5 Year Thank Yous

Psalm 138:8..

‘The Lord will work out His plans for my life - for Your faithful love endures forever..’

Today marks a big day for me. It’s been 5 years since finishing cancer treatment.. and that may not mean much to you, but for our family.. this is a great reason to celebrate.

Truly grateful does not even begin to describe how my heart is travelling these days.. but those are the words that come to mind right now. I am so very grateful for the many prayers, the love shown, the time that people have sown into our family, our treasured church family, Mark and I personally, countless messages of support, the many days friends have taken me to hospital for appointments and tests, the laughter and the tears, the people who’ve been brave enough to stay near, the deep and forever friendships we have made along the way, the global church that continues to invite us in and hold us close.. my heart overflows.

The lessons I have learned and am still learning are vast and life changing.. I know that God is SO close, no matter where you find yourself.. on mountaintops or in valleys. His presence is a stunning golden thread that aligns my heart to His, a very present help in times of need. The love of the Father is transforming me…

My vocabulary has changed from ‘I’ to ‘WE’, as my experience in Christ has rocked me to the core.. knowing that I am never alone.. even when it feels lonely.

The Word of God and the worship of God are two of the greatest weapons I have at my disposal. And as I lift my voice and declare The Word of God by faith, I am changed. Literally.. moment by moment.

Mark and I have found ourselves to be never more convinced that the church across the earth is completely essential to the life of a believer.. the glory of gathered community.. as we journey this life TOGETHER.. encouraging each other, standing with each other, and no matter how hard it all gets, the Holy Spirit within each of us giving us the capacity to be THE BODY OF CHRIST. I just don’t know how we could have kept going without THE church.

So, as Mark and I head out to one of my favourite restaurants with our champion kids…I just wanted to give thanks. I pray that I would live with a heart that’s tuned into to heaven, and that my days are lived at a pace that is pleasing to God.

Love you so much… from my grateful heart..

Darlene Z