Been Thinking

October 22, 2016

Hello Mi Gente!

It’s been a heck of a roller coaster ride these last several weeks.  I caught the flu and it wanted to take me out, but as God would see fit, I’m still here!   My system practically shut down and I wasn’t eating much of anything for several days.  I lost almost ten lbs. in less than a week.  Not so good for me.   I’m slowly getting my appetite back and enjoying smoothies with heavy cream twice daily.  Thanks, Honey for all your love through this.  The 15^th was Lulu’s birthday but I’m afraid I wasn’t much for celebrating.  We did the best we could and had a great evening making homemade pizzas. The kids and their sweethearts made it special for her.  I love our little family!  God is good.

I continue to work full time but sometimes feel like I need to be home more often to rest, heal and be with my family.  Only God knows the timing of it all and what I need most.  My hope, faith and trust are in The Master’s hands and I have peace in knowing that.   I love the fall weather and colors.  Idaho is such a beautiful state and I’m glad we live here.  It’s been a bit tough getting used to the cooler weather but I enjoy the change and crisp cool air during the day; not so much at night though.

 

I’ve been thinking about a few things lately.  I’ve been thinking about our church, Meridian Assembly, and feeling grateful for the beautiful people that have come along side and shown genuine care and concern for us right now when we so desperately need it.  We’ve been part of that church for the past 11 years since moving to Idaho and feel very connected to so many people there.  I love my church family.  Many of you know I work for The Idaho Department of Correction.  I just want to give a little love to my IDOC family; especially those at SBWCC that have gone out of their way to show their love for me in so many different ways.  I love you and count it a blessing to work with you all. 

I’ve also been thinking about the brevity of life and how fragile our existence on this earth really is.  I’ve been  reexamining  the decisions I’ve made throughout my life and wondering how different my life would have been if I’d truly taken the bull by the horns and thrown caution to the wind; letting the chips just fall where they fell.  I have lived such a cautious, careful life and wonder what life would have looked like if I’d been more adventuresome.  I have always admired people that live life to the fullest and wonder if that makes a difference in their happiness.   I’ve also always been an outgoing, melancholy bit of a loner kind of guy.  I love people but I prefer my solitude.  Never been much of a hobby kind of guy.  I don’t have many things I’m passionate about and feel like I just have to do them.  I don’t have a bucket list and don’t see the point.  Most things I care about are within my grasp.  I love my family and would die for any one of them one hundred times over. 

I’ve been thinking about how blessed I am to have such an amazing beautiful wife who loves me just the way I am; faults and all. I’ve never been able to give her the things in life she deserves.  I don’t make much money and never have.   We’ve never been on any special vacations together because the money has never been there.  We’ve always lived pay check to paycheck.  She’s had to make so many sacrifices and put her desires aside for me and the kids.  I am grateful she was able to stay home with the kids as they were growing up.  This was important to her.  This decision insured we’d never have much.   Lulu always made due with what was available to her.  She’d get the kids new clothes and shopped in the thrift stores for herself.  She hated doing the bills each month, but did them anyway because it stressed me out so much.  Lulu I wanted to give you so much but I couldn’t.  Lulu, I love you more than life itself.  You, my love are a virtuous woman.  I have never regretted marrying you and I know you don’t either.   I love your passion for music, for our children and for our Lord.  You deserve so much more in life.  You have learned to be content with little. Now we need God’s abundant blessing for the remainder of our lives.  Oh, don’t get me wrong; He has always been there for us in our need.  The last several months have proven that to be true.  I continue to be blessed and humbled by everyone that has reached deep down inside their pockets and has given to us so generously.  Thank you all so much.  Your prayers have been felt and I know they still continue on.  Keep praying!

Recently, I’ve felt like we’ve come up against a wall that needs to be torn down in the spirit through prayer.  Those of you that understand spiritual warfare will know what I’m talking about.  It’s been a struggle to stay positive and I’m still recovering from the effects of the flu.  Our funds have dwindled down to a very slow pace.  Sometimes we have to wait to place a full supplement order and often skimp on good quality foods that I need to follow this program I’m on.  We’re doing all we can to save where we can, but it’s usually not enough.  We know how to live with very little; we’ve been doing it a long time.  Pray for a breakthrough so that I can continue this program without the stress and worry I’m currently under. 

I’m remembering what I heard God say to my spirit in the beginning of this whole thing, “you are not going to die, and it’s not your time yet.”  Several people heard the same thing including Pastor Ed.  Keep reminding me of this and lifting me up in your daily prayers.  When the heat is on, it’s not very comfortable.  The heat is on very high right now and I’m chaffing under it.  I look forward to what I will look like after this fire is turned down.  I trust in the One who is able to keep me from falling.

   

Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You.

Love you all,

Dave