The Red Sea Before Me

Blog 9

The Red Sea Before Me

It has been over three months since the diagnosis of breast cancer. Shortly after returning, I decided to visit GMAA upon arrival from treatment in Mexico. I missed my students terribly, and I longed to see them. One of the most difficult things for me is having to stay away, from missing out on their learning experiences, but I know they are in good hands. God sent a very special person, Maria Leonor, to minister to His little ones. My classroom is a learning environment, but I see it more as a ministry to lead students and their parents to have a closer walk with God. I thank God for Ms. Maria and Mrs. Maceira for the many blessings and breakthroughs we have experienced in our classroom this year. We have seen very difficult students, through fasting and prayer, become transformed by God’s power.

It took a lot of courage to go to school that day. I wasn’t sure if I’d be overwhelmed, but the last thing I wanted was to put my life on hold. Life must go on, and I must take my focus off this disease, and keep my focus on God and what He wants me to do. As soon as I entered the school grounds I heard a chorus of “Mrs. Alonzo!” I was soon engulfed by children from everywhere showering me with love and hugs. Oh, how I felt God’s love for me in that moment, and I rejoiced in His Goodness.  Later as I walked the hallways, several students stopped to say they were following the blogs. A teacher mentioned that they sometimes discussed the blogs during their worship time. I thank God for allowing me to be an instrument He can use to let others know about His tender mercies and great love for us. Today in my worship time, God and I had a heart to heart conversion about continuing to write about these experiences as He has instructed me to do. Since I have been back I have only published one, even though I have two partially finished entries. At times, the disease has overwhelmed me, but Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, always sends inspiration to get me out of my slump.

Back to the school visit…….It was good to see Dr. Luis Cortes, the principal, on that visit. Thank you, Cortes, for always believing in me as a teacher, and most recently, as a fighter amidst trials. Cortes, your words “if anyone can beat this, it’s you” meant the world to me. Cortes and I chatted for a while about the treatment. I wasn’t sure when I could return….it all depends on the progress of the treatment. I had to wait three weeks for the dentretic cell vaccines I received in Mexico to strengthen. This vaccine-type therapy increases the patient’s own production of T and dendretic cells to specifically fight his/her own cancer. I have since started my protocol of three months of nutraceuticals which included supplements and some medications- even a low dose chemo.

 As we ended our conversation, he asked how I had enjoyed the book he had sent for me. Book? What book? And then I remembered......Before I had left for Mexico, he had mentioned a book that he said reminded him of the experience I was going through. I told him I’d love to borrow the book and read during my time in Mexico. Somehow, I never received the book then, and I had totally forgotten about it. It was never delivered, but within a few minutes I had it in my hands that day. What a book! As I spent the next day reading it, I knew that God, once again, has perfect timing! God knew that I needed to read that book, not during the trip, but right then. The message was exactly what I needed to hear to be encouraged. I have found strength in that book to press on like Job even in the trials. Since my return, dearest Amber and Ray who I had the pleasure of getting to know in Mexico, lost the battle with this dreadful and cursed disease. In the midst of all this pain and suffering, I sometimes for brief moments become overwhelmed. However, I choose to trust God no matter what trial I bear. In God times and in bad, I will praise him. He is and always will be in control. He has sent ongoing messages for me via close friends …….Healing will come.

This book is entitled “The Red Sea Rules,” by Robert J. Morgan, and is based on the experience of Exodus 14. It gives strategies for difficult times. I’ve chosen to discuss some of the points in the book, as I am sure it can be useful to all of us as we face our own Red Seas. The Bible says in Corinthians 10:11 that the experiences of the Israelites, both the Red Sea and the Wilderness trials, were given for our example. Therefore, we have much to learn from them.  

The first rule is to realize that God means for me to be right where I am. When the Israelites left Egypt, God himself led them to a point where the wide and deep Red Sea was before them, Pharaoh’s host was behind, with mountains encircled about them. God led them directly to the edge of the Red Sea. Exodus 13: 17-18 says that God did not lead them through the way of the Philistines even though that was shorter… but He led the people about, through the way of the wilderness towards the Red Sea.” As they traveled along, He showed them the way- He went ahead of them as a pillar of cloud to guide them, and as a pillar of fire at night. At no time did the presence of the Lord leave the Israelites.

The Lord knew EXACTLY where He was taking His children…just as He knows exactly where He is taking me. He hasn’t chosen the easy way for me. Would I prefer it? Oh yes! This path can be very painful and quite an inconvenience, but God is setting me up for a Divine miracle!

