After an overwhelming response filled with love, encouragement & humility to the introduction of Still Waters (thank you so much from the very bottom of my heart), I intended to share more with you during the middle of this week. Unfortunately, my pancreas had other plans for me… doesn’t it always?!

Sadly, my pancreas spiraled (even more) out of control, into another miserable full-blown attack, starting when I woke up on Monday morning. I spent most of the week in the hospital but am happily home now. While I am still quite sick and far from what I consider my “norm” in terms of pain levels, fatigue, and energy, I am doing much, much better. Thank you, Jesus! And thank you friends for all your prayers and well-wishes; please keep them coming as I need to be gaining strength in this time leading up to surgery, rather than losing it.

As always, I had my amazing parents by my side and trusty doctors eager to ease my pain. Also, I had a new hospital accessory which made its debut— bright Juicy Fruit yellow nails. At first I thought this shiny, beautiful color looked hideous in contrast to my skin tone, but I left it on and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It’s amazing how God works through every teeny-tiny detail of our lives… even those as seemingly insignificant as a shade of nail paint.

Each time I glanced down at my hands, that bright yellow hue served as a reminder that better days are ahead… greater things have yet to come… and of God’s great promises involving light. He sent Jesus Christ to bring light into this dark world and as long as Christ is living in the world through our hearts (which is FOREVER) there will be light!!

I was instantly reminded of Psalm 18:28; a verse that I’ve clearly seen come to life through my own circumstances this last year, “My God turns my darkness into light.”

And of Jesus’ powerful words in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Of Our Father’s unshakeable promise in Old Testament times that rings true to this day, “The Lord will be your everlasting light and your days of sorrow will end.” Isaiah 60:20

And of the beautiful gift He gave us to shine His bright light for all to see. “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden…. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:14 & 16

These days I see God everywhere and in everything. Feeling His promise through something as meaningless as yellow nails is only one example of the transformative power God has to turn a dark scenario into one beaming with light.

“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5