WHAT HAPPENED TO JANUARY?

What happened to January? Here I was at the first of the month paying bills and looking forward to the rest of the bowl games, etc., and all of a sudden it is February and I am back to paying bills. Time really has a way of slipping by fast and I can’t help but think that God is speeding things up for the Saint’s sake. And even though all you hear about is the recession and the hard times, it is still nice to know that God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, you will come out okay. That does not mean that you are exempt from the world and all its challenges, but it does mean that He will see you through whatever happens.

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that last year I was given a prognosis of having three to twelve months more to live. Now I am in the ninth month of that time period and except for fluid in my abdomen and my lungs, there are not any other signs of deterioration that we can tell.

On December 31st I had about 2 ½ liters of fluid drained from my abdomen (before this it was usually 4 to 5 liters about every 8 weeks) and on January 29th had 4 liters drained from my left lung. Was scheduled to have the other lung drained the next day, but PTL, they said there was hardly any fluid in my right lung so did not have to go back the next day. Then, on Thursday, Feb 5th, went to see the Doctor. Once again everything looked and sounded good and do not have to back until March 26th.

As I said before, I am now in my ninth month since the initial prognosis and I know that it is the love and prayers of my family and friends that have been sustaining me during this time. And I know God is working in me to heal me completely. To Him be all the glory and honor.

I cannot tell you it has been easy, but again knowing they are all there for me, and that I do not have to fight this alone has made such a difference. They may never know how much, but God does, and He will bless them for it. I know I am not the only one who is facing battles and my love and prayers go out to them all every day, and even though I do not know any specifics, God does, and I trust He is working in their lives just as He is in mine. I do not think I could have come this far without them for there were times when I did want to give up, but just knowing they were all there for me kept me going and I cannot help but remember what the Word says about the prayers of a righteous man availing much. So I praise Him for His Word – and for bringing them all into my life.

Last year I was given a picture of Jesus holding the Bible in His hand and extending it out toward His people and every time I see it I am reminded that He has given us His Word that we might know how to live the abundant life He has for us. Everything that you would ever need to know is contained in it. He gives us instructions, He answers all our questions, and so much more. It is a constant source of information, of comfort, of exhortation, of praise, and a reminder of all His promises. Yes, we have problems and go through trials and tribulations, but He is always there to take us THROUGH them. But it is up to you whether you will let Him or not. He does not force you to do anything you do not want to do, but He does give you the opportunity to accept Him and when you do, He is always there for you. He will love you and guide you and take you by the hand that you will never be alone.

I pray that each and every one of you who reads this will know Him and follow Him.


FOLLOW THE KING

When you learn to follow the King
How truly blessed you’ll be
For He will take you by the hand
And guide you constantly

But you must listen to His voice
And willingly obey
To receive the many blessings
That He wants to convey

The blessing of His presence
Wherever you may go
The blessing of His wisdom
To help you learn and grow

That you might walk in confidence
Whatever He might ask
Because He’s well equipped you
To handle any task

Wherever He might lead you
His presence you will know
Whether on a mountaintop
Or valley deep below

Knowing as you follow Him
He’ll keep you in His care
For you’ve surrendered to Him
And now you are His heir

Kay Smith Crouch

BLESSINGS

What a wonderful God we have and I praise Him for all He has done, all He is doing, and all that He is going to do, not only for me, for all my family, too.

Went to the Doctor on Thursday and there are still no signs of deterioration. My vitals are all good; my lungs clear, my heart sounds good - and my blood cells both red and white are in the normal range. My daughter has a nurse friend who told her that with cancer the white blood count is always low - so this seems like a good sign. I know I am healed, but am waiting patiently for the Lord to reveal it in such a way that I can give Him all the glory. Amen? Amen!!!

I also told the doctor about what my first words were when they first mentioned cancer, (in case you forgot – it was “My God is bigger than any cancer.”) and said that it would not be long until she would know that I was free of cancer because God was healing me. I love her reply. She said that nothing would make her happier than for that to happen. Isn’t that great. So many doctors would scoff, but she didn’t and that made us all feel better.

