When I was growing up there was a phrase that I hated to hear my parents say, "Because I said so." Of course, when I became a parent, I completely understood that phrase. As we all do, I said it to my own children more than once. Sometimes in the world of parenting, it is the only answer that works.
In the last twenty four hours, my Heavenly Father, has whispered this phrase to me numerous times. In the last few years our family has been through many trials and we have met each one with an unquestioning faith in God. But yesterday, the news from the doctor sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. It wasn't that my faith was gone; it was just that I questioned this newest trial.
First, the reaction of the petulant child. No, I would not do it again! No, No, NO! Now it wasn't like I have an option, but when a child is in the midst of a tantrum, logic does not really apply. So as any good parent would, in the midst of my tantrum, my loving Father pulled me close and said, "Yes, you will because I said so."
Next, the whining child. But why, why, WHY? I don't want to, it is not fair. I am just getting stronger and feeling like my old self. Now the Father assured that while life is not always fair, He is always faithful. And so I would face this thing, "Because He said so."
So then I tried the bargaining child. But this is not a good time. Perhaps we should wait. Just get me through until after Christmas. But the Father reminded that His timing is perfect and so we would do this thing now, "Because He said so."
Last, the guilt invoking child. It is too hard on my family. We have already endured this test. You can't ask us to do this again. Now the Father draws me ever closer and reminds me, "My Grace is sufficient for you and your family. I will see you through, you will endure, because I said so."
Now the struggle is done. I give in to the will of my Father. I will obey, there will be no more questions. I will trust in His plan for my life, even though I don't understand. I will endure through His strength when I am weak. He is my Father, He knows best. So now I will do this thing, "because He said so."
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Praises for Recovery and Triumph
In 2011 I had cancer. My memory of the year is sketchy, in fact, it is almost like I lost a whole year of my life.
During that year, I had to travel to Lubbock for surgery and chemotherapy every three weeks. We were fortunate that a LaQuinta was located near the hospital and my doctor's office. The rooms were nice and they offered a hospital discount, but most important, the people were incredibly kind and caring.
As the months of chemo dragged on, I became weaker with each trip to Lubbock. The lobby of the LaQuinta was spacious and had sitting areas of sofas and chairs. On most visits I would walk to one of the sofas and wait for my family to check into our room. The kind staff would hurry through this process so we could get me to my room. Each floor of the hotel had a beautiful open balcony that looked down onto the lobby. The balcony had a wooden rails that I would grip as I made my way to our room. There I would collapse onto the bed and wait for my chemo on the next day. This was my life for nine months. As I look back, I am grateful that God was always with me. I felt His presence every day and especially on these nights before my chemo treatments. It is hard to describe but it was where I found strength to persevere.
Now for the recovery. On August 27, 2012, I had to go for my yearly checkup. It had been one year since my last chemo treatment and the news that I was in remission. As we checked into the LaQuinta, we noticed many changes. The lobby was completely redecorated with new carpet,new chairs, and new paint. They had added a mini-mart, something we had wished for on all those trips.
This time I stood next to Carl as he checked in feeling strong and well. As we walked to our room, we noticed the new finish on the rails that I had gripped, but now I was running my hand along the wood admiring the beautiful finish of the wood. When we got to our room, more surprises. Completely new curtains, headboard, furniture, carpet, and---oh wow--a refrigerator and microwave. Oh how we needed those when we were in the midst of chemo. I immediately realized that just as the hotel was getting a much needed remodeled, so was my weak body. Just a year ago, my body had been ravaged by the chemo treatments. I was barely able to walk and my balance was shaky. But now, I was regaining my strength everyday.
It was triumph. For the last several months I have been on a walking program. I have worked my way up to 12,000 steps a day. On this night before my checkup, instead of collapsing in the bed, I walked around the balcony on the second floor of that hotel. When I walk I listen to praise songs, this night I was listening to Mandisa. Now Mandisa got me through many of my chemo treatments with her songs, but now she was with me on my walk. The first song was "Free". The theme of the song is that God has freed us from many things, in my case He had freed me from cancer and those devastating effects. Then there was "Say Goodbye." The phrase, "there is grace you can't imagine, there is love you can't run out of, there is peace that you can hold onto." Wow, so true in every circumstance; how many times have I held onto that peace for dear life.
