March 2009 – Page 3 – The Welcome Home

30 Favourite Things #8

This is a copy of a post I wrote in May ’08. I am re-posting it as part of my 30 Favourite Things of my Fiftieth Year because that event was an exceedingly significant event whereby the LORD demonstrated His watchcare and His love. And I know all the more now — actually, to a much greater degree than I did all those months ago: that no matter what: God loves me with an everlasting love and should HE decide to take my husband home — I know that I know He will provide for me. His love is that great — His care is that perfect and His will is that trustworthy. Having just celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary, more than ever I am sure I never want to live a day without my husband… but more than ever I am sure that if it is God’s will that I do so, I will trust in Him.

This, from May ’08:

“You know, I’m so thankful for the difficult times – for it’s not in the seemingly ‘easy’ times we see (or seek) God so readily or clearly as in the darker, more uncertain, times. The sweet thing about learning this is that when suddenly faced with calamity or trials it’s easier to see a testing of faith. I guess testings of faith are things we tend to want to avoid, but they’re the very things we will later see as sweet blessings — times we’ll later recall as ‘the best thing that ever happened to me’ sort of experiences. Blessings in disguise — that’s what most trials are.

Last Friday morning we had planned to head to the Oregon Coast for the annual Shield of Faith family conference at Twin Rocks. Thanks to our Hannah, plans were well underway; the van washed and vacuumed, filled with fuel and other necessary items for the eagerly anticipated long drive early the next morning. Our house was ship shape, top to bottom — everything neatly in place, the van completely packed and ready to go. Some sleeping in their ‘trip clothes,’ the children tucked all snug in their beds while visions of good friends, good food, singing, Bible teaching and beach play danced in their heads. We all snuggled into bed…

As we sat in the emergency room last Thursday night, I was consciously aware that the LORD had allowed the current ‘trail of my faith.’ It was one of those: ‘I’ve been this way before’ sort of moments and in those, ‘I’ve been this way before’ moments, because I saw the Hand of the LORD in the past, it’s easier to see His Hand in the present. I think if we miss seeing the Hand of the LORD in trials — or don’t acknowledge His presence, then it’s likely we’ll miss seeing or acknowledging Him in whatever trials we face — past or present.

Wes had been experiencing pain in his shoulder and chest and so we went to the ER and once there, we learned that ER visits by patients with cardiac history are treated very seriously (Only now do I fully understand that phrase: “serious as a heart attack.” My daddy used to say that when someone would ask him: …are you serious? and he’d reply: “serious as a heart attack.” ). Once in ER, Wes was quickly set up in a room, hooked up to monitors and the first of many tests were performed. It was apparent to both of us that he hadn’t had another heart attack — but still, the source of the pain was not known. Probably not quite as concerned as those administering the prompt and thorough medical attention, we were still concerned enough to have gone there. The tests that would be performed through the night and the next afternoon were tests that would give answers to questions we have had for several months: how do we know if the stents are functioning properly? how do we know if the meds are ‘working’ and how do we know the actual condition of his heart?

In addition to an ECG, blood tests and constant monitoring, the Cardiologist ordered a myocardial perfusion scan that gave very clear pictures of the condition of his heart — both at rest and maximum stress. This test, because of the lengthy imaging process, took a couple of hours — but it was in that time period that the LORD demonstrated His lovingkindess so sweetly to me. I was sitting in a waiting area and Wes’s ♥ Cardiologist walked by and exclaimed to me, “Well, yours is an unexpected face for me to see here today! How is Wes?” I told her he was down in nuclear medicine getting having that test done and she told me she’d be right back. Interestingly, providentially, coincidentally ( the Lord meeting us where we’re at = the vertical meeting the horizontal +_ ) she was there making rounds for her current patients and said she wouldn’t ordinarily have been there at that time. When she returned, she assured me that everything looked good — there were some final tests to do and then he’d be free to go home.

