The Lord sat enthroned at the Flood,
And the Lord sits as King forever.
The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless his people with peace.
Psalm 29:10 & 11
The picture of the rainbow over Darcy taken in July before my second surgery has meant so much to me. The first time I saw it, it gave me goosebumps. Our dear pastor friend Leonard showed it to me after they had come back from fishing, the same day Darcy caught a huge 4lb 18" Bass! Often, as I see it on my phone, this picture has brought me strength when I have felt weak, reminding me that God is watching over him. At times I have heard the Holy Spirit's quiet whisper telling me "Don't worry, I've got him covered". Darcy has gone through a lot, especially watching over me most of this year. He has never complained but in fact has shown delight in caring for me. Eyes twinkling. He amazes me. The strength and faith that he has...and his love. It's so powerful and consistent. Yes... I am a very blessed woman.
There is an old saying, "when it rains it pours". Well, this year has been that kind of a year from beginning to end. I have written about the first rainbow we saw at the beach and now this one, but there were 4 total this year captured by picture. All complete rainbows. I'm not sure why we have seen 4 and have had even the opportunity to capture them, but this we know...God has been watching over us. He is an ever present help in times of trouble.
After our wonderful family vacation to Disneyland just before Christmas and having a blast on the many thrilling rides we could squeeze in, and after coming home from a successful elk hunting trip just after, including helping to pack out a friends large bull elk, blood clots were found in Darcy's right leg! In a very short time frame (insert the sudden panic) he was giving himself shots to stop the clots from moving and also learning that he was soon to retire... in less than 2 weeks! (Surprise!!!) He did retire and Darcy is feeling healthy and well for the most part with just a little slight swelling after exercise that will soon be gone. Everything has gone amazingly smooth in his retiring. As we have prayed, God has graciously given. Confirmation at every corner and in every decision that involves everything we have needed has been provided. We are filled with great peace, which helps us to know we are on the right path. It all came up so unexpected and fast. Another surprise came just after Christmas with the passing of Darcy's Dad. Although it wasn't really a surprise it did happen suddenly. One is never really ready to say goodbye upon this earth. Darcy's parents were married over 60 years. He was a man who loved God, loved his wife much like Darcy loves me and loved his children. We know where Dad is. We sense he is very fine and can almost hear him laughing at the beauty and wonder of heaven and all that he is experiencing there with many loved ones. Yet, we will miss him.
There have been many highlights in the year 2011. Besides saying goodbye for now to Darcy's Father and a very beloved Uncle of mine, blood clots and sudden retirement and our year being filled with 2 cancer surgeries, one including a complete hysterectomy that has changed my life forever (Darcy and I just laugh each time my altered thermometer shows itself off), we have been extremely blessed by wonderful activities of life with family and friends. There have been three Births (one being our sweet little niece Brooklyn the day after my birthday, a second cousin named Dakota and sweet baby Zach), a special wedding this summer complete with a bridal shower at our house with all the trim at Lindsay's delight, we've visited Denver for a kitchen remodel and fun with our kids, we've had visits from Denver :) with family outings around Mt Hood enjoying the harvest of Hood River and food, games & laughter around the family table at night, Darcy & I celebrated 30 amazing years of marriage in August, I enjoyed reuniting with dear friends and a special teacher at my 30 year High School Reunion, we've enjoyed a special visit by my dear Aunt, bringing cousins from afar, my Grandmother and an unexpected visit with a favorite Uncle, I am enjoying a new musical instrument (my dulcimer), new songs have been written and sung, concerts enjoyed, an extra special family vacation that I will treasure always, and there is so much more. How can I adequately share sweet times with dear friends. 2011 has many wonderful things to reflect that has blessed my life that my heart is full and I cannot keep silent.
"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;
You have put off the sackcloth of mourning
and clothed me with gladness,
To the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent.
O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
Psalm 30:11 & 12
"Blessed be the Lord,
Because He has heard the voice of my supplications!
The Lord is my strength and my shield;
My heart trusted in Him
And I am helped;
Therefore my heart greatly rejoices,
And with my song I will praise Him"
Psalm 28:6 & 7
May you too find peace in God. May His presence be felt even now in whatever circumstances you are in. He loves us so much. He draws us to know Him more, to trust Him more, sometimes through difficulties that suddenly come we find Him. It is His way. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Have no fear in tomorrow, for He is faithful and just. Don't forget we have a real enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy but we have One Who comes to give us life and more abundantly. Believe. There is power in His name. Call upon the name of Jesus and He will answer you. He will never fail you and nothing is too difficult for Him. I bless you and your loved ones in this new year of our Lord 2012 with greater revelation of His love for you. You are His. He made you for Himself from His heart of love. His eyes are towards you. There is nothing you have done or could ever do to stop His love from you. Dare to wake up each morning and believe He is all He says He is. He is "I Am" and all that you need to have true peace and rest from the inside out is found in Him.
Love, Karen
