All is well with my soul!

 They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7 (NIV)

Cancer is a curse. It arrives like a thief in the night. It interrupts your life. It alters your daily routine. It plays havoc with your emotions, your strength and your faith. Once one gets this devastating prognosis, one’s life is never the same.

In February 2005 we returned to Ottawa because Roger was having some health issues. He had been suffering from crippling migraines for over one year. In 2003, he had a detachment of the retina in his right eye. Surgery and recuperation were difficult. It required a second surgery and although the surgery was successful, the vision in his eye was diminished to only 25%.

After much prayer and seeking the Lord’s will, he felt it was time for us to come back to Ottawa. After living in San Diego for fifteen years, having our children and grandchildren in the same general area was a real blessing. About three months after we returned to Ottawa, his migraines completely disappeared. We really did not know what to think. We were happy that the migraines had left. Roger wondered if he had missed God's will by coming back to Ottawa. But by the end of 2005, we both knew he had heard from God by deciding to come home.

In November 2005, he had pneumonia. Even with two consecutives doses of antibiotics, the dry cough would not stop. His doctor sent him for a CT-Scan. In January 2006, to our great shock, he was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer. Roger was a non-smoker. After weeks of chemotherapy, we were told that his tumor was inoperable. His oncologist ordered another series of chemotherapy along with radiation. After another bronchoscopy, I was sitting in his hospital room waiting for him to come back from the procedure. When the surgeon walked in the room with his assistant, I knew something was terribly wrong. He gave me all the medical information and then he held my hands, and he said: “Mrs. Deschamps, you are a strong woman, you have great faith.  You will get through this, you will.”  I knew what he meant. After he left, I just sat there and cried. When Roger came back to his room, the doctor had already talked to him. I gave him a hug and neither one of us spoke for quite a while. Nevertheless, this man of mine did not give up. More chemotherapy treatments were ahead of him. Each time he started a new session of treatment, the doctor would change the protocol. Roger was determined to fight this disease, for himself, for me, for our children and grandchildren. In total he went through seven protocols. In early summer of 2006, he got a good review. The tumor had shrunk. Sadly, the good news did not last long.  By October the cancer was back in full force. 

By the spring of 2007, he was now on oxygen and needed a tube on his right side to drain the liquid on his lungs. On Easter Sunday morning 2007, he suffered an embolism.  Nevertheless, we kept believing for a miracle. Roger knew that medically he was not doing well.  He told me a few times that without a miracle, he knew his chances were not very good. 

In the fall of 2007, he was scheduled to start protocol #7.  By this time, he was no longer able to drive.  As I drove him to the hospital I asked him:“Honey, if this protocol does not work, what are we going to do?”  He put his hand on my lap and with a very peaceful voice he said: “All is well with my soul.”  I took a deep breath and kept driving, but not another word was said until we got to the hospital. By making that statement, I knew what Roger was trying to tell me. At that specific moment, my faith, my strength and my peace were probably at their lowest level. The words: All is well with my soul are words that were on my mind every day for the last few months I still had him with me. 

After he died, I went online and searched for the words of that song and information about the man who wrote this song. His name was Horatio Spafford. This man knew the meaning of pain. As a lawyer in his early 40s, Spafford lived in the north side of Chicago with his wife, Anna and his five children. In 1870 their only son died from scarlet fever. A few months later, in 1871, he lost his entire life savings in the Great Chicago Fire.  As a successful lawyer, he had invested heavily in real estate in the Chicago area, which was devastated by this disaster. *** Two years later, in 1873, the Spafford’s decided to go on a much-needed vacation to Europe on the SS Ville du Havre.  Delayed by last minute business, he sent his wife and daughters ahead, promising to follow in a few days. On November 22, 1873, the ship was struck by an iron sailing vessel, the Loch Earn, and it sank into the Atlantic in just twelve minutes, killing 226 people on board. *** When the survivors of the shipwreck landed in Europe, Anna Spafford cabled her husband saying: “Saved alone. What shall I do?” All four of their daughters had died in this tragic accident. 

