Friday, Oct. 29th Update from Joni

Friday, Oct. 29th Update from Joni:

Last evening I took part in a ‘life celebration’ service of a good friend who is dying of pancreatic cancer – rather than a memorial service, Rich opted for a gathering of friends and family with whom he could celebrate all God has done in and through his life. When it was over, I was reminded how brief, fleeting, and frail our lives are – as I often say, we’re but blips on the eternal screen; wisps of smoke, here one moment, and gone the next. That means what we do in the here and now counts. This is what I must remember on mornings when I feel like “I can’t take anymore.” Every day we either nudge our souls closer to heaven, or away from it – there’s never middle ground.

So I’m learning afresh that when I wake up, to demand that my soul ‘come in alignment’ with Christ; I tell my attitude to choose Jesus; I command my spirit to ‘stand at attention’ and get ready for marching orders from the Lord. And where do I get power to do that?!…
 
Friend, I have been earmarked as a recipient of the Spirit whom the resurrected Jesus won the right to pour out on me. This means every morning, noon and night, I have immediate access to “the power of the resurrection.” That’s enough power to push me through every pain and overwhelming feeling. And He’s quick to impart His power; after all, Jesus has ‘walked in my human shoes’ and has a ‘divinely’ good memory that recalls what it’s like to experience pain, flagging energy, and disappointment.
All praise to the Savior!
 
I have another check-up scheduled for Monday, but I think it’ll be a very favorable report. After that, we’ll begin discussing my options for the next phase of treatment – more on that later. In the meantime, join me over the weekend in praying for our Wheels for the World team laboring in Egypt and Jordan. I’m pretty excited they’re giving out Joni books in Arabic with every wheelchair. Also this weekend, we’re holding our second international Family Retreat in El Salvador. And next week? It’s another Wheels team off to Peru. Lots is happening so please be in prayer for the success of the Gospel in the heart of every disabled child, adult and family member we’ll be serving. Have a great weekend!