This has been one long bedraggledly blessed week. It has been filled with blessings and challenges; high peaks, low valleys: emotions running high and also rampantly askew. I do not always appreciate the Refiner's Fire, do you? I always likened God reforming me on the Potter's Wheel; pliable clay and slip to round off the edges and make things all smooth and pretty. It did not cross my mind that after that has air-dried for a time... IT GOES IN THE KILN at an exorbitant heat! And, sometimes goes through the Kiln over and over too!
Let me say this. I HATE cancer. Right now two very important men in my life are walking through it. My brother-in-love and my bestie's husband (who also happens to be my hubby's bestie). Both are great men. Both have wonderful families. Both are in a fight for their lives. God is faithful. He is in control. I keep reminding myself and everyone I meet of that.
**** Praise Break ****
First, my sweet brother-in-love. There is a huge family network, so we are all tripping over ourselves to help him. Hahaha. I even had words with one sister when I 'thought' she was ignoring my pleas to assist.. so not in my character.. or hers, and here it was just a misunderstanding and stupid cell phones not sending messages. We were all functioning in zoomy gear after the operation and news. After fervent praying, I was to assist from the sidelines. Do whatever needs to be done behind the scenes when asked. I love to cook, so I was able to set up the initial meal center. Now that chemo has begun, we will see how things go and where I am needed most. I do comedic relief (sometimes without even trying). Gordon's meds are extremely costly. Please pray that the funding comes in for the entire duration of the treatment.
With my friend in Seattle, the word to Roy and I was clear, "go." So I found out on Monday night that surgery was slated for early Wednesday. I was on a plane 10 hours later, and to bless me, it only cost the normal amount for travel. Thank you Jesus!
People who really know me know that I am a Type-A go-getter. I like to be movin-movin! Well, that is not what was needed. What was needed was for me to be an anchor for the moment. I was in all of the waiting rooms, crocheting and praying with most every stitch. I did see Todd too, but that is not what my mission was. It was one of a calming persona, prayer warrior and protector of Lisa and the kids.
I met all sorts of interesting people in the waiting rooms too. Most of whom also needed prayer. Some patients, some family of patients. It was a constant stream everyday. Lisa and I had to giggle about that one. One day when I was just tired my ownself, and what/who appears? A pastor from Oregon visiting someone and we were able to talk the Word. Talk about the goodness of God. The faithfulness of God. What a breath of fresh air from the Grandfatherly man. Then the next day I visited with a sweet almost-daughter who spoiled me rotten all day long. 
Back at the hospital I cannot tell you how many times I wanted to jump up and smack a nurse upside the head when she was talking to my friend in an uppity fashion. Didn't she understand that this all is life altering for this family? Didn't she know??? Why the apathy? Why the rudeness? Boy did the Holy Spirit gently smack ME upside the head on that one. I asked to see her as He sees her. I saw a scared little girl hiding behind a facade. So what did I do? I prayed. Did she have an attitude adjustment? No. Not at first. But remember, we don't go by what we see or how we feel, or how others act. We go by the Word of God. The Word says that when a believer prays accordingly, the prayers are answered. Guess what... first, my heart changed, then her attitude followed suit. God really is faithful.So for the past week, I crocheted a full blanket stitched in prayer, and the beginnings of another one; kept my mouth shut when I should and hands to myself; played referee with 3 dogs and one old cat, kids, nurses, their extended family members, and people galore, and mostly learned more about myself. Now how does that work? ha.
I have learned that I am not always called to be a mover and a shaker. I am also called to sit and pray things out... just because He asked me to.
Signed,
A Muse of the Remnant
Christine
