First Update

I spoke to Gord, Joy's husband about 10:30 and he said they took had just taken her back for her surgery. He said everything was fine and her spirits were up. When I returned home I found this message from Japhia, Joy's twin sister who asked me to please share it with all of you. I pray you will be blessed by her message, as much as I was.
_______________________________________

"Just spoke to Joy moments ago, and while rejocing together over God's assurance of His presence we both would have needed make-up by the time we were through - sadly, Joy can't wear any today.  Oops!

 She called back and asked if I would post a quick synopsis of the verses God gave me this morning for her as I spent time in His presence praying for my "big" sister!! (15 minutes can mean so much!!!)  She has asked me to post briefly the verses that I shared with her.  Thank you for this opportunity to connect to you gals who mean so much to my sister.  Know that distance may separate you physically, but you are truly all her sisters by heart.

 This year I am reading through the Bible on a personal plan, that I have nicknamed, "Read 'til I hear".  I had found the bible reading plans of the last number of years so rushed, and many times, wanted to linger over the verses that seem to be shouting at me at times, or ministering deeply to the quiet places of my heart, but would have to move on to stay on schedule,  This year, I told God that I would read each day, just until I heard His voice, and whatever that meant for me, I was going to commit to reading thus far and no more.  Having experienced this now since January 1st, some days that means one verse, other days that means several chapters, but He has never failed to meet with me.  This morning, in my place of need, was no different.

 I came down, cuddled in my Bible reading corner in our family room, having slept better than expected with my heart so full for Joy, and opened my Bible.  "God, today I need something for Joy.  I need to know that You are giving Joy the victory.  Please Father, speak to me."  I opened my Bible.  Judges 6.  I read,

 "The angel of the Lord appeared ... and said, 'Mighty hero, the Lord is with you.'

'Sir,' Gideon replied, 'if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?  And where are all the miracles our ancestors told us about?  Didn't they say, 'The Lord brought us up out of Egypt?  But now the Lord has abandoned us and handed us over to the Midianites.'

Then the Lord turned to him and said, 'GO WITH THE STRENGTH YOU HAVE, ... I AM SENDING YOU.'

'But Lord,' Gideon replied, 'how can I rescue Israel?  My clan is th eweakest in the whole tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least in my entire family!'

The Lord said to him, 'I WILL BE WITH YOU.  And you will destroy the Midianites as if you were fighting against one man.'

Gideon replied, 'If You are truly going to help me, show me a sign ...'

And the angel of the Lord .... touched the meat and bread ....AND CONSUMED ALL ...

'It is alright,' the Lord replied.  'DO NOT BE AFRAID.  YOU WILL NOT DIE."

 So many times I have asked "why?"  Not Joy, God.  She's the twin that has never caused a moment's trouble to mom and dad; is soft spoken; doesn't live the chaotic busy crazed life of her other half; she is just sweet.  Why Joy?  Why not me?  And where are the miracles our ancestors told us about?? 

 But this morning, here is my Joy - MIGHTY WARRIOR - garbed in weakness, where His strength will be made perfect.  Garbed in humility, where His arms will lift her up.  And treading in the feet of obedience, for God is sending her for His purpose, and HE is with her!!!  He will destroy the enemy attacking her body with one blow, and He will "consume all".  Praise His name!!!!

 "'It IS all right", the Lord replied.  'Do not be afraid.  You will not die.'"

 Words that no one wants to speak, but God did!!!!  It WILL be O.K.!!!

 As I hurry off to get my son to school, I wish I could expand on our conversation, and share with you the oneness that twin-ship allows us.  But, Joy will have great joy in sharing that with you all later, I know!  We cried in the unspoken silences, tears of victory, and I am counting the hours to see her face to face.  We serve a RISEN SAVIOUR ladies, and His eye never leaves us. 

 Thank you in advance for every prayer offered on Joy's behalf today.  I will be with you all in the throne room with each breath I take.  Know that today you are all my sisters too!  And, I'm buying my party hat and getting ready for the celebration!!  Maybe even a new outfit!!  Why not??!!  I'm pretty sure Joy would want me too!!! And, she'd probably want you all to join me too!!! 

 Hugs and love to you all, Japhia  Phil. 3:13,14"