Amid his great sorrow, he got on a ship to go join his wife in Europe. While passing near the place where his daughters had died, he was inspired to write the words to the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul”. *** Despite these series of tragic events, the Spafford’s later had three more children. Then in 1881, the family set sail for Jerusalem, along with baby Bertha and their newborn Grace.  There they founded a group called the American Colony, whose mission was to serve the poor. ***

The lyrics in Spafford’s hymn reveal his attitude and approach with dealing with these very difficult trials. It also spoke of his determination to stay strong in all circumstances. This man was and still is an inspiration to us all! *** This man’s faith inspired me to stay strong and keep serving God. It is normal for us, young or old, to be overcome by our problems. Nevertheless, our attitude is a choice we make, no matter how difficult our circumstances can be. *** 

Even though we may not have had all the answers to why God allows some to die untimely deaths, we always must remember that God knows what He is doing, and that in the end “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Over the years when a loved one died without a receiving a healing, Roger always said: “The biggest healing of all is to be in the presence of the Lord.”   I really understand why his answer to me back in the fall of 2007 was: ALL IS WELL WITH MY SOUL.

On March 14, 2008, God took Roger to his heavenly home. He left knowing that all was well with his soul. Within a split second he went from thinking “All is well with my soul” to experiencing the reality of these words.

Words of this song:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll, 

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, “It is well, it is well, with my soul.”

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, 

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And has shed His own blood for my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend; Even so, it is well with my soul.

Sincerely,

Denise

 

***notes taken from an online article written about Horacio Spafford

 

You have potential!

Philippians 4:13 says: “ I can do all this through him who gives me strength”.

You have potential, I have potential. We all have potential!

Our potential is strengthened by a God who is filled with great love for each one of us. We are strengthened by the Lord Himself. With His divine strength, our potential to follow and serve Him is therefore activated in a positive way.

When we are reinforced by God Himself, I like to compare this to an eagle on top of a high mountain waiting for a favorable wind so it can take flight. When that wind comes, the eagle takes flight with strength and confidence that this wind will sustain it. Therefore, as children of God, our potential is manifested in a positive way when we allow “the wind” of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us and take charge of our lives.

Potential, what a crucial word for all of us. It is very important to realize early in life that we have potential. It is also important to always use our potential in a positive fashion. I was an adult when I learned that I had potential. Earlier in my life, I seldom felt that I was meeting the demands made on my life. When I became a teenager, like many other kids that age, I went through a stage of rebellion. I gave up getting good grades in school, I gave up trying to pursue certain projects because I did not believe that I could accomplish them. I gave up because it was easier to give up than to be criticized. I gave up because I did not understand that I had potential. At that time, I also did not have Jesus in my life. 

When I met my husband, he quickly realized that when things got too difficult, I would get discouraged and give up. He was a very quiet man, but a man who was determined to reach his full potential. He decided to help me change. When I had to learn something new, he would always tell me: “Denise, you can do this, you can do it, don’t give up.” With these words of encouragement, I slowly started to pursue dreams and do things I would never have done before.

On September 9^th. 1981, I received Jesus as my Savior. With Jesus in my heart, it encouraged me to continue the conquest of pursing and living to my full potential. Always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is possible for us to grasp and use the potential that the Lord gifted each one of us. This permits us to pursue our dreams and follow the call of God on our life. When we have Jesus as Lord, He holds our hand and He helps us. With His help we can do all things through Him who strengthens us.

I have known the Lord for 43 years. During all this time I have also learned a lot about who I am in Christ. I have learned that in God’s eyes, there is no reproach, there is no condemnation. He loves me as I am, and He teaches me how to correct certain areas of my life that need correction. But there is never any condemnation. 

Every time that I had to make changes in my life, the Lord has been gracious, patient and loving during those periods of transition. Therefore, because of the unconditional love of my Heavenly Father, I am free to reach my full potential.

