Always By My Side

Mark's surgery has begun...thanks SO MUCH for your prayers!  More info can be found here Brain Mapping.

Below is a song that Ali recently shared with all of us through a text.  Such great truth as we lift up Anna and Mark to our faithful God!!!

Lyrics:
Whom Shall I Fear (God Of Angel Armies)
---Chris Tomlin

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light

Whom shall I fear

You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still

Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save
You will deliver me
Yours is the victory

Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful

And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the hold world in your hands
I'm holding on to your promises

You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

Holding My World

I chatted with my mom this morning.  Her and dad were on the way to get ingredients to make spaghetti -- their grand kids' request.  Oakley is an awesome little eater -- but he'll stick to milk!  Anna and Mark are doing well -- tired, of course, but good.  Trusting that through the power of Jesus' sacrifice, they can lean on their God who...

'Will never forget all of His goodness and all of His promises!  He's holding my world in His hands!'

Update:  The yard sale will be in Fort Worth on March 2nd.

• Donate in Fort Worth: text or call Ali.
• Donate in Dallas: text or call April.
• Donate in McKinney: text or call Aimee.

Character Revealing

I was talking with a girlfriend (an oncology nurse) today and of course my baby sister and her family came up in our discussion.  She said, 'some refer to these type of situations as character building, but my mom likes to refer to them as character revealing.'  Isn't that so true!  When we're stretched...what is within comes out!

My mom and Anna had an awesome conversation this weekend --- here's a little recap!  1. A complete answer to prayer, Mark's eye sight has returned.  For the first time in a long time he's able to read again --- for curious peeps like myself, he spent a lot of time reading through John 1:1-18.  2.  Anna had another OB check up and Baby O is doing great (almost 38 weeks now).  3.  It snowed at their house this weekend and Anna, Mark, and M and J had a blast playing together in the snow! 

Anna said, we don't know what tomorrow holds so we're trying to focus on today and enjoy the time we have together! 

Isn't this how we're all suppose to live!?!?  Church isn't just something Mark and Anna attend on Sunday.  They have a deep, abiding love for Jesus.  Mark hasn't been able to work for quite some time and medical bills are obviously crazy high, but Jesus has given them both the promise of eternal life and that is the gift they cling to!  He has perfectly provided for them for the last 30+ years they have no doubt that He won't lovingly provide for tomorrow!  He's giving them moment by moment peace and the prayers of family, friends, and friends of friends is a huge praise and blessing that they don't take for granted!

Sister Chat

Anna and I had a fun conversation.  I thought my call would encourage her, but she ended up being a huge source of encouragement to me!  Here are some of the personal ways that God is caring for their sweet family.

• Anna has made it to week 37 of pregnancy.
• Baby O checked out great at his appointment this week.
• Anna said her friends are bringing her such awesome meals and treats that the OB could tell she had been eating well.  (I'll never forget my end of pregnancy weigh ins).
• Anna really wanted a wooden cradle in her room and a sweet friend has one that they'd love for the them to borrow.
• Another friend has a real fun truck-themed crib bedding set that they're thrilled to loan Anna and Mark.
• Mark still has his sense of humor!  Friends keep telling them how encouraging they are.  Mark's response to Anna, "Who would have thought that I could be more useful to people while sick than I ever was when I was well?!?"
•  Mark has been blessed with an abundance of energy lately.  He's been up early folding laundry, cleaning floors...such a huge blessing to Anna at this point in her pregnancy.
• Both sets of parents have affirmed them over and over that they will walk through this with them every step of the way.
• They are extremely aware that they have a supernatural strength carrying them through this season and feel overwhelmingly blessed by the prayers, gifts, and words of encouragement from family, friends, and friends of friends!

God's Promise

TJ Wilson shared this and it was so helpful for me!  

John Piper shared, 'Why Isaiah 41:10 is the most commonly used promise in my fight of faith.'  Read his encouraging words about these strengthening words here.

God is Our Shield

Lisa Newport shared:

Shield -a means of defense; protection.  

Here are some verses about God as Our Shield:
Genesis 15:1-7. "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." 

Psalm 3:3-"But You are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head."

Psalm 5:12-For surely, O lord, you bless the righteous; You surround them with your favor as with a shield."

Psalm 28:7-The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped."

Psalm 33:20-"We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield."

Psalm 91:4-"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart."

Psalm 119:114-"You are my refuge and my shield, I have put my hope in your word."