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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Your Dying Spouse 255 - Why Not Give Up? {FMF}

We're back with Kate Motaung and the Five Minute Friday group, for the
first FMF linkup of 2017. Join us, won't you...and write! It's fun.

I'm having to write ahead of time, and I ask your pardon in advance,
both for not knowing the keyword on writing and for any awkwardness in my words. I was badly concussed a few days ago, and I am having a bit of trouble transferring what's in my head to the keyboard. If I can, I will reference the keyword when it's revealed.


(The word this week is CONNECT, and I worked it in. Barely.)

So, to begin...

Why not just give up? It's a question I hear frequently.

I used to think that the question excluded give up and die, but it doesn't. 
It's a well-meant suggestion. Those who have offered it know how hard even the simplest tasks have become, and it's painful for them to see me try to reach beyond those to keep my dreams alive in whatever way I can.

They see no chance of fulfillment...and would resting, at the very least, not be better?

I have to admit that it's tempting. The chances that I'll finish another novel, excepting a miracle, are small, and the chance that I'll ever be well enough to fly again makes working upon aeroplanes - the very few minutes a week I am well enough to - a bit silly.

Except for this - Our actions on Earth echo in Eternity.

I believe in transcendence, that the boundaries between our world and 
God's...well, everything is porous.

We're here for a reason, and that reason doesn't end with our death. What we do here is precisely what will make us fit companions of the Almighty in Heaven.

So, no...one doesn't give up. It's not a matter of defiance or delusion. It's just the simple truth that what moves our hearts and our ambitions, if they're right and decent, is important not only to
us, but to God
.

Our dreams are not 'ours'; they are His, loaned to us with care and love for the duration.


And God likes to share, so our dreams also belong to the world. So does the example of faith and steadfastness we set while pursuing them.

Even when success is impossible, and when no one is watching. You're still connected to God.

Not giving up...it's our job.



And now over to Roger Hodgson and Supertramp...




I have another blog, "Starting The Day With Grace". The focus is a grace quote from someone you might not expect (like, say Mick Jagger) and a short commentary. I hope you'll join me.


Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.

WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.


If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.

Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.







48 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry to hear that you got a concussion :/. I love the idea that our dreams are on loan from a good Father who wants good things for us and from us. Thank you for that nugget of wisdom, Andrew.

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    1. Thank you so much, Anita. My head is slowly getting back to what passes for 'normal', haha! But it was pretty weird and painful there.

      Thanks so much for being here1

      Delete
  2. "Even when success is impossible, and when no one is watching. You're still connected to God. Not giving up...it's our job." Oh, Andrew, this is so good. I've forwarded your post to my son, bc I think he needs to read it and see your perspective. Thanks for your continued wisdom as you write your posts. Blessings to you, dear Andrew.

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    1. Gayl, thank you - I'm honoured that you have sent this to your son, truly.

      I so appreciate your being here and commenting.

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  3. You worked connection in there very nicely! Do you have any warning before you fall? Are you blacking out from pain? I have about 16 inches of snow here-much softer for the landing but our temps will reach -10 tonight. That would not be healthy for you.

    The struggle to live is bred into us. Find yourself with your air cut off and you will see the amount of life and vigor within that defies the thought of ceasing to breathe.
    I am so sorry for the multiple times you find yourself heaving and unable to breathe. That and the abdominal pain...oh Andrew. There is a quiet heroism that we all see in you. We are connected, though isolated from the reality of your suffering, our empathy is real and a steady net around you and Barbara.

    So thankful for your perserverance, my friend!
    And now a joke.
    Why won't they hire invertebrates for combat?
    Because they're spineless.
    Ha.

    :)
    -Tammy

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    1. Tammy, than you! I was really happy to get that word 'connected'. Worked well, and I think there were larger Hands at work.

      There's usually not much warning to a fall. Pain will suddenly spike and drop me. Happens outside sometimes, and the service dogs will drag me back to the house if I can't get up.

      I so appreciate the grace and love in your comment, Tammy...and I love the joke!

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  4. Okay, take two on leaving a comment. I think you worked the word in just fine. I've never thought about our dreams being on loan from God. That's a different perspective. Thank you.

