Write His Answer

Lift Up Your Eyes and See

To the tune: O Little Town of Bethlehem

All those beneath life’s crushing load
Lift up your eyes and see
The Son of God has come to earth
His words will set you free
From doubt and fear and worry
Of what the future holds
Look up and put your trust in Him
His peace will fill your soul.

The baby born to Mary
The Word made flesh He came
That all who will believe in Him
Will never be the same
O’er evil He did triumph
When on the cross He hung
Our sin He took upon Himself
Salvation for us won.

So we can live in victory
And know His joy and peace
No matter what the headlines say
We only need to reach
To Him who holds the future
Our lives are in His hands
Rejoice, give thanks and praise His name
In near and distant lands.

Marlene Bagnull

Father, thank You for reminding me of these words I wrote eight years ago. Thank You that they are as true today as they were then.

Please help me give you my fears and worries as I wait for the results of the CT scan and Echo Paul will have tomorrow. I’ve been trying so hard to trust You these past nine weeks since Paul fell. And You have been healing his broken knee and elbow, but it’s those blood clots in his lungs and spots throughout his chest that have me feeling so anxious.

Dr. Tony, the oncologist who spent about half an hour with us when Paul was in the hospital the end of October, told us he thinks the spots will resolve along with the blood clots. But the oncologist he works with (the most arrogant doctor I’ve ever met) told me he does not agree. The lung doctor says they are “very suspicious.”  He thinks Paul has cancer and, if he does, that it’s advanced. The internist says “stage 4.” (Paul does not know he may be facing cancer.)

We see the cardiologist this Wednesday and Dr. Tony September 11. Oh Father, I’m not ready to face what I may learn these next two weeks. I’m trying to trust You and to believe Dr. Tony. But maybe there is something seriously wrong somewhere else? Please, Father, please place Your healing hand on Paul.

Since the accident Paul has not been eating much. His tummy pain has been getting worse. I’m only getting about 400-500 calories a day in him – mostly protein powder mixed into strawberry and chocolate milk. He’s lost more than 30 pounds since August 27. Update: I reached a nurse at the GI doctor’s office today. She got approval for a CT scan of Paul’s lower abdomen and pelvis and an appointment with the doc for a week from this Wednesday. (There was a cancellation.) Father is at work! Turns out Paul could not have gotten a CT scan of his chest tomorrow because he doesn’t have recent enough blood work or the contrast prep he needs to drink before the test. All a surprise to me but not to the Lord. They were able to reschedule Paul for both CT scans this Saturday.

Meanwhile, I’ve been working on #MyFamilyToo!  It’s been good to remember God’s faithfulness and Paul’s support during the five years my half-sister lived with us. I really believe Father can use this book to encourage many and not just those who have been sexually abused and family/friends who try to help. It’s about so much more. It is our testimony of how God helped us to “Live His Answer” in the midst of other challenges that could have destroyed our faith.

One of the more than a dozen endorsements I’ve received reads:

“Marlene Bagnull has written a powerful, yet vulnerable, account of what it means to trust God in the darkest moments. MyFamilyToo! is the story of a caregiver who relied on God for the equipping she needed. It’s also the story of forgiveness and healing in the life of a young girl who experienced sexual abuse. Each chapter ends with prompts to help readers apply biblical truth to their own situation, whatever that situation is.

“As Marlene notes, ‘There is no quick and simple cure for…any of life’s problems.’ Whether you carry the wounds of betrayal or you are caring for one who does, you will be encouraged to look to the One who is able to strengthen you minute by minute and day by day.”   Ava Pennington ~ Bible teacher and author

I plan to upload the book to KDP by the end of the week and have it available before Christmas through my website or Amazon. It will sell for $11.95 plus shipping. As I said in my last blog, I’m happy to give a copy to anyone who feels led to help us with the financial needs we’re facing right now. You can mail a check to 951 Anders Road, Lansdale, PA 19446 or use this link (https://paypal.me/MarlenePaulgift).

Please know we deeply appreciate your gifts and especially your prayers. And please pray for the May 15-18 Colorado and August 8-10 Philly conference. PTL I finally have a date for Philly. I must begin planning.