Today’s a new day! Remember, when you stand bold in your faith, God will use you to become an even greater blessing to others than you were before. ~OC
The Week Ahead
Good morning family and friends.The next few weeks are busy.
Monday: Two Medical Appointments
Tuesday: Having a new port put in.
Thursday: Traveling to Plains, GA for my birthday celebration.
Thursday 12/11: Starting outpatient treatments.
Continuing to pray for each of you. ~OC
The Journey
Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC
The Journey
Today’s a new day! Reflecting on my health journey, I’m reminded of the twists and turns that have shaped me into who I am today. It’s been a winding road, filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I’ve felt God’s presence guiding me every step of the way. The rough roads have taught me resilience, the detours have shown me new paths, and the smooth roads have given me peace. I’m grateful for this journey, and I trust that God will continue to lead me forward, even when the road ahead is uncertain. ~OC
Conversations With God
Today’s a new day! This morning, I had one of those early morning conversations with God…I have to say, those early morning talks have been a game changer during this crazy beautiful health journey. God has helped me make the choice to not dwell on the “Why me?” during this journey. Instead, I’ve asked, “God, how can you use me as I walk out this journey?” That’s not always easy, but I truly believe it’s made all the difference. My health issues don’t define me – my faith does. To anyone walking through tough moments, I pray you’ll make the hard choice to focus on the possibilities instead of getting stuck in the “why.” You are capable of more than you think #faithoverfear #possibilities #hope ~OC
Finding Purpose in the Storm
Today’s a new day! As I sit in this hospital room, surrounded by beeping machines and the business of staff, I am reminded that my purpose extends far beyond my physical body. In the midst of uncertainty and pain, I pray: Dear God, use me for your purpose during this hospital stay and every day as I continue to fight through this crazy beautiful health journey.
For me it’s a prayer of surrender, of trust, and of faith. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God’s love and patience remain unfailing.
Embracing the Unknown:
When we’re faced with the challenges of life, it’s easy to feel like our lives are spinning out of control. But what if we flipped that perspective? What if this season of uncertainty is an opportunity to discover a deeper sense of God’s purpose for our lives?
For those walking through their own “crazy beautiful journey,” I encourage you to pray the following: Dear God, use me for your purpose… I am thankful for your unfailing love and patience with me.
Practical Ways to Find Purpose:
1. Prayer and Reflection: Take time each day to connect with God. Reflect on your experiences, and ask Him to reveal His purpose for your life.
2. Support Loved Ones:Reach out to family and friends, and let them know you’re thinking of them. Sometimes, a simple text, handwritten note or phone call can bring joy to someone’s day.
3. Share Your Story: Consider sharing your journey on social media, a blog or write a book. Your story might encourage others who are facing similar challenges.
4. Find Ways to Serve: Even in a hospital room, you can serve others. Share words of encouragement with the staff, pray for the staff and others walking down the hall. Show kindness and respect to everyone you encounter today.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving:
As I continue to navigate through this health journey, I am grateful for God’s unfailing love and patience. I’m thankful for a loving and supportive bride, I am thankful for my medical team that’s been taking care of me for many years, I am blessed by the the loved ones who pray and support me, and for the opportunities to grow in my faith.
If you happen to be reading this post and are facing your own challenges, know that you’re not alone. You’re loved, you’re valued, and you’re part of a larger story.
A Prayer for Today:
Dear Jesus, use us for your purpose during the stressful times of life and every day as we continue to navigate through this journey called life. We’re thankful for your unfailing love and patience with us. Amen
Challenge of the Day:
How can you use your life experiences, past and present to bless and help others today? ~OC
Seasons of Life
Today’s a new day! When I started this blog many years ago, I never realized the places that God would take me. The good times and the not so good times. The blessings and hard times that come to us in this journey called life. But over the years, I have learned that even in those difficult seasons of life, that God is always there. Always ready to listen. To lend a helping hand. To love us and comfort us. I have learned that yes, we can be thankful ….. even when our heart and mind tells us that there is no reason to be. I have leaned that in everything to be grateful. So as I continue to walk through these health challenges, I am blessed to have a bride that is willing to walk with me through this crazy beautiful health journey. It is my prayer that the Lord will use our journey to help encourage people and that they will find hope……. In Jesus. So I will continue to embrace new opportunities and be renewed by God’s Hope, Peace and His Word. I will continue to walk this journey with… a thankful and willing heart to serve. ~OC
Love
Today’s a new day! Dear God, pour out Your love into our hearts by releasing the Holy Spirit to give us revelation of Your love for us that it may overflow in love back to Jesus and to others. Dear God, help us to love everyone we encounter today.
“The love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5), “For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8), “Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12).
Our Prayer
Today’s a new day! As we look at the news or scroll through social media, there is so much division. So I wanted to share the following this morning. ~OC
Dear God, our world feels so divided, even within families and friendships. Help us be a peacemaker in our relationships, building bridges instead of walls. Show us how to listen and understand with humility, allowing Your Spirit to guide our words and actions. May Your peace be the foundation of every connection. Amen.
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”~Ephesians 4:3
Laughter
Today’s a new day! I love to laugh. Don’t we all? There is something wonderful about watching or reading something that makes us just laugh.
Scripture tells us that “every good and perfect gift comes from above” (James 1:17). I am pretty sure that includes laughter.
God didn’t have to create us with funny bones; we probably could have functioned just fine without them. We wouldn’t have known what we were missing if He had never designed us to throw our heads back and roar with laughter, or laugh so hard that we cry, pee ourselves or laugh until our sides hurt. I think life would be pretty boring without laughter.
Instead, God made us to be creatures capable of joy and laughter-solely because of His grace. He made it so “a joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22) and gave us times to laugh (Ecclesiastes 3:4).
God is infinitely more creative, kind, and brilliant that we can even begin to imagine. So today, I encourage you to laugh and be reminded of God’s graciousness, and then praise Him for it. ~OC