What's next???

My two year old grandson loves to sit on my lap and watch a video where various construction vehicles roll across the screen. It's very techno and basic but it's perfect for this little kiddo....and his grams. As the cement mixer exits the left side of the screen, he says with delight, "What's next?".

I am so grateful that the physical battle seems to have eased up a bit. Fighting this cancer need not be my main focus at this time. It's still the monster in the cage BUT for now it's sleeping and very quiet. So I ask God, "What's next?" This has been on my mind lately as I look at an empty journal page or contemplate this blog..... What's next? I'm ready to go from holding on for dear life to celebrating and growing and learning. It's a fresh, new season. The robins are playing in the yard, the sunshine is softening the hard, cold soil. The grass is turning green and the trees are filled with gentle beginnings.

So I say with delight, "What's next, God?" This morning I opened my Bible to continue on with my "reading through the Bible in one year plan" (though I'm sadly behind schedule, I WILL get it done at some point!) and this is God's answer to me today:

"What does the LORD your God require from you,

But to fear the LORD your God,

To walk in all His ways and love Him,

And to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

And to keep the LORD's commandments and His statutes which I am commanding

You today for your good?...

So circumcise your heart, and stiffen your neck no longer.

For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords,

The great, the mighty, and the awesome God.....

You shall fear the LORD your God;

You shall serve Him

And cling to Him,

And you shall swear by His name.

He is your praise and He is your God,

Who has done these great and awesome things for you which your eyes have seen."

Deuteronomy 10:12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 21

Fearing God, serving Him and His people, clinging to Him...declaring the great and awesome things that He is doing. That's what's next!

Why Not Us?

Our dinner club was gathered around the lovely table filled with delightful food and glistening water goblets. Our hosts were sharing with us about their son's three and a half year journey walking across the United States. He and a friend just ended this long and daunting trek by jumping into the waves of the Pacific Ocean. achurchofus.com

Proud parents were telling stories of God's faithfulness, protection and provision. They told of the young men's passion to share the love of God with everyone that they met. This was their mission. Every shop that they entered, every person that they encountered, every step of the way was to bring the Good News to whoever would listen. They told of listening to people's stories, praying for waitresses having a bad day, sharing the Gospel with many struggling strangers. Really listening to the answer when they asked "how are you?"


And so I ask myself.....isn't this MY mission as well? Since when does one have to leave everything behind and walk across America to share the faithfulness of Jesus to a stranger? To reach out with a kindness, a smile, a gentle touch?

Today I received the awesome news that I am still in remission. I don't have to go back to the doctor for THREE MONTHS and there is a potential that the Tarceva could take me to a place of healing where I won't even need to take this drug! What FANTASTIC news. News I want to share! News that fills me with hope and joy. But the good news of the Gospel of Jesus, His redemption and forgiveness, is even better news. His love story fills me with lasting hope and joy. It's news I need to share. May God give us a passion and heart of love that propels us into our world with THIS
news.