Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! (Side note: I know it’s not Wednesday… yet. But this blog has been in my queue for months now, and it keeps missing schedule… So ok, technology manual publish it is!) If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.”  So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do.  Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. And let’s respond to God’s call with  a hearty “Wilco, Lord!”  Help me welcome a very wise and loving, prayerful friend of ours, Cheryl as she shares a message you don’t want to miss. 

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“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.” ~Romans 11:29

After being an intercessor for over 20 years, I never thought it would be hard to pray, but it was. There was so much pain.  I relied on the prayers of others to carry me through. My mother was raised Catholic and repeated the prayer she had frequently heard in mass: “Lord have mercy.”  We both prayed for God’s mercy.

Only 6 weeks after I had been diagnosed with cancer, had surgery and was on the road to recovery, my mother was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer.  It’s a very painful disease.

Many days were spent trying to control my mother’s pain.  I intervened often and, if necessary, aggressively, to make sure my mother was comfortable.  I held her in my arms and cried with her as we waited for the nurses to bring the medication that would make the pain bearable.  I helped her bathe, brush her teeth, eat and drink, and even put on her makeup and curled her hair when she was up to it.  I arranged Hospice. I helped to keep her medications straight.  I requested oxygen when it seemed necessary. And more… [Read more…]