thread for middle age to older Christian women.

Mini1

A dear friend's SIL dove into the water and broke his neck. He is a husband and a father of 2 young children. They have performed surgery and put him in a medically induced coma after he spiked a temp and had other complications after surgery. Now he has to go into specialized rehab, and will have be transported from MI to Colorado. Please pray for this family. They have a long journey ahead of them. 

Blessings

mankatostate

Hi all,

It's been a while. I just wanted to drop in and say thanks again for all the online prayers and support this group has/had given me. Life has quickly and surprisingly got back to normal...well a new normal but it doesn't seem to revolve around Doctor's appointments all the time. I have younger kids so they have been keeping me busy with all their end of school and sport activities. Some day's I even forget (kind of) that I had breast cancer. Just last month we flew on a plane and the day before we left I realized I forgot about the lymphdemia (spelling??) risk. All was fine though. I decided to take my chances since I only had one lymph node taken. I hit my one year since diagnosis at the end of May. I have had a MRI and Mamo separated by 6 months and both have been fine. God is good and I am thankful for the blessings he has given me! Night and day difference between where I was last year at this time and now. I will keep checking back and praying for you all.

Kathy

ADJ

Ah, Sue, I love that you claimed praying praises over all.  This has been a very busy week for me, and yes, the scans went fine, should have results next week.  Recently I joined a support group/class at church and this week revolved around praying the Word and the ministry of anointing with oil. Good stuff.  The leader, Betty, seeks out instruction and confirmation from "elders" including how to pray for me. This is women only, a small group, very ordinary.  Sister Betty gave us all a copy of Dodie Osteen,s healing scriptures, including my DH, with instructions to read them daily.  And while all were anointed with oil, Betty started with me.

Mini, how tragic for this family with the broken neck, and yet even this was not a surprise for The Lord. We can be greatly encouraged by Joni Erickson Tada's story, now living and ministering for decades with her broken neck.  She even drives.

Blessings, Anita

saltyjack

So good to hear from you again, Kathy - isn't it great to start getting back to a new normal (but with a much-increased appreciation of God's goodness and care?!). 

Glad the scans went well, Sue and Anita - and still praying for you, Mini, with all the financial challenges.  

Debbie, how bittersweet that your garden help got a little carried away. I was feeling so sad for you (and your beautiful rose bush) but then Sue's encouraging words reminded me of the cactus I "pruned" this spring. A friend gave me a single pad a couple of years ago and (amazing to a PA gardener like me anyway), all I had to do was stick it in the ground and it started growing like crazy. It had gotten to the point where it spread over and onto the driveway several feet so I broke and chopped it WAY back. Within a couple of weeks, it had gotten so many new pads and tons of blooms! In fact, even the pads I threw back on the big brush pile at the back of the yard had some flowers on them. I'm sure there's an analogy there - maybe something like we can keep blooming no matter how Satan tries to defeat us and put us in inhospitable areas? Anyway - hope you have something like the same experience.

I know this is going to be really long and hopefully nobody will think I've clogged up the thread. A friend forwarded me an email today and it brought tears to my eyes -made me think of so many of us and what we're going through. Hope it's a blessing to you:

Quilt of Holes

As I faced my Maker at the last judgment, I knelt before the Lord along with all the other souls.

Before each of us laid our lives like the squares of a quilt in many piles; an angel sat before each of us sewing our quilt squares together into a tapestry that is our life.

But as my angel took each piece of cloth off the pile, I noticed how ragged and empty each of my squares was. They were filled with giant holes. Each square was labeled with a part of my life that had been difficult, the challenges and temptations I was faced with in every day life. I saw hardships that I endured, which were the largest holes of all.

I glanced around me. Nobody else had such squares. Other than a tiny hole here and there, the other tapestries were filled with rich color and the bright hues of worldly fortune. I gazed upon my own life and was disheartened.

My angel was sewing the ragged pieces of cloth together, threadbare and empty, like binding air.