Our mind is a powerful tool. When our mind is free, we realize there is no limit to our potential. We are free to dream big dreams, have great visions and pursue God’s heart more than ever before. If we are not free in our thoughts, then we cannot possibly be fully free.

At times the Lord closes a door, but He never does it without opening another one. With each door He opens, we can always have all that God has for us. I have learned and adapted my vision with the knowledge that even at my age, I can still pursue the call that God has for my life. It is important to understand that when our life changes direction, the potential that the Lord has placed in you and in me never leaves us. In each stage of our life, #1 God is faithful, #2 our potential is ready for new experiences. With each new experience, we quickly notice that many blessings do follow.

In Jeremiah 29:11 it says: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

In closing, I want to say that I think that you are all wonderful God created human beings full of God given potential. Never be afraid to reach for your full potential. It will open doors and it will take you places you cannot even imagine.

Denise

 

(Bible verses are from the New International Version)

You will never live there!

For God does speak, now one way, now another,
    though no one perceives it. Job 33:14

The sweet voice of the Lord! It is so very precious!  He speaks to His children.  At times, we expect Him to speak to us, sometimes He does and sometimes He remains silent. Often, He speaks to us when we least expect it. 

Possibly this explains Isaiah 55:8 (NIV) “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.

From Adam in the book of Genesis and now to us, He speaks to His people in a variety of ways. He speaks to us through His Word, our circumstances. He speaks to us in prayer, through dreams and visions. He speaks to us when we worship Him. He speaks to us when we enjoy His beautiful nature. He speaks to us through our spirit and often through a person. Most of the time this person is unaware that the words they spoke to us were an answer or a specific direction from the Lord. At other times, God speaks to us through an inanimate object such as a poster or even a billboard.

In 1 Kings 19:12 God spoke to Elijah, not in the earthquake, not in the fire, but by a gentle whisper. In my walk with the Lord, I find that He has spoken to me in various ways because of various circumstances or situations.

God is very versatile. He also knows us so well. He knows that speaking to us like thunder probably would not work with many of His children, although it has been known to work for some of us.

In Kings 19:11-12 the Lord said: “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. ¹² After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” It is less important how God speaks to us; what is important is that when He does speak we need to obey. 

Roger had a very successful accounting firm and financially we were doing very well. But financial stability is not the answer to everything. One day in 1987 Roger told me in these exact words: “I do not want to continue to push a pencil just to make another buck (dollar). We began to pray for the Lord to open a door for us, so we could serve in His kingdom. But we were not specific, so this became a dangerous prayer.

Meanwhile while we waited for the Lord to open a ministry door for us, we continued to work at his accounting firm. We lived in a beautiful home on a 25-acre lot in Carp. As the months went by it became a challenge to keep up with all the maintenance necessary to keep everything up and running.  Now looking back, I realize that the Lord was slowly preparing us for our calling. The first test was to give up our big house in the country. We both agreed that were ready to downsize, except that in our minds, we were only going back to live in the city.

In the spring of 1989, we started to look for a new home. We visited several new developments. Our hearts had settled on a house in a fairly new development in Centerpointe in the west end of Ottawa. Although our house in Carp had been on the market for a few months, we had not attracted any serious buyers. Therefore, we delayed going forward with the purchase of a new house.

On July 11^th, we were going to celebrate our 25^th wedding anniversary. Some dear friends had invited us and another couple to their home for a delicious celebration dinner. A few days later, we were scheduled to leave for California and Tijuana. Our daughter was on a mission trip in Tijuana, and we were concerned because at the time she had health issues. We were really going to California/Tijuana to make sure she was coming home.

Both of these couples were very precious friends of ours and we always enjoyed spending time with them. After another great meal and a good time of fellowship, we left to go back home. Roger was driving on Woodroffe Avenue heading towards the Queensway.  At the corner of Woodroffe Avenue and Maitland Avenue, he stopped at the red light. This was also the main entrance to the new subdivision of Centerpointe.

