64 thoughts on “Looking Ahead…”

  7. Trusting the Sovereign Shepherd!! I love that. It’s understanding that Jesus is both kindness and justice. Father’s Sovereignty is something I shall remind myself again and again as Anne battles ‘terminal’ cancer. God bless you sister 🙂

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      1. Bless you Lynn 🙂 Honestly? I’m gutted. Heartbroken. One in three of us will face cancer – directly or indirectly. Anne had her bladder removed in a six hour tortuous op… she thought that was it. The excruciating pain came soon after. Strange situation cos I’m her ‘ex’ so I am not privy to all the info, only what she or the girls give me. Did you get good support for yourself and your mum? Mum died of bowel cancer in 2000. I prayed that she would go home cos she was a v unhappy person but loved JESUS. I led her to the LORD, Lynn. Saw such a transformation in her. Your prayers are much appreciated! And writing this blog is, of course, extremely beneficial. You meet such lovely people on WP!!! 🙂

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      2. Oh, Ian… I am so sorry. That is such a tough situation. I know your heart must be breaking. I will pray as soon as I post this reply. And thank you for your thoughtful question. Yes, I was very fortunate to have the live and support of my husband, son and mom during my journey. Mom was diagnosed a few weeks after I finished chemo. Tough days, but somehow, with God’s help, I got through it all. I will pray the same for you all! Let me know if I can pray for any specifics along the way. My heart is with each of you on this difficult journey.

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      3. Bless you Lynn. Thank you for your compassionate response 🙂 It’s an interesting situation, isn’t it? When I was first told the news I wanted to TELL EVERYBODY!! And then, I got a check in my spirit – that said – WHAT GOOD will that do? There’s a difference between ‘prayerfully informing others’ so that they can and will pray – and GOSSIPING!! Gossiping is when you divulge information that isn’t ‘yours’ to divulge… and although I’m affected indirectly – it’s Anne’s cancer not mine. The response from those who, like you, who have asked what are the specific prayer needs, has been terrific. I think, as Disciples of JESUS, we can feel a little inadequate when it comes to praying that someone is healed – but feel we have a purpose if we can pray about the different prayer needs… as you say, Lynn – we’re on a difficult journey. Two prayer needs are being answered – that Anne has enough pain respite to allow her to sleep and that she got an appt asap. Continued prayer for the nights would be much appreciated. Anne sees the specialist tomorrow and both Beth and Naomi will be with her. I will keep you informed as and when it’s appropriate. Thank you 🙂

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      4. You got it, Ian. Prayer is something that I’m passionate about… God has frequently given me a ministry of prayer and thus, you can be sure that I will pray for Anne. My heart breaks for all of you. Let me know what I can do to encourage you along the way…I’m here (albeit, across the big pond, and therefore, limited to serving as a listening ear and a praying heart). Nevertheless, I’ll walk with you all through this in spirit. May God surround you with His peace, comfort and care as you walk this path!

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  8. This is an amazing painting. You and Paul should meet somewhere in the middle and talk art someday. You both have so much talent.

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    1. Aww… thank you with all my heart, dearest Kathy!! Your encouragement is always particularly meaningful to me since I know that you truly know and understand art and the artist’s journey. Paul is so extraordinary! Wouldn’t it be wonderful if my husband and I could meet up with you two someday?! I can always hope. 🙂 And in the meantime, I’m thankful that we can communicate and stay in touch through our blogs! ❤ and hugs!

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  11. Lynn, Thank you! I appreciate the scripture – so appropriate for beginning the New Year. Amen!

    I am thankful for you, too. What a blessing it has been to get to know you, to read your blog entries, to learn how God has been working in your life, to see your beautiful paintings, and to enjoy sweet Christian fellowship with you. I appreciate all that you have added to my blog, too, with your inspiring comments and words of assurance, comfort, encouragement and God-like love and grace. You have been a blessing to me. So, I thank God for you and for the rest of my Christian blogging family, too. Sue

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    1. Oh, Sue… I feel the same way about you! I’m so thankful that I have the honor and privilege of knowing you through our blogs! Your steadfast, tender heart toward God and the beautiful worship songs that you write continually encourage and inspire me! I’m looking so forward to continuing to worship with you in 2018! God bless you especially as you are such a blessing to me! ❤

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      1. God is so good! He knows what we need. And, he supplies. He works in us and through us for his glory, and so that we can be an encouragement to one another. Praise His Holy Name!

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  13. Amen! Lynn. I hope younhad a great New Years and I agree with what Philippians had to say. We need to forget what is behind us and focus on what is in front of us.

    We as Christians need to press forward with God and to win the prize that God has called us to have.

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    1. Thank you so much, Josh! Yes, New Year’s was quiet and lovely here. And I pray 2018 brings plenty of time for everything that you love most! And Amen to all that you so thoughtfully say here. Isn’t it nice to know that as LM Montgomery said through her protagonist, “Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it.” For us, we have a new year before us. And while we likely will make mistakes and fail, we know we are forgiven and that God’s grace is carrying us to an even better tomorrow! 🙂

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      2. Sadly, I found out just a few days ago that the art studio had to postpone the workshop. 😢 You can imagine my disappointment. I was supposed to leave tomorrow. However, it is perhaps for the best since it supposed to snow tonight and that would complicate travel. So, I’m trusting that, as always, God knows best☺️ Thanks for asking, dearest Julie! You are so thoughtful! Love you! ❤️

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      3. Ahh Lynn—that is disappointing as I know how excited you were–but postpone will just mean at a different time–and maybe a time when, as perhaps God knows best, that you will benefit even more so….
        and maybe best to hunker down—we’ve missed the latest snow offering here, but the cold with wind chill today is dipping into the negatives with a -10 feel to the air—you know us southerners don’t “do” cold very well 🙂

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      4. Yeah… I’m okay with it. The fine art studio that was hosting it hopes to reschedule it for sometime in the Fall. So, hopefully that will work out. I’ve got so much on my plate right now that after getting over the initial disappointment, I’m okay with it. Oh, goodness… didn’t know that you were experiencing the same cold as we are here in Northern VA. That’s horrendous for you all. I’m afraid it is going to be a looooong winter this year. Sigh. Stay inside and drink lots of hot chocolate 😉 Hugs!

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  20. Pingback: Resolve for 2018 – The Excitement Plan

  22. Once again dear Lynn, it gives me pleasure to wish you much Love, Joy, Peace and Hope in this New Year and of course the Rest that only comes from The Lord. I look forward to our Sharing together on our Blogs and always feel free to e-mail me if wanted.

    I noticed Lynn in one of your Comments to Ian that you have had Cancer, I’m so Thankful your OK now, God is so good. I had suspected Breast Cancer although it had disappeared by the time I had the Tests which were not long after my Doctor had confirmed it and said it was very advanced. I have had other Life threatening Conditions disappear too but God has used Doctors, Medicine and Natural Remedies to Heal me also, they are all His Tools but He is the only Healer, all good things come from Him and being Healed is very good.

    Christian Love Always – Anne.

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    1. Thank you, dear Anne! I pray God blesses you with joy, and every good and perfect gift throughout 2018! Thank you for your kind words about my bout with cancer. I’m truly thankful to God for the way He carried me and healed me. I’m so glad that you found healing as well! You are a blessing! ❤

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