We had a nice Thanksgiving yesterday with family; the weather, company, food, and drinks were all great. We hope you did as well!
Some of you reading this blog might be wondering, "What is Dave thinking about all of this?" First, I love Kate and am completely committed to her, no matter where this trial leads. Second, I know that God loves my wife (and my children) even more than I do. Third, I know that God is providential and allows suffering for His greater purposes. Fourth, I know that He will not give us beyond what we can bear. Fifth, I know that God want us to trust Him throughout this trial and with the ultimate outcome. Sixth, I know that He doesn't want us to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own. Seventh, I know that God will supply all of our needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Finally, I believe that God has numbered Kate's days (and mine) and He ultimately determines when she is to be called home (not the median statistic).
I was reading a devotional this morning and wanted to share it with you:
HIS PURPOSE
"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
Life is hard. We face pain every day. But, God can bring something good out of even the worst situation. However, it may not be the kind of good we're looking for. Our goal is happiness. His goal is to build a strong character and firm godly faith in us. Those things don't usually come from happiness but from the gold that's been refined in the furnace of pain. It may take a long time to see the good, but it will eventually come.
End
Finally, I wanted to share the story of our garage door woes. Last November we purchased a new garage door opener and had it installed by Lowe's. About 1 -2 months later the garage door buckled when it was closing. There was a little damage to the door but I was able to fix it. This same scenario happened 2-3 more times over the course of the past year. Unfortunately, now the garage door is very damaged and could accidentally fall off the tracks and damage our vehicles.
We contacted Lowe's and the garage door opener manufacturer. The garage door opener manufacturer sent out an inspector and he said that it was an installation problem. Lowe's sent out their installer and he said that it was installed properly and buckled due to lack of maintenance. So, both companies are denying any wrong doing in the matter (big surprise).
Regardless of who was at fault, the bottomline is that we need a new garage door!
After some negotiation with Lowe's this afternoon, they agreed to sell us a garage door at cost (installation extra). The cost is going to be around $600-650 just for the door.
Wondering how I was going to pay for this, today when I returned from Lowe' s and opened the mail there was a check from the State of Missouri for almost $650 and the check stub said that the money was from "abandoned assets". I was not aware of any abandoned assets. Sitting here puzzled and amazed I was reminded that God owns the cattle on a thousand hills (even the government's!) and sometimes he sells them and sends us the money.
Praise God for his many blessings!
Dave
4 comments:
Kate and Dave....I just had to say, Kate, that it was FABULOUS to see you out today. I really miss talking to you and it was great to finally get a chance to see you AND speak with you. You look wonderful...you always do...the scarf is so cute and so trendy looking...looks especially great on you! You look even brighter if that's even possible. You are such a vibrant person and the faith that you and your family have is an inspiration to many! Your story has touched the hearts of so many. I, myself, feel different about certain things in life because of you and your story...in a very positive way. I am so proud of your positive attitude in spite of negative things you may be told. Don't let that ever get you down...you have the power to see the brightness and the positive that is out there. I do feel sad for you and your family because you have to endure such a rough time and fight through so much. I just wish that such a "truly good" person would not have to go through the sadness and pain that is a part of this whole process. It is not for us to ever question though, and I don't mean it that way. I pray for all of you daily and hope that your treatment goes well and your side effects are minor! God's blessings, peace and strength to both of you, Carter, Cole, Stu and your whole family!! Enjoy your evening tonight!! Kate, will you write down the foods that you can eat and give them to me some day this week, please!! Also, don't forget to give your mom my phone # so I can run the errands for her when I am at home...Please promise to do that!! Dave...Kate is so lucky to have you there for her. Some of us are blessed to have married wonderful men. You are a really wonderful family and I wish you the best in the days ahead! love, jennifer
Kate and Dave
I had written you all a comment a couple weeks ago (a fellow BSF'er) to let you know how you've inspired me and changed my life. Most every day I read your blog and am amazed at what I read. The last couple, especially, have made me question why God allows this. Through many encouraging comments from others and what you've written (Dave, your devotions this morning re: our goals are to be happy and God's goal for us is to truly godly and have a strong foundation in Him (you wrote it better, but I can't go back to see what you wrote or I'll lose this), I have been so encouraged in God and His ways but still somewhat confused.
But then when I read about the garage door and the money coming in the mail, my gosh, it's like God is reassuring you and all of us that He knows what He's doing. He's right there next to you all letting you know He's in control and knows best. We just all have to TRUST.
Thank you so much for sharing your life with us. I know it's changing many, many people and strengthening their faith. We are praying for you. Please know that through this blog you all are being prayed for by tons of people. The power of prayer is AMAZING!!
Stacey Preusser
Dear Kate and Dave,
How I long to see you guys, as if my hugs could make things better, somehow! At least I'd feel better--I wish so badly that there were something I could do to fix everything for you. Yet I'm reminded that there is some purpose in God allowing you to go through this. It is evident that He already is at work, drawing others to Him, deepening people's faith, causing others to lift their eyes to Him as they see you both fix your gaze on Him.
God is at work (always), even if His methods are a mystery. In this I take comfort.
Dave, thanks for your latest post. Thank you both for continuing to keep us informed, even though it may be the last thing you feel like doing as you try to make sense of everything. Hopefully it's therapeutic at times, just like journaling can be.
A week or two ago I mentioned a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that continues to comfort and encourage me, as I hope it may you. I still can't find the case with the words, so I'll do the best I can. Get the CD, if possible. It's on the All Things New CD, and it's called "Beleve Me Now"
"I watch you looking out across the raging water, so sure your only hope lies on the other side. You hear the enemy, it's closing in around you. I know that you don't have the strength to fight. But do you have the faith to stand?
And believe Me now, believe Me here. Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear--'I am with you, and I am for you.' So believe Me now, believe Me now.
I am the One who waved My hand and split the ocean. I am the One who spoke the words and raised the dead. I've loved you long before I set the world in motion. I know all the fears you're feeling now, but do you remember who I am?
Do you believe Me now? Believe Me here. Remember all the times I've told you loud and clear, 'I am with you, and I am for you'
So believe Me now, believe it's true. I never have, I never will abandon you. And the God that I have always been I will forever be, so believe Me now.
I am the God who never wastes a single hurt that you endure. My words are true and all My promises are sure, so believe Me now."
I know that no matter how strong your faith is, you WILL have days when you question God, when you're unbelievably sad, when you are mad as you-know-what. Know that on those days, others are believing for you, and that you have never been held more tightly by God than in this trial. He loves you so much.
I do too. Tiffani Gibbs
Dave,
Thank you for ministering to me through your post. I needed so much to read what you wrote. I marvel at your faith and love for our God. May He bless you abundantly...
Michelle Roloff
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