Do not have to go back to the Doctor until February 5th (8 weeks) and that is nice, too. Barbie always drives in from Clarksville and both she and Cathie go with me. Then we go out to lunch and perhaps to Walmart, but we always enjoy being together. After this visit we went and picked up a couple of gifts that Cathie had signed us up for the weekend before. I had won a $50 gift certificate at a salon and I gave it to the girls so they went in and picked out some stuff and I was so blessed to be able to do that since they are always giving to me and it was nice to give to them. Then Cathie had won a “Doggie Basket” and was it ever nice. It was like a small wicker laundry basket filled with all sorts of goodies, leashes, feeding dish, etc. It was really nice but since she and Tim have cats, she gave it to Barbie and Steve for the new dog they will be getting next year. She and Steve lost their dog, Pepper, last year after 14 years so it was sort of a mixed blessing. But there was also a $25 gift certificate in the basket, which Barbie gave back to Cathie to use for their cats. So everyone was blessed.

Then we went to lunch but after that Cathie had to go and prepare for Saturday’s Open House at the Antiques Mall where she has a booth, so Barbie and I went home and got out the few Christmas decorations I had. After we had trimmed the small tree and put out a few other things I had, she decided that I needed more, so Friday morning we went to Walmart and had a really great time picking out decorations. Then we came back home and decided where they should all go. Of course, the wreath for the outside of the door was obvious, but then we found the right spot for everything else and it really looks nice. Then she helped me find boxes for all my gifts and helped me wrap them. Wasn’t that nice? It sure helped me. Of course, I still had to wrap hers and some for my friends, but that was no big deal and I finished them up by Saturday night.

Because of work schedules, we will not all be able to get together on Christmas Day, but we will celebrate the following Monday with every one there. And being together is the main thing, regardless of the actual date.

Now as we celebrate this Christmas season, I pray that each and every one of you will have a blessed Christmas and that 2009 will be your best year ever. Here is a Christmas poem I want to share with you. Hope it blesses you and please feel free to copy and share it is you so desire.

BIRTHDAY OF GOD’S SON

As we celebrate the birthday
Of God’s Beloved Son
We must praise and thank Him
For all that He has done

For He gave up His deity
To be a mortal man
As He stepped across the threshold
To fulfill His Father’s plan

Willingly He clothed Himself
In frail humanity
So He could pay the debt we owe
That we might be set free

Coming as a tiny babe
In such a humble way
Born in a lowly stable
And sleeping on the hay

So willing to be willing
No matter what the cost
Fulfilling His commission
To seek and save the lost

So in the midst of Christmas joys
Of merriment and fun
Take time to thank the Father
For giving us His Son

Kay Smith Crouch

Love and God's blessings to all of you all.

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

What a wonderful Thanksgiving I had with my wonderful family. We were all there and we probably ate more than we should have, but it was all SO GOOD.

Also received an early Christmas present when Barbie took all the girls (Cathie, Angela and me) to see the Radio City Rockettes at the Grand Old Opry House in Nashville on Friday. It was a spectacular performance, but the final scene when they portrayed the Nativity and sang with it, was the very best part of the program. When they started singing the “Halleluiah Chorus” almost everyone stood and even joined in. It was a most emotional moment and we all went out with a glad feeling because we all know the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Of course all good things come to an end, and on Saturday, after sharing a wonderful breakfast, Cathie, Tim and I headed home for Memphis. And as much as I enjoyed spending 10 days there, it was good to get home, too.

Now I am working on Christmas projects, including a Christmas letter and cards, plus getting gifts together for wrapping, etc. At this time of the year there is never a dull moment.

When I think of all the blessings I have received, not only over Thanksgiving, but also throughout the entire year, I am so very thankful. I am thankful for the wonderful family God gave me, for the wonderful friends, and most of all that He has chosen us to be part of His family.

