His everything

There are many stories in the Bible where people underwent times of great trial, and God intervened for them. In some of those stories, the people gave names to God that reflected his goodness, grace, and mercy. In one particular story, Hagar was forced into the desert with her son, Ishmael. She and her son were basically left to die if they couldn’t survive on their own. Hagar felt hurt, alone, and hopeless. God was with her, though, and He cared for her and Ishmael. He provided food and water for them, and he helped them.

Hagar gave God the name El Roi, which means “the God Who Sees.” Genesis 16:13 says, “She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: ‘You are the God who sees me,’ for she said, ‘I have now seen the One who sees me’.”

When you are feeling alone, helpless, or hopeless, remember that God sees you. Remember that he sent Jesus for you. Your prayer is conversation with Him. He’s listening, and He knows you by name. Isaiah 49:16 says, “See, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.”

You mean everything to Him.

God’s children

This morning, one of my best friends, Jen, sent me a picture of her two children decked out for their first day of the new school year. Along with it, she sent an excited message, but she also shared that she was struggling to hold back tears as she realized they are growing up so fast. She apologized for the sadness and “sappiness” of her message, but she needed to share her emotions with someone. She felt overwhelmed.

I’m certain that many of you can relate to these emotions. It’s hard to see our babies growing up. My daughter is eight now, but every time I look at her, I still see her as three years old wearing pull-ups and calling me “Mommy.” She will still hold my hand when we are crossing the street or walking through a high congestion area, but that’s it. When she was younger, she used to reach for my hand all the time. She wanted to be near me and to know I was close by.

When I was thinking about our kids this morning, I realized that God actually calls all of us His children. He loves us like a Father loves his child. He loves you as His son or daughter. One of God’s names is “Abba,” meaning “Father.” He is our Father, and more amazing, He wants you and me to know that He loves us the same way we love our children. I really had to stop and think about that this morning. You and I love our kids so much that we’d give our lives to spare them. We’d take an injury or an illness to spare them. We’d do anything to protect our children. God loves us like that, AND to a degree we can’t comprehend. We aren’t capable of loving the way He does, but He loves us anyway. That’s how much He loves you and me.

I thank God for families, for loving relationships, for children, for tight friendships….for these covenants of love are just a minor example of the way He shows His love for us. “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” — I John 3:1a

Have an awesome, blessed day!

Constant presence

Today, I’m postoperative day number nine after having another reconstruction surgery. As a follow up to my breast cancer diagnosis and surgery over fifteen years ago, it was time for another procedure. As much as I dreaded it, I’m now thankful to have it behind me. Kudos to my impressive plastic surgeon, Dr. Alexander Digenis. I’m not sure what I’d do without his incredible artistic ability and compassionate care.

Although I dreaded having to undergo this procedure, I’m so grateful for my life.  At the age of thirty, a cancer diagnosis was intimidating and scary. God was good to me, though, and he steered the right people into my path. He never once left me then, and I know He will never leave me or forsake me. He promises that to all of us.

We all go through scary times in this life. There are no guarantees that everything will be good all the time. Job 5:7 says, “Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” But we can take heart. Psalm 9:9 says “The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” Psalm 34:17 says, “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles.”

The photos above are of the Aegean Sea (courtesy of Dr. Digenis). I can almost hear the waves gently rushing to shore. The crystal clear water with its perfect blue hue are beautiful. To me, this scene is a reminder that God gently and persistently shows us that He is with us. He is never failing in times of trouble. He gently nudges us from time to time like the water flowing onto the beach to tell us that He is here and He will continue to be here day in and day out no matter what we face. 

Whatever you’re facing today, remember that God loves you and is your help.

P.S. Dr. Alexander Digenis can be reached at the Digenis Plastic Surgery Institute, 502-589-5544. His website is www.digenis.com.

A little getaway

Sometimes we all need a little getaway from time-to-time. A little escape from our daily reality of work, stress, and rushing around can leave us feeling refreshed and energized. My family recently took a short trip to Orlando for a little escape.

This was my view from the spa cafe. I was seated outside in my spa robe. Talk about refreshment....if only we could have these luxuries as weekly occurrences for decompression!

In addition to getting a little decompression time, I had the opportunity to reconnect with some great friends from medical school. As you can see, we enjoyed our time together and had a lot of laughs.

Though I don’t get much time away, I really cherish these moments of rest, relaxation, and friendship. I hope you take the time for these things as well. They are necessary. I believe God intended us to work hard, but He also wants us to rest. Be sure to get some down time!

Coming Soon....

COMING SOON!

AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2018

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day!

I am fortunate to still have my dad with me on this earth. I know that some of you are not, and that especially today, you miss him. It is comforting to know that our Heavenly Father will always be here with us. Luke 15:31 says, “‘My son,’ the Father said, ‘You are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’”

 

I have many memories of my dad. One of my earliest memories is when I was about two years old. I was at my grandma’s house with my parents. Dad took me out to the car to get something. We walked up the driveway to the car, and as we walked back, the rain began to fall in sprinkles. I remember the polka dots of raindrops on the driveway. My dad lifted me up to his shoulders and began singing “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head,” by B.J. Thomas. Not long after that, I remember being at my great grandmother’s house at Christmas. I must have been about three then. I was sitting in my dad’s lap, and we were reading a book together. Then at the age of five, I have a memory of sitting on the couch with dad at home, watching an episode of “Lost in Space.” Dad had me nestled in cozy next to him. He let me drink Big Red out of his big, green cup. I felt special. All through my childhood, I remember one thing about my dad: He was always showing me how much he loved me. This is true even into my adult years. 