    Hugs,
    Melinda
    (Visiting from FMF)

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    1. Thanks so much, Melinda...I hadn't thought about dreams as being loaned by God until recently, when I realized that mine, while they likely won't come true, still had to have some sort of purpose. God never wastes anything.

      Hugs back, my friend!

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  5. Andrew, somehow you always manage to sprinkle in large doses of the profound in the midst of your pain. I loved this post. And these lines: "Our actions on Earth echo in Eternity." and "We're here for a reason, and that reason doesn't end with our death. What we do here is precisely what will make us fit companions of the Almighty in Heaven."

    I hadn't thought too much about how our time on earth prepares us to be Jesus' companions in heaven. This truly does give light and hope for those times when life tempts us to give up.

    And the SuperTramp song—perfect. :) I haven't heard it in years. It made me smile and sympathize with the bow-tie guy. :)

    I'm praying for you, my friend. So sorry about the concussion.

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    1. Thanks so much, Jeanne...I'm so glad this resonated with you! As it gets harder to do anything - even write - I have found myself with a lot of time to try to understand the meaning of it all, and the only real antidote to despair is seeing God's Hand, and His Purpose.

      I'm so glad you liked the song! It's always been one of my favourites.

      Prayers are appreciated. I'm recovering from the concussion, but it's kind of slow.

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  6. Andrew, I'm so glad you haven't given up. I know each day is difficult, but we all feel so blessed to be connected to you and to be a part of your journey. Hugs friend. I'm in the 9 spot this week.

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    1. Thanks so much Tara. This community means so much - you guys have carried me for more miles and days than you may realize.

      Hugs back, and I LOVED your post this week!

      Delete
  7. I agree. I'm glad you haven't given up and keep on going. It is always nice to hear the perspective of a fellow veteran. :)

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    1. Thank you so much, Amanda. And I was so glad to see your clear and bracing writing in the FMF lineup this week!

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  8. Andrew, may you not ever give up. You have connected with so many of us because of your journey. And friend, you will always be connected to those you have touched. So grateful that we are forever connected to our God who keeps His people connected throughout eternity. Hugs today!

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    1. Joanne, thank you for this. The connexions I've been privileged to make here mean more than I can say, and they define God's Purpose, and His Immanence in this world. Truly, the Hands and Heart of Christ.

      Hugs back, and I'll never quit.

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  9. And there is but a thread of distance that connects our now with our eternal then. Ever so thin. #4moreyears minus a month.

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    1. Susan, I love the way you put this! And yes, four years minus a month...I'll be here!

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  10. He made us makers, in His image. So that, somehow, I think, in all our painful and painstaking efforts at creation, He lets us mirror Him -- the One who made an end of death itself!

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    1. Stacy, that is so true, and so beautifully said! He does give us the gift and privilege of being living mirrors. I love this!

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  11. Andrew, I don't need to remind you that I pray for you every day. Your mention of not being able to work on the plane made me visualize you flying without one when you get to Heaven.

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    1. Jan, I so appreciate your prayers. I do feel them; as the physical world is narrowed by pain, the transcendent, carrying prayers, becomes brighter and more vividly animated.

      And I love your visualization! Thank you for that! :)

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  12. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insights. Your word connected with me today as well as others. Your perseverance inspires and comes to me with a little guilt. My health struggles are not life threatening, just speedbumps that make me slow down a bit. Blessings and prayers for you.

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    1. Joy...I hope I may call you that, because it's a lovely first name...thank you so much, and I'm honoured that you found a connexion in my words. But please, don't feel even a bit guilty. Speed bumps can hurt. A lot.

      Blessings in return, and thank you so much for the prayers!

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  13. Yes, yes, yes! Right on. Your words speak life. Bravo.

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  14. I love your determination, and it's encouraging to think that our dreams not only matter to us but also to God. Thanks for sharing these reflections.

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    1. Thanks you so much, Lesley. It took me a long time to realize that, yes, our dreams DO matter to God, and I think that even when they're broken by pain and life, He saves the pieces and painstakingly puts them back together for us, as special gifts, from Him to us, when we enter His Presence.

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  15. "Our dreams are not 'ours'; they are His, loaned to us with care and love for the duration.

