Happy New Year and Goodbye!

Happy New Year Dear Family and Friends,

I think it's time to sign off this blog with good news! I had a lung test Monday and the one enlarged lymph node they could reach.....tested ok. Thank you Lord!! They want me to repeat the PET/CT scan again in a year. The chronic pain remains since the first surgery....but thankfully the 10's unit makes it manageable and I don't have to live on drugs. I just can't stop praising God!!!

I started a file a couple of years ago that I titled "My Last Blog". I'd think of something.....or find something I wanted to share with you and put it in the file to use today! The file is now big enough for a book! ( I'll try to make this shorter). But a big surprise has happened to me as I leaf through the notes.....it's a precious file of God's encouragement! It will be a gift I'll treasure the rest of my life.

I'm excited to look ahead to the New Year that God has given each of us today. Blank pages to be filled with hopes and dreams....and no doubt.... disappointments and sadness. I've learned that through the years, there is a mixture of all each year. The thrilling part I have learned to watch for in each day is to see how God is working this day for my good.

For about five years, I've whispered a prayer each morning before I get out of bed..."Lord I don't know what you have in store for me today....but use me for your glory!" It seems to help me focus and see where and how He is working! Many days I whisper "Only God" as events unfold. Not only the good...but the bad events also....because in time I know I'll begin to see and understand the whys. Do I understand all "Whys"? NO. I think some of our "whys" we will only understand when we see God.

One of the main reasons I wanted to write this blog, I'll have to admit, was for my own family....especially my grandchildren. That someday..... they would be able to read these pages and see God's faithfulness to me. This desire for the blog comes from scripture in Psalm 78:4-7. It says: "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done.....then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands."

The other reason.... is my prayer that my journey could help others who are walking through the valleys of life....that they might be drawn to Jesus....and know and have peace that He is there for them. We are never alone!

You and I dear ones.... are God's plan for making God's love believable. This calling will look different for each of us. We simply need to find out where God wants us to show a bit of bravery for this season of life and the share it with others. I know you can do this also! There is so much work to be done and so many lives need our help.

Please know your prayers, love, gifts and act of all kind of kindness ....are precious treasures in our memories. I only pray I have many years to return these gifts to others... and to see those opportunities that He places in front of me each day.

Hug your family close each day..... and make each day count! We never know the days God has planed for us! This journey actually did fulfill my deepest desire to know Christ better! My prayer for each of you would be....that you walk each day in His love and grace.

Joyfully His,
Donna

P. S. A new favorite Scripture: Psalm 91:9-16. I encourage you to find your bible and see why I've found it so special.....God Bless!