Wednesday, October 19, 2011

How Great Thou Art

I know it has been a while since I was on here.
Our journey through life hit an unexpected curve.

Exactly one week after we had relocated to California for itineration purposes, I received a call from my mom. She had just been diagnosed with cancer. That was on a Monday, by Wed I kissed Dave and the girls goodbye, and bought a one way ticket back to South Carolina, to help my mom learn more about her diagnosis. On Thursday of that week she had a liver biopsy. As more time passed, we learned all the devastating details. My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer that had metastasized to her liver, brain, and bone.

So just like that, the plans that I thought I had, were changed. I am so glad I serve a Father who has better plans for me.

Dave remains in California with Maggi and Emma. They are staying in Placerville, California with Dave's mom, Judy. They have set up their school area in her basement, and are adjusting really well to homeschooling. Dave and Judy take turns with different subjects, and the girls are doing well. They have also joined a co-op and participate in drama, art, and an astronomy class with other children.

I have the privilege of being back at home with my mom. Between my sister, brother, and aunts we are loving each minute we have with my mom. My mom, Teresa, is doing better. She decided to do palliative chemotherapy. We know that her diagnosis is terminal, but her eternity is held in someone els's hand. My mom has gotten strength from her Bible, prayers of friends and family around the world, and her relationship with our Father. I wanted to thank all of you who have offered your prayer support for her. She and I were humbled to know that you would spend a few minutes lifting her up in prayer.

As part of our daily routine, my mom and I go outside in the afternoon, and sit in the rocking chairs for a few minutes. Yesterday, as we sat outside on a beautiful fall day, enjoying the breeze, the deep blue sky, the changing leaves on the huge oak tree hovering over us, and just being with each other, the song from church on Sunday came to mind. We had sang "How Great Thou Art". So thanks to modern technology, we pulled the song up and immersed ourselves with the "Sonlight" and the words. . .

O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
consider all
the works thy hand hath made,
I see the stars,
I hear the mighty thunder
the universe displayed;

when through the woods
and forest glades I wander
I hear the birds
sing sweetly in the trees;
when I look down
from lofty mountain grandeur
and hear the brook
and feel the gentle breeze;

then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!

When Christ shall come,
with shouts of acclamation,
and take me home,
what joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
and there proclaim,
"My God, how Great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul,
my savior God to thee,
How great Thou art!
How great Thou art!
Then sings my soul,
My Savior God to Thee,
How great Thou art!

I hope that wherever you are, whatever your circumstances, that you have a few minutes to let Joy fill your heart and are able to proclaim, How Great He is. . .
How great Thou art!