Finally the time came when each life was to be displayed, held up to the light, the scrutiny of truth. The others rose; each in turn, holding up their tapestries. So filled their lives had been. My angel looked upon me, and nodded for me to rise.

My gaze dropped to the ground in shame. I hadn't had all the earthly fortunes. I had love in my life, and laughter. But there had also been trials of illness, and wealth, and false accusations that took from me my world, as I knew it. I had to start over many times. I often struggled with the temptation to quit, only to somehow muster the strength to pick up and begin again. I spent many nights on my knees in prayer, asking for help and guidance in my life. I had often been held up to ridicule, which I endured painfully, each time offering it up to the Father in hopes that I would not melt within my skin beneath the judgmental gaze of those who unfairly judged me.

And now, I had to face the truth. My life was what it was, and I had to accept it for what it was.

I rose and slowly lifted the combined squares of my life to the light.

An awe-filled gasp filled the air. I gazed around at the others who stared at me with wide eyes.

Then, I looked upon the tapestry before me. Light flooded the many holes, creating an image, the face of Christ. Then our Lord stood before me, with warmth and love in His eyes. He said, "Every time you gave over your life to Me, it became My life, My hardships, and My struggles.

Each point of light in your life is when you stepped aside and let Me shine through, until there was more of Me than there was of you."

May all our quilts be threadbare and worn, allowing Christ to shine through! 

Have a blessed day - hope we all get a kiss from God!

Bev

Mini1

Bev - I love the story. It is so timely for me (and many others, I'm sure).

Blessings

SpiritBlessing

Hi Sisters in Christ,

WOW!!! Thanks for sharing that Bev, it brought chills and tears. I keep you all I my prayers. 

So glad all the scans are coming out good for everyone. I have mine on the 30th with my new daily pill regimen and the Avastin every two weeks.  I am expecting a miracle and looking forward to rejoicing and giving the glory to our Lord. The rash I broke out with was awful but it is better now, thanking God!  Mostly feel itching on my neck at night and when I wake in the morning. The fatigue I feel seems more than when I was on chemo so that is hard for me. I am still pushing through it. I started back to work on Tuesday and Thursdays for now. The mo doesn't want me to over do it. So I will do that and continue to work from home the other days I can.

I am so blessed by so many things I am reminded of every day. God is on this journey with us. 

We went camping over the weekend and it was great fun but didn't relax as much as I had hoped. But I have been working on my stamina for the relay for life event I am doing this weekend. I am really looking forward to it and have done a great job with collecting donations.  It's interesting I have participated in this event a few times over the years and this year it has a whole different meaning. My team is great and the name is "Stronger Together" and it is a team from the Curves I was a member if before my dx. I am pretty much the poster child for our team this year...lol. Have them all a much bigger reason to do this. It's their 3 year in participating and we have a great group of ladies. This years theme is Animation Nation so we picked the 101 Dalmatians and we are all dressing up like dalmatians wearing spotted tutus...we look silly but I think we will do well. Our captain is cruella de ville and she has an amazing costume down to the red gloves. I will post some pics next week. 

If you are interested in supporting me you can donate at www.relayforlifeofshelton.org. I would love your support and please pass this along to others if you like. 

Prayers and Blessings for all of us. 

Lucy

KateW

All good thoughts and prayers would be appreciated! Thanks...

wwww.katebeatingcancer.blogspot.com

SpiritBlessing

Praying for peace and comfort Kate.  God is with us on our journey. Remember He loves you very much and you are not alone. 

Lucy

Deborahanne

"God’s plan and His ways of working out His plan are
frequently beyond our ability to fathom and understand. We must learn to trust
when we don’t understand." Jerry Bridges
from “Trusting God Even When Life Hurts”

Thankfully, our most gracious God, continues to
help us through difficult times, trials for our good. “Count it all
joy when you meet trials of various kinds” knowing that “for those who love God
all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His
purpose.” James 1:2, Romans 8:28

Love and continued prayers for you all! Deborah

Mini1

I've learned my SSI claim is before the folks that make the
determination of claims. Please pray that my claim be approved this
first try and I don't have to appeal. We are really hurting financially.
And my DH now has kidney stones that will require surgery and a broken
tooth that will require a cap.

