"The primary job of every father (and mother for that matter) is to become who God has made you to become." This word was given to us by our dear friend Stephen G. John and I were sharing with Stephen and Barbara our disappointments about not walking this journey as well as we would like to. We have moments of hope and moments of despair. When we are listening to the voice of the Lord, we are held steady. When we listen to voices of fear or accusation, we falter.
As we consider how this journey is impacting our children, we were comforted by Stephen's counsel. We cannot control our circumstances. The only thing we can do is to continue to become in Christ. Even though outwardly we may be wasting away, we can continue to say "yes" to Jesus and grow into who He has made us to be. What more does a child want than to see his father meeting each challenge with faith in the goodness of God and perseverance in the valley?
My heart was fortified by this reminder to continue to become. Sometimes I am tempted to give up and let things roll me over like a tidal wave. I can fill my lungs with a deep breath of peace when I think about becoming. I know all I have to do is say, "Yes, Lord." I don't have to figure everything out. I don't have to try to control things. I don't have to mourn the past or fret about the future. It is all in His hands and I say, "Yes, Lord." There is life until our last breath when we are becoming in Christ.
Lord, help me not to resist becoming through my chilly responses of the heart. Forgive me for being critical, blustery and closed. I am warming my hands on the burning fire of your love.
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
"That fierce imprisonment in the self is but the obverse of the self-giving which is absolute reality..."
--The Problem of Pain
John and Margie
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Yamaha Piano Concert
Charlotte and her friend Ben Zim. at their first concert.
Charlotte's class sings "Sianara" at the close of the Spring Concert.
Charlotte gave her first teaching from scripture. Her text was the great catch of fish.
This week Charlotte decided to set up a church in our living room. She gathered everything she needed included a few snapshots. As she was flipping through the photos, I overheard her say, "Yes, we will definitely pray for Daddy because he has something really bad."
Anointing Daddy
Josiah consuming the "wine" after the service.
The Three (?) States of Matter
When I was in school, I learned that there were 3 states of matter. This week Charlotte learned that there are 4. Solid, liquid, gas and PLASMA. What is plasma? More importantly, what household item could we use to fill a balloon like plasma? Jello? Pudding? Salt? Calling all scientists out there! Help!
Combining Solid and Liquid to Create a Gas
A Sunday Surprise
I've never seen Charlotte jump out of the tub faster!
This week's experiment was mixing vinegar and baking soda to create a gas. The kids loved this.
Christmas Decor and Pink Fur
Charlotte LOVES to decorate. This usually means taking things from all over the house and rearranging them.
Monks Band on slice of bread.
Beads and lip gloss nearby.
O Christmas Tree
Charlotte selected our tree AND decorated it. She was thrilled.
The Polar Express
Our children enjoyed a four mile train ride on the Polar Express! They heard a story, sang songs, ate cookies and sipped hot chocolate. Upon arriving at the "North Pole" Santa came on board and gave each child a bell. It was 11 degrees!
Apple Picking
The kids had a ball picking apples and pumpkins near Wisconsin.
Josiah's Pumpkin Pick
Dinner on the Deck
I made dinner for John and his sister Julia. I grilled Chicken Tandori Burgers and set the table on our deck. As you can see, John had difficulty embracing the outdoors. He gets cold easily these days. (The temp was 70.)
A Fawcett in the Drier
Josiah discovered his cousin Micah's hiding place.
Margaret sitting in her garden with John
We were blessed by a Garden Walk of Prayer and Support on July 29th.
Margaret's Garden
Linda in her garden with Margie
Linda's Garden
A Visit from Cousin Ethan
Have you ever had the feeling that things are just a little too quiet? Today my sister-in-law Julie and I enjoyed a quiet conversation during lunch.... too quiet.
The cousins got into an ink pad from my rubber stamp collection. I asked Charlotte what she had in mind putting blue ink on her face. She said, eyebrows lifted, "a disguise!" Julie and I thought they looked more like Smurfs or Oompa Loompas. Maybe they hope to audion for Blue Kids Group.
Followed by ....
Quoatables: Modesty
Post-radiation John's body is literally radiating heat. He came to the table without a shirt last week. Charlotte said, "Daddy, why did you come to breakfast in your privates?"
Charlotte and Ben looking at a frog.
On our campout last week, Charlotte enjoyed playing with her friend Ben Miller. "I really like Ben. I think I would like to marry him." (Grin, giggle, giggle)
Happy Camper
Josiah loved camping. He is covered in apple juice and crunching Corn Pops!
Josiah loved camping, but he was not wild about the backpack.
Charlotte Dressing Up
Recent Quote, "You, Daddy, me and Josiah are going to Africa where I will choose my husband. Then we will all live in London. I have big plans."
May 2007
John, Margie, Charlotte and Josiah Fawcett
Josiah
Josiah
The Olive Shoots
Charlotte
The Well Watered Garden
You will be like a well-watered garden.
2 comments:
Hi Margie,
This is Marcos from Calvary in Brazil. About your post, I don't think there is one person in this world that thinks you are not being and doing your best during this time. If we who are sinful think that, I don't think that the Lord would require perfection (whatever it may be) from you. Jesus calls us to be like children: are they perfect in behavior? I guess sincerity and openess is their strong point.
Praying for you,
Marcos
"Sometimes I am tempted to give up and let things roll me over like a tidal wave. I can fill my lungs with a deep breath of peace when I think about becoming. I know all I have to do is say, "Yes, Lord." "
Thank you, Margie--though my waves are much smaller, I needed to hear this!
Jeanne
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