For May 14th:

“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

It is only because of God’s strength that I am able to tell you this story. It was Friday, May 14, 2010. The day our world was turned upside down. My husband, Curtis went in for a routine yearly exam that he has every year. After questions about some enzymes and several tests later he was diagnosed with cancer that had already metastasized to his bones. He was only 46. The Dr. gave him 3 months to 3 years. He told us to get our affairs in order. Are you kidding me? What in the world do we do from here? We have 2 beautiful daughters aged 14 and 17. Who’s going to be there to watch them graduate or walk them down the aisle on their wedding day? How am I going to support us? I have never had a career and have been blessed to be a stay at home mom for the past 17 years! How am I going to be strong enough (mentally and physically) to be able to take care of Curtis? So many questions, yet so few answers. HELP!!

Don't you just love when you read something and you just get this feeling God was speaking directly to you? Well, I was reading one of my bible study books, “Lazarus Awakening" by Joanna Weaver and in it she retells the following story from Lettie B. Cowman's devotional, "Springs in the Valley":

"A naturalist spotted a large butterfly fluttering frantically as if in distress. It appeared to be caught on something. The man reached down, took hold of its wings, and set it free. The butterfly flew only a few feet before falling to the ground, dead.

Under a magnifying glass in his lab, the naturalist discovered blood flowing from tiny veins in the lovely creature's wings. He realized that inadvertently he had interrupted something very important. The butterfly's frantic fluttering had really been an attempt to emerge from its chrysalis - a strength building process designed by God. If allowed to struggle long enough, the butterfly would have come forth ready for long and wide flight. 

So it is with God's children....How the Father wishes for them wide ranges in experience and truth. He permits us to be fastened to some form of struggle. We would tear ourselves free. We cry out in our distress and sometimes think Him cruel that He does not release us. He permits us to flutter and flutter on. Struggle seems to be His program sometimes.

For we will inevitably encounter moments when God's timing or methods seem a bit cruel, when situations He allows confound our understanding. But if we'll step back and give God room, we'll discover our Father really does know best.

Because God has always been more interested in shaping the character of his children than simply providing them comfort."

WOW! I always love watching butterflies....and now I will never look at them the same again. Just remember no matter what struggles you are facing, big or little, look for the opportunity to thank God for allowing you to grow and get stronger. (I'm thinking Curtis and I can move mountains! I bet you can too!) 

Today is the 3^rd anniversary of Curtis’ cancer diagnosis. Praise to our loving God! God is the only one who truly knows what directions our journeys go and truly knows what our futures hold. We have placed our trust in the Lord’s time table.

Lesa Smith