Because I thought we might live there one day, I automatically looked at the big Centerpointe advertising billboard on the left side of the road.  As I looked at the sign, I burst into tears. Roger looked at me in complete dismay because just a few minutes earlier I was happy as a lark and chatting away as usual. He certainly wanted to know why this drastic change of emotion. “What is wrong”, he asked me.  I said: “Roger, nothing is wrong but as I was looking at the big billboard at the entrance to Centrepointe, the Lord told me we would never live there. 

He gently squeezed my hand, then put both hands back on the steering wheel and we drove home in complete silence. We absolutely had no glue what “we would never live there” meant. Deep down in our hearts, both of us realized that the Lord had a different plan for our lives than moving into a new house in Centerpointe. But at that time His plan had not yet been revealed to us.

We did not talk about this billboard again. This was certainly the beginning of our journey to the mission field, although neither of us realized what was going to happen during our trip to San Diego & Tijuana. God knew it, but at the time, we certainly had no clue. 

Every time I drive by the area of Centerpointe, I always remember the Lord telling me that we would never live there, and we never did. Instead, His plan for us was the shanty towns of Tijuana. Certainly, a far different setting that a house in the west end of the city. For us, God did not speak to us through a wind or a whisper, He spoke to us through a billboard! 

How is He speaking to you?

Let me conclude by quoting Jeremiah 29:11:“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Denise

Please note: The names of our friends are not noted to respect their privacy. Also, the house in this picture only resembles the house we had looked at in Centerpointe. 

“I will go down the escalator with you.”

You may be wondering why I chose this theme for this blog article. I chose it for the simple reason that my heart is full of gratitude because of the sweet grace of God in my life. I want to encourage you that He has that same sweet grace for each one of you.

The verse in Romans 5:8 tells us:“But God proves his love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” God’s sweet grace has always been there for me. It was there, even when I didn't realize it or in certain situations where I chose to feel sorry for myself instead of relying on His sweet grace.

In the last few months, I have experienced several situations that I know in my heart that I would not have succeeded or had victory without the sweet grace of God.

In Isaiah 61:7 the bible says:“ Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so, you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” 

I reread some of my notes and I also shed tears of gratitude as I read the countless times in my life where I have experienced the sweet grace of God. Lately, I experience such special moments almost on a daily basis. These precious moments show me how much God loves me. And most important, He loves me just for who I am.

Sometimes we think or imagine that when these special moments happen, we should hear thunder, angels singing, or a beautiful blue sky. But in reality, most of  these precious moments happen as we go about our day. That is because the Lord wants us to know that He is always with us in the big details and in the smaller details of our daily life.

I recently I experienced His sweet grace while at a shopping mall near my home. I have always been terrified of escalators, not the ones going up but the ones going down.  Upon arrival at the mall, I parked on the second level of a large department store. I was there to buy my little great granddaughter a dress for her birthday. But I could not find the children’s department. I asked a salesperson for direction. She said to me: “You are not on the right floor. The children’s department is on the 1st floor,” and she kindly directed me to the escalators.

I asked her if the store had an elevator. Unfortunately for me, it was out of order on that specific day. So, I made my way to the escalators. I looked down and I thought, NO, I cannot do this, I cannot go down this escalator. I completely froze in place. After a few moments a nice young man, an employee of the store, said to me: “Excuse me miss, do you need any help? Do you need to go down the escalator?” “Yes, I need to go to the first floor, but I'm terrified to get on the escalator.” He then extended his hand to me and said: “Give me your hand and I will go down with you!” He got on the escalator ahead of me and held my hand until we safely reached the first floor.  Once we got back on solid ground, I thanked him, he smiled and said: “I'm glad I was able to help you”. Then, we both went our separate ways. For me, it was yet another very special moment where I really felt the sweet grace of God over my life.