How gracious of the LORD to have her there that day, to have her recognize me as she was passing by. The Cardiologist that was treating him all day was happy to defer to Dr. Chung. What an amazing Doctor she is… I have such great respect and love for her and thank the LORD for her professional skill – for her care and concern. The reports continued to come back and the results brought more delight to me us! No heart damage. Low BP. Low cholesterol… make that: Low, low cholesterol. His heart looks great, blood flow is great and stamina is great. The doc said to Wes, “Keep doing whatever you’re doing… this is good news.” I knew it was only bcz of The Good News.

It was getting late in the day and I knew all the children were anxious as anything to get going to the coast, but their concern and patience was so endearing as they repeatedly told me not to worry about a thing. It was now 12 hours past the time we had planned to leave. Wes was moved to another room where he continued to receive excellent care and monitoring. The time was ticking away. I thanked the LORD for the ‘inconvenience’ and for His great provision. When does anyone have time to go to the hospital, anyway? ;o)

Finally home again that evening, the faces that greeted us at the car never looked sweeter, and to Wes, I’m sure the shower never felt better… I know I never loved him more. Soon we were on our way. Skipping a few beats, the song was playing on. Everyone glad for papa’s health, glad to be going no matter what the hour, glad for the day…

One thing about driving through Seattle and then on through Tacoma and Olympia to Kelso and then over to the coast at night: traffic? what traffic? I could count on one hand the cars I saw in an hour. I thanked the LORD for His provision His protection and blessings… driving on very little sleep, I was singing all the way as everyone was sleeping… I had too much to sing about and it was, after all, the long anticipated trip! Every little while I would glance over to my precious husband… resting and looking so great. ♥ It had been a great day.

Blessings… many blessings in disguise.

30 Favourite Things #7

pamelapilchuck08 It seems I’m continually working on talks and I started thinking back on the last year or so and I can only marvel at the work of the LORD. It is bay the grace of God that I can do the meetings or give the talks at Titus 2 meetings or retreats or whatever. It is because God never wastes a thread that I am able to piece together some significant and insignificant events and fit them with Truths of God’s Word and other events in life and convey messages that, hopefully and prayerfully, help other women.

For some time now I have had the honour of teaching at a monthly Titus2 meeting of women. I say “God never wastes a thread…” quite often. Though, quite often, I don’t see the threads the LORD is using in a particular situation. But over the last year I saw a thread in the preparation of different talks and the ‘co-incident’ of my cousin writing me to ask if I might help her find another cousin – her half-brother.

A co-incident, to me over the years, is one of those times where the horizontal meets the Vertical. An incident where God meets us where we’re at in order that His purposes will be revealed and accomplished. In talks, I use a lot of hand gesturing and when I refer to co-incidents I don’t say coincidence, I say: Co-incidents and I gesture with my arms out flat and then move them to form a vertical motion.

Well, truly God never wastes a thread… here I have been thinking, studying, talking about and writing about reconciliation — that greatest Co-incident in all of life – that Co-incident of the Cross — the horizontal meeting the Vertical – the greatest event a person will ever experience on this side of heaven is meeting Jesus at the foot of the Cross and receiving the gift of reconciliation to God in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. And then I had all those opportunities to teach and then that phone call which led to a series of letters and phone calls.

The thread I never really saw until recently was that God had allowed many experiences that I talked over with both of those cousins in different conversations and I realized that the very things that have caused me greatest pain, fear, weakness and doubt have been carefully allowed, mended and woven together by God and have been part of the foundation of faith and have given me both empathy and compassion for others and have deepened my message. Had God not been guiding me and reforming me I would be so lost today.

All of this was made a bit clearer to me in talking with my cousin — and I only have a few! — whom I’ve never seen or talked to for over 40 years. It was unbelievably easy to talk with him. In talking to him about the suicide death of his father, I realized that one of his greatest trials in life and one of my greatest trials in life happened at the same time. I realized God was revealing a thread. I told him that as we were talking… I shared that during that month in August of 1970 we both entered an intersection of life and both experienced a collision — actually, totally unrelated collisions – but both happened that month. We talked long and the conversation was flowed with ease. I was amazed. I think he was, too. A lot more became clear and was reconciled — not just family but lots of questions, too.

