He cries with us

I awoke at 3:30 this morning with a migraine headache. I’ve been getting them for years, so this is nothing new for me. For those of you who get migraine headaches, you know that taking your medication at onset of the headache is the key to resolving it. After taking my medicine and drinking a cup of fresh coffee, I feel better. Having the lights of the Christmas tree to keep me company seems to help a little, too.

My husband is a nurse and is working in the pediatric ER tonight. I text him to let him know I’m awake, and I check to see how his shift is going. He texts me back to tell me that he has had a stressful shift. He has been caring for a month-old baby with meningitis. The thought of that makes me cringe. It’s so serious.  This little baby may not live through this. I utter a prayer for the sweet bundle and ask God for a miracle recovery for him. I think of his parents and what they must be going through.

This kind of scenario is nothing new for my husband or me, since we both work in medicine. I think about my last few shifts at the hospital. Not only two weeks ago, I did a consult on a lady who presented to the ER with two weeks of shortness of breath. During her work up, she was found to have metastatic cancer. Within a week, she passed away in the hospital.

I look over at the Christmas tree lights again. I imagine the sadness, heartache, and pain that so many people experience in this life. Sometimes it’s hard to see this season as one of joy; because even in this season, bad things happen, sad things happen, and heartbreaking moments still occur. It’s during these times that I have to remind myself that, despite any painful event in this life, we still have hope—in Jesus.

Jesus understands our sorrow.  He lived here on earth as a human for 33 years, and he felt the same emotions we feel. When Lazarus died, Jesus cried. John 11:35 says, “Jesus wept.” He wept because he was sad to see Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha grieving. Even though he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, he was moved by the pain that his friends were experiencing. It hurt him to see them hurting. He hurts when we hurt.

When Jesus was to be crucified, he felt intense sorrow as he spoke to his disciples. Matthew 26:38 says, “Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here with me and keep watch with me.’” Jesus knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed with sorrow. He is able to understand what we go through. He feels our pain, sorrow, heartache, and disappointment with us. Sometimes I imagine that He even cries with us.

Revelation 21:4 says, “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” There is a life after this one. It’s one without pain, sorrow, heartache, disappointment, discouragement, or hopelessness. Through Jesus, God has promised us wholeness, joy, life, and victory.

So, as I sit here by the Christmas tree, awaiting the expected joy of the season, though not feeling it, I remember God’s promises through Jesus. I remember that this is just another season in this life. I remember that every season in heaven will bring joy. So I smile as I stare at the big red ornaments on the tree, knowing how much our Father cares for us.

Covenant

Today, I am covering labor and delivery call in Paoli, Indiana. While I was eating breakfast at a local restaurant, the hostess sat an elderly couple at a nearby table. The gentleman pulled out the chair for the lady, which made me smile. I don’t see that very often anymore. 

I overheard the server talking with them a couple minutes later. It turns out that today is their fifty-year anniversary. When I heard that, I couldn’t help but smile inside. It was sweet and inspiring. That couple has most likely weathered many storms and heartaches, as well as had many wonderful memories. It comforted my heart to know they’ve been together for so long, as I watched them smile at each other and converse easily. 

Their long commitment to each other reminded me of God’s covenant love for us. He is always with us and will never give up on us. He wants a relationship with you for eternity. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “for you are a people holy to the Lord your God. Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.”

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Preparing

Every year, we are bombarded with holiday shopping and sales that start the day after Halloween. I have to admit that I love the Christmas season, so I don’t mind seeing Christmas decorations early. I’m even guilty of putting my Christmas tree up right after Halloween. I love to have the Christmas cheer around me during Thanksgiving dinner.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the Christmas holiday season, so I try to take a moment this time of year to prepare my heart. I remind myself that although this is a festive, cozy time of year, it is also a time for giving. That are so many people in need throughout the year and especially at Christmas. Our giving doesn’t have to be monetary. Many people are in need of kindness, a smile, or a gesture of love. We can give much to others from our heart through acts of kindness. We can bake some cookies for a neighbor, offer to help a friend with an errand or problem, or pay for someone’s coffee one morning. Even small acts of kindness go a long way.

