I realize some of you do not believe the same way I do about Jesus Christ. But it's really who I am. And it will come out pretty strong here. Bear with me and come along side of me anyhow, okay? I am not trying to make you believe anything. I could sure use your support.
This letter below is from a friend (last week) and it expresses how I see 'you and me' ... and it gives me such comfort!
I love you,
Diane (for Bill and Andrew too)
"Diane, you are not alone. We were never meant to walk alone. I think when a brother or sister is going thru a trial like you are, it is the job of the body to pray and battle as God leads and guides. And we should always be walking with Him and being guided by the Holy Spirit. He will delegate the work to His children according to His plans and sometimes they are people we don't even know. He always goes before us and prepares the way, and yet He never leaves us. He has already prepared things for you that you could never imagine as far as training up workers and arranging your care. In many situations like yours, your job is to surrender everything to Him with praises and thanksgiving. You still need to be sensitive to the Spirit because we are to bear fruit both 'in and out of season'. Fear and self pity never come from God. They are the enemy's tools to keep us paralyzed and distracted. When you feel fear know other Christian friends are dealing with it in prayer. Don't feel guilty, just know it will be dealt with along with the cancer. Self pity is a package satan delivers to you and it is your job to refuse it. As Christians, we are to be God-focused and other-focused. Joy and peace are from the Lord, and you should accept all of these gifts from God. The amazing thing about these huge trials, are that God uses them to increase our ability to experience joy and love. Go figure.
God has called me to such a time as this: He has given me my orders. He has called many others too. You need to wait for your orders, and rest in the mean time. Maybe right now your orders are to 'be still and know that I am God'. Oh yah ... He has your family covered, too.
This is Diane's husband Bill. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for the love you are showing to my bride, wife and best friend.. Diane.
ReplyDeleteMay God bless all of you who are praying and supporting me, Andrew, and the rest of my family in this trial too.
We are truly blessed to have such a supportive earthly family and our church family all over the globe. We feel rich in His love and yours.
Diane, Bill & Andrew you know I'm with you in Prayer, Spirit & Service! The letter your friend sent is so true & wonderful, I know you have enormous Faith in our Lord as I do so hold fast to his word and believe as He comforts you in your trials. If there is anything you need me to do or take care of for you please ask, because it would be my pleasure to be of service to you! DSH
ReplyDelete1 Corinthians 12
27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues.
Daniel 2:20
I finally figured this out. Only took me two days :| Bill, Diane and Andrew, You know how much you all mean to me. You have been such an inspiration to me and my family. Our prayers are with you through this time. It amazes me the peace and joy God gives through horrible trials. It can only come from God :) I have experienced that first hand.
ReplyDeleteWe love you all
Nigro's
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me,
ReplyDeletefor in You my soul takes refuge.I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.
Awake, my soul! Awake, harp and lyre!
I will awaken the dawn.
I will praise You , O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of You among the peoples.
For great is Your love, reaching to the heavens;
Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Psalm 57:1,7-10
Precious, Jesus, cover Diane with Your healing oil.
Bill and Diane, you are in our prayers. We serve a mighty God.
Love,
Mark and Ginny Elsesser
HI GUYS--PLEASE KNOW THAT YOU ARE BEING LIFTED UP IN PRAYER..WE PRAY FOR WISDOM FROM THE ALL KNOWING ONE,COMFORT AND GRACE FOR THE MOMENT, AND HEALING FROM THE GREAT PHYSICIAN...
ReplyDeleteWE ALSO PRAY FOR THE DOCTOR, AS REQUESTED. WE LOVE YOU GUYS...EDDIE DOLORES AND MELISSA...
Suzanne and I are praying that that 2009 will be a year in which God reveals his love, grace and mercy to you, Bill (...and us as well...) in ways that we have not seen before. If we can get just a glimpse of His love, my guess is that it will be sufficient to carry us through whatever is set before us!
