After putting the girls in bed I packed up and headed back to overland park so I could be at church to run the bookstore. Brett and the girls stayed in Paola to attend church with the rest of the family. I woke up with the promise that today is a new day. The struggles I faced yesterday are gone. Kim Joel Brandon Kyle Brett Jillian and Elizabeth attended The Lighthouse Church. We all were a little worried about how strong we all could be back in the crowd. They felt the message was created just for their needs. I know my girls loved being with their BFF Maggie and Alyssa. I can only speak for myself but it was good to see my brothers and sisters in Christ today. I know Kim and Joel left church very blessed by the fellowship and prayers and encouragement they received. These last couple of days seem in limbo. A free fall of sorts waiting for what Friday will bring.
The message brought us a song that touched our hearts:
If You say go, we will go
If You say wait, we will wait
If You say step out on the water
And they say it can't be done
We'll fix our eyes on You and we will come
Your ways are higher than our ways
And plans that You have laid
Are good and true
If You call us to the fire
You will not withdraw Your hand
We'll gaze into the flames and look for You
The sermon brought a comforting verse
Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble whatever things are just, whatever things are sure, whatever things are loved, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you."
After the service the Elders gathered around Joel & his family to anoint him with oil and lay hands upon him. They graciously prayed over Joel calling for God's healing power. They prayed for Gods will and for His hand to be on our family as we go through the days ahead. Joel kept thinking Mathew 18:19-20 "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in Heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them
We Pray we will not fall to worry and stress about the preparations that need done by Tuesday for the trip. We pray for safety on our travels and that the hurricane will not stand in the way of our trip. We pray for rest and clear minds that rely on Jesus and His will for our lives.
Joel wrote a very special note he wished to share.....but you might grab a tissue before you start!
To my Brothers & Sisters in Christ, I cannot express my gratitude for the support and love you are giving my family and I in this time of need. You all have truly been there for me and my family and we know you will continue to bless us with your prayers and support.
As everyone knows I am a fairly emotional person, so when you see me crying my eyes out, know that they are tears of joy because of the overwhelming love and support my family and I are receiving from each and every one of you. I feel as though I have been sheltered during every moment of every day with the many thoughts and prayers each and every one of you have been providing on my behalf. To be a part of such an extended family of Christ loving Christ centered people has been such a blessing to my family and I. I cannot express the comfort and joy I have in knowing I have such a group of people behind us during each and every step of this new adventure God has put in front of my family.
As you might imagine I am full of uncertainty at this time in regards to a thing or two, but I do know this, whatever happens it will lift up and glorify His name so that others may know Him as their personal Savior. Our God is such an awesome God and just seeing the way He continues to work in the lives of so many people in so many different walks of life is truly amazing. Please continue to share your thoughts and stories with me and others of His marvelous works.
I must share with you the recent timing of our Mountain Men hike was a true blessing. The experience in itself was amazing, but God’s timing was such that I could not have imagined. As many of you know I lead a fairly busy life. My family has always been a big priority for me and I cherish every moment I get to spend with them. The hike allowed my sons and I a chance to get away and experience firsthand, some of the beauty God has placed on this earth. Our group concentrated on making the experience more than a hike up a mountain, it was a calling out to our sons to become Men. But what I didn’t realize was what lied ahead of me after returning from the hike. The changes in the altitude may have helped bring out the realization that I had something going on in my head. Prior to our trip I had no indication anything out of the ordinary was going on. Since coming down from the mountains I have experience a constant and increasingly intense headache. This caused me to seek medical attention and to discover the new challenge God has put in front of me. In looking back at how the events all have played out, I truly believe God was leading me down a path and watching over me the whole time. I still hold on to my belief that God is not finished with my journey and He is in control. Brad gave us all a verse to ponder during our trip. Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Little did I know the intimate meaning this verse would take on over the course of the next few weeks.
Kim and I want to thank everyone for the love and support our family continues to receive. Your support means so much to us. Thank you cannot be expressed enough for the way you continue to touch our lives.
I love you all as Brothers and Sister in Christ,
Joel Blackman
Love,
Kyndra and the entire Blackman family
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