Hope you had as wonderful a Thanksgiving as I did.

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

Only two more days until Thanksgiving and I will be with my children and grandchildren as we celebrate this wonderful holiday together in Clarksville. It is a time when we remember all the things we have to be thankful about, and there are so many, but will only share a few.

First of all, I am so very thankful for the wonderful family I have, with two super daughters; two great sons-in-laws (that I call sons); two fabulous grandchildren that I was fortunate to see grow up into such wonderful adults; and a neat grandson-in law (which I call grandson). I know that legally they are “in-laws” but in my heart they ALL belong to me and I am grateful that God brought them into my family.

And then I am thankful for the wonderful Spiritual family He has given me. I have brothers and sisters all over the US, as well as in Ireland, England, India, Peru, Chile, and Australia that I hold dear to my heart. And even though we may not have seen one another for a while, it is nice to know that we have a relationship that will never end.

Of course I am thankful that I, and my family, live here in America where we enjoy the freedoms we do. I’m not saying our country is perfect, but it is ours and even more important, it is God’s.

My dad, my brother, two cousins, and myself are all veterans and I thank God that those who saw foreign action came home safely. Now have a great-nephew who is serving in the Navy. When I think of him, and all the other husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers who are serving our country, I am grateful for their sacrifices.

Received an e-mail this morning that contained a good idea and want to pass it along to any of you who might be interested in doing this.

When doing your Christmas cards this year, take one card and send it to this address. If everyone sends one card, think of how many cards these
wonderful special people who have sacrificed so much would get.

Mail to:
A Recovering American Soldier
c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center
6900 Georgia Avenue,NW
Washington,D.C. 20307-5001

Isn’t that a wonderful idea? I think it is and intend to send at least one, if not more. Hope each one who reads this will do the same. Feel it is the least we can do for those who gave so much for us. Don’t you?

It is my prayer that each of you have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving, and I leave you with the following poem. Please feel free to share it with your family and friends if you so desire.


THANK YOU, HEAVENLY FATHER

Thank You Heavenly Father
For every thing you do
For every thing You give us
For letting us love You

You’ve given us so very much
We don’t know where to start
Our lives – our very beings
Your love within our heart

The wisdom of Your Holy Word
Which opened up the door
To the promise of salvation
And life forevermore

The Son You gave so freely
The Life, the Truth, the Way
The Spirit that’s within us
Who guides our steps each day

And even when we miss the mark
You always understand
Reaching out to keep us
In the hollow of Your hand

So thank You, Lord, for everything
And may we always be
Ready and willing to serve you
Throughout eternity

Kay Smith Crouch

IT HAS BEEN A WHILE

Yes, it has been a while since I have been on, but there has been a lot going on since then.

On October 5th Barbie and Steve picked me up and took me back home with them. God has blessed them with a beautiful home surrounded by lots and lots of trees and it is so beautiful there. They live in Southside, TN (south of Clarksville) and although it is a half hour drive into town, they love it – and so do I.

I was there for 3 ½ weeks and was treated like a queen. They are so good to me and I always enjoy being up there. It was great, too, that Barbie had fall break the week of the 13th, and Ben had two day break from college, so he was home for a couple of days, too. He had to go back on Tuesday, though, but it was fun having him around. He is so talented. Plays the guitar, composes music, works with the youth at his church in Murfreesboro, and is going to college as well.

