After the 1st Appointment

After the appointment, Dad, Mom, and I went out to eat. On the way, Ryan and Sabrina called (perfect timing) to hear how everything went.

I gave Mom my Christmas gift—a crystal mother and daughter, with a pink rose between them, and pink gem stones, and the message, “In the garden of mothers, you’re the sweetest flower.” They stand on a glass mirror, which reminds me of the sea of glass, mentioned in Revelation 4 and 15, before God’s throne.

We got home, and I turned on Mandy’s praise CD again.

Praise & Worship "Therapy"

At the International House of Prayer, I learned at a dance class about Israel's King Jehoshaphat. When a big, bad army came against them, they cried out to the LORD, knowing they were dead unless God intervened. Thankfully, He promised His protection and deliverance. Early in the morning, Jehoshaphat’s army set out. Their unique military strategy put singers, musicians, and dancers at the front of the army, to praise and worship the LORD. As they moved forward, the LORD set ambushes in the enemies’ camp—and the bad guys destroyed themselves! It was a great victory that day, and “all” they had to do was go out to meet the enemy and worship the LORD. He personally fought for them and brought the victory.

So Mom and I worshiped the LORD with dance, using my special, hand-made silk dance banner. At one point, I danced / acted like I was a woman crying out to the LORD, and Mom danced with the silk banner like she was the Holy Spirit, interceding for the woman. It was a special time.

Later that evening, we called the family to let them know about the appointment. Even with the difficult circumstance, it was so beautiful to hear and observe the love and support that flows from hearts, bringing family & friends relationships closer and stronger. It is one of the glorious gifts in the midst of hardship.

One neat addition: When we prayed with Craig and Mandy on the phone, Mandy prayed without knowing what Mom and I talked about earlier that day. “God, let it be like King Jehoshaphat’s army, that when we praise and worship you, you fight the enemy for us and bring victory. Let those cancer cells fight and destroy each other.” She told us she and Craig praised God earlier, on behalf of Mom’s life and for her complete healing. God's Hand is over everything! He loves and is guiding Mom and each of us.

*You can try this therapy, too! It's great. Turn on some good worship music, picture the Lord on his throne, and express your love and adoration to Him, proclaiming His victory over all darkness. Or, say, like King Jehoshaphat's worshipers: "Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever." And watch what happens in your heart and your situation.

~written by Ericka