Font size: + –
  Print
3 minutes reading time(512 words)

Thanks, I Needed That!

4000 Hits

IMG 0033

Photo: Linh Nguyen

 

A few years ago, there was a men’s aftershave commercial on TV.  The guy put the aftershave on and a hand slapped him in the face, and he said, "Thanks I needed that!" and with a smile on his face, he headed out to face the world. It apparently was the Sting of the aftershave that woke him up, the shock of that first moment when it touched him. 

 

The big difference between the guy on TV and me was that I didn't know what was coming...this wasn't an ordinary routine to wake me up to face the world. It was more like a sucker punch that I never saw coming. It didn't put a smile on my face; on the contrary...the Sting of this experience dropped me to my knees. Instead of being ready to face the world, I couldn't even face myself at that moment.

 

It was just one year ago that I, too, felt a Sting in my life that truly woke me up to face more than the world. I had to face the fact that my life would be radically changed and there was nothing I could do about it, except Trust in the one who gave me life in the first place...My Creator...My Heavenly Father. 

 

I was told that I had breast cancer and in a week...the simple solution of having a small spot removed and then be able to get back to life as usual turned into radical operations, months of testing, to make sure I was cancer free and then more surgeries and recovery time. I have to tell you that to count this "All Joy", as we are told to do in James 1:2, was a little harder than I thought. 

 

This one blog post couldn't possibly contain all that I experienced, but I can tell you for certain: James wasn't wrong in his guidance concerning the benefit of trials and hard times in our lives. 

 

It’s not the trials that are the determining factor, but it’s What we Believe and Who we Trust during those trials...that bring us peacefully through them. We can choose to be angry...to blame God and others...feel sorry for ourselves and allow fear to paralyze us. Or we can choose to take God’s hand and walk through these dark places in the security of His presence...knowing this is necessary for our growth. 

 

I have learned one important lesson through this: 

 

Declare out loud what I Believe and Who I Believe in, and to Thank God for Trusting me to turn to Him. 

 

I Believe James 1:2-4

 

Consider it pure Joy (brothers and sisters) whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you Know that the testing of your Faith develops Perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

 

I Believe God Loves me…His Word is True...His presence is constantly with me...So with confidence I can say, "Thanks Lord, I needed that!"

 

Blessings,
Pastor Judy

SENIOR ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Judy Buffum-Hemmila

About the author

Judy

Judy

Judy
As a licensed and ordained minister, Judy has traveled to many countries and visited many prisons and military bases, bringing the Good News of Jesus' love and the power of His grace, through music and the spoken word. She is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, speaker, author and pastor. Judy loves traveling with the Women of Faith Team as their Prayer Pastor, as well as with the Revolve Ministry, as their Tour Pastor. In 2005, she and her husband, Keith, began a brand new work, Crossfire Church, which is growing strong. Judy is the proud mother of recording artists Tammy Trent and Virginia Hill (husband Ken Hass), and son, Norm Buffum, of Buffum Builders (wife Diana). She is also very proud of her two step-sons Ryan (wife Danita) and Aaron (wife Asher) Hemmila. Together she and Keith enjoy family times with their 15 awesome grandchildren. A woman of grace, she radiates the love of Jesus through her down-to-earth personality, contagious humor and loving touch. She loves to bring hope, healing and restoration, and she does it with God-given Authority!

MEET THE TEAM

We have a dedicated team to help you on your journey toward a greater love and understanding of God's Word and how to apply it in everyday life.

Pastor Keith Hemmila: Senior Pastor / Financial & Spiritual Leadership / Watchmen Men's Ministry / Outreach Events

Pastor Judy Hemmila: Associate Pastor / Creative Arts (Worship/Media/Sound) / Count It All Joy Hospitality Ministry / Grace Connection Women's Ministry

Pastor Steve Swanson: Assists Pastor Keith / Fired-Up, Membership & Other Classes

Pastor Randy DonGiovanni: Refuge Youth Ministry

Tim Ransom: Watchmen Men's Ministry

Penny Gentz: Women's Grace Connection Morning Bible Studies / Ladies Summer Connection

Glen Gentz: First Impressions Usher / Greeter Ministry 

Ross & Kay Merlington: Refuge Youth Ministry / Visitation Elders

Laura Youngquist: Worship Team / Kingdom Kidz / Faith Family Fellowship / Office

Val Merlington: Nursery Coordinator / Kingdom Kidz

Katie Ransom: Kingdom Kidz

Michelle Wilcome: Kingdom Kidz / Refuge Youth Ministry

Rich Webb: IT / Creative Arts (Worship/Media/Sound)

Sherrie Webb: Communications / Office / Refuge Youth Ministry

Lead Elder: Pastor Keith Hemmila | Serving Elders: Pastor Judy Hemmila, Pastor Steve Swanson, & Ross Merlington

Lead Deacon: Scott Elliot | Serving Deacons: Scott Snyder, Rich Webb, & Eric Wilcome

 

Giving frees us from being self-centered to being God centered.

It is a trait of God's kingdom, because it acknowledges His ownership and Lordship in our lives. Malachi 3:6-12 instructs us to test God by giving our tithes and offerings. May you experience God's blessings as you sow into His kingdom.

ONLINE GIVING



Go to top