His Name Is Written On Our Hearts

I posted this awhile back and felt as though the Lord wanted me to re-post in honor of Resurrection Sunday.  Back then it took 3 blogs to tell you what I'm about to share.  Guess I was being a little "wordy". This time I'm getting right to the point:
Many years ago I learned that God literally carved His name into His chosen city, Jerusalem, with a shin ש.  A shin is a letter in the Hebrew alphabet that also represents one of the names of God; El-Shaddai meaning God Almighty.  The Shin ש over Jerusalem is formed by the three valleys that run through it, the Hinnom (on the left), the Tyropoeon (down the middle), and the Kidron (on the right).

1 Kings 11:36 (NIV) I will give one tribe to his son so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name.

I was so amazed and awestruck at this revelation and wondered if I also had His name written on me.  If a piece of land carried His name then wouldn't I, whom He formed, also bear his name?  I began to think about my salvation; I asked Jesus into my 'heart', and my heart is the core where my feelings figuratively live. I wondered, if the Lord "did" decide to write His name on me, could it possibly be on my heart. After much praying and searching I found it! His name is LITERALLY written on my heart.  The same shin ש signature He used to carve upon Jerusalem is also written upon me! After this amazing revelation the Lord said to me, "You are because I AM."

                         

Jeremiah 15:16 (NIV) When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart's delight, for I bear you name, O LORD God Almighty.

Whether we chose to follow Him or not we are all God's creation.  He signed His name on every one of us.  If we choose to follow, we will live with Him in the New Jerusalem worshiping along with the angels singing, "...Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory." Isaiah 6:3. 

One day as I was praying I imagined The Lord Almighty entering the temple in His royal robes and majestic train. A sweet aroma filling every corner of my mind. The walls and pillars trembled and I felt a rumble in my chest as I heard all of creation singing, "You are Holy... Oh, so Holy... You are Holy Lord of all."  I  was on my knees and my breathing got faster as I sensed the King's presence getting closer.  I heard His footsteps next to me and His robes brushed against my body.  He said to me, "I am in your presence; you are breathing in My breath."

These are the things the Lord has revealed to me and these are the words He has spoken. I keep the tucked in my 'heart'.

He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 11:15(NIV)

Have a wonderful resurrection day!

My Friend HAD Cancer - Update #7

It's been a couple of months since my last update on Tasha's condition so here is a brief summary before I get you up to speed:
Early last year Tasha found a lump on the right side of her neck. She had it checked by her doctor who found it to be cancerous. The doctor sent her to a specialist who also confirmed that it was for sure cancer. Tasha had a total of six tests all confirming the original test -Thyroid Cancer.  In October she had surgery to remove the right side of her thyroid. The surgeon said he would decide if she needed the entire thyroid removed after he "opened her up" and took a biopsy.  We were amazed at the power of our Lord when the results came back saying the mass which had been diagnose SIX (6) times as cancer was now benign! She had the right side of her thyroid removed but, according to the surgeon, would not need any further surgeries, chemo, or medications. That day was a victorious day in The Lord. We were (and still are) so thankful to The Lord!

Here's the update:
A few weeks after the surgery Tasha went in for her "after surgery" check-up. The surgeon sat her down in his office to break some news to her.  He explained to her that, even though the tests came back as benign, upon further testing they concluded that there was a 99.9% chance of her getting cancer on the left side of her thyroid.  She would need to undergo another surgery to have it removed and this time would require radioactive iodine (a type of radiation that targets any left over thyroid). Also, she would need to take medication for the rest of her life since she would no longer have a thyroid.

I'm not gonna lie... this definitely took us by surprise but did NOT shake our faith. We stand on the His Word and know that she IS healed! However The Lord decides to heal her is His business... I'm just gonna keep on praying , hoping, and believing in Him. "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5 NKJV)  Many young people have been touched as Tasha has shared her testimony and I have no doubt that The Lord will use this testimony to help many more hurting hearts.

All of you, I'm sure, are super busy with plates over-flowing but we would really appreciate it if y'all would join us in praying for Tasha.  Her surgery is scheduled for tomorrow at 10am. I'll keep you guys posted on her progress though-out the day.

XOXO

Update #6 - My Friend HAD cancer!

