The husband was doing a project with my Dad’s business. It’s always neat to show visitors the sites and sounds of the Roanoke Valley. It felt good to have company in our home again! I always enjoy hearing people’s life stories and what God is doing for them.

The Thursday doctor visit was definitely a highlight of this week! I have never felt more hopeful after leaving a doctor’s office than I did that day. Now, I trust and pray this doctor will follow through with everything we discussed. I do have to say that my arms look pretty beat-up, though. I had labs drawn at Wednesday’s appointment and then again on Thursday. Fortunately, I still have about four weeks before my next Remicade treatment. My arms will be recovered in time to be poked again.

Yesterday, Mom and I shopped at one of my favorite stores: Goodwill. We found some deals for both of us and Qavah. I like coming home from shopping trips and showing Dad what we bought. When I was little, I used to pretend I was putting on a fashion show for him. He always admired my choices. I’m grateful to have parents who are interested in my delights, hobbies, and adventures.

Today, Mom and I shopped again, but this time it was for a Qavah. Her 4th Birthday is July 18, so we wanted to get a package in the mail right away. Also this week, I began corresponding with Qavah’s oldest foster sister. That has been fun. I look forward to developing a friendship with her.

That about sums up this week. I have five books in my nightstand that are begging to be read, so I’m going to go now. I’m praying I’ll be able to attend Church tomorrow. Then, maybe tomorrow night Dad and I will play a board game. We said we wanted to do a game together this weekend, but the hours have flown by. I’ll be sure to win!

Comments:

1. Karen Tillman Says:
   July 14th, 2007 at 9:33 pm

   I am with you Katy, HPS is no fun, but I am truly thankful for our small circle of HPS support. I know I don’t know where I would be without them. Probably stil misdiagnosed.
   Love always
   Karen Tillman

2. Martha Harrison Says:
   July 14th, 2007 at 11:27 pm

   Katy, I just read your Mom’s encouraging posts of the last two days. I feel so happy when you are having good days! God is good all the time, but it hurts to see you suffer. What a wonderful answer to prayer your new doctor is and will be! From what your Mom shared, he must be a very wise man, AND a godly man! Bless you for sharing with him how God has worked in your life through your suffering! As I have told you before, I get a spirit boost everytime I visit your blog. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Thank you for blessing so many with your testimony of faith in life’s good and bad times. I can truthfully thank God for the trials in my life, for that is when my faith has become stronger. He is our refuge and strength, everything we need, He is!!
   Much love in Him, Martha Harrison

3. Mike Theesfield Says:
   July 15th, 2007 at 8:27 am

   Katy, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to post this, and when I saw your comment about the bee- okay, it’s a tenuous connection, but oh well…

   Anyway, a few weeks ago, I was right here at the computer, and the window immediately to my left (along the back of the house) was open (but there’s a screen). I heard the sound of an animal coming along the back of the house. My first thought was raccoon. But a snout came into view, and my next thought was “I thought the dog was inside (she was).” I immediately realized that the snout was black, and for a split second I thought it was someone else’s dog. But no.

   It was a small black bear.

   He was so close that I could have spat on him if the screen weren’t in the window (not that I would have tried!). He was just meandering along, oblivious of me, and no doubt keeping a lazy eye out for food. If I’d been quicker on the uptake, I might have taken a picture before he was out of the yard. Anyway, it was an interesting departure from the routine!

   Cousin Mike

4. linda burk Says:
   July 15th, 2007 at 8:29 am

   HI Katie, wow a good day..I am soo happy for you..you deserve only good days…………
   I am enjoying our flowers too..our daylilies are blooming along with some black eyed susans. I LOVE my flowers…somehow they come back every year and I am sad if we travel and I miss them.
   we were in New York this week and saw two broadway shows. Curtains and Jersey Boys. Both were fabulous. We walked around China town and Little Italy. A busy few days.
   Happy Birthday to your little sister. JT was four when he came home from Korea. love to all, Linda

5. Heather Kirkwood Says:
   July 23rd, 2007 at 4:20 pm

   I’m glad you found the HPS group useful. Sometimes I get so frustrated that we can’t offer more - but honestly, I don’t know where I’d be without all of my HPS friends. Many of them have been at this “HPS” thing much longer than I have, and they always have wisdom to share because many of them have “been there.”

Happy 4th of July!

It’s been a pleasant day around here. I’m enjoying having Dad home today, even though he’s busy working on projects. It’s just good to have him nearby. I’ve gotten some emails written this morning and this afternoon, a friend is visiting for some Bible studying, movie watching, and fun! I’m learning how to be content on “bed rest” and it’s not all that bad. Sometimes I get a little stir-crazy, but usually a change of scenery is all I need.

Several friends have emailed me recently, asking if there are any new developments with Qavah’s adoption. Right now, we are waiting for Louisiana to finish it’s paperwork with Richmond, Virginia. The Louisiana social worker finished up her paperwork a week ago and sent it on to her state capitol, but she told us Louisiana has been slow with finalizing adoptions. We are praying we get the “travel announcement” soon, because all of us want to travel while I feel well. Mom has been communicating with Qavah’s foster mother, so I am learning more about my little sister and it’s very exciting! We’ve also received some pictures via email and postal mail. Below is a picture of Qavah, taken at her school in mid-February of this year.

Comments:

1. Aunt Lil Says:
   July 4th, 2007 at 8:56 pm

   Katy, so glad you’ve been having a great 4th being INDEPENDENT of so much that held you back. Also so glad that you have a little sister close on the horizon to brighten future prospects for you. I can hardly wait to see you together- by picture at least! May the Lord hasten the day until His perfect time for her to come HOME.

   Much love, Aunt Lil

2. Jennifer Blugerman Says:
   July 4th, 2007 at 9:58 pm

   As Christ was carrying the cross to Calvary, bloody, beaten, weak and in pain, I wonder if He found strength in the knowledge that He was preparing a place for his brothers and sisters! Qavah is a blessed little girl to have a sister like you anxiously preparing a place for her even in the midst of much pain and trial. Happy Independence Day, Katy! We’re so glad you’re home!

   -Jennifer

3. Julie Says:
   July 6th, 2007 at 10:55 am

   That little face is adorable! I can’t wait to squeeze her!

4. Sarah Says:
   July 7th, 2007 at 9:36 pm

   Oh I’m so excited for you and your family! What joy it will be for you to have a little sister!! You are going to have so much fun!! I hope and pray the paperwork is done quickly and little Qavah is home soon.

5. Laura Griffith Says:
   July 8th, 2007 at 3:15 pm

   Lorien is liking the picture and wants to come play right now….we will learn patience

6. kendall Pelish Says:
   July 9th, 2007 at 6:24 pm

   Hey man, I missed being on your front porch watching PBJ set off the works this fourth.

7. kendall Pelish Says:
   July 9th, 2007 at 6:25 pm

   or is that a new years tradition? its been a while