A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT
by Pastor Phil
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
Last week, I was on vacation, and just in a knick of time it turns out. My wife and I spent four of the days in Mendocino, which was beautiful. The entire week we made a conscious effort to not turn on the TV or listen to or read the news. We did not hear, talk or even think about COVID-19, politics, or anything else. It was wonderful. The contrast made me realize how much the incessant barrage of negative things was wearing on me. As vacation neared an end I started to feel the weight of "reality" pushing me down. I realized I needed to make a more conscious effort to look for and focus on positive and uplifting things. I can hear God mumbling, "That's what I've been saying." So, for my mental, emotional and spiritual well-being and yours I want to share this bit of good news.
Dawn has a bright, cheery smile and is a really pleasant person to be around, even when sick, and she loved to paint, but all that was gone. You likely don't know Dawn because she had just started attending our church when she was stricken with a debilitating disease called Vasculitis. She was quickly bed-ridden, no longer able to stand or even sit up on her own. She lost all use of her hands, arms, legs, and body.
Doctors kept trying different diagnoses without success, but month after month went by with Dawn immobilized in a bed at a convalescent center. It was looking like she might be this way permanently. Dawn shared with me that her greatest discouragement was not the thought of never being able to walk again, but to never be able to paint again, her God-given joy. When we learned what was going on, our PGCC Care Team began making regular visits to see her. And there were prayers, lots of prayers, by a lot of people.
After months, maybe as much as a year, the doctors finally pinpointed what was really going on and treatment began. The recovery has been slow, but Dawn wants everyone to know, GOD ANSWERS PRAYER! Dawn cannot yet stand on her own, but she can stand with assistance for a few minutes which is a big improvement from just a few weeks ago. AND SHE IS ABLE TO PAINT AGAIN! Below is a water color that she just made and sent to us.
Enjoy the painting. Enjoy the testimony. Enjoy the good news that God answers prayer. Focus on these things and have a bright, cheery day.