My friend's SIL, Dan, was told that he has zero chance of walking again, but he is claiming a miracle and believes he will walk again. On the plus side he has good range of motion in his arms and they believe he will have no problem learning to drive and doing basic tasks, even if he doesn't walk again. He is in good spirits and is being an awesome witness to the hospital staff.

His fever was normal today, but has begun to creep up (101*). If it goes up to 103*, he will have to go back on the cooling blanket. They have asked for prayer specifically for his temperature to go back to normal. He will be on the respirator for awhile. If all goes well, they will airlift him and his family (incl. a nine month old and a 3 year old) to Colorado for rehab. 

Thank you for your prayers.

milehighgirl

Good evening all.  My prayers for everyone continue with joy and anticipation that they are answered before we've ever spoken them from our hearts.  Mini, I'm praying a miracle for your friend and for you.  When I first applied for SSI, I was told that everyone was denied initially.  So, I'm praying that it's different for you and  your claim goes through on the first try.

I survived  my 9-hours at the hospital on Friday with the chemo.  This is the first time though, that I've had some side effects.  Had to leave work a little early today because of nausea and a touch of diarrhea.  Then had a close call with food poisoning that's left my stomach in even worse shape.  I've been pretty wiped for the last few days and sleeping quite a bit.  Hoping I can make it through kid duty tomorrow without any adverse effects.  Fortunately I don't have to be there until noon so I'll be able to sleep in a little bit.

Blessings to all.  Sue

Mini1

I'm praying for you Sue. I'm glad you will have time to rest and I pray that your stomach feels better soon.

My brother was denied his SSI for so long that I received his letter of approval 4 months after he died. He was only 44. We appealed and appealed, and they denied and denied. I think a lot of people give up because of the hoops they have to jump through. I'm praying for a miracle and I will be approved on the first go round.

Blessings

saltyjack

Praying for us all but especially you, Sue and Mini - that God will give you strength, patience, peace and faith this week. 

I'm re-reading my favorite "The Red Sea Rules" book and the reading last night included this:

Every time we overcome even the smallest problem by trusting and obeying our Lord Jesus, God is glorified in our lives. Whenever we choose character over convenience, faithfulness over ease, or honesty over deceit, we bring honor to the Lord Himself. When we serve Him with watertight obedience even in small things, God is glorified.

May we each strive to glorify Him each step of the way.

Bev

SpiritBlessing

Hi Ladies,

Hope all are having a nice relaxing evening tonight.  I don't know a lot about SSI but my husband has been trying for a while now and he has been denied twice.  He still doesn't have a diagnosis and he has seen over 15 doctors including specialists.  He started 4 1/2 years ago with chronic diarreah and he nows has some otheer issues and his leg has gotten worse.  He has to use a cane as his leg is not strong enough to hold him and he has fallen.  There are still cases where they will approve it the first time around as I have a friend who has crohns and they just approved her the first time around.  I was told that I probably would be approved the first time as my stage IV would be enough.  I am not ready to do that as I am still working so I am praying God has a plan and I am feeling good and strong right now.  

I am still having fatigue from the daily pill targeted therapy but have been able to work it out.  I take several rest periods throughout the day.  Been pretty busy these past couple of weeks as we are wrapping up the final things for our Relay event this weekend.  I have been making some bracelets to sell for our team.  

Mini - I am lifing you in prayer and asking for God to do His work on this and show you favor.  God is so good and merciful.  Stay positive and hopeful...it will happen.

KateW - let us know how you are doing?

