I experienced some true sadness in 2008, the very sudden and unexpected death of my oldest brother due to diabetes in June, and then in August, my uncle passed away from diabetes. Being a diabetic, this was also a bit scary. I dealt with several health problems throughout the year, all of them caused from my diabetes. My sister who is also a diabetic, was diagnosed with kidney failure this year. I lost my hair, shortybear really went bare. Toward the end of the year, things became really financially difficult for us, when lovebugs work really slowed down. But, I am not complaining about any of these trials, in my trials I am made stronger. Losing my brother, lead me to find a better doctor. She truly is trying her best to help me, thank You Lord. Losing my hair, has taught me that I am so much more than hair. I am a child of God, a daughter of the King, that makes me a princess. Going through financial difficulties has actually been a blessing. Lovebug and I have been so blessed by the kindness of friends, including someone who wished to remain anonymous. I have been able to get my medicines, pay our bills, get groceries, and gas for our car. I am so beyond grateful for the precious blessings of God. We were not able to buy Christmas gifts this year, but that did not matter. Lovebug and I had the best Christmas ever. We were together and very happy. We snuggled up and watched Christmas shows, then we turned some music on, and danced around our living room. I thank You Lord from the bottom of my heart for the sweet blessings you have poured on us this year. May 2009 be even better, I love You Lord.
31 comments:
I am so glad that you are able to be truly thankful even in the midst of pain. God is so faithful and will see you through it all!
Hugs to you.
Kim
My sister-n-law lives with us so we can help her with a lot of complications she has had this year with her diabetes. I've been learning a lot by helping her. I wish she had the same outlook as you, but I am blessed to read about your perspective. May you have peace especially on the days that are physically hard on you. Blessings!
Amanda
Denise,
Your heart of thankfulness is such a true encouragement to me! I love you my sweet friend. Happy New Year!
I was looking back over the year and was amazed at the changes we have been through....some changes like yours were very rough. But as I talked to Keith last night...we both recognized what a great life we still have. We are so blessed to have each other. And God has shown us how to walk a little closer to His side.
I am excited when I think of all the great things God has in store for you and Eddie and Keith and I.
Walking this thing out with ya'll...isn't it great to know we are never alone.
It is amazng how God blesses us in our trials...some of the best moments of my life have come in the midst of my suffering. I am so sorry for your many difficulties, but so comforted knowing that NEVER are you lost...and that your Savior holds you in His everlasting arms.
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Hope you have many good healthy days ahead and may your new year be filled with lots of love!
I would have to say I am thankful for your friendship....
you are so faithful...
I love you
blessings to you
Connie
That is what is great about financial problems. They force us to look for fun things to do together that doesn't cost money. We relie on ourselves.
You really have experienced so many challenges this past year. My heart goes out to you in the death of your brother. Losing a close loved one is so difficult. But I'm also glad that you are able to see the blessings in the midst of the pain. And best of all, you know who you are in Christ.
Thank you for sharing your heart's thankfulness. I can tell you are truly thankful and that is so wonderful. You're an inspiration!
Such a thankful heart! You are truly a precious and dear friend! love you...
It is so Awesome to see how out of turmoil you have recieved so many blessing my friend. I love reading your post they feel my life with cheer knowing & seeing how God is working in your lives.
Love you,
Heather
Denise, my dear friend...you are the perfect example of Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You bless me, encourage me and lift me up with your writings because you have such a pure and thankful heart.
Always remember that your worth and beauty comes from within...not your outward appearance. But, I am sure that you are as beautiful without hair as you are with hair.
I love how your find ways to praise God and thank Him regardless of the situation that you are in...you find the silver lining in all things, even though, I'm sure there are times that it isn't easy...you are still obedient in doing so.
I will continue to pray for your and your lovebug in 2009...may God open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings on you...so much that you are overflowing.
Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
I stood on this scripture many, many times and said to God...you said "test me...I'm testing you" and He honored yet another promise to me.
I love you, Denise! I value our friendship...you are very valuable and appreciated by me.
Love and ((hugs))
Jenn
indeed, God will reward you when it's time. I'm so glad you and luvbug had a wonderful Christmas together. I hope 2009 is very good to you both.
Denise, I once heard a pastor say that in difficult times people turn from God. They must lose their faith or something that would cause them to just keep their pain to themselves and not hand it over to our Lord. I thought that he had it backwards, to me it seems people would turn to the Lord in times of trouble and forget about Him when things are going well. I am not sure I have figured this out yet, I just know that your thankful heart in the midst of your pain and rough times is what will bring about the changes and healing in your life. Prasing God REGARDLESS, of our situation is the key. You are an inspiration to me Denise, God Bless You for your wonderful example.
Oh praise God, and many blessings for the coming year.
You are a ray of SONshine Denise.
YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL INSIDE AND OUT WITH OR WITHOUT HAIR!
I know this last year was trying... but this is a day for new beginnings.
Happy New year,
Love lea
Denise,
I hope you realize just how much you inspire all of us with your incredible faith and positive outlook on life. I'm so sorry about the struggles you've been through, but I know that God has great things in line for you...keep believing and never lose sight of that! May 2009 be a wonderful year! Love ya!
Big hug, Love you my friend. hope 2009 brings you many blessings.
A very blessed and joyous New Year to you! Thank God for His loving-kindness and blessings upon you despite the trials and difficulties. May God's love, mercies and blessings continue to surround you and your family this year. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragements. I thank God for you. Take care God bless!
Amen, Denise. The Lord knows what He is doing. We may don't understand them, but He wants a grateful heart. And I am sure that He is please with you because you have it. A grateful heart.
God's goodness and mercy will follow you and your love bug, all the days of your life.
What a year you've had. Thanks for being a true light! You are an example of how God fills us with joy despite our trials! God bless you Denise! I'm praying you have a fantastic 2009!
You are one of the most amazing women I know. Truly. God be praised for the love you have given all of us and for His love which shines in your gratitude and love for Him. Hugs.
Thankful in the midst of trials!! Yes, we are to be thankful to God even for the trials of our lives!!
I have found that some of my best growing in faith and trust of God has occurred during these times. I may not even realize it at that particular time, but when I think about it, these have been my best growth periods.
Beth
God is good in all things! Praise God for his providing and the work he is doing in you!
Thanks for stopping by my blog and I am so encouraged by your courage and faith. Thanks for sharing your heart.
Denise, I'm thankful that you have an attitude of praise and thanksgiving in the midst of the trials. I'm glad you had such a nice Christmas. May 2009 be a breakthrough year for you. Blessings on your day. Mary
Denise you are the best model for being content in whatsoever state you find yourself that I can think of. I pray for you and for lovebug and I know, as so you, that God in His glory will bring both of you through all of these challenges.
Denise, thank you so much for stopping by my blog and leaving me the sweet comment. I hope God will continue to bless you, may He give us all a thankful heart as He has given you. May you have many blessings and more love than sorrow this year. ((HUGS))
Denise, you are truly blessed and a blessing. You have inspired me so as I read your blog. May God bless you!
Dearest Denise, blessings in this new year to you and your dear hubby from me and mine.
I'm so sorry dear friend, as in my absence from blogging earlier in 2008 I had no idea of the loss you experienced of your brother and uncle due to diabetes complications. You know my husband and I know what that is like with the loss of our own daughter, Brandi, who was only 29 years old when she passed away. My husband also has the adult form of diabetes. My heart goes out to you in your loss. I'm soo thankful for the relationship we have have with Jesus Christ; for we know He is faithful to see us through everything in life, and give us peace and a heart of thankfulness for blessings. Lots of hugs, Bonnie
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