Yes! It's true... My DIL HAD cancer!!
In case you haven't already heard, Tasha had surgery on Monday to remove a cancerous mass the size of an acorn on the right side of her thyroid. During the surgery a biopsy was done to see if the cancer had spread, which would then require the removal of the left side of her thyroid. About half way though the surgery the surgeon came out to give us an update.  What he said left us amazed and in tears of joy, "The mass has grown from the size of an acorn to a size larger than a golfball. It was contained, fully removed, and came back from the lab as benign."  I said, "Wait... What?!" He reiterated his previous response as I leaned in closely to purposefully listen to every syllable coming from his mouth. Again I heard, "The mass is benign." I contained my excitement so as not to freak-out the doctor (he still had to close up my friend). Once he left I turned to my family and we ALL started praising The Lord!

*Rewind to Saturday, before the surgery:
Johnny & Tasha spent the day at my house where we had a pre-surgery BBQ. Tasha & I were talking about the upcoming surgery and some of her concerns. Then she told me something that caused my heart to leap, "When the biopsy is done and 'if' it should come back as non-cancerous, I know the exact day The Lord healed me.  It was the day that Grandma Gloria prayed over me.  I have never been prayed over with such ferociousness and passion. I felt the power of The Lord come over me!"  That was also the day that so many people reached out to her saying they would be praying for her and that she was loved. The Lord used the entire day and everyone who reached out to Tasha to prepare her heart for such a prayer and her healing.  The Lord even sent a missionary to my parents Bible study on that day to prepare my mom's heart to do His Will.  (See update #2 for more details from that day.)

*Fast Forward back to the day of the surgery:
I shared all that Tasha said about her healing with my family as we were praising The Lord. My dad quickly called the missionary to give him the good news. The missionary wept loudly as he praised The Lord saying, "It is finished!"

About 15 minutes had passed and I was still on a "Jesus high" when a visitor stopped by to see how Tasha was doing. I shared the great news and their response was, "Oh, so she never had cancer?" To which I replied, "Ummm, yes. She was check seven times and each time came back as positive." The visitor balked and with disgust said, "Well, who was the genius technician that check her out?" Shocked by their response, I said loudly, "It was the Genius Lord who healed her!" Slightly taken aback by my unintentional forceful response, they said, "Oh, yea", and walked away.

This left me thinking about how The Lord tested my faith. My first thought could have been like that of the visitor but instead I knew (and still know) with all my heart, mind, and soul that MY GOD healed my friend!  SEVEN times she was checked and SEVEN times it came back positive for cancer. (Is it just me or does anyone else see something special about that number?) There is no doubt that it was The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords, The One True Healer that removed my friend's cancer.  Thank you, Jesus!

Tasha is home from the hospital and resting. The right side of her thyroid was removed BUT will not have to take any thyroid medication as the doctors previously thought! She sends everyone her love and is very thankful for all your prayers!

...Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4 NIV)

Update #5 My Friend Has Cancer

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support! Tasha is preparing for surgery this Monday, 10/14, at 8am.  She's nervous, as can be expected, but ready to get this done.  Please continue praying for her, especially on Monday.  My hope is to keep you updated throughout that day but the internet was pretty dodgy the last time we were there.

Again, I thank each if you for every ounce of love and support you have sent her way. You can not begin to imagine how helpful and encouraging your words, FB likes, texts, and hugs have been! It not only affects Tasha's countenance but us, as a family, as well. Many times you guys have left me in tears and speechless from the immeasurable love you have selflessly shared.  I pray The Lord bless you beyond your wildest dreams!

Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. (Hebrews 7:7 NKJV)

Update #4 - My Friend Has Cancer

Thank you for all your prayers and support.  My DIL (daughter-in-law) saw the specialist a couple of weeks ago and today spent the day in pre-op.  Surgery is scheduled for October 14th but we won't know the time until the day before (hospital procedure).  It's suppose to be in the morning... I'll let you know when I find out.

I am VERY pleased to say that Tasha  is keeping a positive attitude and it has not gone unnoticed.  Many people are amazed at her zeal and love for everything around her.  She told me that since she found out about the cancer she has a whole new look on life. The material things that seemed important at one time are no longer important.  She said, "The Lord is teaching me to be content in all things."