It may have seemed hopeless to them, but it is in these impossible moments that God alone is glorified. The Israelites were worried even after the many miracles they had just recently witnessed back in Egypt. However, worrying is putting questions marks where God has put periods. “God has not given us a spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 We need to accept that God has allowed us to be in these difficult situations for a reason. It is when we accept this that we can begin changing our worries into prayers of faith and praise. The same God who led you in will surely lead you out. Can you truly believe that with all your heart? If we can grasp this, it will change our whole perspective on our situation. This is the greatest lesson I must learn.  I must know that I am here according to His will, and “His will would never put me where His presence could not sustain me.” Jesus says, “in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33. Jesus makes no mistakes, and He never forsakes us nor forgets about us. I will continue to share some of the other rules listed in this book on the next blog.

So here is where I am today after all the struggles, setbacks, feelings of hopelessness, weakness, nausea, fatigue, pain, disappointments…..I’ve seen Him deliver and provide for me these past few months …… My God says “and there SHALL be a highway from Assyria for the remnant left of His people, as there was for Israel when they came up out of the land of Egypt.” Isaiah 11:16. My God IS ABLE. I have no idea how much time remains in my Red Sea travels. But this I know—God is leading me through on a path He sees and knows, and I can trust Him.

Pastor Laffit Cortes, your message to me today said “be strong and courageous- Joshua 1:9.” It is because I know whom I serve that I can indeed be strong and courageous. Now watch the Majesty and Power and Glory of Almighty God as He parts my Red Sea!!!! My Red Sea will part, and so will yours, for He is able! Praise God! As we end this year, I pray that we will give all our troubles to Him who knows the path through the deep waters. We need to know and trust the God we serve.

My Prayer:

Dear God, give me that genuineness of my faith, to serve You in good times, and in the bad, regardless of the Red Sea experience in my life. For You are ever by my side. Through Your Spirit, empower me to believe Your ways are perfect even though I may not understand. Keep me strong and courageous as I wait on You.

“Wait on the Lord; to be of good courage, And He will strengthen my heart: Wait I say on the Lord” Psalm 27: 14

Teach Me, Oh God

Blog 8

Teach me, Oh God

Tony and I returned home to Miami on Monday, November 20 from Oasis of Hope Hospital in Tijuana, Mexico. God had revealed to us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28. Even from a few months before the diagnosis of cancer, God had been workings thing out for this moment. God meant for us to go there, and He provided everything we would need. Tony had left his job for a new one just a few months before, which allowed him the flexibility to be able to accompany me to Mexico. It also provided an increased income to afford the trip- which I might add was quite expensive. That is God. He says “I will provide ALL your needs” Philippians 4:19, and He has demonstrated that beyond the shadow of a doubt.

God had ordered every step of the way, and laid out many lessons for us to learn. In the many silent moments, away from the hustle and bustle of Miami life, we took time to observe and learn from the experiences of others. As we prepared for the trip, we realized that this trip would not only be for physical healing, but God had a plan for even further restoration.

 We were taught lessons from day one until the very last day we left as we observed the love of God for each of His children. Honestly, I could not have done it without my husband, Tony. Thank you, Tony, for your patience, unconditional love, and for your encouraging words and endless hugs throughout the tears and difficult times. I have been truly blessed by you. 

I am blessed!

We have made lasting friendships from our time at Oasis, and each one taught us a specific lesson. 

First, there was Steve and his mother Mae. Mae is a cancer survivor who received treatment here many years ago. Both she and her son travel back to Oasis each year to volunteer their time and share their love with others. They are deeply spiritual, and are so full of life that it is often hard to keep up with even Mae who is in her seventies! Steve untiringly labors to organize trips and movie nights in the Treatment Room to keep us in good spirits, while getting us out and about so we are not always in a hospital environment. When you are faced with a serious illness you learn to live life to the fullest. Through the example of Steve and Mae, God has taught me to find the blessings every day. If we just take the time to look we will find an abundance of them. Jesus calls us to be servants, as He was when He was on earth because there will be no starless crowns in heaven. Like Steve and Mae, we are called to be servants or participants in the House of God, not spectators. These friends taught us to labor unceasingly, and to be a blessing to others in any way we can. “Do not be weary in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not” Galatians 6:9.