Walking along listening to "Lifeline; you are my lifeline, you are my rescue, strength in my weakness, light in my darkness." Suddenly this walk had become more than about steps. I was not only reclaiming my physical strength, but this walk was becoming a celebration of God's faithfulness to me. Once again, God was walking right along side. But this time instead of holding me in my weakness, He was celebrating my newly recovered body. It was a special time that night walking and praising with my Lord. That night the Lord and I finished our victory laps around that hotel balcony with Mandisa singing her song, "Stronger." These were the words she sang, "Cause if He started this work in your life, He will be faithful to complete it, if only you believe it."
God was faithful and He did complete His work in me. There were so many blessings that came out of that disease. Even though the disease of cancer damaged my body, God made me stronger through the experience. He is the mighty God. He is the rescuer. He is my comfort. He is my strength. I am restored body and soul. My hope is and has always been in God! Thank you Father!
During that year, I had to travel to Lubbock for surgery and chemotherapy every three weeks. We were fortunate that a LaQuinta was located near the hospital and my doctor's office. The rooms were nice and they offered a hospital discount, but most important, the people were incredibly kind and caring.
As the months of chemo dragged on, I became weaker with each trip to Lubbock. The lobby of the LaQuinta was spacious and had sitting areas of sofas and chairs. On most visits I would walk to one of the sofas and wait for my family to check into our room. The kind staff would hurry through this process so we could get me to my room. Each floor of the hotel had a beautiful open balcony that looked down onto the lobby. The balcony had a wooden rails that I would grip as I made my way to our room. There I would collapse onto the bed and wait for my chemo on the next day. This was my life for nine months. As I look back, I am grateful that God was always with me. I felt His presence every day and especially on these nights before my chemo treatments. It is hard to describe but it was where I found strength to persevere.
Now for the recovery. On August 27, 2012, I had to go for my yearly checkup. It had been one year since my last chemo treatment and the news that I was in remission. As we checked into the LaQuinta, we noticed many changes. The lobby was completely redecorated with new carpet,new chairs, and new paint. They had added a mini-mart, something we had wished for on all those trips.
This time I stood next to Carl as he checked in feeling strong and well. As we walked to our room, we noticed the new finish on the rails that I had gripped, but now I was running my hand along the wood admiring the beautiful finish of the wood. When we got to our room, more surprises. Completely new curtains, headboard, furniture, carpet, and---oh wow--a refrigerator and microwave. Oh how we needed those when we were in the midst of chemo. I immediately realized that just as the hotel was getting a much needed remodeled, so was my weak body. Just a year ago, my body had been ravaged by the chemo treatments. I was barely able to walk and my balance was shaky. But now, I was regaining my strength everyday.
It was triumph. For the last several months I have been on a walking program. I have worked my way up to 12,000 steps a day. On this night before my checkup, instead of collapsing in the bed, I walked around the balcony on the second floor of that hotel. When I walk I listen to praise songs, this night I was listening to Mandisa. Now Mandisa got me through many of my chemo treatments with her songs, but now she was with me on my walk. The first song was "Free". The theme of the song is that God has freed us from many things, in my case He had freed me from cancer and those devastating effects. Then there was "Say Goodbye." The phrase, "there is grace you can't imagine, there is love you can't run out of, there is peace that you can hold onto." Wow, so true in every circumstance; how many times have I held onto that peace for dear life.
Walking along listening to "Lifeline; you are my lifeline, you are my rescue, strength in my weakness, light in my darkness." Suddenly this walk had become more than about steps. I was not only reclaiming my physical strength, but this walk was becoming a celebration of God's faithfulness to me. Once again, God was walking right along side. But this time instead of holding me in my weakness, He was celebrating my newly recovered body. It was a special time that night walking and praising with my Lord. That night the Lord and I finished our victory laps around that hotel balcony with Mandisa singing her song, "Stronger." These were the words she sang, "Cause if He started this work in your life, He will be faithful to complete it, if only you believe it."
God was faithful and He did complete His work in me. There were so many blessings that came out of that disease. Even though the disease of cancer damaged my body, God made me stronger through the experience. He is the mighty God. He is the rescuer. He is my comfort. He is my strength. I am restored body and soul. My hope is and has always been in God! Thank you Father!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
A Promise Kept
In our house we have one Pepe', one Nana, one Mom, three boys (Austin, Nate, and Tyler), and two cats (Bella and Mowgli). Now to the average person our house looks full, maybe, even overflowing. But when a Mom makes a promise she has to keep it so our house had to find room for one more...a puppy.
Now you may ask, in fact, I was asking, "Why would we want to add a puppy to this mix?"
