Hello everyone,
Margaret has graciously given me the opportunity to say a few words to you, and I am thrilled to do so. I am overwhelmed and touched by the outpouring of love and support. First, that Margaret would take the time and precious space in her blog to share my story and second, that so many of you would respond by praying for our family. God is answering the prayers of His people and giving us peace and courage as we journey down this cancer road. He has been faithful, and we have sensed His presence every step of the way.
As I face the upcoming surgery on Monday, I know Jesus goes into the operating room with me, and that I am in His hands. Whatever the outcome, I am convinced it will be best for me, has the potential to bring about good things in others and most importantly can glorify God. Joni Erickson Tada said, “Often God uses something bad to bring about something good.” Joni is a stunning picture of this. Margaret just shared the story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot a few nights ago, another wonderful example. My prayer is that I would walk worthy…in Him and for Him.
A verse that has been a favorite of mine for many years is Psalm 61:2 where it says. “When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.” That Rock, Jesus, is our Anchor in this storm. When the waters get rough and we begin to drift into worry and fear, He gently draws us back to the solid Rock, where we find strength for the moment, courage to face what’s ahead and that wonderful peace that passes all understanding.
So thank you for your prayers and many kindnesses. We stand amazed, and we are grateful. I know the Lord will bless you, as you are blessing us.
With much gratitude to God for you,
Love, Mary
My prayer requests:
- Praise for a good day and good visits from friends
- Praise for God’s Word that encourages and comforts
- An unspoken family request
- Prayer that the Word of Christ might “dwell in me richly” and that I might go directly there when fears sneak in
“The Lord is my strength and my shield. In Him my heart trusts, and I am helped. My heart exalts, and with my song I give thanks to Him.” (Psalm 28:7)
We’re praying for you, Mary! Your faith is inspiring 🙂
Hi Mary: Just prayed for you again tonight. You have such strong faith and we are so glad about that. So we are trusting God to give the Doctors the wisdom that they need and you the strength that you need. Love you and will keep you in our prayers daily. Wally & Barb Fuja.
Mary, I wish I was near by to visit and give you a hug. Jim and I plan to see you in May while we are in Chicago. You are in our daily and at times hourly prayers. Anytime I hear or see the word” cancer”- which I do often at work in the hospital, I pray for you and your family. Thank you for letting us know your needs so we can focus on them in prayer.
Your faith and trust in the Lord is an inspiration to me. Blessings to you, Judi
Shirley and I have been praying for you and your family.
Good luck on Monday and I’m sure you are in good hands.
Love you <3 🙂
Mary, we are praying for you and your family. The verse you just quoted is the verse my mother gave me when I was a little girl as a life verse. Oh how I have needed that strength and to be shielded at times. May the precious Lord’s deep peace be your portion. He is so able to give that at times like this. Give your dear husband our love and assurance that we think of him as we’ll as your children. Love and prayers from Bruce and Beth.
Continuing to pray, Mary.
I love the verse from Psalm 62. We love you so much and you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers!
Mary, thank you for sharing your journey in this. I have been blessed by your reliance on the Lord, and reminded that it is our trust in Him and willingness to be used by Him that is our strongest testimony. It is a privilege to be able to pray for you and your family.
Praying for you and your family Mary! God will continue to provide everything you and your family need. God bless you!
Yes, Mary, He is faithful and He will surely be with you in and through your upcoming surgery and as you recover. With love, faith and prayer, Judy
Mary,
Ditto to all that was said above. You are loved deeply by many and most of all by Jesus. His plans are the best. Gerry Craig sends her love and wants you to know she is praying for you too. She has asked me to thank you for your visit a few months ago, it raised her spirits and blessed her abundantly. I have your surgery marked on my calender but also have been praying for you, your family and extended family. Rest in Him, He already knows your outcome and has prepared the way forward.
Jim and I will be praying for you, your family, and all of the medical personnel. We thank you for your willingness to be transparent at this time. It is our privilege and our joy to walk alongside of you at this time.
Martye Lowery
Mary, thanking God for your strength and love for Him. Thank you for being His great child filled with all of His love and grace in all ways and times, especially like these. love and peace to you.
Dear Mary,
This Monday, I will be praying for those that prep you for surgery, and the team of surgeons and anesthesiologist. I want each one to realize that they are seeing Jesus in you! May they recognize the Holy Spirit, and if need be, may they have a life-changing day! The Lord is working in you, and through you.
Say something like this, once you are on the table…..”May I say something now, before I go to sleep? I want to pray for you all, as you work over me”. ( pray). God bless you, and me. I’m ready”. I love you, Mary!
Praying for you daily.
Like the sisters in the gospels, you both have been shining examples to the readers of this blog.
Love,
Terry
Dear Mary, You are more of a Blessing than you know. ” Blest Rock of Ages; We are All Hiding in Thee “!
Mary, I shall be praying for you on Monday and for the family as they and close friends walk this path with you. May God continue to strengthen you. Already you are a blessing to many and I know your impact both in the Hospital and afterwards will bring God Glory!!
Kate
I am praying for you and your family, Mary. Thank you for your love for the Lord. And I thank you for the times we have talked together.
Hi Mary, I am holding you in prayer: May the God of hope fill you with peace (and comfort) so that you may ABOUND in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
We all send love, support, and encouragement that your healing will begin and that God will be right by your side each step of the way. I think of the poem about footprints in the sand, Yes God carries us thru difficult times.
Am praying for you and your family daily and will continue to do so. By the way, what time is your surgery on Monday? Love you. Ruth
Stew and I are praying for you. Am so encouraged by your faith! Have shared this blog with Berv’s cousin Kathy Anderson (my sister-in-law). Psalm 37:7 has been a blessing to me lately: “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret. . .” We will be praying on Monday.
Karin
We love you Mary! We’ll be praying.
I’ve been praying for you and your family. I know God will be with you, your family and the Doctors on Monday.
Mary may God support you and your family! This word “Often God uses something bad to bring about something good’ is encouragement for me. Thank you!