Manny

Then there is Manny, one of the maintenance workers. He greets us every day with a blessing, a smile and a hug. Truly this man is overflowing with the love of God. “Encourage one another, and build each other up” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 is his mission for each day. I will never forget dear Cesar! He is charge of the dining area and kitchen staff. Cesar lives by “whatsoever thine hand findeth to do, do it with thy might” Ecclesiastes 9:10. He is so meticulous about getting the tables set perfectly with forks, knives, and spoons lined up on the napkins. He watches untiringly with the biggest smile on his face, and perfect posture (yes, I need to practice standing straight and tall like you, Cesar), making sure all are happy and well with the delicious vegetarian buffet spread three times a day. After a few days, he got to know exactly what I liked to add to my breakfast- thinly sliced green apples with the skin and seeds (excellent source of Vitamin B17) and a strawberry protein shake (dairy-free). It was the same treatment for each patient.

Thank you, Cesar!

 Cesar reminds me that God wants our best with whatever we do. He is not pleased with half-hearted efforts.  After all, He gave us His best- His only Son.  Cesar has influenced me to order my home more effectively. I’ve started to get rid of the clutter, and all the things that I don’t even remember I have. They have become a heavy weight that I don’t care to carry any longer. My plan is to reduce all our “stuff” by two-thirds. I’ve learned to disconnect with the things of this world that keep me in bondage, After all, I have a mansion waiting for me up yonder!

Gail taught us about the magnitude of a mother’s love as she cared for her daughter Amber. There was never a complaint. Gail always did her best to stay strong and positive for her daughter regardless of the many setbacks Amber experienced. Her love inspired me spend even more quality time with my own two children. At times, I have been guilty of spending more time on church and school activities than with them. I think of the many moments wasted that I can never get back. Parents, we need to stop pushing our children to the bottom of the list. We need to set quality time apart every day to find out how our children’s days went, to tell them that we love them, and to hug and hold them.  Find out who they are so that you can guide them through whatever it is they may go though. Stop trying to squeeze your family into your schedule, and start making them the priority. Even though we have often made a mess of things in the past, don’t worry. God is in the business of restoration. Praise God!

Natalie and her mother, Cindy, are as cute as buttons! 

Natalie and her mother, Cindy

Talk about a “merry heart doeth good like a medicine!” Proverbs 17:22. Natalie and Cindy are always beaming like bright lights. I always enjoy their presence because of that. God wants our joy to be full. He calls us to rejoice, never complaining. Let us examine ourselves to be sure that we bring joy and positive energy when we come into the presence of others. “Do not allow the perplexities and worries of everyday life to fret your mind and cloud your brow. If you do, you will always have something to vex and annoy. Life is what we make it, and we shall find what we look for. If we look for sadness and trouble, if we are in a frame of mind to magnify little difficulties, we shall find plenty of them to engross our thoughts and our conversation. But if we look on the bright side of things, we shall find enough to make us cheerful and happy. If we give smiles, they will be returned to us; if we speak cheerful, pleasant words, they will be spoken to us again.” Adventist Home, pp. 430

We spent a lot of time with Allen and Barbara. Alan is a retired pilot, and entertained us with countless stories about his life. In the same way, God calls each one of us to share our life stories- our testimonies- with the people we come in contact with. He and his wife, Barbara, a retired air-stewardess, have traveled the world, experiencing so much together. I love the way Barbara focuses much of her attention of Allen. She openly expresses her care and affection for her husband. We told them we wanted to be just like them when we get to that age, but we realize marriage takes a lot of commitment and hard work. “Though difficulties, perplexities, and discouragements may arise….determine to be all that it is possible to be to each other. Continue the early attentions. In every way encourage each other to fight the battles of life. Study to advance the happiness of each other…..The warmth of true friendship, the love that binds heart to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of heaven” Adventist Home, pp. 106. God provides a way. We just need to seek Him, and He will lead and direct us. 

Allen, Barbara, and Donna

Melissa and Brad, our friends from Hawaii, are so special. Melissa has the sweetest demeanor, patiently taking care of James. James is often in a great deal of pain but he bears it silently trying to put up a brave front. He never complains. “Do everything without complaining, so that we may be called children of God” Philippians 2:14. I have at times felt occasional pain from the cancer, but it does not compare to the agony that James experiences sometimes. Yet he silently and patiently endures without complaining in front of us. How would we react if we were in that situation? At times, I said a silent prayer for him, because there is nothing more that I can do. However, intercessory prayer allows God to work on the behalf of others. He never forces Himself on anyone, but when the call is sounded to help, whether it comes from the person himself, or from someone praying for another’s behalf, He is always present.