Why am I telling you this? It is simply to reiterate that without a doubt, I know that every day the sweet grace of God is available to me. By the same token, that same sweet grace is also available for each and everyone of you. It probably will not come with thunder, angels singing, or a beautiful blue sky. But, watch for it, expect it and always be grateful for the sweet grace of God on your life.

I pray Numbers 6:24-26 over each person reading this article: “The Lord bless you and keep you; ²⁵ the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; ²⁶ the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”

 Denise

 Bible verses are from the New International Version

 

 

Forgiveness is better than condemnation!

Each one of us has read the passage in John 8:1-11 where the scribes and pharisees brought to Jesus a woman caught in adultery. They dragged this woman before Jesus so that HE would condemn her. With Jesus' condemnation, these men could then proceed to stone her to death as per the laws existing in that era. These men claimed that she was caught in the act of adultery. Have you ever wondered how they got these intimate details? Possibly they were at her window spying on her. It is even possible that one of these men was the one with whom this woman had been caught in adultery?

In any case, she found herself trembling at the feet of Jesus. Can you imagine the terror she must have felt knowing the repercussions of her adultery? There she was on the ground alone, surrounded with her accusers and Jesus. She must have been feeling completely desperate thinking her situation would end in a negative solution. But out of the corner of her eye, she saw that Jesus had bent down and was writing with His finger in the sand. He was calm, not looking at the adulteress or at the men that brought her to His feet. Meanwhile, the scribes and pharisees were waiting for Jesus to condemn her so they could start to stone her with stones they already had in their hands. There was certainly no room for forgiveness in their hearts. 

In John 8:7 we read: “When they kept on questioning him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  

We all know what happened next. This verse always touches my heart because of the demonstration of kindness, the compassion, but above all, the forgiveness that the Lord has for each and every one of us. If Jesus forgave this woman of her sin of adultery, who am I not to forgive my children, my family members, my friends, brothers and sisters at church and even strangers. Really who am I to retain forgiveness from anyone? 

As children of God, we must learn to ignore our accusers. Instead, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus. We must learn to forgive every accuser, everyone who has hurt us in any way. We must let go of the rocks of judgment and let the Holy Spirit invade our heart and fill it with the same compassion that Jesus had for the adulterous woman. Not only is this what the Lord wants from each and every one of us, but a change of attitude brings us peace and makes our witness more effective towards those who have offended us. We all know people who have not yet learned to forgive. As time goes on, they become more and more bitter; they are easily offended. They are angry people. Anger makes them negative and certainly there is no joy in their hearts. However, we know people who have learned to forgive, to forgive small offenses and some have learned to forgive big offenses. These people have peace, they have beautiful smiles and always positive words. In the case of this adulteress, Jesus unveiled His complete forgiveness to a very undeserving sinner. 

After her accusers left, Jesus spoke these words to the woman who was still on the ground:“Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”

Conclusion: Forgiveness brings peace to my heart! Because Jesus is always ready to forgive me, my heart must be set to always forgive others. To me, there is no other way to live a happy & fulfilling life.

Denise

A few Scripture references from the Amplified version. 

Colossians 3:13: “ bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.”  Ephesians 4:32: “ Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.”   Colossians 3:13: “ bearing graciously with one another, and willingly forgiving each other if one has a cause for complaint against another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so should you forgive.”

 

No matter what we face, always rejoice in the Lord!

No matter what we face, always, yes always rejoice in the Lord! 

Rejoicing in the Lord means always having an attitude of contentment and hope that goes beyond our situations or circumstances. Although our hearts may be heavy with sorrow from life's trials and difficulties, beneath the surface is the unwavering, unshakable confidence that our God is sovereign and our lives are in His hands, so that even the hairs on our heads are all numbered. (Luke 12:7).

I have a passion for writing; therefore, I always carry a notebook with me so I can immediately write down when God speaks to my spirit, or if I see something in His wonderful nature or a picture that touches my heart and inspires me to pick up my pen. This picture made me pick up my pen.