 Sometimes, though, the battle can get to be quite a challenge.  It's a fight to get out of bed, get dressed, and breathe. Yes, breathe.  Because of the location of the cancer she, at times, has difficulty catching her breath. And, the battle gets a little more challenging when random comments are made by random people who mean well.  Comments like, "Thyroid cancer?  It's no big deal,  people get it all the time."  Or, "You look & sound fine. It mustn't be that big of a deal." And the winning comment that left us speechless, "I once knew a person who had cancer, they died." I could go on & on but I would rather tell you that, even though the battle has difficult moments, my friend continually turns to The Lord so that He may renew her strength.
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. " (Isaiah 40:30, 31 NIV)

I have wondered throughout my life how people can stay positive in a "bad" situation.  I had surgery a few months ago. I could see the fear and concern in my families eyes which caused me to be strong for them.  A few weeks after my surgery we found out about Tasha's cancer and I knew I needed to be strong for her and our family.  Then one day I broke down crying uncontrollably in front of my DIL.  I kept apologizing for not being strong but I just could not get my tears under control.  My friend scoldingly said, "It's  knowing how you feel that helps me be strong.  That's what helps me know I have to keep fighting." Her words resonated in my heart remembering my own battle.  I still don't know how other people stay positive but I know what works for us.  Thank you Lord for the strength to be weak.
"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (II Corinthians 12:10 NKJV)

Please keep my DIL in your prayers.
I'll keep you posted!

P.S.
Reminder:
The fundraiser for Tasha is still ongoing and we have raised zero dollars.  The link where you can donate $5, $10, or a bazillion is:
https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/bxy2/tasha-delacruz-cancer-fund

I totally understand that not everybody can give but either way I ask that you please share the  link with everyone so that they may have the opportunity to give-forward.
(I wonder if shaving my head would help the fundraiser? Let me know.)

Update #3 - My Friend Has Cancer: Mil & Dil (A Modern Day Ruth and Naomi)

Two words destined to go down in history - MIL & DIL.  We've, at times, been compared to the kooky Lucy & Ethel or silly Lavern & Shirley but my prayer is that we will always and forever be remembered as a modern day Ruth and Naomi. No doubt the two former fictional duos, as we have seen on t.v., shared experiences that leave us in tears whether in joy or sorrow. But Ruth & Naomi were so much more... They were real people, living real lives that to this day teach us of an unwavering love shared between a MIL & DIL, and more so the unconditional love of our Father in Heaven.

These two women clung to each other during good times and bad.  Naomi only wanted the best for Ruth and tried to send her back to her mother.  But Ruth would not leave Naomi's side, even unto death.  What causes this type of unyielding devotion? I have asked myself this question many times.  It is by the grace of God that two people were willing to selflessly put aside their own desires for the benefit of the other person.  The Lord teaches these two people to build each other up and help the other reach beyond what they could have ever hoped to accomplish regardless of their weaknesses.  This is the kind of love that cannot be described and it is through this particular kind of love that shines the love of Christ.

Some of us have relationships that tell a story of love similar to these two but I would like to focus on the mother-in-law (MIL) and (daughter-in-law (DIL) aspect of this story.  

I found a note that Tasha & I wrote to each other a few years ago which, in a nutshell, sums up who we are to each other. I'm cautiously letting down my guard in order for you take a peak into my heart and a very personal area of my life. 

Here's our story: 

Me:  

The only words I have to describe our precious relationship  are found in the Book of Ruth. Although we have not experienced the kind of loss they did (praise The Lord) we have still gone through tough times and we held on to each other ever so tightly.  We have stayed together till all the dust cleared and now we can see the house that "LOVE" rebuilds and the beauty that still lives within us.  I thank you for never letting me feel alone and I thank The Lord for such a wonderful DIL! Next to Naomi (in the Bible) I am the most blessed MIL ever. 

Tasha:

Thank you MIL! I love you more than words can express! People may look at us funny, but they have no clue the depth of our relationship! We have gone through so much and every time we've come out stronger! When I prayed for my husband, I had no idea I would get a MIL like you! I have so much fun with you ALL the time! I pray that I can be half the blessing that you've been to me!  I pray our lives and relationship shine His love, mercy, and joy! Thank you MIL for never letting me down, for always guiding me in the ways of the Lord, and making me laugh till I almost pee my pants! You and Papa have never made me feel like an outsider in the family! I've always just been, thank you for that! Lots of love and smothering hugs...I know you like those!

