pain...and the grace of God

Since my last blog, I went to California for my cousins funeral. I was able to see my aunt and grandma in Fresno who I haven't seen for almost three years. It was a blessing to be with family, and a blessing to attend an amazing memorial service. I believe God was truly glorified through it. I have since returned to to Nebraska and worked a seven day shift, had two days off, and I am on duty again for six days.

Today, I will be going to the doctor to figure out some health problems. I have a thyroid problem that I've had since high school, and until recently I was taking a natural medication for. Apparently, pharmacies aren't carrying it anymore and I'm seeing the doctor to figure out what to do. I am also seeing her for my headaches. As many of you know, I have had to deal with headaches a good chunk of my life. As I get older, they seem to be getting worse. A few years ago I had a CAT scan and a MRI, and neither of them turned up anything. Please pray that something will turn up or they will have a solution or something to help my headaches.

As I've thought over the many times I've struggled with pain (physical and emotionally), I can't help but thank God for His grace and peace. Some of my pain isn't gone, but He has been faithful and has continued to walk beside me and comfort me. In Sunday school yesterday we talked about God's grace and what does it look like in our personal lives. I can honestly say that I would not be here if it wasn't for God's grace and love. His grace and love have given me a hope...a light at the end of the tunnel if you will. No matter what happens to me or what I go through, there is always that hope of knowing I have a Savior who loves me enough He wants me to spend the rest of my life and eternity with Him. I struggle so much with so many things, but He still loves me. Working with these girls has taught me so much about myself and the extent that God would go to reveal Himself to these teens. They feel so hopeless, and I hurt for them because they don't have the hope I have. My prayer is that one day, whether it's when I'm here or years later, these girls will experience God's grace and love...which in turn will give them hope for something better. There have been many times when I have shared God's love and grace with the girls, and later realize I needed the reminder as well. God's work isn't finished in me, and His work isn't finished at Grace Childrens Home. Pray the staff will be encouraged and reminded of how much God loves them and how much He loves these kids. Pray the staff (including myself) will be encouraging and uplifting to the kids, and Christ's love will shine through up on a regular basis. Pray I will spend time in the Word and with God on a daily basis so that I can be Christ-like example to the girls. Thank you for all your support through encouragement and prayers. They are very much appreciated and needed! Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!