This Blog article was inspired after receiving this photo from my daughter while she was visiting a northern part of Prince Edward Island. Chantal knows that I like photos of scenic pictures, therefore every day when she is on vacation, she sends me pictures of beautiful views. This picture is one that really touched my heart. Immediately, when I saw the green grass, the trees, the blue sky and the water, Psalm 96:12 came into my mind. It says: “Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy”.   

In Philippians 4:4 the bible says: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”  

The Lord wants every believer to experience this same kind of joy, especially when we go through difficult times. Joy is a fruit of the spirit that we must cultivate. By developing this fruit of the spirit, it will greatly improve our walk with the Lord and our quality of life.

Rejoicing in the Lord is not always or primarily a matter of feeling. Actually, it is rarely a matter of feelings or circumstances, but rather it is an act of obedience. If we are constantly depressed and overwhelmed by our problems and the joy of the Lord is not dominant in our lives, we are not effective witnesses for our Lord Jesus Christ. Neither can we be productive workers in the church. We are certainly not good witnesses for our families and in our environment. As children of God, it is our responsibility, and it should be also our goal to develop the joy of the Lord as our permanent way of life.

I certainly do not want to imply that we should ignore our feelings when we are going through difficult times. Absolutely not. But we must learn that during times of sadness, or difficulties, it is always better to give glory to God, not for the sadness or the trial we are experiencing, but to give glory to God because during these difficult times, He gives us unwavering joy.

Psalm 5:11 says:“ But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.” In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul has a very good explanation when he says: “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” 

Paul and Silas experienced this type of joy when they were unjustly incarcerated, their backs torn, their feet in the stocks, but they still sang hymns of praise to God. They understood that in all circumstances it is better to be content because when we are content, we are then free to rejoice. The joy in the Lord that we should all desire is not a superficial happiness based on circumstances or the absence of trials, but rather a solid, lasting satisfaction and hope that assures us that our God is faithful and that His promises He gave us in His Word, are true and are always available to every one of us.

Thank you for letting me share my heart with you through this article. In closing I declare Romans 12:12 that says: “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

 Sincerely,

 Denise

 This picture was taken by my daughter Chantal and used in this BLOG with her permission.

All Scriptures references taken from the New International Bible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A simple pink rose!

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege to attend my oldest granddaughter Rachel’s wedding. It was a special day, even the weather cooperated. All the details came together so she could have an outdoor ceremony in a venue that was made for a princess to have the wedding of her dreams. It was also a day filled with joy, many emotions and a few tears. In the reception hall Rachel had a picture of her grandpa Roger holding her when she was just about 9 months old. That was so very special. Grandpa would have been so very proud of her. Just as the ceremony was to start, my grandson Sam presented me with a beautiful simple pink rose. That pink rose is the subject of this blog. Aubrey was the very cute five years old flower girl throwing petals of flowers from her little white basket just before the bride made her walk down the aisle. She seemed to enjoy every minute of this special event in her life. After the ceremony was over, it was time for pictures. While we stood waiting for the photographer to take individual pictures with the Rachel & Kyle, I was talking to Aubrey’s mom whom I had not seen in many years. My simple pink rose was on my purse. Very politely Aubrey asked me if I could give her my pink flower. I wanted to give it to but at the same time I wanted to keep it a little longer. I was a bit torn. Nevertheless, I came up with a solution and I was hoping Aubrey would agree. I explained to her that I wanted to hold on to the pink rose because it was a special gift from my grandson, but that I would give it to her before I left to go home that evening. She agreed. We sealed our deal with a hug. Dinner was delicious and I really enjoyed spending time with my family. Then came time for me to leave. I took the simple pink rose and walked over to Aubrey’s table. She saw me coming and her little face lit up with a big smile. I handed her the flower, and she was thrilled. She gave me a big hug. I asked her if I she was my best friend to which she immediately said yes. We hugged again. I left the wedding venue after having a wonderful time and also knowing this beautiful little girl was thrilled to receive that simple pink rose.