This verse spoke to me today when I read it so I thought I would share:

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of The Lord, He is my refuge and my fortess: my God; in Him will I trust. Psalms 91:1, 2

Blessings to you Warrior's In Christ...be well with you...Lucy

moderators

The support on this thread is wonderful! Your stories are heartfelt and your support is inspiring

Keep it up!

Your Mods 

SewStrong

Wow Bev. I love that. Thanks for sharing it. Can't write--carpal tunnel is bad this morning. Praying for each and every one of you on this thread. God bless each of you according to his Will for your lives. Sharon

SewStrong

JO-5 what a fabulous song. Not only is it fitting for Bev's sleepless nights but mine as well and probably for every mender of this thread. This is the link to the song JO-5 suggested. I love it. https://community.breastcancer.org/member/73492/profile

Kate- I joined your blog. I'm TN as you but in remission thanks to God and I feel that you soon will be as well. The secretary at my MO Office had TNBC 9 years ago and survived. There is hope in Christ Jesus, as you know. I prayed for you this morning and will continue. God bless you and your beautiful family. Sharon

saltyjack

Jo, I also listened and was blessed by your song - sorry I didn't mention it. I sure will be praying for you today....let us know how the day goes.  Hopefully you'll have good news and answers to prayers to report!

SewStrong

Jo, I pray as I read, too, because I can't remember each situation when I get to the bottom of the posts. I pray at night when I wake up in the night like the song says and I pray during the day as I work. 

milehighgirl

Good evening all.  It's quite late here but I'm battling a bloody nose that won't quit and everything I've tried is not working so I'm having to stay up to deal with it.  I know it's one of the side effects of the chemo and several of you have had them along the way.  Lucy and Bev, I do remember your having them - what got them to stop?  It's been really hot and dry here in Colorado so I know that's contributing to this as well.  I'm just finding that the SE's are coming early this go round and the platelets must have dropped sooner than they were supposed to.  Oh the joys of our journeys, ha ha.

I've been keeping up with the posts and praying as I go.  Blessings to all for a wonderful worship day - I'm going to have to miss because of the late night tonight .  Sue

bandwoman1234

Hi ladies,

I am new on this thread and fairly new to the forum. I am having some trouble sleeping tonight and thought I would explore the forum a little more. I was supposed to finish rads yesterday but the machine has been broken for four days so I will have to go four days into next week. I know God is in control but I am disappointed. When I was going through the ultra sound and biopsy I knew something was wrong. I distinctly felt God saying to me "I will never leave you or forsake you." I can say that during this journey with all the twists and turns that have happened on this wild ride that He has not left my side and has done amazing things for me even through the scary and hard parts. I live alone with my cat and I have no family in the area. I knew it was going to be difficult but He has sent so much support my way in the form of calls, cards, flowers, emails and visits. I have been absolutely amazed at how things have happened on this journey. One of my favorite adult Sunday school teachers talks about terrible/wonderful times. I think this journey has definitely qualified as one of those times. He has done wonderful things and I need to focus in on that even in the disappointing times.

I am so glad I found this thread. Have a wonderful week everyone.

Bandwoman

milehighgirl

Hi Bandwoman.  Welcome.  I think you'll find this to be a very warm and supportive thread.  I just happen to still be up - it's nearly 2 am and I'm still up dealing with a blasted nose bleed.  But, I had to write right away to let you know that this must be a divine appointment for each of us.  My home church was in Naperville. I left there in 1991 to head off to seminary - seems like 100 years ago, lol but I have such fond memories of that time in my life.  I know the area has changed quite a bit in the last 23 years but we'll have to compare notes.

Sorry to hear about your delay in treatment.  I'm no longer the patient person I  used to be so I can relate to your disappointment.  Suffice it to say that this time next week, it WILL be over!  We will keep you in prayer through the week.  Welcome aboard!

Sue

SewStrong

Hi everyone. SUE, have you tried a humidifier to keep the air moist? I had a son who had nosebleeds and that seemed to help. I know that every time I have a nosebleed, I instinctively throw my head back, but my paramedic granddaughter said to put your head forward and to pinch your nose until it stops. I would think that an ice pack might slow the flow, as well. I'm praying right now for you. 

