THE NEW EWE

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'"

Luke 15:4-6

March 6, 2024

LIFE IN THE FOLD

Jon has an aunt who is a godly women and truly shows the fruit of the Spirit in her life. Since I've known her she has always been very joyful, peaceful, patient, content, loving and just one of those ladies that you enjoy being around. She is the younger sister of Jon's father, and is now 83 years old.

A few years ago, she was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which is a lung disease. She was told that she would eventually have to be on oxygen full-time and only had three years to live. That diagnosis didn't change Jan. It didn't cause her to give up on life or begin to fear. She made the choice at that time that she was going to enjoy every day of her life and make the most of whatever time God gave her. And that's exactly what she has done.

She and her husband have always enjoyed living life together, traveling, being with family, and being involved in their church; and that had continued over the past three years. Their traveling has slowed down over the last couple years, due to age, but they've found other outlets to enjoy their days together. They have a little cabin on the edge of their property where they spend most of their days; fishing, reading, visiting... just living their best life. She hasn't allowed a diagnosis to rob her joy, but has chosen to trust God and find peace and rest in Him.

It's been three-plus years and she's still not on oxygen... and she is still very much alive!

Recently she went back to her lung specialist and he wanted her to start a new medication. She really didn't want to, so talked to her primary physician about it. He suggested she visit a different lung specialist, which she did. He reviewed all of her past medical records and scans. He then told her that he didn't know why the other doctor had diagnosed her with pulmonary fibrosis, because she didn't have that! She does have some spots on her lungs and he is going to run some additional tests to figure out what it is, but he said that it is not her original diagnosis.

Can you imagine living for three years, thinking that at some point you're going to have to go on oxygen; and as each years passes, thinking that your life is nearing the end... and not sure what that is going to mean, health-wise? Then suddenly finding out that you've been living with the wrong diagnosis!

I wonder how I would have chosen to live my life under the same circumstances? Would I have chosen to live with joy and peace, making the most out of each and every day? I would hope so!

Our pastor recently preached a sermon that God is sovereign. What does that mean? It means that God is in control. Absolutely nothing happens in the universe that is outside of God's influence and authority. As King of kings and Lord of lords, God has no limitations.

Revelations 21:6 says, "I am the Alpha and Omega -- the Beginning and the End."

Colossians 1:16 tells us that God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see -- such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world."

Romans 11:33 says that it is impossible for us to understand God's decisions and His ways. Why? Because His riches and wisdom and knowledge are so great!

Jeremiah wrote in chapter 32, verse 17, "O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for You!"

David wrote in Psalms 103:19, "The Lord has made the heavens His throne; from there He rules over everything."

If we truly believe that God is sovereign, then we will trust Him in all circumstances -- both the good and bad -- and truly believe that whatever the outcome is, God is in control! We will trust His wisdom and plan, and have peace with the outcome. That's how I want to live!

JON'S PERSPECTIVE:

There are a lot of awful situations we could find ourselves in. They may be situations we got ourselves into. And they can be situations we were put into. In either case, we have the power to find good things, and find bad things within those situations. We can influence others for good or for bad within those situations. We can find things to like and things to dislike. We can find pride and shame. And we can find joy and sorrow. We can show love and we can show hatred. We can also feel pride, shame, joy, sorrow, love, and hatred.

At first, it may seem like I'm being redundant. I listed several feelings twice. But please consider the difference between feeling joy from finding joy. It is possible to feel shame and sorrow, but also find pride and joy at the same time. We might feel inclined to hatred, but we can reject it and show love instead.

Even in the worst of situations, we know that Jesus gave Himself for each of us. How can we not feel pride that someone loves us that much? And feel humbled at the same time that it took such a sacrifice to save us? And the same One who gave Himself for us loves each person we see in our situation. How can we not experience that love for them, too?

My aunt has lived an awesome life, and in the past 3 years has lived it deliberately awesomely. Some people might think the first doctor had done her a disservice with his misdiagnosis. But she has enjoyed the time she has spent with family, and we have all had a reminder to make sure to enjoy the time we have. It is great that we haven't had to lose someone to get that reminder.

ON THE MENEWE:

Cream butter and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time. Beat well. Sift dry ingredients into the mixture; mix well. Fill muffin tins. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes.

THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER:

My sister (who is 5 years older than me) and I recently attended a performance together. We slipped out of the theater as soon as the last scene was finishing. We were in the Mezzanine section, so wanted to ride the elevator down instead of taking all the stairs. We were the only two in that section's lobby, except for a couple of ushers and a couple of young ladies waiting in the elevator. One of the ushers asked if we wanted to ride down and was holding the elevator for us. The two gals were probably in their early-twenties. As I got to the elevator door one of them asked if my sister was related; to which I responded that yes, we were sisters. The two girls response was, "Aww.... you two are so cute!" I said thank you. When my sister and I got into the car we had a good laugh about it. I told her that at their young age, they likely thought, "Look at those two chubby old ladies attending the play together!" Normally people only say, "You're so cute," to little kids or old people!!

THOUGHT TO PONDER:

When you are in a crisis, your strongest position is on your knees. - Dr. Stephen Rummage

OUR HEARTFELT THANKS TO YOU:

We love you!

Loretta & Jon

http://www.graysheep.org