I’m blessed to have a dad who has consistently shown me what the love of God the Father is like. For those of you who did not have loving fathers, I share my dad’s example because I think it represents the way God, Abba, loves us. No matter what kind of relationship you have/had with your dad, remember that Abba loves you tenderly and without conditions. Isaiah 43:4 says, “Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give people in exchange for you, nations in exchange for your life.” John 3:16 is a clear reminder of how much God loves you. “For God so loved the world (you), that he gave his only begotten Son. That whosoever believes in him will not die, but have everlasting life (with Him).”

       

                          

My husband, Mark, is also a great example of God’s fatherly love for His children. Sometimes he amazes me with his great patience. When the kids need discipline, he is slow to anger; and he wants them to understand the error of their ways, rather than just ordering a punishment. He will spend a great deal of time instructing them, but he also spends an equal amount of time listening to them. My husband’s parenting example is one I try to adopt. I tend to be a bit more dramatic, lose my patience, and even fly off the handle at times. Mark usually goes behind me after the dust settles, and he smoothes everything over for me and for the kids. He is definitely a peacemaker, and I’m sure that that must be one of his spiritual gifts.

Whatever your memories of your earthly father, remember how much God, the Father, Abba, loves you. His love for you is true, solid, and without reservation. He longs to take you in His arms and hold your heart next to His. He is the ultimate Daddy, and He is yours.

Coming Soon - Lavender Sky

Lavender Sky
A novel by Denise Janette Bruneau

Dr. Delaney Bartlett holds onto a painful secret from her past. As an obstetrician, she experiences the joy of bringing life into the world, and she loves her career. As a woman, her secret holds her happiness in bondage and she wonders if she will ever have her own family.  After her fiancé of four years breaks off their engagement, Delaney moves away to the small town of Guntersville, Alabama to make a fresh start.

Ben Montgomery is the handsome surgery manager at the local hospital. He is haunted by memories that leave his heart aching every day. He thought his move to Guntersville might help him escape his painful memories and feelings of loss. But even a few years after his move, he finds himself spiraling downward emotionally. 

Savannah Carter is a young woman who faces a difficult choice. She needs help and has no resources. She is scared and unsure of what she should do, and she is quickly losing hope. 

When God crosses the paths of these three people, miracles happen. The pain doesn’t disappear, but each one finds unexpected kindness, love, and support. Through these new relationships, each one comes to understand God’s love, His redemptive power, and the hope He offers.

Christian Faith Publishing

New KETO//OS flavors

Most of you who follow my blog know that I follow a ketogenic diet.  I started eating ketogenic last September when I wanted to reduce my migraines, eat healthier, improve my cholesterol, and lose weight.  A few blogs back, I posted my great results after eating ketogenic for only four months.

During this time, I have also used the Pruvit ketogenic supplement to help replace lost sodium, potassium, minerals, and vitamins as I eat ketogenic.  I wanted to let you know that two new flavors are advertised on the Pruvit website. The Splash flavor reminds me of a mild pineapple flavor, and the Heart Tart flavor reminds me of a sweet tart (but not too sweet or too tart).  These are my two favorite flavors, and they really are delicious.

Here is the website, if you're interested:

http://dashcarbs.DrinkYourSample.com

Waiting

Happy May! This photograph is from my backyard a few days ago. I love Spring!

I have found myself struggling with waiting, as of late. I don’t know if I’m tired, or my patience is running thin, or maybe I’m just used to the speed of technology making me feel like everything and everyone else should move faster. Even the most minor things, like slow traffic or delayed drive-thru lines or snail-pace grocery lines, frustrate me.

It’s easy to fall into a productivity trap, where I feel like I have to be constantly moving and accomplishing something. Most of my days are filled with a long to-do list. Things like, morning Bible devotional, work, home-school, tennis lessons for my daughter, exercise, groceries, dinner, writing, and bed-time stories are part of my every day. However, instead of enjoying most of those things, I’m in a big hurry to mark them off my list. Just reading this article is exhausting!

I went to my Bible and pulled some verses to help remind me that God purposely created the dimension of time. He didn’t mean for us to accomplish all things in a day. He actually wants us to sit back sometimes and just rest.  I have to remind myself about how He rested on the seventh day of creation.  Genesis 2:2-3 says, “By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.”

Sometimes, we have to wait on Him. I’m reminding myself that right now. I can try with all of my might and strength to make some things happen, but in the end, I’m left with my wheels spinning and I feel frustrated. That’s when God has to gently sit me down and say, “Rest, wait for me, I have good things planned for you. You just need to wait.” Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Here are some more verses about waiting, in case you, too, have my syndrome:

I wait for the Lord more than watchman wait for the morning.—Psalm 130:6

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.—Psalm 27:4

I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.—Psalm 130:5

Moses said, “Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you.”—Numbers 9:8

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.—Psalm 33:20

Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God.—Psalm 38:15

I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefor I will wait for him.”—Lamentations 3:24

In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.—Psalm 5:3

And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.—Hebrews 6:15

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.—James 5:7