This was our letter from our Pastor this week at Appleton Alliance Church. I wanted to share, because I know many of you have been wondering how I am. And, I thank you for all your calls and emails. It was not until I read this note, did I realize that my silence has been my "rest." But, now it is time to climb again. And, take on my next "uncomfortable situation."
It's Time to Climb Again
Fred Smith has been a mentor and leadership expert to thousands of people around the world. In one of his books he talks about climbing mountains and taking risks for God.
"Something in human nature tempts us to stay where we're comfortable. We try to find a plateau, a resting place, where we have comfortable stress and adequate finances, a place where we have associations with friends, without intimidation of meeting new people and entering strange situations.
Of course, we all need to plateau for a time. We climb and then plateau for assimilation and rest. But once we've assimilated what we've learned, we must climb again! It's unfortunate and very sad when we've made our last climb, whether we're forty or eighty."
I realize since I learned about having the genetic disorder, God has been allowing me to assimilate to the idea since late April. Last week, I had to take Anna to the emergency room for stitches and they mentioned her skin seemed "fragile." Well, at that moment the Holy Spirit literally entered the room and told me it is time to go find out more. Both for me and for my kids. I have been sitting on my comfortable plateau, trying to assimilate to the "news." I am ready now, I have been told it is time to "climb again."
In addition, my eye is not getting any better. (It too is at a plateau) so I am now going to try eye therapy. I will be re-assessed in October and in December they will determine if I am a candidate for eye surgery (most likely not due to the genetic disorder, but we will see.)
My mini church is studying prayer. And, we are told to pray -- to go to the throne-- and ask for our desires. That is one of the definitions of prayer. As a believer it is easy to say "it is in God's hands." But He tells us to continually ask for our desires and make prayer part of our regiment, he will respond. But we MUST ask. I am asking then, and all of you who are willing to pray for me, I ask in His name to give me the strength for this next climb. To allow me to continually trust and KNOW He does all things for good. I pray for the healing of my eye. For protection of my daughter. For protection of my son. I pray for my cousin as she battles her Lupus again. I pray for her husband, her two children, her parents and her siblings. I pray that all is done for His glory. I pray for all my mini church friends. And, I praise Him for my parents, my job, my health and my wonderful children.
If you are taking on a "Climb"--I pray for as well. And, if you are resting and assimilating, I pray you are rejuvenated and ready for His next test. The trials and tribulations we go through are all for His name, so we can continue to grow and become closer to the person He intends us to be.
Peace to you all.
P.S. I am gearing up for Life Fest and to see Third Day--but this song "Revelation" is one of my new favorites. Until recently, I thought it was all about giving me the revelation to follow Jesus. I know realize it is about knowing "when to move". I realize it is now about God allowing us to rest, but also telling us when it is time to climb again. Enjoy.
iHn (In His name)
Claudine
(I have often thought that music reflects life. The composer of our soul song entertains us with a wide variety of beats, keys, and notes that seem to be infinite and speak to each and everyone of us differently in our heart space. One special symbol included in lifes composition on the musical staff is the REST. For even the greatest composer "Rested" on the seventh day. So as we all climb up and down the staff lines singing our soul song, the spaces between those revelations contain the letters that spell "FACE". Perhaps that old saying, "You must face the music" pertains to seeking harmony within ourselves, to allow for the Face of God to be revealed. Your notes usually make me dig deeper Claudine. Love Auntie)
