September 20, 2006

Psalm 56:3 “ When I am afraid, I will trust in you.”

I know that I asked that everyone designate Friday, September 22 as a day to pray for Jeff. But I am now asking for everyone to pray now. Jeff is having a very bad day today, and prayer is urgent. We have had bad news from the doctors in the past, and Jeff has pulled through so far, so I know he can do it again. He is having a lot of pain in his left shoulder. This has bothered him off and on before, and it occurred to me that I did not list this on the special requests for prayer on my other post. He is on medication for pain, and he is still awake, but his condition is serious. I need for as many people to pray that are willing, so please share this with everyone. I'm not ready to give up.

This is part of an entry from Jeff on September 18, 2004.

During my years of teaching sixth grade in Christian schools, I had the opportunity to memorize many Bible verses with my students. Several of them are still with me and come to my mind right when I need strength. I remember lying in my bed outside the operating room before my biopsy surgery. It was a scary, lonely time. But immediately some Bible verses came to mind. I wasn’t trying to remember them at that moment, but there they were: Psalm 121. “I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

The Bible remains my life line. It would be impossible for me to make it through without His promises and encouragements.

I never knew this story until I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There is a song by Casting Crowns called "Praise You in this Storm" that I had felt like was a song for our family. I bought the cd and wanted to give the lyrics to Jeff, but I put it off. One day I mentioned it to my mom. She said that she heard that song played on the radio, and went out and bought the cd to give the lyrics to me and Jeff, but she put it off. The cd had been sitting on her dresser. That was when I heard the story about Jeff in the hospital, and Psalm 121. That verse is sung at the end of the song. I knew that I was really meant to give Jeff that cd. When his symptoms first started to get worse at the end of June, I got him a copy of this cd, and finally gave to him. He has it with him at hospice.  I am sure many of you have heard the song already, but I am going to list the lyrics for you to read.

Praise you in this storm
   ------Casting Crowns

Praise You in This Storm
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

Use the controls to listen to the song

I was sure by now, God You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

Chorus

I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes unto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

Chorus

Please pray for a miracle. Believe He can do it. Thank you all for supporting my family.

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