Eye of the Storm ~
Since I last wrote you I have had this saying, ' Eye of the Storm", impressed on me over and over.I have sat down to write you many times and each time the saying 'Eye of the Storm' came to me and I just didn't know what I was suppose to write and what it meant, so I would close the computer and ask God to show me what he wanted me to understand.
I have to tell you I didn't even know what the eye of a storm was. I can see myself standing untouched while life is happening, whirling around me, as if I where to reach my hand out into the storm it would all fall apart, I have to stand with my hands to my sides as I watch my homes flying by, I can see the ones I love, I see our finances, checkbooks, money floating in the air, even our little dog, I know it sounds like Dorthy in the Wizard of Oz, but I have to admit that is just what it looks like. It is the weirdest feeling to stand in calm knowing that there is a fierce storm raging around me. I looked up the term eye of the storm and it read that the eye was necessary for the storm to develop, OK. I also read that there is safety in the eye. You see since I last wrote you we moved from our home in Palm Springs to Santa Cruz, we had a garage sale that we anticipated having to take two days to sell everything, we ended up selling everything in the first four hours, it was amazing, Gary looked at me and said, other miracle. At the very same time our car broke again and so we rented a car for the week, the rental cars air conditioner broke, and the back hatch fell off and hit me on the head while packing. Every minute of everyday is an opportunity to trust, like never before.Yes, we have seen so many miracles. The mobile-home is right in the neighborhood Gary grew up, it came furnished which was such a blessing as Gary did not have the strength to move our furniture and it was a lesson in letting go of possessions that we had become attached too. When Gary is at our new little made in 1964 mobile-home, all he can say is I love it here and I can see the peace where there is much physical pain.
God is doing so much how I long to write you each time and praise the Lord together, then the storm shifts and I am unable to stop it I must do my part and trust the details to my loving Father. Just yesterday Gary had more then then nine pounds of fluids removed from his abdomen, we met with Dr. Winkler and he reported that the tumor markers continue to go down and that much of Gary's recent blood work indicates that Grays body is starting to fight back. REALLY! ARE YOU KIDDING!!!! THAT IS SO AWESOME....Gary has lost a lot of weight and it is hard to imagine how this could be true. Dr. Winkler, said, " I am not sure how this is all happening, just keep those prayers coming, He said,"I am not going to take credit for this. Amen."
Then its off to our sons and Gary has a very long and painful night. I do my part, I love him, intercede for him, and comfort him. One minute we are rejoicing and the next we are feeling the reality of this serious storm that whirls around us.
The storm, oh I am staring to get it. There is no peace and rest in the details or the events of the day as they change within a minute, there is only peace in the loving arms of my Father,my Daddy, who cradles me and comforts me, who is taking care of the details of our lives.
There are too many of you to name but please know that each and everyone of you means the world to us and we are grateful for you beyond what my words can express.
As I leave you today, know that what ever I write to you will be different within the day and our specific prayer needs may change with those circumstances, but I can tell you that your prayers are being heard and answered and I stand in the calm of the storm feeling The Fathers, and all of your love, for such a time as this.
We will be in Carlsbad for two more days of treatment and then in Santa Cruz for five full days. Gary is very weak, we need continued wisdom in how to keep him nourished so he can continue to treated ,prayers that Gary will not get a total blockage but that if he does we will have wisdom to deal with it, prayers for a quick sale of our house in Santa Cruz and peace, yes, peace in the storm.
Please also know that Gary and I are very encouraged when you take the time to post. There are times we just go to this web site and read the posts and comments for encouragement.
Blessings,
Dawn
Comments (11)
Our God is awesome! A word which really is reserved for HIM alone! Only He can orchestrate all these details, and life experiences that are swirling around you...and give you HIS PEACE. Every time we read your updates we have tears in our eyes as we are watching God do His miraculous work through you. When you are back in SC message me on FB if you need meals, Starbucks, or whatever!
Thank you so much Dawn for the update. You are continually in our prayers. So praising God how he has gone before you each step of the way in this journey. Look forward to seeing you soon and one you get here in SAnta Cruz, please don't hesitate to call on me for help. Love you both.
Wow - thanks so much for sharing. Two scriptures came to mind: Be still and know that I am God. (Psalms 46;10) And Consider it all joy (James 1:2-4) Your (you and Gary) strength continues to strengthen me. The victories, the tears, the peace, the laughter. Thank you God for being the rock through all these. Hugs and prayers.
Thanks Dawn for the up date. I can't even imagine what your family is going through, but thankful you all have Jesus to carry you. Our Father is almighty and worthy to be praised. We will continue to pray, God puts you, Gary, and family on my mind many times a day. May He continue to do miracles. and if you need anything at all send me a message on Facebook. I also remember our boys running through the church and having a blast. :) Love Mark and Trish
Dawn, I am feeling your pain, my imagination is very vivid in what you are going through. You have always reminded me much of myself, and I pray that when I am faced with the storm, I will stand in the midst with strength and grace, as you do now. The eye of the storm can also be filled with clear skies whilst it is dark all around, so I guess, dwell in the eye, in the clear skies. Darkness can surround us but cannot penetrate us as we are filled with Light. May the clear skies, the Light, continue to strengthen you, heal Gary, bring peace to the whole family, and continue to glorify He that is the Light. We continue to lift up your beautiful family in prayer. Our love is with you.
Wow, we read these posts and am just in awe at the fact that in the worldly weakness his heavenly strength shines through you! Dawn you are an incredible example of the woman God created women to be. And Gary your faith of a warrior is an inspiration and gives hope to so many. I know your hearing this from many but if theres anything we may possibly do please give us a shout. Much love..Team Gage John 16:33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Hooray, Hooray!!! You're doing it!! Of course you're doing it. Gary's beating it!! Keep that thought in your mind and you will continue to draw more miracles to you. And your house will sell in exactly the time it's supposed to sell and in celebration of all this good news, I'm going to make another donation of money with my gift of thanks. See you in the Philippines, Gary!
I'm with you and thinking of you so often. Thank you for all the updates. When I walk in the gym its so hard not to see Gary there. But, God has provided and I'm thankful. There's no one like you Gary I love you like a brother 😀
Gary, you are in my prayers daily.
I too have tears every time I read your updates. We too are experiencing a storm (though different than yours and satan was working overtime this week trying to discourage us) so your analogy really spoke to my heart. Our God is an Awesome God and how I praise Him daily for "... never leaving or forsaking me." This verse someone wrote on the studs of our home recently "The mind of man makes his plan but the Lord directs his steps." WE know without the shadow of doubt that God is directing us so we just have to keep on, keeping on.! Prayers and blessings and glad that you can go back home.
I can't imagine the struggles that you both are facing, but I have to tell you that both you and Gary's unrelenting faith in the goodness of the Lord has been inspiration to me and I am sure many others. Continually lifting you up in prayers.