I started thinking about having a blog after posting to the Caring Bridge website these last few months. The problem with starting one was trying to find a title. Everything that I chose was already taken. The choice of Engraved upon His Hands obviously came from scripture but was also influenced by my very favorite book by J.I. Packer entitled Knowing God. Chapter 3, Knowing and Being Known, is perhaps my favorite in the book, although it is hard to pick a favorite because they are all wonderful. I will quote one paragraph from the end of that chapter that so speaks to my life.
"What matters supremely, therefore, is not, in the last analysis, the fact that I know God, but the larger fact which underlies it-the fact that He knows me. I am graven on the palms of His hands. I am never out of His mind. All my knowledge of Him depends on His sustained initiative in knowing me. I know Him, because He first knew me, and continues to know me. He know me as a friend, one who loves me; and there is no moment when His eye is off me, or His attention distracted from me, and no moment, therefore, when His care falters."
-from Knowing God by J.I. Packer
He is never distracted, as I so often am and His care never falters. What peace that brings to my heart when I don't understand His ways and things look pretty scary. Nothing comes to me apart from Him and all of it He will use for my good and His glory. Do I understand that completely? Absolutely not! Do I trust Him to do what is right and good and perfect? Absolutely yes. I have known His faithfulness in the past and He never changes.
Allow me to be the first to tell you that you are the most wonderful inspiration I have ever been blessed to witness. Evette, the role of a caregiver is extremely difficult and yet you have shown grace, courage and tremendous faith. What an amazing example you are to wives and mothers who face challenges in their walks. I continue to hold you and Mark in my prayers. You are loved ... Sandy Roy
ReplyDeleteOh, Sandy, thank you. I don't feel that way most of the time. I am thankful that God can use me in spite of me! He is so good and you are a dear, sweet friend.
ReplyDeleteHi Evette - this is Mona Brockman Parthun from Henrietta. Tami (my sister graduated with Mark from HHS) wrote asking for prayer warriors. Please know that you and Mark are on many others' prayers each and every day. I also wanted to tell you that you are quite an inspiration. I do not know you, but I can tell that you are a Godly woman. May God bless and keep you and Mark. Hugs and prayers from Texas! Mona
ReplyDeleteMona, thank you for your sweet words of encouragement and for your prayers for us. We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people praying for us. Hopefully we can meet some day.
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