On the 16th, Barbie and I drove to Knoxville to see my granddaughter, Angela and her husband, Zach. I had never seen their condo and they really have it fixed up nice. Plus I got to enjoy their dog, Jere, and their new kitten, Pickles. They are both affectionate and love to play, especially with each other. They were such fun to watch. The next day Barbie, Angela and I drove to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to the Great Smoky Mountains. Although there was a misty rain, it was still beautiful and I enjoyed it very much. The next morning Zach took us all around Knoxville to view the college, where Angela used to live while she was getting her Master’s Degree there, and also the park where they got engaged. Topped it off with eating Krispy Kreme doughnuts as we parked by the Tennessee River. I was really surprised at that, because I know we cross the Tennessee on the way to Clarksville and did not know that it meandered the way it does. Steve came that afternoon and while they went to the football game, I stayed at home and had fun with Jere and Pickles. Then on Sunday, after church and a great meal, we had to say goodbye to Angela and Zach and drive back home. Needless to say, it was a great trip and I enjoyed it very much.

The following week Steve was on vacation, but I did not see much of him because he went out hunting early every morning and again in the late afternoon, and with a bow and arrow. He killed a deer the very first morning. I was glad of that because I really enjoy the deer steak he fixes and would hate to have them run out. Ha! But we still had time to fellowship and that was nice, too. He has a good sense of humor and yet we shared other things as well. And of course Barbie was always with us in the evenings and it was just nice being together.

I especially enjoyed looking out their big picture window and enjoying the beautiful trees they have. There are maples, oaks, pines, dogwoods, and more. You can imagine how beautiful they are during this fall season and could not help but think about how awesome our God is. He truly is a Master Painter and I never cease to be amazed at His great artistry. When you think of ALL the colors He has given us, plus so many shades of each color, you cannot help but praise Him. Plus sometimes there were deer and turkeys that came to the edge of the trees, and one day a big buck came across the lawn close to the back deck.

But finally, on the 29th, Barbie brought me back home again because I had a doctor’s appointment on the 30th. Really enjoyed being up there so long, but still I could hardly wait to see Cathie and Tim. It was so good to be with them, too, and Saturday they came over and watched the Ole Miss – Auburn game with me and we all enjoyed being together again.

Although I went to the Doctor last Thursday, she scheduled to have my abdomen drained on Monday (yesterday), so thought I would wait to see how that went before I wrote this blog. Except for the fluid in my abdomen and a slight sinus infection, I am doing great. Each time I go she expects to see some sign of deterioration, but PTL, she finds nothing else. The two previous times they drained my abdomen they took out 5 liters? Well, this time there were only 2 ½ liters and although it was still red, it was not as dark as the other two times. so think that is encouraging. Guess time will tell.

It has been over five months now since the doctor gave me her prognosis, and except for problems with my back and knees (and the fluid in the abdomen) still feel great. I know God is healing me and I also know that all the prayers so many people have prayed for me have made a difference. There is no way to express my thanks for all those who have prayed for me, and I know there are some that did not even know me. What a blessing!

I pray you all have a blessed Thanksgiving, and here is a beautiful poem God gave me. I hope it blesses you as much as it did me.

BE AT PEACE

Do not doubt but be at peace
Despite the things you face
Knowing Jesus holds your hand
And gives to you His grace

For His grace is sufficient
And it will take you through
Every kind of circumstance
That ever comes to you

Because whatever He allows
Is surely for your good
And He will stand beside you
Just as He said He would

Shaping you and molding you
That you be made His way
For He’s the Master Potter
And you are but the clay

Then as you yield to Him
How beautiful you’ll be
Made unique in every way
To live your destiny

So be content no matter what
Let anxious moments cease
Realizing all is well
And you can be at peace

Kay Smith Crouch
September 28, 2008

CONTENTMENT

I think of all the lessons I have learned over my life and then wonder why I forget what I have learned from them. One of the things I have learned is to be content whatever the situation, and for the most part I try to be, but there are always those times when it is hard. I guess one of the hardest times was when I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and given a prognosis of only living for another three to twelve months. But then I am reminded that the first words out of my mouth when they first mentioned that dreaded word, was ”My God is greater than any cancer”! That is why I can stand in faith believing that God is taking away the cancer cells ant that I will be healed and then be able to testify of His goodness and give Him the glory He deserves.