Like every dynamic duo, we too have a theme song, "I'm with you" by Amy Grant and Nicole Nordeman.  I've included the link in case you'd like to listen to it: 

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NHZZyNGvOVY

The reason I have allowed one of my "walls" to  come down is in hopes that you would understand where I'm coming from when I give you the next "Tasha Update".  Her appointment with the thyroid cancer specialist is around the corner but before she can begin the process the "financials" have to be in order. Bottom line to the "financials"...there is none.  She has been accepted into a group that greatly discounts all the expenses that comes with this type of situation and will allow payments to be made until the balance is paid in full. So for that we are thankful.  But the remaining balance is still going to be about $75,000.  

After Tasha's "financials appointment" she called to give me the news but broke down inconsolably.  I felt helpless, especially being on the phone and not even able to share a hug.  I thought to myself, this is my DIL, I must to do whatever I can to help, so I went to the Lord.  I found a website where I could start a donation page in Tasha's name called giveforward.com.  Here is my plea... I have set up a donation account in her name at:

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/bxy2/tasha-delacruz-cancer-fund

Every bit helps and if we put all the bits together we can knock out the chunk, in Jesus name. I'm asking from the bottom of my heart to help my DIL in this time of need.  I'm also asking that you to please pass on this request to anyone and everyone you know. I know I might be asking a lot but this is my DIL we're talking about!

Thank you for taking the time to read these updates.  It means a lot to me and especially my DIL. And thank you, in advance, for all your help! 

I'll continue to keep you posted!

But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.” When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her. (Ruth 1:16-18 NIV)

Update #2 - My Friend Has Cancer

Since my first post the outpouring of support for my DIL has been beyond my wildest dreams.  Everyone's kind and loving words brought such joy and encouragement to her heart. I thank you so much for sharing your love & concerns to lift my friend's countenance because  it was these very words The Lord used to cradle Tasha's heart and helped her come out of hiding.  

Only a handful of people knew about her diagnosis and most of these were family.  From my view point, and from her later admitting, she was concerned with how everyone would  react. Not a fear of pity (although she does not like to be pitied), nor a fear of overly concerned people, not even a fear of too many people knowing her business. It, in fact, was the opposite of those things, the Fear of Rejection.  Her fear was that no one would even care that she was embarking upon one of the most difficult journeys of her life.  

Each one of you, that reached out to my precious friend, played an important roll in The Lord's plan for Tasha.  With each prayer, post, text,  phone call, & FB "like" she  was able to see how loved and important she is to each of you.  This bombardment of love went on the entire day and still continues to this day.  By the end of the night she was thanking and praising The Lord for each of your prayers and holding tightly to  Matthew 18:19-20 (“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” NIV).  She was glad and relieved to know that so many people were praying, but what she was not aware of was that this was only the beginning.  The Lord had  great plans and the Holy Spirit was on the move. 

That night, a missionary from Africa decided to visit my parents Bible study. He was unaware of the things our family was going through and clueless of Tasha's existence.  He was speaking a powerful message that left no doubt in my mother's mind that the message was for Tasha.  Grandma Gloria (my mom) shared Tasha's story and the missionary began to pray one of the most beautiful and powerful prayers that my mom had ever heard. I'm sure, in the spiritual realm, there were "tongues of fire" over every praying person in that room.  With the power of The Holy Spirit still flowing through Grandma Gloria, she immediately called and prayed the most powerful prayer that Tasha has ever had prayed over her life.  My mother prayed to The Lord, rebuked the evil one, and anointed her.  She said Grandma prayed things that she had only confessed to The Lord and no one else.  Amazed by the power of that prayer, Tasha tearfully thanked Grandma and continued on to say the only words she could speak, "Wow... wow-wow-wow... WOW!" (I call it speechless) Thank You Lord For Praying Grandmas! 

These things happened in one day... The day that each of you reached out to my friend to show your love.  It was a great day... A victorious day in The Lord! 

Since then The Lord has shown himself to my DIL repeatedly.  Sometimes it's a  "straight-up-in-your-face" message and other times it's a small gentle reminder that He holds my friend in His hand. 

I thank The Lord for each of you and ask that you continue praying for Tasha. Her doctors appointment is around the corner so hopefully we'll have more info and a better understanding of what's to come.  

I'll keep you posted!