Conclusion: Why did I write a blog about this precious little girl and that simple pink rose? I wrote it to demonstrate that sometimes we can bring so much joy in someone’s life with a simple gesture of love and compassion. In Luke 6:38 the bible says: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

 

I pray that someone will come in your life just as little Aubrey came into mine, and you will have the opportunity to be the giver of “a simple pink rose”!

 

Thank you and have a blessed day.

Denise

Written and published with Aubrey's mom permission

I AM THE APPLE OF GOD’S EYE

Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wing! Psalm 17:8

All too often we focus on the negative situation in our life. Earlier in my walk with God, I sadly have focused on the negative more times than I want to remember. We seem to easily concentrate on the chaos and drama each of us experience in each of our lives. Nevertheless,  it is during these times of chaos, trials, and uncertainty that we need to remember one very important and crucial fact: We are the apple of God’s eye. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, I know God loves me with an everlasting love. His love is unconditional. It has nothing to do with my performance, my abilities, or my qualities. It has all to do because His love for me is unconditional. In Pastor Joseph Prince's devotional called: “100 days of Right Believing”, he encourages us to see ourselves like God sees us. Our understanding of how much God loves us is very helpful to help us turn our thoughts from a negative to a positive perspective. How wonderful to know that God loves me just the way I am. I do not have to earn His love; I do not have to jump hoops for the Lord to love me. He just loves me. He loves me with my qualities and with my faults. He loves me when I am happy, and He loves me when I’m sad. He loves me on my good days, and He loves me on my bad days. I am always the apple of His eye! The bible says:“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect. (1 Corinthians 15:10a NIV). In my life, too many times, I have struggled to win the love of others, their approval, and their acceptance. Often, even if I tried my best, people remained cold, distant, unforgiving, and judgmental. I used to shed some bitter tears because I thought I needed these people’s approval to be loved and accepted. I thought that I needed to change who I was to be loved. But all I learned from that was that there was always someone whose approval I could not get. Over the years, while serving God, reading and studying His Word, I learned that I do not have to strive to obtain anyone’s approval. I know who I am in Christ. I know that I am loved by Jesus no matter what I do. His love is not conditional on my behavior. His love is unconditional because of His great love for me. It no longer really matters if I am different than the next person. It no longer matters when people put me down because I am not who they want me to be. What is important is that I am who God wants me to be. To God, I am wonderfully made. Even at my worst hour, He loves me anyhow. Knowing this frees me to continue to be all I can be, because I know without the shadow of a doubt that the Lord loves me. He loves me! He loves me and yes He loves me. If people are cold, unforgiving, and judgmental, the problem belongs to them. It does not belong to me because of who Christ Jesus is for me. I am the apple of His eye and the delight of His heart. Understanding the reality of the Lord’s love for me is sweet, precious and life changing. My daily life has been renewed. My life has been changed from needing to perform to be accepted by men, to a greater desire to serve a God that sees me as His own, a God that sees me as precious in His eyes. Because I am the apple of His eye, the Lord has plans for me, plans to prosper me and not harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11). Every day, He is with me. He guides me, He gives me peace, strength and wisdom. He also anoints me to do what He has called me to do. He is with me every step of the way. Knowing that I am the apple of God’s eye has so encouraged my heart, given me peace about who I am and the certainly that He is with me always. It has given me the assurance that I no longer have to wait for the approval of man. Neither do I have to wait for man’s promotion or acceptance, because I already have all of this with Jesus. Knowing that I am the apple of His eye, it makes it easy to love Him with all my heart and soul. Do I know how much God loves me today? My answer:“I sure do!”. Do I really believe that God loves me right now? My answer:“I sure do!”

Conclusion: I shared these words with you today to encourage you to be yourself. God loves you just the way you are and for who you are. Of course, it is normal that as we grow in our relationship with the Lord, we will make some changes to better ourselves, but always remember to make those changes because you love the Lord and not because you feel you have to please people. God that sees you as precious in His eyes. Indeed you are the apple of His eye!