I thought I got through my treatment with flying colors, but the exhaustion talked about associated with radiation has a grip on me. It's a two-edged sword. I know that I need to exercise to get my strength back, but I'm so tired that I find myself making up excuses. 

While I was doing chemo ( taxotere and cytoxine) I used a cancer cookbook to make magic mineral broth to keep my immune system healthy. I also literally drank about one gallon of water a day to help with nausea. I NEVER threw up but only felt like I had a case of flu for about 10 days. That gave me 11 days of feeling normal until my next chemo. When I read some of your posts, I feel so bad for what you're enduring. Just know that I am praying daily and know that you faithful Christian women are in the center of God's will. I know each of you is relying on God for your strength. What better place to be? 

Bev, Deboranne, and I have arranged a meeting soon. Deborah and I live fairly close, and Bev, from Texas, is taking a road trip which puts us close enough to meet. What a blessing that will be. I'm looking forward to seeing them  face-to-face. God is good. 

saltyjack

Hi ladies - welcome, Bandwoman!  Glad to have you join our little group. I've found this thread to be an incredible blessing - one of God's wonderful "kisses" - unexpected reminders of His constant care and presence that seem to come just when He knows I need them the most.  

Sue, so sorry to hear about your nosebleeds - and having them in the middle of the night must be even scarier. My nose was irritated and runny through most of chemo and for a month or so afterward - I got so tired of the bloody tissues.  I just had a few, very minor nosebleeds and putting my head back and putting pressure on my nose took care of them. Have you talked to your MO about the situation? I remember how reassuring it was during one of our first appointments when she said flat out, "Don't suffer! If something is happening, let me know and I can take care of it."  It might be worth checking with them if you haven't already.

Jo, I'll be praying for you this week through the waiting.  Keep taking those tiny, little baby steps of faith.  I don't remember who said it (maybe it was one of Lucy's great inserts - or maybe Char, who always has good encouragement?)....when God brings you to the edge, He'll either catch you or teach you to fly.  I love that picture!

Mini, praying for you and your husband with the SSI application. When will you have any information or results?

Lucy and Kate, I'm praying for you both with your treatment plans - hopefully minimal SE and good results. Our Great Physician has a perfect plan for you both.

I leave tomorrow on my cross-country adventure.....Houston to Memphis to Erie, PA to Harrisburg, PA to Warsaw, KY (to see Sharon - yay!) to Lexington, KY (to have lunch with Deborah and Sharon - double yay!) then home. I have lots of books on tape to keep me company (as well as my sister, who will travel a good bit of the way with me). 

Have a blessed week, all - with lots of kisses from God.

love, Bev

Vicks1960

Sue,

Off and on thru the years I have had trouble with nose bleeds.  Tried the nasal sprays, didn't help.  A year ago I got one I could not stop, ended going up to the ER and my PCP packed it with a nasal tampon.  The following week I saw a nose specialist and he told me to use just a little dab of A&D Ointment in each nostril twice a day.  Since doing that I have not had a single nosebleed.  He said the nasal sprays dry out too fast and this ointment keeps the nasal lining moistened.  (even though we were in AZ for the winter where it is really dry I have had no more problem.)  I purchased it at Walmart in the infants area for their wipes, ointments etc.  

It is not expensive and sure has helped me...\
GOOD LUCK!!

Vickie

bandwoman1234

Hi Milehigh,

I am sorry to hear about your nose bleed. I hope it is under control now. I have had a chronic bleeding ulcer in my nose since I was a child so I can sympathize. I moved into my first house in Naperville in 1991 so you have been gone from here for 23yrs and I have been in my house for 23yrs. Divine apt. I agree.  I go to the huge Calvary Church which has moved to a new location since you have been here. (or at least I think) It is on Rt.59 now. Which was your home church when you lived in Naperville? Are you a pastor now? I feel honored to talk to you!