Aysha and I keep in touch on a regular basis. She is Muslim and originally from Pakistan. She has taught me about faith. She goes to her room to pray five times a day. Such diligence! She had these beads wrapped around her hand that looked sort of like a rosary. She later told me they were called tasbeeh, and are used to say short repetitive utterances in praise and glorification. An example Aysha gave was to use it as a reminder of God's power. On that particular day she prayed to God using one of His names or attributes- God as Healer. Throughout the day she would utter that God was her Healer while touching a bead. I pondered on how I may apply this to my Christian walk…I've applied it this way: I may say Scriptures about healing, or patience, etc., daily and then claim them because God’s Word is truth. Aysha, your strength and perseverance has taught me to press on in faith because God will never let us down.

Rebecca and Andrew were a huge inspiration. While at Oasis, they received a call from home that their home was burglarized. On top of that, the culprits spent the night partying and vandalizing the house, taking many precious possessions. I could hardly believe their misfortune at a time like this when Andrew was battling cancer. Nevertheless, their comment to us was that it was only stuff. Wow! As I pondered their remark, I wondered how I would react in a situation like that. So often we are tied to our possessions, rather, in bondage. We have too much, most of which we do not even need. Far too often, these things take up so much of our time that we have little time or energy for God. The brand new car needs to be detailed…..the collections need to be displayed to show off what we have……the huge house that has more rooms than we need envelops all our energy to clean it, so that by Friday night we can’t even prepare for the Sabbath because we are exhausted. We are overwhelmed! I am learning to be satisfied with what I have, and to shed all the “stuff.” This week, both Tony and my closets fell down- just like that! Lord, I take it you are telling me to get rid of all that “stuff.” I hear You loud and clear, dear Lord!” God is showing me not to get tied down by the cares of this world. After all, He has much more glorious things waiting for me up yonder.

Internet was slow most of the time in Mexico, and it was difficult getting the blogs out more regularly. The last blog, #7, encountered many difficulties. After a week of writing and trying to get it just right, I was finally ready to publish. I was about to copy and paste it in the blog site when suddenly,  the words started deleting line by line!!! I could not believe it! I pressed every key I could think of on the computer but it kept on deleting speedily. I decided to take a video on my phone so I could retrieve some of it that way. However, after it had all deleted, I tried playing it back, and all I got was a black screen. I prayed a silent praying asking God to find a way to get this information back. My God can move mountains….. surely He would find a way so all this writing would not be lost. I had continuously saved the document on Word throughout the week as I had been writing.  Now, when I went to my saved documents, it was nowhere to be found. Then I remembered that I had originally started writing the blog on my Ipad, and had forwarded it to my email. That original document was still there, praise God! Many changes had been made throughout that week, so I had to go back and change as much as I could recall. I knew God would help me, and He did. When I was done with it, the second attempt was better than the first. The enemy is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour but God says “fear thou not; for I am with thee: Be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee” Isaiah 40:18. He most certainly did. I do not know what that was all about, but I am thankful to have yet another opportunity to see God at work!

If we are willing, we shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be our peace. He will give us insights into our character if we take the time to listen to what He has to say. At times he speaks through the experiences of others, sometimes in a still small voice, by observing His creation, and through His written Word. He has shown me my true state, my weaknesses and frailties, and is showing me how to gain the victories in this life. It may sound strange, but I thank God for this whole experience because without it…..where would I have been spiritually? God in His great love and mercy was not content to leave me where I had fallen, but was ready with outstretched arms to take me to His bosom. I cry a lot, but it’s not tears of sorrow but of thankfulness for He has shown favor on me when I did not deserve it…..but that is God. Please get to know Him. Take time to look around you and see what God wants to show you. The lessons may be where you least expect it. Having a knowledge of Him and actually knowing Him are two different things, My prayer for all who read these blogs is that you are drawn into a closer relationship to God….so close that you include Him in everything you do. This journey has been the best adventure of my life. Nothing compares to the thrill of walking with God step by step, day by day. What did you learn from God today?

“Show me Your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” Psalm 25:4; “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these shall be added unto you” Matthew 6:33.

My Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus, who died for us while we were yet sinners. There is nothing we can do to make You love us more. You long to have us draw near to You. Please remove all the “stuff” we get caught up with that separates us from you. Help us to take time to seek your instruction for the day because You have so much to say to us. Thank you for your great love, mercy, kindness, and patience towards us.

In the precious name of Jesus,

Amen!