Sunday morning I woke up determined to go to church. I knew three back-to-back services would tire me out physically, but I also knew that I needed the spiritual and emotional encouragement of being with my COF family. If you have never been to Community of Faith, I just want to tell you that we have the most amazing church, and I invite you to come! (www.communityoffaith.tv)
After my mini meltdown on Saturday night, I needed to be reminded of God's goodness and His love for me. Boy was I ever! As I was standing in the lobby between services, a friend came up to me and said, “You know what the chances were that Peter could walk on water?” And then he made a big zero with his hand. Oh my gosh! What a profound moment for me! 0% chance that Peter could walk on water...but he did!! Thank you God for a new perspective! Thank you for encouraging me!
Then another friend, Kyleigh, says to me, “Hey, I want to show you the flag I made for middle school camp.” Kyleigh is a team leader at camp this week. She pulls the flag out of her backpack and unfolds it. It is a giant blue flag and in the center is the name, “Bob” and it is crossed out!! Her team at camp is the “Stop Bob” team! How cool is that! I love my friends! That is the sweetest thing ever! To think about me, and to compete in my honor at middle school camp! I sure hope they win!!
Thank you, Community of Faith, for letting God shine through you today!
"So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you'll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you're already doing this; just keep on doing it." 1 Thessalonians 5:11
"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
Laura,
ReplyDeleteYour words move me so much. I have also learned that the fellowship at COF is amazing. I just caught up on all the blogs I missed while on mission in Burundi. WOW! Why is it that God seems nearest to us when we are in a crisis? I have watched and listened to you and Mark for 5 years and not once have I doubted God is at work in your lives EVERYDAY! The past 10 days I have spent time with your children and I see that same thing in each one of them. So, take heart, you have placed a strong legacy of faith and love in your babies! I pray for you every time God brings you to my mind. There is nothing God can't do if He chooses to do it. I believe this gift of CANCER is going to impact the world exponentially because you are allowing God to use you through it.
Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." Mark 4:30-32
Because you are faithful to nurture that seed, God is growing His kingdom through you. You may never truly comprehend the great impact you will have on the world by your willingness to be obedient to God.
We learned a song while staying with the Batwa this week called "Mambo Sawa Sawa". It's translation in English is "Things are getting better, things are getting better, when Jesus is on the throne, things are getting better, things are getting better."
Truly, Jesus is on the throne in the Shook family and so things are better.
Love in Christ,
Jana
Impossible for Bob to make it through all this love and faith and hope, prayers going up for you. It is just impossible. He has to go. Stubborn booger he is but, his time is ever so limited.
ReplyDelete((((( HUG )))))
I love this and YOU!
ReplyDeleteLaura:
ReplyDeleteI so needed to hear that about 0% chance of Peter walking on water, makes Jim's 6-8% cure rate with IL-2 treatments sound HUGE!! It encouraged me as well and I will pass it on to Jim. We continue to stand against the enemy on your behalf. Trusting Jesus has a whole new perspective to those of us living with cancer because you are right it is a disease that the entire family bears. Thanks for sharing and blessing others.
~Rebecca
I love you and wanted to let you know that Blake and KyLeigh are leading the "Stop Bob" team together and so far they are winning!!! :) So they are working hard for you! ;) Love you!
ReplyDelete-Robin-
What sweet ways of encouraging you! I needed to be reminded to encourage others today! I am praying for you
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your realness... I will continue to pray for great days and healing.
Remember God moves mountains and opens the sea...there's nothing he can't do!
We love you,
Cheryl Smith
Hi Laura,
ReplyDeleteI found your blog through Ellen's caringbridge site. I live in Virginia and I have a brother who was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer about 3 years ago. Today he is doing wonderful as the Lord has healed him! I enjoyed reading this and look forward to visiting often. Remember Jeremiah 29:11
God Bless
Mary Williams