The answer was simple. When Austin, the oldest boy, was four he asked his mother for a puppy. He did not ask just once but he asked daily, sometimes several times a day. So Mom did what any good mother does when asked a question over and over. She used the stall answer, "Austin you can have a puppy when you are ten." Now there are two reasons to give the stall answer. First, you really can't do whatever at that point in time and you intend to do it later. Second, you hope the child will forget he asked the question.
So now we fast forward. Austin came to Mom about a month ago and said, "Mom you know it is almost my birthday." Mom, "Yes, it is." Austin, "I will be ten." Mom, "I know, you will be ten isn't that great. You are really growing up." Austin, "Well you know what that means." Mom, " No what?" Austin, "It means, I get a puppy."
WHAT?! HE REMEMBERED! Who would have thought that a four year old would remember! It had been six years!
Now Nana and Pepe' were not too thrilled. You see Nana and Pepe' are not dog people, they are cat people. Dogs, they say, are too demanding. You have to walk them, you have to play with them, they jumped on you, they want attention. Cats on the other hand, can be ignored. In fact, cats prefer to be ignored! You put a little food out and you are good to go. But a promise had been made. So began the search for a puppy. They did request a small dog, one that could be kept inside. This thrilled Austin who had visions of caring his new treasure like a baby and having a companion for those long nights.
Finally, the perfect dog was found. A beautiful, copper colored Pomeranian. She was 8 months old, house broken, had all of her shots, and was relatively inexpensive. After looking at her picture, Austin chose to name her Penny.
So it was that Penny, the Pomeranian Puppy (yes an alliteration) came to live with the Duso clan. When we got her she was the exact color of a shiny new penny so Austin had chosen well. She is a natural fit with the family. She loves the boys and can even wear them out. Pepe', who is secretly a dog person, is thrilled with his new pal. Mom is happy she could keep a stall promise made so long ago.The cats are getting use to this shaggy noisemaker. And Nana, well,don't tell the others, but she likes this new puppy, too.
Now you may ask, in fact, I was asking, "Why would we want to add a puppy to this mix?"
The answer was simple. When Austin, the oldest boy, was four he asked his mother for a puppy. He did not ask just once but he asked daily, sometimes several times a day. So Mom did what any good mother does when asked a question over and over. She used the stall answer, "Austin you can have a puppy when you are ten." Now there are two reasons to give the stall answer. First, you really can't do whatever at that point in time and you intend to do it later. Second, you hope the child will forget he asked the question.
So now we fast forward. Austin came to Mom about a month ago and said, "Mom you know it is almost my birthday." Mom, "Yes, it is." Austin, "I will be ten." Mom, "I know, you will be ten isn't that great. You are really growing up." Austin, "Well you know what that means." Mom, " No what?" Austin, "It means, I get a puppy."
WHAT?! HE REMEMBERED! Who would have thought that a four year old would remember! It had been six years!
Now Nana and Pepe' were not too thrilled. You see Nana and Pepe' are not dog people, they are cat people. Dogs, they say, are too demanding. You have to walk them, you have to play with them, they jumped on you, they want attention. Cats on the other hand, can be ignored. In fact, cats prefer to be ignored! You put a little food out and you are good to go. But a promise had been made. So began the search for a puppy. They did request a small dog, one that could be kept inside. This thrilled Austin who had visions of caring his new treasure like a baby and having a companion for those long nights.
Finally, the perfect dog was found. A beautiful, copper colored Pomeranian. She was 8 months old, house broken, had all of her shots, and was relatively inexpensive. After looking at her picture, Austin chose to name her Penny.
So it was that Penny, the Pomeranian Puppy (yes an alliteration) came to live with the Duso clan. When we got her she was the exact color of a shiny new penny so Austin had chosen well. She is a natural fit with the family. She loves the boys and can even wear them out. Pepe', who is secretly a dog person, is thrilled with his new pal. Mom is happy she could keep a stall promise made so long ago.The cats are getting use to this shaggy noisemaker. And Nana, well,don't tell the others, but she likes this new puppy, too.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Faith, Prayer, and Healing
These last few weeks I have been in the Beth Moore study, "James, Mercy Triumphs." Now I have to be honest, it has not been my favorite Beth Moore study. I just could not "get into it." I was somewhat baffled until I realized two things.
