Archive for the ‘the Book’ Category

I have a beautiful friend named Tanya.  She recently celebrated her 15th wedding anniversary with her sweetie. Hopefully most of you have a friend like Tanya. A sweet, kind, gentle person who sings like an angel and always has a smile on her face. A person who faces adversity with grace and strength and is a constant example of what a Christian really is. I know if Tanya is reading this, she’s probably shaking her head at me for exaggerating, but that’s just because Tanya is pretty humble. A few months ago I was looking around during Communion (I know… I know… my husband has already lectured me about that so no need on your part). I saw Tanya in a pew a few rows up and she had the most glorious and peaceful look on her face. I remember thinking, “I want to be like that.”  It’s not the first time that Tanya has been an inspiration to me and I know it won’t be the last.

For the last several years, Tanya and her husband have been faced with a situation that would have brought most of us to our knees.  Tanya’s husband (and my friend!) has been battling a very serious medical condition that has taken a lot of twists and turns. They have three small children. I’m sure at times the future seemed very scary and uncertain, and it probably still does. But you wouldn’t know it by talking to them. Not only has Tanya been a shining example of trust in our Lord, she has also been a constant source of strength for those around her. Faced with one challenge after another, she has always remained positive and prayerful. God has a pretty amazing soldier in that one. I’m so proud to call her my friend.

Below is an article that Tanya wrote for the website Build Up and Sharpen. I just love it and thank Tanya for letting me share it with you. Love you, girl!

Love
Written by Tanya Coggin

Isn’t interesting how the meaning of a favorite scripture can change with time and still remain the same?

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7).

Isn’t it interesting how the meaning of a favorite scripture can change with time and still remain the same?

1 Corinthians 13. The LOVE chapter! When I was 16, I spent part of my summer as a camp counselor for abused and neglected children. One evening, a leader gave a simple devotional about putting your name in place of the word love …. Tanya is patient, Tanya is kind …. Uh oh. I had some work to do! Still do …. this devotion opened my eyes to God’s design for me.

Five years later, I was blessed enough to meet my future husband. Before I started planning for our wedding, I knew THE chapter to include. Holding hands at the altar, I remember that perfect moment, the feeling of security in His love and Mike’s love for me. The sweet looks on our family members’ faces as we declared our love for one another.

Years pass and love grows. Meanings change. Flash forward to age 26, holding Mike’s hand as he recovers from major surgery. A few more years, to age 34, holding hands during more medical treatments and tests. Listening. Loving. Wondering “Why us, Lord?” Waiting.

When appearances change and the white picket fence needs mending (or at least a fresh coat of paint!), what do we hold onto?

That same simple love! His love for us … so much LOVE that He would send His son to die for us. Our love for one another and our love for others drives us.

I still hold onto His promise of love and each day try to make Tanya more patient and kind …. His work in me continues! Thank God for His spiritual gifts!

“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

My beautiful friend Tanya sent this to me last year. She had no idea at the time how much this would mean to me that day and many days since. I’ve kept it handy and refer to it often. I just love what it says, especially the reminder that prayer is the best & easiest solution to a problem. Don’t borrow worry!

I hope you love it as much as I did.

The Holy Alphabet

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving
Do not begin to blame
Even when the times are hard
Fierce winds are bound to blow
God is forever able
Hold on to what you know
Imagine life without His love
Joy would cease to be
Keep thanking Him for all the things
Love imparts to thee
Move out of “Camp Complaining”
No weapon that is known
On earth can yield the power
Praise can do alone
Quit looking at the future
Redeem the time at hand
Start every day with worship
To “thank” is a command
Until we see Him coming
Victorious in the sky
We’ll run the race with gratitude
Xalting God most high
Yes, there’ll be good times and yes some will be bad, but…
Zion waits in glory…where none are ever sad!
 
“I AM Too blessed to be stressed!” The shortest distance between a problem
and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything. Love and peace be
with you forever, Amen.