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Love and marriage are the greatest adventures in life, and they point they way to our relationship with the Almighty.

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Thursday, May 25, 2017

Your Dying Spouse 315 - Victory {FMF}

I don't have to play the lottery. I've already won.

Every step I take, every time I rise, every push forward against that solid wall of pain, and through the putrid mud of despair, is a stick in Satan's eye.

We're with Five Minute Friday, and I wrote this ahead of time...if I can, I will work in the keyword when it's revealed.)

(The word is VISIT. It's down there.)

It took me awhile to realize this; So much has felt like defeat, or, at best, a call to brittle and hopeless bravado in the face of hopeless odds.

But it just depends on how you look at it. Sure, my career is ruined, and I doubt I'll ever finish my writing projects, much less have the energy to even make them available of Kindle. Trying to find an agent is so far out of view now...and it would be unfair to any agent who thought to take a chance on me, if lightning struck. Can't pursue hobbies even to a small degree any more, and even reading is getting tough. I re-read a lot, because it's like visiting with an old friend, and things come back to me, and I can keep continuity.

All this is true. But look at the opportunities I have! I can set myself a challenge with every moment, to get to my feet without my legs buckling.

I can do a load of laundry, and even though the effort leaves me gasping (and it takes forever to load and unload the washer ad dryer), I can see how far I can push myself, bracing shaking knees and a spear-struck midsection to finish the task.

I can contemplate God's goodness in allowing me to see the triumphs here. And these are not small victories. Me-then would not have been up to the challenge.

As I have weakened, my strength has grown.

As hope fades, I am brim-full of hope, without a drop of despair slipping from the mug.

I can step out under the open sky, under the bright blue vault of the burning day or the velvet star-crowded night, and raise my arms in gratitude for this place, God's Own hospice for me. Every "Thank You!" I send up is a win.

My body is wracked by pain and nausea, but my heart leaps, and I can taste God's manna, the blessings of friends and family and love and laughter with which He's surrounded me.

As the prospect of future years dims, the brightness of the moment is so intense that I've gotta wear shades.

Death visits, but Life has come to stay.

Victory is sweet, and I savour it every hour, and every moment.

The musical theme is from the recent film "The Walk", about Philippe Petit's high-wire walk between the towers of the World Trade Center in 1974.




Still hoping to get the new and improved version of Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart up and running in the near future. Just haven't had the energy to do it yet...but if you would like to read it, please say so in your comment and I'd be glad to send you a PDF (which should fit your Kindle).

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.









46 comments:

  1. Death visits, but life has come to stay.
    Hurrah!
    "Oh death where is your sting? The resurrected King has rendered you defeated..."
    Andrew this is such a Brave and joyful post! Bravo!!!
    Love,
    Tammy
    Isaiah 40:29.
    “He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power.”

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    1. Tammy, thank you so much, and I am so grateful for the Isaiah Scripture. Perfect.

      Love back, from all of us.

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  2. Death visits, but life comes to stay really struck me. So glad you are still here with us friend. Continually praying for you and Barbara. You astound me friend!

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    1. Tara, thank you! This post almost didn't get written...had some real setbacks. But I am glad to be here, too.

      We thank you so much for the prayers!

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  3. Oh Andrew, thank you for choosing optimism over despair. The fact that you're looking for the victories, even the "small" ones . . . What a beautiful example of choosing hope over hopelessness. Thank you for the reminder that gratitude is so important to our spirits. Every gratitude is a win.I like that.

    I continue to pray for you my friend. Keep your eyes on the One who loves you most of all.

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    1. Jeanne, thank you so much for this kind, loving and gracious comment. I treasure your words.

      I really appreciate the prayers, and I will keep my eyes on the One. I promise.

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  4. Stephanie, you just shined a bright and glorious light into what had been a very dark day. Thank you for this!

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  5. "Death visits but Life has come to stay"- that seems to be the line that stands out to us all. Your attitude and strength in the midst of such suffering are a true victory.

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    1. Lesley, thank you so much. I'm humbled and honoured by your words.

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  6. Yup, that line that everyone likes? My fave too.

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    1. Susan, I guess that line was the keystone...and it only came to its place with the FMF prompt.

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  7. "Death visits, but Life has come to stay." What an inspiring sentence. I happened across your blog about a week ago through FMF and have been reading through your posts. Your attitude and strength amidst all your suffering has stood out to me. Know that you and your wife and in thoughts and prayers. (I added you all to my daily prayer list.) Warmly, Sue

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    1. Sue, thank you so much for this! I'm really glad that you've found something that resonates with you here, and truly honoured by your taking the time to go back and read.

      And your prayers are appreciated - and needed - by both of us.

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  8. Just ... what everybody else said about that same line. That is inspirational, Andrew -- thank you. (I hope you don't feel burdened by having to be inspirational all the time -- it just seems to be that's what ends up happening when you share your words with us.)

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    1. Jeannie, honestly...whatever is inspirational has come from my association with the FMF community, and by God's Hand. I've learned so much about life and hope here!

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  9. Life forevermore. You are inspiring, Andrew. And I like your clip. It reminds me of a book I read called Let The Great World Spin. Sending hugs, #fmffriend.