First, this is my 3rd time to study the book of James. I am a little hard headed and sometimes God has to tell me things more than once. Second and most important, I realized I have been living James for the last six years. Please know, I am not in anyway completed in Christ, but in the last six years our family has been through many difficult circumstances.
James 1:2-7 from the Message. "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when your ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought."
Six years ago, I found out my daughter was pregnant. She was not married and thank God she had no intention of marrying the father of her baby. We went about our business, hiding her pregnancy. But God did not want this child of His hidden. So at 26 weeks, Tyler Reyell Duso entered the world. The doctors immediately began to tell us that he would not live, but God had another plan. During those first dark days of his little life, Scott Maze, our wonderful pastor, came to pray over Tyler at the hospital. To my wonder and astonishment, Scott prayed for Tyler's future. Now I want you to understand that the doctors had told us that IF Tyler live, he would have multiple physical and mental problems. But Scott prayed for the future God had planned for Tyler, one full of life. I think God sent Scott to teach me what praying believing looked like. To teach me that we would get what we asked for truly prayed in faith. Shortly after this, Scott preached a series from James. It included lessons in testing, faith, endurance, prayer, and obedience.
James 2: 12-13 The Message "Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time."
The other thing that changed in my life was my judgmental attitude. I had been one of "those pious" Christians that often was so busy looking at my neighbor's sin that I could not see my own. In the last six years, I have worked to be a blessing not a hindrance to people. Since I was in the habit of judging, teaching myself to be a positive person instead of a negative person has been a real challenge. I still have to constantly guard against my carnal nature.
Which brings me to the other big lesson I have learned from James, once again, the hard way. James 3:7-8 "This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue--it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women He made in His image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"
Oh my tongue! Often, I am too quick to diagnose a problem and express my opinion, when instead I should drop to my knees and pray. More than once God has had to make me "eat my words" as He showed me the truth of the situation. When I find myself slipping, I know I need to immediately get into the Word. God always has just the right study, sermon, scripture, or word from a friend to set me back on the right path.
The last lesson, pray first then you don't have to worry later; tell others how God has blessed you, it should not be a secret. James 5:13-15 "Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. .... The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with."
In this last year, my family and friends have prayed. I have lived these verses day and night, week in week out, month by month. When I was diagnosed with cancer, all God had taught me about faith, trust, and obedience came together. I knew God would see me through. I sought out my church leaders to pray for me and they did faithfully. When the doctor gave us news that others would consider catastrophic, my family was covered in prayer by "knee warriors." When I thought I could not bear the physical pain one more moment, a card with a sweet prayer would arrive to remind me that people who knew and loved God were praying for me. Now on the other side of the long journey, I can look back at my path and see the prayers of all those saints.
So, now as I look at the title of this study, I realize why God wanted me to be involved. I am so glad God gave me a chance to remember all He has taught me, to celebrate the active love of my friends and family, and to know that when we pray believing God will help us.
First, this is my 3rd time to study the book of James. I am a little hard headed and sometimes God has to tell me things more than once. Second and most important, I realized I have been living James for the last six years. Please know, I am not in anyway completed in Christ, but in the last six years our family has been through many difficult circumstances.
James 1:2-7 from the Message. "Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. If you don't know what you're doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You'll get his help, and won't be condescended to when your ask for it. Ask boldly, believingly, without a second thought."
Six years ago, I found out my daughter was pregnant. She was not married and thank God she had no intention of marrying the father of her baby. We went about our business, hiding her pregnancy. But God did not want this child of His hidden. So at 26 weeks, Tyler Reyell Duso entered the world. The doctors immediately began to tell us that he would not live, but God had another plan. During those first dark days of his little life, Scott Maze, our wonderful pastor, came to pray over Tyler at the hospital. To my wonder and astonishment, Scott prayed for Tyler's future. Now I want you to understand that the doctors had told us that IF Tyler live, he would have multiple physical and mental problems. But Scott prayed for the future God had planned for Tyler, one full of life. I think God sent Scott to teach me what praying believing looked like. To teach me that we would get what we asked for truly prayed in faith. Shortly after this, Scott preached a series from James. It included lessons in testing, faith, endurance, prayer, and obedience.
James 2: 12-13 The Message "Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time."
The other thing that changed in my life was my judgmental attitude. I had been one of "those pious" Christians that often was so busy looking at my neighbor's sin that I could not see my own. In the last six years, I have worked to be a blessing not a hindrance to people. Since I was in the habit of judging, teaching myself to be a positive person instead of a negative person has been a real challenge. I still have to constantly guard against my carnal nature.
