Why God?

Dear God,

You knew all along how drastically different this week was going to go than planned. You knew that Whitney's heart wasn't working right, and You knew that Tuesday was going to turn into "Surgery Day, Round Three." You knew that the surgery was going to be paid for 100%; You knew that the surgeon was leaving on vacation in a week and had one opening. You knew how everything was going to pull together and happen.

God, I'm struggling, because I didn't know. I didn't see this coming. I'm going to need a lot of help in getting through this. This is my wonderful, best-friend, younger sister! I need all the help that only You can give me to teach me to trust You. Thank You for the help that You have already given me in the form of verses and songs about Your leading and Your protection.

"My God is Good" by Faye Lopez
~Chorus~
Though I may never understand, I'll trust with all my heart,
And from the course that You have planned I never want to part.
In searching for Your way and wisdom, teach me if you would,
That for all time, in every place,
My God is Good.

II Samuel 22:31-33 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.

Thank You, God, for knowing all along how best to comfort and encourage me. Thank you for preparing me even though I didn't know that was what You were doing. Thank You for being a God Who I can turn to when my heart is aching. Thank You for loving me.

Guilty

Dear God,

You know my heart, and You know all about me. You know that one of my biggest spiritual struggles is my tongue. I have been convicted so many times about what I say and how I say it. My heart yearns to be completely focused on You so that the words that come out of my soul would only be words that You would say. I came across several verses in my morning devotions that really made me sit up and pay attention.

Matthew 12:36-37 I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.

Wow. There is a record of every careless thing that I say, and someday I will have to face God over those many words. I pray that from this point on my careless words would become fewer and fewer, that my mouth would be a better reflection of the God Whom I serve. I pray that I would follow the pattern for the tongue that James wrote out for believers.

Jam 1:19 Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

Thank You, Father, for loving me inspite of all my rough spots. Thank You that You are going to help me control my words.

I love You.

Anniversary

Dear God,
I know that you remember that one year ago today Whitney had her second open heart surgery at Mayo Clinic. Without you I would have been a nervous wreck. There were a couple verses that You gave me that really comforted me. Thank You.

2 Samuel 22:31-33 As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. "For who is God, except the LORD? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect.

John 14:27. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Thank You for all the people who were there for me when I was scared and wondering. Thank you for bringing PT and the Joiners up to be with us. But especially, thank you for allowing Nikki to come and for the shoulder that was always there when I needed a hug or started to cry. Thank You for my family, for the strength that You gave Mom and Dad, for the courage that You gave Whitney, and for the hugs Shannon, Hannah and I shared.

Thank You for all the miracles. I love you.