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In our ladies bible study class we have been reading a book called "Why a Suffering World Makes Sense". This book is teaching me so much about who Christ is and who I am in Christ. How truely " it's not about me". We all try and say that but it becomes a daily battle not to put ourselves first. (I know it is for me) This is especially hard when there is pain and suffering in our life. These are the times we say " why me". The book we are studying is continually showing us it is a time to look to Jesus. Our strenght, our fortress, our very PRESENT help in times of trouble. How suffering is more about God's compassion, love and mercy than about us. I know this could be a hard concept for some. But a story of great love our savior has for us. The other day in prayer I was having one of those aha moments. In my fellowship with God I asked him to help me stop thinking I and think I AM. The lights and bells went off in my head. Such a simple concept!!! I know this is the time of year we reflect on the year that has come and gone. We make grand ideas about losing wieght, working less, spending more time with the family, etc. A new years resolution. A new start. Well I don't usually do those. However, now seems like a great time to begin to renew my mind. Begin to train myself in a new way of thinking. So today and everyday after I'm going to try not think I but think I AM. He is the great I AM!!! Worthy to be praised, honored and glorified. Will you join me?
Lisa
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Hello Everyone,
I would like to wish blessings to you and your families. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy and family fun. May all your prayers be answered. My hope is ALL will feel God's love and comfort.
Lisa Coker
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Well, where do I start. It's been a long week for our family. Harley and I left for Houston on Monday and returned today, Friday. Houston is a big place full of people, nice people. On the way to Houston we had car trouble (the Sullivan curse). Our condenser on the air conditioner took a hit for the team. A rock flew into it and caused ALL the freon to drain out. YES, you guessed it, it was HOT for about the last four hours of our trip. We rolled into Houston late, tired, hungry and don't forget lost (it's a big place). We found a resturannt and a very nice man who directed us to a hotel and a car repair place. This man also works as a professer at MD Anderson Cancer Treatment Center and gave us 3 free days of parking passes. We found a nice, cheap, hotel in a good location. We got up bright and early to get it fix at the recommended repair shop and those people were so very nice. The owner's wife also just had a recent diagnosis of cancer. The car repair ended up costing 1/3 less than what we thought, Praise God.
That night we ended up eating at a resturant where our waitress, Elma, in her twenty's, single with two young children, confided in us she also had been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Also that she had no insurance at this time. We talk awhile with her and told her we would be praying for her. (please say a prayer for Elma) After three days of appointments with our doctors in Houston I am glad to report GREAT NEWS! Harley did not need surgury for his abdomen. At this time they don't feel like the area in his stomach is cancer, but will watch and come back for testing in a few months. They are recommending radiation for the tumor they removed in his rectum and also a medication called Gleevic. The doctors feel if he does these two things the chance of reoccurance is almost 0%!!! So as of now Harley is CANCER FREE!!!! This is truely awesome news and answered prayer, however my mind continues to go back to the people we met in Houston. The car repair shop owner's wife, our waitress Elma, and the others we talk to in the waiting rooms ( young and old). Not to mention the others we saw walking the halls with there I.V. poles, hospital gowns on and the scarves and caps covering the bare heads (young and old).
This week has truely touched my life and changed the way I look at life. As a believer in Jesus I have to wonder if these others we saw are clinging to Him in there darkest hours. I hope so and will continue to inclue these sheep in my prayers. Please say a prayer for them as well. Well, if you were able to stay with me until the end of this I thank all who have held out your hand of compassion to us durning this time. Your prayers,emails, calls, words of encouragement and acts of love have touched me more than you will ever know. The support of a church family has ment so much and I hope to be there for each and evreyone of you. All My Love!!!!------Lisa
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We'll it's been a long two weeks since we found out My husband Harley needed to go to Houston to see a specialist for his diagnosis of cancer. There have been highs, lows, and low lows. But through it all we both know God is in control. Today we recieved a phone call from Houston, we have an appointment for this Wed. with a surgeon!! God is a blessing God and a teaching God. He is always looking for ways to bring us closer to Him, and that He has done!! I have learned that I have more faith than I knew (not a boast) for God give the measure of faith we just choose to use it. I Prasie God today for all His blessings and His presence in my life. I know He has brought us through so far and he will complete what He has started!!!
Please continue to pray for us. May God give us wisdom to make all the decsions that are ahead. I love each one of you at L.T.C. and I thankyou for your prayers, calls, cards and hugs!!! Ya'll are truely the family I never had!!!
Lisa Coker
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Have you ever had one of those times when a scripture or story out of the bible repeatedly come up. You read it one day, then you hear a sermon on the radio, then it is in the book you are reading, and so-on and so-forth. Coincidence? I think not! The 9th chapter of John has been this such story for me. I read it several weeks ago just in an ordinary quiet time. It was like I had found it for the first time and i resinatied in my spirit. I know I have read the book of John several times ( especilly after the Passion of the Christ, checking accuracy, you did it to ) But this time it was like the first time I had ever read it. Many of you know my husband and I have been going through one of lifes trials due to a health issue. So my first thought is this is a chapter on healing, right? The chapter opens with Jesus and his disciples walking, when Jesus spots a blind man ( from birth). The disciples ask Jesus what sin made this man blind, his own of the sin of his parents? Jesus ( He's so Good ) replys " Neither this mans nor his parents sinned" " but this happened so that tohe work of God might be displayed in his life" Some mud, some spit and a dip in the Pool of Siloam and bing, bam, boom he is no longer blind. So, You would think this is a story about healing. Right? Well yes, but there is much much more that God wanted me to see. Was it the mud? Was it the spit? Or the dip in the pool that healed this man? None of that! It was the mans obedience!!! This is something my Father in heaven wanted me to know. God speaks to us through his word loudly and He will get our attention. There is so much more in this story than just healing and obedience. The story continues and the blind mand goes on to make Jesus' name famous. He tells everyone even the religous leaders that want to stop Jesus. God wants me and you to be obedient and make His name famous. So tell as many people as you can what Jesus is, has and will do for you!
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