Which brings me to the other big lesson I have learned from James, once again, the hard way. James 3:7-8 "This is scary: You can tame a tiger, but you can't tame a tongue--it's never been done. The tongue runs wild, a wanton killer. With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women He made in His image. Curses and blessings out of the same mouth!"
Oh my tongue! Often, I am too quick to diagnose a problem and express my opinion, when instead I should drop to my knees and pray. More than once God has had to make me "eat my words" as He showed me the truth of the situation. When I find myself slipping, I know I need to immediately get into the Word. God always has just the right study, sermon, scripture, or word from a friend to set me back on the right path.
The last lesson, pray first then you don't have to worry later; tell others how God has blessed you, it should not be a secret. James 5:13-15 "Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet. .... The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with."
In this last year, my family and friends have prayed. I have lived these verses day and night, week in week out, month by month. When I was diagnosed with cancer, all God had taught me about faith, trust, and obedience came together. I knew God would see me through. I sought out my church leaders to pray for me and they did faithfully. When the doctor gave us news that others would consider catastrophic, my family was covered in prayer by "knee warriors." When I thought I could not bear the physical pain one more moment, a card with a sweet prayer would arrive to remind me that people who knew and loved God were praying for me. Now on the other side of the long journey, I can look back at my path and see the prayers of all those saints.
So, now as I look at the title of this study, I realize why God wanted me to be involved. I am so glad God gave me a chance to remember all He has taught me, to celebrate the active love of my friends and family, and to know that when we pray believing God will help us.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
A Bright Future
For my birthday, my oldest daughter, Julianna gave me a book called "For I know the Plans I have for You." She chose this book because Jeremiah 29:11 has been the scripture that saw us through a year of cancer treatments and doctor appointments.
The first day is titled, "A Bright Future." The scripture for the day is Proverbs 16:3. Now I am a translation freak meaning that I love reading the same verse in different translations. This scripture in the book was from the NIV, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." The Message says, "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place" and the New Living says, "Commit your actions and your plans will succeed". So these three are very similar in meaning. If God is in charge, if what I am doing is done within the will of God, then I will succeed. Good to know in my life. Especially since I have started a new phase of my life.
But the King James says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established." Now wait a minute, this translation actually requires two actions. The first to commit the work to the Lord. In my Christian life, I do not remember a time when committing the actions of our daily lives to God. It seems to be the theme of books, songs, and messages. This idea that our daily lives should glorify God.
The King James also says, "and thy thoughts shall be established." Now to me this mean that when we commit the actions of our daily lives to God, then our thoughts will be on serving God in meaningful and productive ways. God never intended us to live in the isolation of Christianity. He did intend that our lives would be the very word of God to the lost world.
Now as I said, Jeremiah 29:11 has been our family anthem this last year. We were sustained by the promise of God's hand on our future. Now that the trial has passed and it is time to go forward with my life, it is time to be an active part of that bright future God has for me.
"God has designs on our future...and He has designed us for the future. he has given us something to do in the future that no one else can do." Ruth Senter
God promises every believer that He will prosper not harm in the future. But I believe that God also wants us to be find way to be active in our future by doing the work He has ordained just for us. What is your work? What action does God want you to take? These are the questions I am asking myself. However, one thing I am certain of, "God will be in Charge of My Work."
The first day is titled, "A Bright Future." The scripture for the day is Proverbs 16:3. Now I am a translation freak meaning that I love reading the same verse in different translations. This scripture in the book was from the NIV, "Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." The Message says, "Put God in charge of your work, then what you've planned will take place" and the New Living says, "Commit your actions and your plans will succeed". So these three are very similar in meaning. If God is in charge, if what I am doing is done within the will of God, then I will succeed. Good to know in my life. Especially since I have started a new phase of my life.
But the King James says, "Commit thy works unto the Lord and thy thoughts shall be established." Now wait a minute, this translation actually requires two actions. The first to commit the work to the Lord. In my Christian life, I do not remember a time when committing the actions of our daily lives to God. It seems to be the theme of books, songs, and messages. This idea that our daily lives should glorify God.
The King James also says, "and thy thoughts shall be established." Now to me this mean that when we commit the actions of our daily lives to God, then our thoughts will be on serving God in meaningful and productive ways. God never intended us to live in the isolation of Christianity. He did intend that our lives would be the very word of God to the lost world.
