Thoughts for Life: Choose Joy

Diana Derringer tells us, "No matter the diagnosis, His joy will sustain us.

'Stage III anaplastic astrocytoma, a malignant brain tumor, too near speech and memory centers to remove surgically.'

Those words, addressing my husband’s physical symptoms, began a journey that continues today.

Although initial tests indicated probable non-malignancy, the biopsy revealed an aggressive malignant mass.

We shed a few tears, prayed, and tried to sort through the bombardment of feelings.

With an average life expectancy of three to five years for this diagnosis, the stages of grief took on a whole new meaning.

Sometimes we felt like yo-yos with an unknown force controlling the string.

A false-negative test days before initial treatment gave a brief reprieve, only to be shot down when a follow-up evaluation confirmed the grimmer report.

Through all the ups and downs we've learned several valuable life lessons.

One stands out from them all: Although we have no control over a number of life’s circumstances, the reaction remains ours to make.

We can focus on material possessions we don’t have, or recall we have sufficient provisions for our needs.

We can despair when illness and age make daily life more difficult, or we can face new challenges with determination and make the most of our abilities.

Jesus said by worrying we’d never add a single hour to our life. I firmly believe worry not only shortens our days but deprives us of countless blessings during both our best and hardest times.

We've enjoyed over five years of remission (nine years plus from initial diagnosis).

Of course, we have no guarantee for what the future holds. Who does?

Yet, even on our worst days, we rest in the knowledge of God’s love and care.

Regardless of the circumstances, we've made our choice. We choose joy!

Join us and look to Christ for the joy and strength you need to overcome."

"Rejoice in the Lord always." Philippians 4:4 NIV

Choose Joy - Diana Derringer

Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.

Diana Derringer, a former social worker and adjunct professor, writes for several publications.

She teaches a middle school Sunday school class, sings in the choir, and participates in missions activities through her church.

She and her husband enjoy traveling and serving as a friendship family to international university students.

Visit her blog at www.dianaderringer.com.

Read Diana's devotions.

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Used by permission www.christiandevotions.us

Let’s pray:

Father, although we have no control over a number of life’s circumstances, the reaction remains ours to make. May our determination be to keep our eyes on You and Your provisions for us. Our lives are a constant testimony of Your goodness and mercy, so keep us aware of how our reactions and faith effect those around us, especially our loved ones. May we fill up on Your Word, so we can maintain the faith to believe You are in control of all circumstances we have in life. In Christ's precious Name we ask this, amen.

A prayer for your Pastor:

"Pray for his personal walk with God—that his soul and spirit will be nourished and strengthened in his quiet time with God, beyond his sermon preparation. Pray that he will spend more time in the Word of God rather than reading Christian books and articles." Mark 1:35; 2 Tim. 2:15-16. www.lifeaction.org

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 63:8 AMP "My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You: Your right hand upholds me."

Today’s quote: Pam Hull – “THE TOP TEN PREDICTIONS FOR 2008"

1. The Bible will still have all the answers.
2. Prayer will still work.
3. The Holy Spirit will still move.
4. God will still inhabit the praises of His people.
5. There will still be God-anointed preaching.
6. There will still be singing of praise to God.
7. God will still pour out blessings upon His people.
8. There will still be room at the Cross.
9. Jesus will still love you.
10. Jesus will still save the lost.

Some thoughts today: God sees our “pity parties”. Ministry of prophecy can reveal it, and declare direction.

- Real Christianity is being thankful for what Jesus Christ has done for us on the Cross, and being thankful through worship and service for Him. We get to serve Him as priests! 2 Peter 2:9

Tuesday’s post: #33 Pastors Are More Subject to Temptation C. Peter Wagner

Thursday's post: #34 Pastors Are More Targeted by Spiritual Warfare C. Peter Wagner

Saturday's post: Mysterious Ways: Biblically Guided to a Place of Comfort Patricia Hartmann

Sunday's post: House On a Rock (an unknown author speaks as Jesus)

A popular post: Taste and See "Learning about the Lord should be near the top of my list. I’ll be honest … it’s not the first thing that came to my mind."