I have to share this with all of you and thank you all for the welcome to this thread. On March 11, 2014 I had a breast ultra sound where I damaged my rotator cuff and am in PT as well as radiation now. I don't remember when I heard this message from the Lord but I do know it was a few days before my cancer diagnosis on March 14. I was in the bathtub and the Lord spoke to my spirit so clearly. He said "I will never leave you or forsake you." I knew immediately that my outcome in my mind was not going to be what I had hoped for and that He was assuring me that I will be there for you no matter what. I have missed the last three Sundays of church because of some nausea and great fatigue from the rads. I have fibromyalgia and already suffer fatigue so the last several weeks have been a challenge.  Today I was finally back to church and the sermon was on Daniel and the three men in the fiery furnace. The scripture that was used to bring the point home was I will never leave you or forsake you! Wow, talk about a God moment.

I hope to finish rads this coming week. I missed the last four treatments last week because their machine broke down! I live alone with my cat and because of my shoulder now and the surgery before I have had to depend on people lifting things for me. A dear friend and her husband brought by six cases of bottled water for me today. This friend has faithfully delivered water to me for weeks. Her husband asked if there was anything else he could do. I love feeding the birds and have a heated bird bath that fits on my fountain base. I have been so anxious to get my fountain up but could not lift the very heavy shell. He was able to get that up for me. I am soooooooooooooooo excited to get up my fountain.

This friend insisted that I have flowers this summer after I announced I would have no flowers. She and another friend took me on a "field trip" (we're all teachers) to one of my favorite nurseries a few weeks ago. They said if my fatigue was too great to water they would water for me. I am an avid flower gardener and live for the summers when I can garden all day if I choose to. So far I have been able to water but some days it has been a challenge.

As one of my co workers who is a breast cancer survivor said in an email to me a few weeks ago. Cancer had no idea who it was messing with when it tried to get us down. Amen to that.

Thank you ladies for endulging me in my very long post. I look forward to getting to know you all better. Have a wonderful day and a wonderful holiday week for my US sisters.

Bandwoman (Nancy)

milehighgirl

Thank you all for your great suggestions.  I will look forward to trying them out.  I was up until 3:00 a.m. trying to get the nose bleed to stop last night.  I'm paying for the late night today of course and have to work an extra day tomorrow - up at 4:45 a.m. - ugh.

Nancy I am familiar with Calvary and have several friends who attended there.  I was at Naper. Congregational at 75th & Washington and still have fond memories of my time there.  I had to back out of ministry when the big C reared its ugly head.  I finally gave in and officially retired after nearly 30-years in ministry when I physically couldn't do it any more because of the cancer and treatments.  When I have the energy I devote a  lot of my time to writing which is a ministry in and of itself.

It sounds as though everyone is doing well this week - praise be to God.  Have a great week all!  Sue

bandwoman1234

Hi Sue,

I live just a few blocks from the Congregational church. I took some years off as a band director and played professionally for a few years. During that time I participated in BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and we met at that church. Small world.

I am so sorry to hear you are still having nose bleed issues. Since I am the newbie here I am trying to keep everyone straight. Are you in chemo now too? Have you talked to your doctor yet about the nose bleeds. I know what that is like to lose sleep and then have to get up and face another day. I sure hope you can get some rest some time today and get this nose bleed under control.

I am waiting to see if I get the dreaded phone call that the radiation machine is still down. So far so good so I hope this means I will get to have a treatment today and be done right up to July 4. There will be some fireworks going off in my mind for sure. LOL

Take care. I will pray for you today.

Bandwoman (Nancy)

Deborahanne

Dear Ladies,

God is most good to bring us
all together to encourage and pray for each other.  I wasn't sure if I'd ever get to meet anyone
from this forum in person, but plans are set to meet Bev and Sharon in less than two
weeks - I'm really excited about that!