I don’t often actually talk about those collisions — his or mine. I think he said he rarely talks about his. But here’s another twist of that thread… ironic as it is: he’s a therapist and works at a hospital with patients dealing with mental disorders and suicide. Isn’t that interesting?

And mine? Over the years, bcz I’ve had opportunity to teach studies and speak at retreats, I’ve occasionally shared this part of my life story… it’s given me opportunity to give hope and encouragement to women who are hurting. I’ve talked and prayed with many women who were/are dealing with post trauma of childhoodsexual abuse — women who experienced the death of innocence and security as little girls. The know I understand and are looking for someone to trust — someone to listen.

So, why is this on my list of 30 favourite things from my fiftieth year? Simple. God mercifully showed me a glimpse of a thread He’s faithfully holding.

Now more than ever… get those red envelopes

And send them in!!

Please read more about the so-called Freedom of Choice Act here:
http://www.lifenews.com/nat4359.html http://www.barackobama.com
http://www.jillstanek.com

On the back of the empty, stamped Red Envelope,
please write the following message:

“This envelope represents one child who died because of an abortion. It is empty because the life that was taken is now unable to have life and be a part of our world.”
red envelope day . com
TODAY!! Mail an empty Red Envelope to:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington , D.C. 20500

EDIT: ANOTHER Obamanation — On Monday, March 9th, President Obama is scheduled to reverse the embryonic stem-cell research ban. Call the White House — stand up and speak for the millions of babies whose voices are not heard. O… God save this nation from itself.

30 Favourite Things #6

Of all the things I’ve done in the last year, I think climbing Mt. Pilchuck was probably my favourite personal accomplishment — or, at least it’s something I’m most glad I did. Through all the years of pregnancies and nursing babies, tending the home, homeschooling the children and church related commitments, I didn’t even consider a lot of outside activities — well, at least not outside of my small realm, anyway. And I certainly never even considered hiking. Probably not even once. Really.

I would have said that I am just not the “outdoorsy” type and that the only reason to walk somewhere would be to get something or put something away. Walking for the sake of walking or hiking just to hike would never have been in the realm of possibility for me. I never considered hiking to be… well, wait… I just never considered hiking.

But year after year I would see that mountain in the distance… its jagged peaks covered in snow and on winter afternoons, the sun shining on it at sunset made it sort of glow. I knew different people who climbed Mt. Pilchuck and raved about how beautiful it was there. I remember some time after we moved to this house I would say: I’m going to climb that mountain when I am 40. Okay… so that never happened. Then a couple of years ago I recalled that I had said that. I’d occasionally heard people talking about hikes and favourite destinations — one being Heather Lake and another, Mt. Pilchuck. Some of our children had even hiked there.

My husband, wise man that he is, set a time for us to hike to Heather Lake… and as we were hiking, I thought to myself… why would people do this over and over? Then we rounded a point on the trail that brought Heather Lake into view and I realized for the first time in my life that there are just some things for which there is no reason but for the beauty of a scene or the experience of seeing — simply seeing — God’s marvelous creation. And that hike was one such experience.

After that, I knew I just must get to the top of Mt. Pilchuck — and that nothing would deter me. ;o) And so I set the date in my mind and our whole family made the hike on my half-birthday. I knew they could do it… but I never thought I could — mostly bcz I hadn’t ever tested myself to see what I had in me, if you know what I mean. I love to work – and I love to work hard – but I don’t hike… ride bikes… skate… play sports or anything like that. But I thought… am I never going to do tough things again in my life? Am I never going to do ‘athletic’ things? Wow… that was shocking – bcz I adamantly determined that that wasn’t going to be the case — I was going to do things — lots of things! And climbing that mountain was one of them!! It’s sort of like I realized that until I die I am going to live – and do so intentionally!

