Joy is in the Journey

Hello everyone!
I don't have any medical updates to share as yet. I'm doing well and enjoying every day life. As I prayed about what to share this week, God brought to mind some "Joy Journeys" to blog about. I hope it encourages you with hope in your relationship with our blessed Savior. God bless all of you!  --Jacque

When I was ten years old, I made a decision that would affect my life forever: I gave my heart to Jesus. I remember one Sunday our pastor gave an invitation at the end of the service. He asked if anyone would like to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, to step out of the pew and come forward. My heart pounded as if it was going to explode…and then I froze, unable to move. I told my mom later that day what had happened. “Next week, I’m gonna do it—I’m gonna go forward!” I said. The next Sunday when the pastor gave the invitation, my heart began to pound like crazy again. But the pounding didn’t compare to the joy I experienced when I took that step of faith and publically proclaimed Jesus as my Savior. From that day forward my journey in eternity began. It hasn’t always been easy. I stumble in my faith, say and do stupid stuff and sometimes make a mess of things. Thank goodness my faith is in a Savior that loves and forgives. Because I’ve found that as I trudge through my messy life, ultimately, Joy is in the Journey.

Fourteen years ago, I lost my dad to cancer. Before he passed away, I had the privilege of spending some quality time with him while he was in the hospital. It was late at night and he asked me to stay with him…just a little bit longer. “Being here alone at night is the worst…I just can’t sleep.” he said. So as I sat by his bed stroking his thin, weary arm, Dad began to share with me some of his personal experiences growing up. His eyes sparkled as he reminisced of places he had lived and ornery things he’d done as a kid. Through my sadness I couldn’t help but smile. It was the most precious time I had ever spent with my dad. Then all too soon, it was time for me to leave. As I drove home from Wichita in the early morning hour, tears blinded my eyes from emotions mixed with joy and sadness. A week later, he died. The best part of my dad’s journey was accepting God’s gift of eternal life. And because of that, he is now living fully in the presence of God. Even through the painful paths of life, while walking daily with Christ you will find it: Joy is in the Journey.

My brother, Jeff, died at the young age of 49. His earthly journey was cut short by the ugly disease, pancreatic cancer. The last time I saw him, I had travelled to his home in California. As I sat on the edge of his bed, we talked about our kids, his fancy boat and the future. The future, as in his heavenly future. In the 49 years of my brother’s life, I remember many times of joy. And because of his claim of Christ, I have no doubt that Jeff is now present with the Lord. Even if the journey is short, look for it, it’s there. For Joy is in the Journey.

God is always present and desires an intimate relationship with each of us. I hope throughout your own life, whether in good times or in challenges, with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you will find that Joy is in the Journey.

Spiritual Gifts

One of my most frequently asked questions lately has been, “How much weight have you lost?” When I reply, “Close to 40 pounds.” more often than not, a response follows, “What a hard way to lose weight!” It has been hard…not the losing weight, mind you, but the journey. Even through the tough days, what has kept me strong is my faith in God.

Months ago, Pastor Dave encouraged the FBC congregation to take a Spiritual Gift survey to see what our gifts were. After answering the questions, the survey determined my predominant spiritual gift was Faith. I hadn’t really thought much about faith as being a gift. Trusting God has always been second nature for me—never perceiving it as something uncommon. Even in my deepest trials, it has been very natural for me to trust that God is in control of everything.

I remember one particular day I was struggling with nausea. It was a treatment day and I literally had to drag myself out of bed to get ready. Even brushing my teeth and getting dressed was a huge ordeal. The only thing I had enough strength for was to pray. And even so, “God, please help me!” was about all I could muster. It was awful. But you know, God heard and answered my cry—just as I knew He would. That trial wasn’t the most pleasant thing I had to go through, but God gave me the strength to make it to my treatment that day—and eventually back home to my warm jammies and comfy bed. It also reaffirmed my faith in a God that cares about every detail of our lives...big or small.

I guess I say all of this in hopes to encourage you in your own walk of faith. (Oh, by the way, encouragement is another one of my spiritual gifts.) The walk is not always easy, but knowing God is with us gives hope for those weary days when you want to throw in the towel and say, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” Believe me, I’ve been there and said that. But I’ve also said, “God, please help me!” And God lovingly says, “I am here, my child. Have faith and trust in Me.”

Go Deeper! Again?

Today in church, Pastor Dave challenged us from the Word in Luke 5 to “Go deeper” in our Christian walk. One of the questions he asked was, “Are you willing to go deeper in your own walk in order to grow and mature spiritually?” I had to ponder on it for awhile. A part of me wanted to proclaim boldly, Yes! I’m willing to step out of the boat and 'go deeper!' while another head-voice rationalized, I think through this cancer journey I’ve had my fill of deep challenges. Thanks anyway, but I’ll take the low road this time. My argument sounded fair enough, but I’m pretty sure that’s not the attitude God wants me to have. Basically, we’re talking about some real commitment and trust here.

I have a scan coming up in March. It’s the biggie…the PET scan. I’m pretty sure PET stands for “Patient Eventually is Traumatized”. (Just kidding, I have no idea what it stands for.) Regardless, I can sit around and worry about it, or I can say, Okay, God. I think I’ve learned some things along this journey, and have hopefully grown some. You have proven how trustworthy You are to me over and over again. I guess it’s time to go deeper. Let’s do this.

I actually did say this today. And in all honestly, I will probably have to say it every day for quite some time. The great thing is, I don’t have to go deeper on my own. God is already there to meet me, and in some cases, to carry me.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know Who holds the future.
And life is worth the living just because He lives.