I hope you all will be encouraged by the posting below "5 Reasons To Rejoice, and Not Worry" by Randy Alcorn. I certainly needed it as well as a few of my friends who are having a very hard time. This posting was certainly an answer to prayer!

Nancy - Welcome! How wonderful that you and
Sue have connected right away! That's so frustrating about the radiation machine breaking down - thankfully God is in control and when things are not going seemingly right, He is working all things out for our good. (Romans 8:28).

Jo - I'm praying for you as you wait for the biopsy results while praying
for a good report. I’m so glad God has given you a doctor who works well with
you.

Sue - I'm praying that your nosebleeds will be under control. I'm sure the low
platelet count isn't helping, but hopefully your blood counts will improve and
the great suggestions given here will help.

Anita – I’m praying that your scans are good!

Debbie – PTL that treatment is working and your pain is gone! Looks like you
still have many treatments ahead – may God give you comfort and special graces
during this time. We lost a lot of our trailing roses because of the very
hard winter so my husband cut them back severely, but new life has come from the
ground and the rose bush is trialing upward. We’ll have to wait until next Spring to see how
they turn out.

Char – I’m praying for you and your Dad. Take it easy on your knee.

Mini – I’m praying for you and the financial woes as well as for Dan as he
heals and for him and his family and challenges ahead.

Kathy - glad to see you are doing
well. I just passed my one year mark after diagnosis. Since I had the double
mastectomies – my new normal is different than yours. It’s good having the days
when it doesn’t even seem like cancer was a part of my life, but those are rare
– I’m doing well, but can’t help but reflect on the significant changes in my
life.

Lucy – I’m praying for you as you have your scans today. Praying for good
results and that your continued treatment is effective.

Kate – you continue to be in my prayers! I’m so glad you the special
vacation with your family! I’m praying your new treatment is 100% effective.

I hope and pray you'll will have a blessed week and that this posting will encourage you! Deborah

5 Reasons To Rejoice, and Not Worry by Randy Alcorn

Just after instructing us to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians
4:4), Paul wrote in verse 6, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Worry is a
kill-joy. It specializes in worst case scenarios when God promises us best case
scenarios:

1. He has already rescued us from the worst, which is eternal Hell;

2. Even if something horrible happens, He will use it for our eternal good (Romans
8:28);

3. Often bad things do not happen and our worry proves groundless;

4. Whether or not bad things happen, our worry generates no positive change,
and in fact, can cause me great harm;

5. The cause for all our worries—sin and the Curse—is temporary, and will
soon be behind us. Forever.

Hence the command to rejoice is not mere positive thinking—we have every reason
to rejoice.

Paul continued in verse 7, “But in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace
of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus.” Instead of worrying, we’re to take our concerns to God,
choosing to thank Him as we do—for His goodness, His sovereignty and His
promises to work everything for good.

In verse 8 Paul said: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is
honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is
commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise,
think about these things.”

Thought is a choice. We often imagine, “I have no control over what I think
about.” Martin Luther is credited with responding, “You can’t stop the birds
from flying over your head, but you can keep them from making a nest in your
hair.” What we choose to think about becomes our master.

Some believers become obsessed with everything that’s wrong with the world.
We are continually bombarded by “news” (sometimes more sensational than
informative) that dwells on the sufferings, tragedies and crises of life. It is
easy for this unceasing avalanche of “bad news” to bury the Good News.

I do not favor living in a cave, denying suffering and trying to be
“blissfully ignorant” of the world’s woes. Rather, Paul said, we are to focus
our thoughts on the true eternal realities God affirms, that better empower us
to rejoice.

Remembering God’s presence, praying and feeding our thoughts with good
things that honor our King—these will increase our joy while starving our
anxiety.

Read more: http://www.epm.org/blog/2014/Jun/30/reasons-rejoice#ixzz368Ch2RoB

Deborahanne

Nancy - I attended BSF for about five years and was very blessed by those studies and the fellowship. I would continue to attend but the closest study is over an hour away. Deborah