As I look out today — those beautiful snow-capped peaks gleaming in the sun — I have an anxious feeling: I gotta get back to the top of that mountain. I can’t wait.

mt pilchuck

I was crying when I reached the summit and climbed that ladder to the look-out tower. I had made it! My sweet family was with me! The next thing to do was to go inside to document the event in the guestbook. Next time I go I’m going to bring back a rock from the top — I forgot to do that last time!

mt pilchuck

Actually, my bigger goal was to walk out and stand on the rock… it was totally worth the whole hike! In the photo below, because of the extreme wind, I had stepped down to the lower rock of the ridge… it was quite a thrill. I loved seeing for miles and miles and looking out at all the cities below… I loved the totally out in the open feeling and the blessing of standing on the mountaintop as a living picture of lessons I’ve learned in life walking with the LORD through valleys and mountaintops.

All the way up the mountain I had been singing over and over again the chorus: “When the morning comes on the farthest hill, I will sing His Name, I will praise Him still; When dark trials come and my heart is filled with the weight of doubt I will praise Him still…. For the Lord our God He is strong to save, from the arms of death to the deepest grave, and He gave us life in His perfect will and by His good grace I will praise Him still…”

Standing on that mountaintop… I remembered I had determined to live! before I die.

Praise, praise the Lord.

summit

As I look out at the peak today… I smile thinking: I’ve been there! I can’t wait to go again!!

30 Favourite Things #5

So it happened. A letter came in the mail today. From the AARP. No, it was not addressed to: Resident. It was addressed to me. My name – not Mrs. not Ms. Just my name. I know. I still occasionally think that I will receive a letter addressed to: Miss. I even ~~dream~~ think there’s still a possibility of being “carded” at the checkstand buying cooking wine. O, stop laughing. Stranger things have happened.

I think it must be part of that princess deal. I don’t know.

So, why is receiving that ARRP subscription on my 30 Favourite Things list? Well, first, I never thought I’d be this age. Seriously. I never thought I’d live this long. And to think my husband’s grandma lived nearly twice this long! Another thing, I think, is that I never thought I’d be privileged to see this much history or have this many experiences – most certainly not this much family. And so, now that I am the age that I am, I marvel that I got here and I’m practically boasting about it now. Almost obnoxious. Almost.

Well, in case you’re wondering what you get with your AARP membership, I will let you in on what was outlined in today’s AARP letter. The letter informed me that AARP is “fighting for your [that would be *my*] American Dream.” That I would receive the magazine — “Most interesting and most helpful for everyone over 50.” The AAPR Bulletin and “email newsletters reporting on money, work, travel, family, health and more.” Discounts on travel and other services. Access to health related benefits. Access to financial programs… “…mobile home and motorcycle insurance.” (I couldn’t make that up. Motorcycle insurance. Hmmmm.) Community programs and services.

And to think I had to wait 50 years for all this. I’m thinking: had I known that 50 would bring all this, I might have been more inclined to want to get here faster. As it was, though, I certainly feel like I got here pretty fast. Well, actually, a lot faster than I had ever imagined.

Well, no time for blogging. I gotta go fill out my AARP form – to get my new Membership Kit. I mean, if I’m going to be 50, then I’m thinking I’m going to want to be a card carrying member. You know… ‘case I get carded.

The Will of God

The will of God will never take you…
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the Spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.

The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.

Everything happens for a purpose.
We may not see the wisdom of it all now,
but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best.”(author unknown to me)

To my boy this morning.

“Timothy, one thing I know for sure… God is only Good *all* the time… I thank Him again and again… that when I see the moon – no matter how far you are – we’re looking at the same moon. The same Sun. The same Son. The same God of all Creation loves you & me and no matter how far…. His Hands can span that distance and hold us both at the same time. Thank you for your love for the LORD… walk on.
I love you. ♥”

This is one of those days where concerning trust and faith in God, I know that I know that I know… but pray: I believe, Lord; O, help Thou my unbelief when a wave washes over.