    And God likes to share, so our dreams also belong to the world. So does the example of faith and steadfastness we set while pursuing them.

    Even when success is impossible, and when no one is watching. You're still connected to God.

    Not giving up...it's our job."

    Dude. Andrew. Beautiful and true words, my brother. I needed to read them today.

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    1. Marie, I'm so glad that you found meaning here...and I have been praying for you, my friend.

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  16. "Not giving up...it's our job."

    Yes to that! Thank you so much for sharing. I've had a rough week, and you encouraged me tonight.

    Keep on keeping on, friend.

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    1. Rachel, I'm so sorry you've had a hard week, and honoured that you found encouragement here.

      You recent post about the Gospel-mirroring marriage that you and Will share moved me to tears. Your writing carries such grace and faith!

      And I promise, I won't quit.

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  17. hi andrew. i've been out of town. had to see how you were doing b/c we are connected even tho' we have never met. praying for you as you continue to endure pain and discomfort. glad you are able to keep on persevering:)

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    1. Martha, how wonderful to see you! I truly appreciate the prayers and kind words...thanks so much!

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  18. Andrew I'm so sorry to hear of your fall. I too am glad you have not given up. These words struck me, "Our actions on Earth echo in Eternity." O how I want to represent Him well here on the earth so that I will be a good citizen of heaven. Continued prayers for you my friend.

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    1. Barbie...in reading your blog, seeing your devoted ministry, I think that He's absolutely delighted with you. I think you'll get the heavenly version of a ticker-tape parade, and the Key to the City, when you arrive!

      Thank you so much for the prayers. They are very, very appreciated.

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  19. There is connection all through your words. I did not write this week, slowing down a bit on some things. But I don't want to lose all my connections with my friends in the writing arena. I learn so much from all of you. Our dreams are His dreams...I have some that will only be successful in eternity. I'm home with a miserable cold today and go through nothing as you do.
    May my prayers come swiftly to you in God's embrace!

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    1. Oh, Mary, I'm so sorry you have a cold! Those always laid me low. You may want to try hot, sweet lemonade. It always helped the sore throat, and seemed to clear my sinuses a bit.

      I truly value my connexion and friendship with you, and hope you'll be back for next week's FMF. Your wisdom is always something to which I look forward.

      Thank you so much for the prayers!

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  20. What a wonderful post Andrew! I do agree with you, by the way. We're connected to God. Find my FMF post here.

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    1. Kimberly, thank you so much! Your words and thoughts mean a lot to me.

      headed over to your post now. Looking forward to it!

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  21. I'm so glad to know that you've not given up, Andrew. Your strong will to make each day count is inspiring to say the least. I'm lifting you up in prayer, my friend, asking that the Lord would send His comfort and energize you for many more days to do His work. Hugs to you!

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    1. Beth, thank you so much. It's a fresh effort every day to build morale to the point that will carry me through, as the nights have gotten dreadful

      I so appreciate the prayers and hugs!

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  22. It's hard when people we love give up! I think there's a difference between giving up and letting go. We've loss two family members this fall - an 88 year old aunt who just fell asleep watching a football game - and my mother-in-law just before Thanksgiving who wanted to give up because she didn't want to be a burden and crossed over peacefully 3 days later. We would rather have them right here with us than not because we love them so much and they bring so much love to our lives! I'm so glad you are not giving up - you are a precious gift to those around you - you bring something wonderful to their lives! Praying that God give you energy to do what you love and shalom when you need to rest! ~ Maryleigh

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    1. Maryleigh, you're absolutely right, there is a huge difference between giving up and letting go. It can be really hard to gauge, for oneself, and especially seeing the process in someone else.

      Thank you so much for sharing your experience - and your haunting sense of loss - and thank you for the lovely, kind words with which you've gifted me. I'm so honoured!

      And thank you for the prayers! Most appreciated, and at this moment - needed.

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  23. thanks for visiting my blog again! you never need apologies with the beauty and openness of your writing. Peace, blessings, and hope from very rainy Los Angeles ;)

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    1. River Song, your blog is a delight. You are so talented!

      Blessings back! Los Angeles is a state of mind...and I MISS it!!!!!

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