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    1. Carolina, thank you for the heads-up on that book! I'll look for it. I'm so glad you enjoyed the post and the clip. Since I don't have a problem with heights, it makes me wish I could do something similar.

      Hugs back, Carolina, from all of us.

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  10. praying for you and Barbara, andrew. so glad life has been residing in your heart and home. i guess prayers are being answered aren't they? Jesus words are both comforting and provocative, aren't they? "I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live..." John 11:25-26

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    1. Martha, yes indeed, prayers are answered daily. And I love the Scripture you brought...it's perfect!

      Thank you so much for being here.

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  11. You are so loved, Andrew. Thank you for being encouraging always. I've felt a little defeated lately ... and you encourage me ... you always encourage me.

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    1. Shelli, to be Barnabas to your Paul is a huge privilege and honour. I believe in you!

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  12. Wow. This is a victory post. Every word is meaningful. You defy the odds through daily death to self and live daily life to God. Every joy came out in this post. Beautiful. So blessed. Praises to God. Glad we've become acquainted through this venue. GBU

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    1. Norma, thank you so much for this lovely, gracious comment! You made my day, and I, too, value our friendship, more than you may know.

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  13. "As I have weakened, my strength has grown. As hope fades, I am brimfull of hope." I can understand that more and more. As we decrease He increases and He is the source of strength and hope. Your words strengthen me and help me not to quit my challenges. Thank you for being here and ministering to me as well as everyone who knows you, or doesn't. Prayers continue from my heart with joy. #48 this week.

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    1. Mary, that's exactly it...our decrease makes room for His Heart to increase in our lives. Thank you so much for bringing this to the conversation!

      I so appreciate your prayers; you are in mine.

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  14. Thank you for sharing your heart. You are an inspiration, and truly living out Ephesians 5:18b-19 “be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

    Your body may be weak, but your heart is still making melody to our LORD. Thanks for stopping by my blog, and I look forward to reading more of your posts here and at your other blog. Happy Weekend! :)

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    1. Larri, you truly honour me with the Ephesians Scripture...thank you so much for this.

      I really enjoyed your blog; you're talented and insightful, and your faith shines brightly. Looking forward to more of your posts!

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  15. I am so amazed by just how POWERFUL words are! (and can't quite understand how just by reading I can actually FEEL what you are saying). Thank you again Andrew for "pushing through". You never disappoint!

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    1. Tondra, wow, this is high praise indeed! Thank you so much for this. you give me strength to carry on.

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  16. "Death visits, but life has come to stay." There is profound truth in that. Yes, victory!

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    1. Victory indeed, Debby! In losing our lives for His sake, we gain the greatest Life.

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  17. As hope fades, I am brim-full of hope, without a drop of despair slipping from the mug. <---This stuck with me your post this week. Thanks for coming by my FL girl blog. We installed a zip line yesterday across our backyard to our neighbor's backyard. It has lasted 12 hours...praying the HOA doesn't shut it down, but counting yesterday as one of the best days of my life. Keep taking chances. Dreams do come true.
    Jenn, FMF

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    1. Jenn, a zip line! That sound like so much fun. What a wonderful day!

      If I could I'd install a practice highwire here, just to get used to that sort of thing again. I used to walk high steel, and miss it.

      Dreams do come true...and I hope ALL of yours do, Jenn!

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  18. Death visits but life has come to stay. Eternal life. Its amazing when u stop to think about it especially as one of the redeemed. I'm on a bus with about 45 kids and one of the most amazing weeks of worship Made me long for eternity. Hugs and love

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    1. Christy, I'm so honoured that this found resonance with you!

      And what a glorious week, to worship in the presence of God and children. How I envy you! :)

      Hugs and love back!

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  19. This is just amazing, Andrew. It's as if your physical body maybe weakening, but your spirital body is refusing to give into despair but pressing on in the hope of God. Your words are timeless and true and prayers for you to finish your writing!

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    1. Bonnie, thank you so much for this...and you're right, as the flesh fails the spirit seems to grow stronger, and more in tune with the Almighty. I'm so glad it works that way!

      Thank you so much for this lovely comment, and for your prayers.

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  20. You are a true inspiration, Andrew! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Your ability to find victory and hope even in the little things is so encouraging. Praying for you, friend <3

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    1. Mandy, thank so so very, very much...comments like these give me the strength and enthusiasm to keep going. I so appreciate your words and your prayers! <3

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  21. "Death visits, but Life has come to stay." What a powerful statement of hope and faith. You so vividly demonstrate the difference the One Who is the Resurrection and the Life, makes in our lives. Thank you, Andrew.

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    1. E, I am so grateful for this comment. You made my day! I'm just so honoured by your words. Truly.

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  22. Hi Andrew! I just want to say thank you for sharing your journey... It gives me hope... Much love & blessings

    Christina

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    1. Christina, thank you so much for being here today...it mans a lot, and I am really blessed by your words. To give hope is such and honour!

      Love and blessings back!

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  23. Thank-you for sharing your faith walk, your moments of victory. With you I believe that the Lord never leaves us.

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    1. Carol...wow. Thank you for this. To be able to share, through my words, the presence of the God who never leaves us...I am honoured beyond words.

      Thank you for this, from the bottom of my heart.

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  24. You never cease to amaze me, Andrew. May God continue to use you for his greater purposes.

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