In case I haven’t said it recently, thank you for reading this blog. If it wasn’t for you, there would be no reason to write. God has blessed me through you over and over again. Some of you have become dear friends that I cannot wait to meet “in person” in heaven some day. Through this blog, I have realized that there are other like-minded believers across the world who desire to trust and obey God and His Word, even if it costs. And that has been a big blessing! (Find Growing4Life on Facebook to experience some of that like-minded Christian fellowship for yourself.)
I wanted to mention a couple of important things as we head into summer–
First, a month or two ago, I began to notice that gmail was not letting me reply to your emails. I would always get the “Undelivered Mail Returned to Sender” error message. I have never had this issue in all of the years that I have been writing. I waited a few weeks to see if the problem would disappear but it has not. So I need to try to figure out what’s going on. But I want you to know that I try to respond to all of your emails. They are important to me. If I don’t respond it is because they have landed in Spam (that has happened throughout the years and sometimes I catch them and sometimes I don’t) OR, currently, it is because I can’t figure out how to. Even if I email you with your email address in a separate email (not replying to yours), it comes back to me undeliverable. It’s frustrating beyond measure. So I will be working on that but I didn’t want you to think I don’t care.
(And a personal note: for the person who wrote to me about the surgery they are having tomorrow, I want you to know that am praying! I cannot figure out how to get that response to you but please know that I am praying for you!)
Second, I wanted to just mention that my posts may be a bit more sporadic during these summer months. I will be writing some new material but I am not sure it will be weekly or always on Tuesday. I have a busy (and fun) next few weeks planned and it may make it difficult to write regularly here. It seems like a good time of year to take a small break.
Third, I’d like to ask you for prayer. My husband is facing a pretty serious back surgery at the end of July. At the beginning of 2022, he started having back pain. In the past, he could do a few things that would relieve the pain and it would go away in a few weeks. But this time it never went away and, in fact, grew worse and worse until now he is unable to be on his feet for any length of time. My husband (some of you already know this) does not like to sit still. This has been quite the challenge for him. To say the least. We are thankful to the Lord that he can sit and lay down without pain. I know many of you who have back pain are unable to do that. At any rate, if you could pray for comfort and strength for my best friend as he faces this major surgery, I’d greatly appreciate it. And for the doctor, that he would be able to do what is necessary to give relief (there is some fusing involved). Also, perhaps pray for us both as we face a long recovery together. I imagine it will be rather challenging for us both! haha
Thank you in advance! :)
Fourth, I want to thank those of you that reach out to me once in awhile to let me know you are reading. Blogging is a rather one-sided thing to do and, if it wasn’t for hearing from some of you occasionally, I really wouldn’t know if anyone is reading at all. So I just want you to know that I appreciate you taking the time to encourage me. It means more than you know.
Well, I guess that’s it. Not a normal post but I did want to update you on a few things. I hope you all have a great summer! Keep praying and studying the Word! We never want to take a break from that :) Have a great day!
thank you for sharing that . I will be praying and just know I appreciate your blog. It has encouraged me in so many ways.
Thank you so much, Margaret! You are one I look so forward to meeting one day. You have been such a consistent source of encouragement to me ❤️ and thank you so much for your prayers!
It is always a pleasure (and often a challenge!) to receive notification of your blog posts. Thank you for writing consistently and honestly.
Enjoy the fun things you have planned over the next weeks. I do pray your husband’s surgery is successful and you both grow through the recovery period 🙂
Thank you so much for the encouraging words and for the prayers, too :)
I am a faithful reader and sharer of your Biblical truth with those around me! I will be praying for your husband (and for you) in this up-coming surgery. Thank you for being the LIGHT in this dark world!
Thank you for reading AND for sharing! :) And thanks for the prayers, too
Thank you for letting us know what is going on in your life. I’m so glad you have some fun things planned before your husband has his surgery. Will certainly be praying for his comfort and especially that God will lead the doctor’s hands for a successful procedure. You are such a blessing to me and my walk with the Lord. May God be with you throughout and to Him be the glory❤️
Thank you so much, Cathy, for the encouraging words and for the prayers!
Thank you for your candidness. Am loving the 2023 Bible challenge.
My husband has had 2 back surgeries in the past year. He is an disabled army vet. You will get through this. Tell hubby to do just what the doc says as well as the physical therapist.
Always sending prayers.
Oh, I am so glad you are enjoying the Bible Challenge :) And I guess you know what we are going through. I’ll tell my husband what you said :) Thanks for the prayers!
Technology right? I could not comment on your blog for a long time. And now, tada, I can again! ????? No idea why other than perhaps the new computer allows me to?
My honey has back issues and had surgery many years ago, which we suspect has failed. So I hear you about this. Praying for you both, a good recovery, and relief from pain!
Enjoy your summer!
Oh, I am so sorry about your husband’s failed surgery. I think that is my husband’s biggest fear–that it doesn’t work! Btw, I am glad you can comment again. I missed your encouragement. Thanks for the prayers.
I’ll be praying for you and your family. Your ministry(ies) are such an encouragement to me!
Thank you so much for those kind words and for your prayers, too! :)
Well, encourage your husband! My husband’s surgery was well over 20 years ago. It just wore out. Right when he had it done, he woke up pain free. That continued for many many years!
Ohh! That’s great to know! Thank you for sharing this! 😀 (your reply actually did go through. Stuff seems so glitchy right now, doesn’t it?? )
Thank you for this! Thanking the Lord for the times you have reached out to reply…one of the dearest ladies with whom I had shared your blog had passed in November (just within days of another Christian sister-friend, and my own brother)…your replies and sharing have been sources of Godly solace and gladness. Praying for you and your best friend <3 And his swift, full, safe recovery, and the Lord's provisions! — One of your sisters in the Lord, all the way from the Philippines
Oh, Mila, I have come to appreciate your encouragement so very much throughout these past years. I am so sorry you have been going through such a rough time. Wow. I am going to try to respond to your email (if it will let me) but if it doesn’t, know that I am thankful for your encouragement and look forward to meeting you in heaven someday! (Unless I get to the Philippines someday?? haha) And thanks for the prayers :)
I was having problems with my e mails for a month. We were informed that they had updated our e mail Input device. My grandson was able to figure out the update and now I am getting them again. Check if there were any updates you missed. I enjoy your blog. Even the Lord rested so don’t feel guilty not taking a break. Enjoy your summer.
Oh, thanks so much for the idea. I’ll look into that. And thanks so much for the kind words, as well :)
I will pray for your husband. I thank you for your blog.
Thank you so much!
You didn’t give a date for the operation but must be getting closer. Prayed for you and your husband this morning, that the Lord would give grace to honor Him throughout.
Thank you so much for your prayers! The surgery is scheduled for July 31! (and always nice to hear from you!)
So very grateful for your discernment and wisdom you share with us! You are being read and spread to people you don’t even know that are not even on your blog list. I share your blog with many. Your ministry is impacting more than you will ever know! Thank you for giving of your time to all of us who need to be encouraged and fed through your words!
Thank you for those very encouraging and kind words ❤️