Now as I said, Jeremiah 29:11 has been our family anthem this last year. We were sustained by the promise of God's hand on our future. Now that the trial has passed and it is time to go forward with my life, it is time to be an active part of that bright future God has for me.
"God has designs on our future...and He has designed us for the future. he has given us something to do in the future that no one else can do." Ruth Senter
God promises every believer that He will prosper not harm in the future. But I believe that God also wants us to be find way to be active in our future by doing the work He has ordained just for us. What is your work? What action does God want you to take? These are the questions I am asking myself. However, one thing I am certain of, "God will be in Charge of My Work."
Thursday, January 5, 2012
A Love That Lasts
In September of 1974, God sent a gift into my life. That gift came in the form of an Air Force Staff Sergeant named Carl Duso.
You see my Mama was a praying woman. This wise woman saw that my life was beginning to spiral, so she began to pray that God would send me a husband. Now I knew she was praying for me a husband and I would mock her saying, "Mama, God doesn't send men knocking out the door. You have to go out and find one."
Well on that Saturday in September, God sent Carl Duso knocking at my door. A friend of mine was dating a friend of his and he needed a date for the evening. I can honestly say it was love at first site but the deal clincher was the fact that he cried during the movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows." I knew right then I wanted to marry this man.
Surprisingly to me, he felt the same way and within three weeks we were engaged. We married on January 4, 1975 and my life was changed forever.
But the gift was not that God had honored the request of my Mama's prayer and sent a wonderful man knocking at my door. The gift was not a marriage that has seen the test of time. No, the gift was the unconditional love of my sweetheart. For the first time in my life, I understood unconditional love. Carl love me just the way I was and never asked me to be anything except myself. I saw the unconditional love of the Saviour modeled by this man, my soul mate.
No time in our marriage has his unconditional love been more evident than in the last year. During a difficult extended illness, all the burden of our lives fell on Carl's shoulders. He never hesitated and did everything I needed to survive. He held my hand in the hospital when I was recovering from surgery. He drove me to countless doctor appointments filled with disappointing news. He hovered during the days of pain and comforted me the best he could. With the help of my two daughters, he took over all the household duties. Basically, he took all the worry out of my life so I could focus on getting well.
Yes, once again, my husband was modeling the attributes of Christ. He was my Rock, my Comfort, my Provider. Now, I want you to understand, Carl can model these attributes because for the last year he has lived Phillippians 4:13, " For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." He would be the first to tell you that he does nothing in his own power, but through the Christ who lives inside him, he can do all things.
So Happy Anniversary, Duso. I am so glad God answered my Mama's prayer and sent you into my life thirty-seven years ago.
You see my Mama was a praying woman. This wise woman saw that my life was beginning to spiral, so she began to pray that God would send me a husband. Now I knew she was praying for me a husband and I would mock her saying, "Mama, God doesn't send men knocking out the door. You have to go out and find one."
Well on that Saturday in September, God sent Carl Duso knocking at my door. A friend of mine was dating a friend of his and he needed a date for the evening. I can honestly say it was love at first site but the deal clincher was the fact that he cried during the movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows." I knew right then I wanted to marry this man.
Surprisingly to me, he felt the same way and within three weeks we were engaged. We married on January 4, 1975 and my life was changed forever.
But the gift was not that God had honored the request of my Mama's prayer and sent a wonderful man knocking at my door. The gift was not a marriage that has seen the test of time. No, the gift was the unconditional love of my sweetheart. For the first time in my life, I understood unconditional love. Carl love me just the way I was and never asked me to be anything except myself. I saw the unconditional love of the Saviour modeled by this man, my soul mate.
No time in our marriage has his unconditional love been more evident than in the last year. During a difficult extended illness, all the burden of our lives fell on Carl's shoulders. He never hesitated and did everything I needed to survive. He held my hand in the hospital when I was recovering from surgery. He drove me to countless doctor appointments filled with disappointing news. He hovered during the days of pain and comforted me the best he could. With the help of my two daughters, he took over all the household duties. Basically, he took all the worry out of my life so I could focus on getting well.
Yes, once again, my husband was modeling the attributes of Christ. He was my Rock, my Comfort, my Provider. Now, I want you to understand, Carl can model these attributes because for the last year he has lived Phillippians 4:13, " For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." He would be the first to tell you that he does nothing in his own power, but through the Christ who lives inside him, he can do all things.
So Happy Anniversary, Duso. I am so glad God answered my Mama's prayer and sent you into my life thirty-seven years ago.
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