Perseverance. In the Lord. That is what we need this week.
Monday. Monday. Our children are back in school.
We had a wonderful weekend with our WP cadet at home. He looks good. He seems to be doing well, taking it all in stride. He is certainly an encouragement to all of us here at home.
Circumstances.
D.L. Moody once wrote, about Romans 8:28, that if our circumstances find us in God, we shall find God in all our circumstances.
Indeed, God is in all our circumstances. Not a moment passes that do we do recognize the work of His loving hands in our lives. We continue to be truly overwhelmed by the lovingkindness and generosity of friends, understanding, of course, that all good things are ultimately from God above.
A dear friend from church, Elaine, is having surgery this morning. I am lifting her up before the throne of God, knowing that He is in control and that He alone can provide the peace and comfort necessary to endure such circumstances with grace.
The photo below was taken a week ago when we attended an Army Sprint Football game against Air Force. Our cadet, a member of the reserve team, served as the game ball boy. Our younger son was a big fan of the game.
I am blessed to have a wonderful, loving family. Even in the midst of difficult circumstances, we find joy together in the Lord. Because of the joy we find in Him, we are able to persevere.
11 comments:
Hi Mr. Bond,
I'm a friend of Kristen Howell and Stephen Vandelinde - we all go to Clearwater Christian College together. Just wanted to let you know that we'll be praying for you and for your family throughout this week.
That's a beautiful picture of you and your family. What a blessing to cherish time with family. I pray you continue to persevere. Shine as bright as the stars!
Hey Jim!!
This is Carolyn Pettefer from Walker! Bruce gave me your blog site. I am sooo sorry about your illness, yet I know that you can handle whatever God's will is. I cannot believe that the son that led you to the Lord is now at West Point! WOW, how time flies! I am remembering so many conversations we had about our faith and the decisions you were making based on your strong beliefs. I still have your carved ark necklace that I bartered for with my Big Bird cake. Jim, you have made such an impact on the lives you have touched - what an imprint. I know you and your family have a huge support system. I am praying for you. I have so many questions about after you left us, how are your parents and sister.... My baby is now 25 tomorrow and I am a YOUNG 62 - can you believe it?!!! I still can't. I have a praise. I don't know if you remember that I started a crisis pregnancy center in the early 80's and worried if it would survive. The director told me recently that we saw 5200 women last year and led 179 to the Lord. We have parenting classes, Bible studies for women who have had abortions, abstinence instruction, and , of course, babies saved by counseling and the use of our sonogram. We expect to see 6000 next year. I marvel at the way the Lord takes our small obedient steps and blesses them and enlarges them. People, obedient to the Lord, have come after me and the quilt is enlarged. Jim, I pray for a miracle but know that you are accepting of the Lord's will no matter what it is. God bless you and your wonderful family. I love you
What a great picture..you are a lucky man is so many ways! We continue to pray for you and your family! Although we don't know each other; I am thankful for your story and this blog! May God bless you all!
Kelly Savitz-Hoherchak
McAdoo, PA
Hi Jim & family!
I commented last week after I saw your story on the wayne independent online. I saw something else we had in common after reading some of your older posts! Not only am I from the same area where you are living now, but I now live near Lancaster, LOVE Shady Maple, the Olive Garden, am well acquainted with Lancaster Regional, & I also have an 18 year old son, among many other things.
That is a beautiful picture of your family! :)
Terri
Dear Jim and family,
Vince and I have been praying for you and your loved ones. Your faith and fight with your battle is something everyone should sit back and hear the words you share. We are so fortunate to have our health and good life and your courage can certainly be a life lesson to one and all. I know the entire CUMC is praying for you and I have also told Cindy and Dottie Light about your story. I hope you hear from them also. God must surely be preparing a special place for you. Thank you for sharing your struggles, your faith and your family love with us...our prayers will continue for you and yours. Say hi to your mom and dad and brothers and sisters. God bless you. Sincerely, Kathy and Vince Griffis.
I love that perserverance sign ... I took a few pictures of the benches when I was up at WP and thought that it was such a great Idea.:) I will be praying for you and your family! Amanda C
Dear Mr. Bond
My name is Andrea Demianovich. I know you don't know me but I know your wife Merrily. She comes into the library where I work in Forest City. We are neighbors of Tom, Sharon and Chassidy Collins and Chassidy told me about your blog. I have just finished reading it today and I just had to tell you what an incredible testimony you have. You have been through so much and you have such an amazing attitude! It is very inspirational for me to read. I can truly understand a lot of what you are going through because I had cancer too. My children and I pray for you and your family every day. I can't quite express just how how much your blog touches my heart but I had to tell you that you certainly have quite a ministry going there. God is certainly using you to the fullest just by your blog alone. I know it is quite tempting for a cancer patient to feel sorry for themselves and mope around a bit but you certainly don't do that! I look forward to each post and we will continue to pray for you and your family. Our hopes and prayers are that you will be healed. We have you on our prayer list at church and Pastor Bissol continues to pray for you also. Sincerely Andrea D.
Wow! What a great looking family. I can't help but think that God's glory shines through so clearly on shot's like this. I'm happy for you for this moment... this circumstance. God is clearly in it and I pray that you are continually blessed by circumstances such as the one you have recorded for us to enjoy.
May His peace be constantly with you.
Whew, nice site! Been a long time reading blogs. I was so caught up arranging a family blessings convention for my church. I’m glad to have a good read.
Nice blog! I remember a blog about Covenant Marriage Seminars with a similar
discussion. What a coincidence.
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