Misty's Index Cards #2
December 22, 2008I’m completely ashamed at how long it has taken my to get to this second set. The goal is still to be weekly…so I am calling this week 2. Spending 4 out of 6 weeks in arizona had me fighting for time when I was home. I just didn’t get to the picking out of cards and the scanning them in. Oh well…here we go.
Week 2: Psalm 119:71
71 “It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees.” (NIV)
In response, Misty wrote: I know that God allows faith tests in the form of temptations, problems and difficulties, to drive me into his word so I can learn His truths in deeper ways.
I like this one because it talks about affliction, but was definitely written before her first run in with cancer, or any major affliction as we would think of it. If I had to guess, I’d say this was circa 1998 (she was probably 17 yrs old), definitely before her first brain surgery in summer of 2000. The truth in this verse became more real as her life progressed, but even at an early age she noted it and found ways to apply it to her life.
Misty has had a few serious afflictions over the years. Besides the cancer story that is documented here, Misty also has her first experience with brain cancer in 2000 when she was a freshman in college. Additionally, during her 6 year period of cancer remission, she had 2 extended periods where she had hives everyday. Mostly on her body and legs, but at times her face and would have to call out of work/school. The longest period was 14 months…quite literally, it was 14 months of constant discomfort. She was no stranger to affliction…but she was no stranger to learning God’s truths either…
If you have been around for a while, you have seen me write about how much we have learned through this struggle and how God brought Misty to such an amazing point of faith in him. I can’t deny it. I can truly attest to this verse. As Misty walked through affliction, I was there with her – and without any question, we learned God’s decrees. This is not just his promises, but also his law. I live/love/serve better today because of Misty’s affliction. And I hope I don’t make her sound like a leper…she was not. Misty took the pains that were handed to her in so many areas, and as beautifully and graciously used them to make herself better.
The challenge here is that we make good use of the “afflictions” in our lives. We should not waste these opportunities to let us turn to the Bible.
“The challenge here is that we make good use of the “afflitcions” in our lives. We should not waste these opportunities to let us turn to the Bible.”
amen darren
I could not agree more with Misty’s thoughts. In our own trials and struggles, it has driven us deeper into God’s word and it has helped us cope with the hard times. How fantastic for Misty to learn that so young in life.
Thank you. You have no idea how much I needed to read this today.
Thank you for the share Darren!!
I do remember when Misty was going through all of this, we were working together at Kindercare. I also remember thinking how STRONG she was through it all.
I miss Misty so much…you and Livi are on my mind all the time. Love you both.
Hi Darren, that was good counsel for us all. I always remember seeing Misty with such a sweet smile on her face and to tell you the truth I bet so many of us did not know all she went through. What an amazing testimony to us to grab hold of the “truth” as you said, God imparts His strength to us and we cannot fathom it. Anyway when Russ was taken to the hospital and we thought it was his heart, Misty was there, she had fallen and hurt her arm (we saw you later)and she was all concerned for him. Wow, I will never forget her gentle spirit. Love you, Gail
i need to keep learning this lesson, i spend my time wasting so many hard moments by not pressing in to God and learning of him. my spirit is so lazy, it would rather lick its wounds than put forth a little effort and seek God in his word and have my hurts taken away.
Darren, she showed such wisdom beyond her years. These cards are so precious and we’re blessed that you are sharing them. Thank you so much.
Thanks for sharing Misty’s cards, which contain the truth of God’s word. God never intends to waste a trial or a hurt or a hardship… we just have to allow Him to move in and through us. Misty was a shining example of that and so are you. Merry Christmas! Love,
Stacia