To those of you that I know on a personal basis, please be assured that I love you and appreciate you just the way you are!

Love always,

Denise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I envied them, so I bought them breakfast!

In January 2019, I spent one month in San Diego. Pastor Jorge needed a vehicle and TLCCM was happy to be able to purchase one for him. For this reason, it was more convenient for me to be in my favourite city rather than in Tijuana. On a few occasions pastors Jorge and Rosa came to San Diego. Together we went to look at various used vehicles hoping to find one that would be the vehicle they needed. I was staying in a short term furnished apartment in the area where Roger & I lived for 15 years. I also rented a car to able me to go and check-out  various vehicles in the surrounding areas. On Sundays pastors Jorge & Rosa had to be in their church in Tijuana, so every weekend I made plans to keep myself busy.  One Sunday morning I had plans to visit Mount Soledad and a few other areas I had not visited in a long time. But before going sight-seeing, I stopped at IHOP (short for International House of Pancakes). It was our favourite breakfast place when Roger & I lived in San Diego. As I walked in the restaurant a nice young lady showed me to a booth near a window and handed me the menu. After I ordered my breakfast, I noticed this elderly couple sitting in the next row of booths opposite to mine. The lady looked very frail, and her legs were covered with varicose veins. She had a walker beside her seat. The man was tall and slim. Their clothing was clean, but it had seen better days. They did not look like they had much money, but they had each other and I envied them. They were eating their breakfast without speaking, nevertheless, they seemed to be enjoying themselves. Once they finished eating, they drank their coffee and were talking with one another. As I was eating my breakfast, I could not take my eyes off this elderly couple. As I watched them, my heart suddenly filled with sadness as I thought of Roger & I. It was always our desire to grow old together like this couple, but, there I was sitting alone envying this older couple. So, instead of feeling sorry for myself, I decided to pay for their breakfast. I waived at the young waitress and asked her to give their bill. She asked her manager to come to talk to me. After I explained to the man that this older couple had blessed me because they were old but still together and how much that meant to me, he gladly cooperated with my request. My only condition was that he would not tell them who paid for their meals. He agreed. Discreetly, I took their picture. After a while, I saw the old man waved to the waitress, I concluded that he wanted his bill. I could not hear what she told them, but after a few minutes they got out of their seats and proceeded to go to the cash. I also had finished eating, so I discreetly followed them with both my bill and theirs in my hand. The old man told the manager that when he asked the waitress for their bill, she told him that someone had already paid for their meals. The manager saw me behind the couple and with a big smile he said: “Yes sir, somebody did pay your bill. Now you folks have a nice day.” The old man replied: “Nobody has ever done something like this for us before today,” and they walked out of the restaurant. When I gave the manager both bills, he smiled and said: “Thank you for what you just did, that was really a nice gesture on your part. Have a nice day!” I smiled back at him, and I also walked out the restaurant. I sat in my car and saw the old man help his wife into the car. He then folded her walker and put it in the trunk of his car. He had to lift her legs into the car. He buckled her up and then gently close the car door. From a distance, I took a few more pictures. With tears running down my face, I thought that could have been Roger taking care of me. In this older couple I saw real love and compassion for one another; feelings that Roger & I had for each other. Precious feelings I will cherish for the rest of my life. CONCLUSION: For every husband and wife that will read this article, please appreciate your spouse, take care of her or him and never let any silly details come between you. Cherish each other for you never know the day that you also will be looking at an older couple wishing your spouse was still with you. I will never forget that older couple who for a short time on a lovely Sunday morning reminded me how blessed I was to have known that kind of love. I recently read this comment: Love gets you married, and love keeps you married.

Denise

Yes, TLCCM bought a black 2016 Jeep Patriot for Pastor Jorge. Unfortunately he died of a heart attack in December 2020. Now his son uses the Jeep to drive Pastor Rosa wherever she needs to go.