ReplyDelete"SURELY goodness and mercy shall follow me ALL the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forevever" Psalm 23:6
Bill, I'm proud of the example you are setting for all of us husbands and fathers out there! You both are in our hearts and minds - bg
It's almost 2:a.m. We just got back from spending New Year's eve with John's sister and mom. We posted a comment on your blog yesterday, but I'm not sure it worked. You and Bill have been on our hearts and in our thoughts throughout each day. We continue to lift your name to our Heavenly Father. May the sweet presence of Jesus be evident to you each day.
ReplyDeleteThe kids get together on Friday has reached 13..and counting. We look forward to seeing Andrew. If there is anything special we can do for him, please don't hesitate to let us know.
Wishing you the renewal of your heart and mind through the Holy Spirit.
Much love and prayers,
Mary Ann
hey mary ann: thanks so much for encouraging me. every message i get on this blog just builds me up. we got your other message. you can click on wherever it says something like "8 comments" or "14 comments" ... then you can see yours and others' comments.
ReplyDeletethank you so much.
Hi Di, it's Di again ... just reading your latest blog (odd name 'blog', eh?). Can't say I blame you for wanting to run. Wish I could help in even the littlest way. You will make the decisions you need to make. Then 'run' with that, okay? We're in your corner but feeling helpless. Thinking you may be home tomorrow (today actually, as it's 2:35a.m.)...so safe travels. ((((Hugs)))) and love from od2
ReplyDeleteOops, didn't mean to leave you out dear brother of mine. It can't be easy on you either.
ReplyDelete(((((((Hugs))))))) and my love ...
Diane
thanks di :)
ReplyDeleteour flight arrives @ 4:45 on saturday. unless we decide to stay and start something. will be in touch. good to hear from you :)
Hello Dianne & Bill:
ReplyDeleteWe trust you are now home, and hopefully feeling somewhat reassured with a course of action ahead of you. Please know that if you have a need, we would be happy to help in any way we can.
We all hope that Andrew had a good time at our house yesterday. It appeared that all the kids were having fun. We had 7 eighth
graders, 5 sophmores, Austin's brother Alec and 2 friends, Brad Kubiak and Julie Fell. We're so glad we were finally able to get a group over. Hopefully, we can arrange some future tobogganing & sled riding if we get a heavier snowfall.
We prayed for you today ~ it is a privilege to lift your name to our Merciful God. Jesus
is our Bright Morning Star.
May you receive showers of blessings this week. ~ In Jesus' Love, Mary Ann & John
Hey there Dianne:
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted the medical information. So...there are some positives.
We will continue to pray~pray~pray. Anytime you feel like talking, please don't hesitate to call me. If Andrew ever needs a ride home from Hearts classes, there's always room in our car.
We'd love to know how we can specifically pray for you this Friday. May you and yours find peace and restoration under HIS wing.
Much love,
Mary Ann
OK, I can usually find words to express myself, but-- reading your thoughts-- I'm speechless. I never knew anyone (well) who went through this. Just know you are in my prayers every day! The more I understand about what you face, the more I want to lift you up. So thank you for being willing to take us with you, so to speak. Keep writing! Love to you all-- Kelly
ReplyDeletewe'll be praying for you, diane. thank you for the reminder of an update on here! otherwise I wouldn't have known! (i'm not that familiar with blogs).
ReplyDeletelove
danielle
Hello Diane and Bill;
ReplyDeleteI am sooo proud of you both! I have read everything you wrote this a.m. Your ability to be really open, honest and transparent about your response encourages my own walk with Jesus. I am confindent that all of who He is, is in you both. We will continue to pray for His presence to be so strong that you are really able to RELAX Diane. May HE cover you every moment!!!
Love,
Connie Jordan
Much Love & Hugs to you Diane, Bill & Andrew and Mama Rose. You are in our prayers and know that God will never give you anymore than what you can handle and he is right there with you. God is good all the time.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are trully followers of Christ and I thank God for you. Hope you enjoyed the little cross sun catcher.
Love in Christ,
Bob & Jackie
oh ... i LOVED your little gift. i hung it up right away in my kitchen window! thank you. it was really sweet!
ReplyDelete