Wed., Oct. 20th Update from Joni

Wednesday, October 20th Update from Joni:

This season of rest and recovery has certainly caused me to live life in small steps. And given Galatians 5:25 which says “keep in step with the Spirit,” it’s obvious the Holy Spirit wants me to take life right now in very small steps. It happens to anyone who suffers. Everything is a little more basic, more simple. Even what I read yesterday in Ephesians 5:10, “… find out what pleases the Lord and do it.” How simple can you get? Talk about a purpose for living or an answer to that nagging question, “What is God’s will for my life?!” There you have it: find out what pleases the Lord and do it.
 
And that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. What will please you today, Lord? Seeing you eat 45 g of protein before lunch, I hear him say. And what will please you this afternoon? Back away from your computer and enjoy my hummingbirds at your feeder. And this evening? Give the Food Network a rest and pray.
 
Even my interests in reading are simple. Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers is always a favorite:

“Oh Spirit of God, help my infirmities; when I am pressed down and made to feel the weight of the cross, help me, I pray. Deliver me from carking care, and make me a happy, holy person; help me to walk the separated life with firm and brave step, and to wrestle successfully against weakness. Teach me to laud, adore, and magnify thee with the music of heaven, and make me a perfume of praiseful gratitude to thee… Sober me when I am glad with a joy that comes not from thee, and lead me faithfully onto the eternal kingdom, not asking whether the road be rough or smooth. I request only to see the face of him I love.”

Tomorrow, Thursday, I head to the doctors for a checkup. I’m hoping for a good report so that we can begin planning the next stage of treatment. As always, as God to pour out his wisdom on Ken and me. Oh, and the doctors too :-)! Finally, thank you for your posts on my blog which continue to inspire and refresh. Your words are basic… simple… and glorifying to the Father!