The great thing about being kind to someone else is that the reward of our giving is joy for us. Have a wonderful holiday season as we move toward Thanksgiving and into Christmas. Remember, “Jesus is the reason for the season!”

Dont’t throw in the towel

I’ve been reading a Bible devotional on my You Version Bible app. It’s called “Launch out into the deep!” By Lisa Singh. It gave me some needed encouragement, and I wanted to share it with you. Hopefully, it will give you some encouragement.

We all know that God wants us to live an abundant life. An abundant life comes from talking with God (prayer), seeking Him (reading the Bible), and following His commands (obeying His Word). I don’t know about you, but even when I think I’m doing all of those things, I can still become discouraged.

In Luke chapter five, Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesarat talking to the crowds of people surrounding Him. Jesus saw Simon Peter’s fishing boat and decided to get in it, thinking it might be easier to teach the people from the boat. Jesus asked Simon Peter and his crew to take the boat out a little from the shore. So Simon Peter got in the boat and took Jesus out from the shore. 

When Jesus was finished speaking to the people, he looked at Simon Peter and his crew and told them to take the boat out into the deep and “let down the nets for a catch (verse 4).” Simon Peter was a fisherman by trade with years of experience. I can see him shaking his head back-and-forth as he said something like, “Lord, with all due respect, we’ve been fishing all night and there is nothing to catch.” In fact, he and his crew were exhausted from fishing. But after he told Jesus that, he said, “Because you say so, I will let down the nets (verse 5).” According to verse 6, “When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break.”

This story reminds me of the saying in the above photo. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve become discouraged when I’m trying to live a life for God, or when I’m trying to be that good mom, or when I’m trying to be the loving wife, or when I’m trying to compassionately care for my patients, or when I’m trying to write a good story that tells of God’s love. So many times, I’ve wanted to throw in the towel. Life can be exhausting.

Discouragement affects all of us. The thing is, just when we are on the edge of quitting and want to give up, God speaks to us. He tells us, “No, don’t give up. I am with you, and good things will happen. Trust My timing.” Friend, don’t give up. God hears you and sees you. He understands your feelings of discouragement, your lack of confidence, and your feelings of inadequacy. He says, “Don’t give up. Keep trusting Me. I am helping you. You’re almost there.” Cast your nets out one more time.

Lavender Sky

Lavender Sky

By Denise Janette Bruneau

Now available at Amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com

He loves you

I’m not sure about you, but my mood can change from day to day. I know I should be more even-keeled than that, but sometimes the events in this world affect my daily life. I can be feeling as if everything is good in the world, but then something as simple as catching some of the news...or seeing a big bill in the mail…or looking up at the towering pile of laundry to wash, can start my descent into a funk. 

Maybe you can relate to my minor moodiness, or maybe you’re going through a more serious trial…a divorce, the loss of a loved one, depression, or a betrayal. I just want to encourage you today by reminding you that God sees you, He understands you, and He loves you.

“See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.”  Isaiah 49:16a

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear him.” Psalm 103:11

“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31

He never changes

Although we are still having some warm weather, fall is officially here. It will only be a matter of days to a week before the weather cools and then becomes cold, as we prepare for the winter months. The seasons are predictable and we expect them, because God cycles them through each year.

For me, every new season is welcomed. Just as I can’t take the cold of winter any longer, God brings out the sunshine and warmth and bestows spring upon us. Then, just as the hot, humid summer days become almost intolerable, God drops the temperature, and graces us with the cool, crisp air of fall.

Unlike the seasons and everything else in this world, God never changes. He is always the same. His love for you never lessens. His care for you is steadfast. No matter what season of life you are going through today, remember how much God loves you. He wanted me to remind you of this today. He is with you, He wants you, and He loves you so much.

“Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Gift

Everyone has an expiration date. I know this isn’t something we like to think about or focus on even for a moment, but it’s true. As the years go by, I am saddened to hear about singers and actors who have passed away; these are people that I grew up listening to and watching in movies. When we are younger, somehow we are convinced that we have immortal lives.  As the process of aging starts to catch up with us, many of us realize that we are on this earth for a limited time.

