Sunday, March 23, 2008

Old words, new meaning

Well, of course when I want to post pictures, it's not letting me! Oh, well. Next time.

Hope you all had a blessed Easter Sunday. This was a busy week, to say the least: Choir practice on Wednesday, Maundy Thursday (Communion), two services on Friday (one a community service, and then the evening at our church), Saturday Eggstravaganza for the kids, and then today's Easter celebration services.

We had quite a mix of Easter music today. We started out with a fun upbeat "My Savior Lives," and right from that to "Because He Lives" and then for some more traditional: "Christ Arose" and "Christ the Lord is Risen Today!"

But both Glen and I were totally shocked to the words to "Because He Lives." I knew them by heart, but they sure have a different meaning today than they did a year ago. (I'm not sure Bill and Gloria would appreciate me calling them "old words" in the title of this blog, though.) "How sweet to hold a newborn baby and feel the pride and joy she gives. But greater still, the calm assurance this child can face uncertain days because He lives." WOW! I heard Glen getting quieter and quieter beside me, and I knew he was getting as choked up as I was. I'm so glad that I believe these words. What do people do without God to help them face the future?

If we would have lived in the days of Jesus, we would have been one of the families taking their little ones to sit on Jesus' lap, and I believe that Jesus would have looked with compassion on Madeline and healed her. So many people have reminded us that "God can still heal her." I know this is so true, but I'm glad that "all fear is gone" should God choose not to. I know that God doesn't always choose to heal "broken" little ones. But maybe He has even bigger miracles in store for her. Maybe she'll reach far more than she would have if God's plan for her had been different. Whatever His choice, I choose to believe that He is a compassionate God who loves Madeline even more than we do. I'm clinging to that "calm assurance."

2 comments:

Shaun said...

Pam - I stumbled across your blog site a few weeks ago and have enjoyed looking at pictures of your family. Imagine my surprise when I checked it this morning (3/24) and found out what you all have been going through. My heart hurts for you and rejoices that your report was improved after seening the docs at St.V. You are seeing an excellent team of docs and the NICU there is phenomenal!!! I worked there when we lived out here before. Please know that I am not that far away if you need something! Our home number is 317.669.8167 or my cell is 317.517.5399 or email witterjscb@aol.com- don't hesitate to call if you need anything. We will be praying that God will continue to give you peace and added strength! Love - Shaun Witter

Anonymous said...

Dear Pam, I have been following the recent happenings in your lives and have hurt for you as well as thanked God for blessing you with His sustaining grace. I am praying for little Madeline. I AGREE..God is able to heal her...I am praying for your family as you walk this unexpected journey. I have been so blessed by both your and Glen's testimonies of faith in God. Glen can explain to you who I am. A friend in Christ,Marilyn Weese marilyn.weese@gmail.com