Thursday, January 19, 2012

01.18.2012 Seasons and Times




To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.

Seasons and times....I have been knit to Ecclesiastes 3 for years, you know, the old school song, "Turn, Turn, Turn", for those older than 20! "A time to be born; a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what has been planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stone and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to gain and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to sew and a time to tear; a time to keep silence and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace." I don't know why this has always brought me such comfort because in the midst of it there comes questions. I mean is the Word telling us there is a time to hate...when Jesus says to hate your brother is as murder? Ahhh, I think He loves when we have to search out His heart and His secrets! So I won't even try to touch that question and will let you take it to Him.

All that to say, that I arrived back in KC to the International House of Prayer on December 16, ready for my new season to begin. Well, on December 20 my mom ended up in a medical crisis and on life support in Arkansas. So I have spent the last 4 weeks with her. I must say God did a healing miracle in her. I have talked with a couple of women who almost died this last year with the same scenario. One spent 2 weeks in ICU and went home with IV antibiotics. The other was 36, spent 9 days in the hospital and her white blood count wasn't anywhere near as high as moms. Literally the next day after this crisis hit, mom was breathing on her own, no temp and her white count had gone from 33,000 to 16,000 over night....for all you medical folks. She was sitting in her ICU bed that day working crossword puzzles and watching Wheel of Fortune, like every other night! So yes, I have been really considering seasons the past couple of months. Obviously God still has plans for Ngaire! She is in a nursing facility at this time for occupational/physical therapy to see what strength she can gain and plans on returning to her home, perhaps with some hired help. We will see. I would so appreciate continued prayers for her. And thank you so much for all the concerns and prayers that have supported us through this little season.

As for me, I returned to KC on Tuesday, Janurary 17. I have found a joy bubbling under the surface, though I still don't know what this is going to look like. What I do know is that His timing is perfect and through it all...Ecc 3....(you should take a slow walk through that chapter) He holds my heart. That comforts me and may it comfort you as we kick into 2012. Love you guys much and am so grateful for how He has added you all to my life! Blessings and grace.....