I am also reminded of the words Paul spoke in Philippians 4:11, “ Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” And in verses 12 and 13, “I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”


What a wonderful reminder this is and I try to apply it every day, and for the most part I do remember. But on the days when life gets me down, I sometimes do forget. But then I also think of how I have been so blessed with such a wonderful family and such wonderful friends, brothers and sisters in the Lord, who love me and show their love in many ways. So how could I not be content when I remember all this. In fact, I was meditating on this the other day when the Lord gave me two poems that I would like to share with you.

CONTENT

In every situation
Just learn to be content
Knowing God is in control
And orders each event

It may be just to test you
To see you’ll react
Or maybe just to show you
That nothing you have lacked

For He is more than able
To furnish every need
But you must learn to trust Him
And let your heart be freed

Freed to fellowship with Him
And walk with Him each day
As you draw closer to Him
And He shows you His way

Listening for instructions
On what He’d have you do
And then to be obedient
And always follow through

And even during hard times
He always is right there
That you might know contentment
For you are in His care

Kay Smith Crouch




FEAR THOU NOT

“Fear thou not, for I am with you”
Thus says the Lord your God
He will strengthen you and help you
Along the paths you trod

Guiding and protecting you
Throughout both day and night
For His eyes are upon you
You’re precious in His sight

Giving you abundant life
Now and eternally
Because you choose to walk with Him
And you have been set free

Free to follow His commands
As He leads you each day
By listening and obeying
And living life His way

Though there’ll be tests and trials
Throughout your earthly life
Since He is always with you
You’ll weather every strife

For greater is He in you
And He will always say
“Fear thou not, My precious one
You’re in My heart to stay”

Kay Smith Crouch

I pray that one of both of these poems will bless you.

ANOTHER GOOD REPORT

It has been about six weeks since I last wrote about what was going on with me physically, and now it is time for another report. Last Tuesday morning I had another 5 liters of fluid drained out of my abdomen (another 12 pounds, too) and it made me feel so much more comfortable. You can imagine all the pressure it put on my other organs, etc.

Then on Thursday went to the Doctor, and I’m glad to report that, other than the fluid buildup, everything was great. My vital signs were all okay, my lungs are clear, and she was very pleased – and surprised. Do not have to go back until Oct 30th – that’s 7 weeks. Isn’t that great?

Have to tell you, too, that one of my friends told me that God showed her that when they drained the fluid out, they were also taking the cancer cells out. And she did not know anything about my going to have the fluid drained on Tuesday. How is that for more confirmation? Don’t know how many more times that fluid will have to be drained, if any, but it is a comforting and encouraging word.

My Pastor often told us that “the truth is we walk in divine health, but the fact is that sometimes we have symptoms”. Guess we all need to remember that sometimes since everyone goes through times of having symptoms at one time or another. It is nice to know, though, that our God is in control and that He promises to always take us THROUGH these trials as He works in us to bring about His plans and purpose for our lives, even though we do not always understand.

It might be a while before the proof of this third miracle comes about – but just knowing that my family and so many of my friends are praying for me is such a comfort. And there are even friends of my daughter who have bit even met me that send me cards and loving messages. What a blessing that is.

God is so good and I give Him honor and glory for all He is doing in my life, and in the lives of my family and friends.

To finish, here is a poem the Lord gave to me that is a comfort to me, to my family, and I hope a comfort to every one who reads it.

BECAUSE YOU KNOW

Because you know your Saviour lives
You need not be afraid
For Jesus holds you in His hand
And your debt He has paid

That you not fear the future
But know that every day
He is your constant companion
And He will guide your way

For when you’re walking with Him
And listening to His voice
You will know His peace and love
And your heart will rejoice

He’ll give you every thing you need
To make it through each day
Living one day at a time
As He leads you His way

And even when the trials come
You know He’ll see you through
No matter what you’re facing
His grace He’ll give to you

As you surrender daily
That His plans you fulfill
Because you know He loves you
And that He always will

Kay Smith Crouch