Me with my mom during her months of chemotherapy in 2016

Today, my mom and I celebrate extended life on this earth. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago on September 9. Through God’s grace and excellent medical treatments, she is still with us and doing well. She is a daily reminder to me that God does perform miracles. She had advanced stage breast cancer, and at the time of her diagnosis, I was convinced that she only had a few months left with me. God showed me that He has a timing for each one of us. Her time was not the time I was so certain of. I’m so thankful for more time, more memories, and more laughter with her.

On September 9, 1999, I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of thirty. I was a third year medical student at the time, and I was devastated. In my thirty years, I had overcome some bad relationships, finally graduated from college, and I had just started to have confidence in my ability to do some good in the world. I had finally been admitted to medical school after two years of applying, and I was studying so hard to become a successful doctor so I could help sick people. I couldn’t understand how a good God could allow this cancer in my life. I couldn’t understand why He would bring me to this point and then tell me, “No more.”

I struggled during that initial diagnosis and treatment, but God had a plan that I couldn’t see. After surgery, radiation, and more surgeries, I was cancer-free. It wasn’t easy, and I had to endure some physical and emotional pain. In fact, the scars will always be with me. The thing is, God wasn’t finished with me yet. He didn’t cause my cancer, but He chose to bring me wholeness again. I feel heartache as I realize that this healing doesn’t happen for everyone.  There are many people, even younger than I was, who have succumbed to the effects of cancer, and their sweet lives on this earth have ended. Almost all of us know someone this has happened to. With all of my heart, I believe that God has His reasons. I believe that God’s protective and loving arms take some children and adults to be with Him before their earth years are lived out. It’s hard for us to accept losing someone we love so much.

My graduation cake and memories of my cancer struggle

Today, I focus on the positive and I celebrate my life. I am grateful for the years I’ve been granted, for the time I’ve had to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation, and for the moments I’ve been able to share with my family and friends. Every day we’re given on this earth is a blessing. Knowing this, I focus on the legacy I want to leave behind me one day. Did people see me as someone who loved God and others? Did my family and friends feel loved and special? Did I treat strangers with kindness and respect? Did I show them God’s love?

Our days are numbered, and thankfully many of us have been gifted with many days. Job 14:6 says, “A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” What legacy will you leave behind one day? Who do you serve? How well you do love others? How well do you love who God made you to be?

Though we have a mortal expiration date, God can renew us each day. “Therefore do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 2 Corinthians 4:16. This gift of renewal from God is there for the taking. He offers us strength and courage on this earth, and He offers us eternal life when we turn these short lives over to Him.

I pray today that God would open your eyes and heart to His wonderful plan for you. I pray that you would come to understand His great love for you. His love for you is specific and on purpose. He has a plan for you…a special plan for you.

When God says “no”

Have you ever felt like God might be telling you “no” to something you think you want? This morning I awoke early after having a dream about someone from my past. I awoke feeling sad and a little distressed. Old feelings from that time in my life resurfaced, and they were feelings I’d rather forget. During those early years in my life, I chose a path that I’m pretty sure God did not agree with. I chose a relationship that promised security and wealth and love. Only, after a time, the love was not there. I suffered silently for a few years feeling like a victim. After I cried out to God for help, He shut down that relationship. He had never approved of it, but He did allow me the choice, and I struggled because of my choice. Even when that relationship ended, I was still devastated. I no longer knew who I was or what or who I was living for. I didn’t know what or who was good for me. I suffered the pain of loss for some time.

But as I grieved the loss and worked through the pain, God started pointing out His plan for me. He helped me get admitted to medical school. He helped me become a doctor.  He saved me from dying from breast cancer. He introduced me to the man of my dreams, and I married him. He gave me a daughter to adopt and a family to love.

I look back and see that I had believed lies. I had searched for the wrong things thinking they would bring happiness. Even after making the wrong choices and falling into a pit of despair, God came along and picked me up, brushed me off, and set me on the right path—His path for me.

When God is telling us “no,” it’s because He knows what’s best for us. He wants to save us from pain and heartache. He knows what paths will lead to our despair, and He tries to guide and direct us onto His safe and prosperous path. However, God is not a dictator.  He gives us choices, and He lets us make them. If you ever find yourself in a dark place on a path that you know is headed for a bad place, it’s never too late to cry out to God for help. The journey back to His safe path may not be easy, but in the end, it will bring you peace and more joy than you can imagine.