Oh! How He loves us!!

Happy Sunday!

It is not a difficult task to look around the world we are enduring, and come back with a dismal assessment. Many a time, Maddie and I would discuss this and ask the question “how can God stand it?” Frankly, I don’t know how He is so incredibly amazing at restraining himself from wiping us all off the face of the earth! Continuing in the pursuit to know The Father better, I found a third Godly attribute. He is slow to anger/Longsuffering (Exodus 34) The Hebrew translated directly, looks like, “long of nose.” Anger in those ancient times was depicted by the deep heat/burning in the face, rising during an intense situation. To have a long nose, means that the individual would maintain a longer ability to keep the rage at bay.

Many read the Bible and focus in on how Yahweh seems to be a bit violent, or even vindictive. But digging in to the stories of the Old Testament, I am seeing clearly that this is not the case. Exodus 3:13-15 is the first location where we witness an angry God. Reading that exchange between Moses and The Great I am, actually makes me smile. Only a true, authentic relationship has disagreement, discussions on plans and works through fear. That is actually what’s happening here! God does not just invoke His will upon Moses, they have a discussion. Like we may have with a parent. Anger is not a negative emotion…..it’s actually a response, usually from hurt. Anger is not a “bad thing.” Truly, it can be an expression of deep love. The psychology of God’s anger seems to be a protective response, to the actions of humans. I can think of no other faith group that serves a god who allows for such deep emotional connection. Connection that is personal and unique to each experience, requiring our growth.

While reading the Bible, as well as looking back at my own walk, I have become so thankful for my long-nosed heavenly Father! He gives us so many chances to correct course and abide in His will, the way of Godly order. When the individuals of the Bible strayed from the order God instructed, chaos was abound. Each person is permitted their own choice while in a relationship with God. After so many tries to course correct, God will not smite His child out of personal vendetta. But, He will indeed turn them over to the consequences of their choice. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; whatever a man sows, that he will also reap…” Galations 6:7 NKJV. He is a Father that loves us so much, He gives us what our heart is rooted in. What we ask for. Asking for HIM and HIS will doesn’t always look like a free-pass out of the trial. But, it does look like a way THROUGH the trial. It looks like hope beyond the fallen world. It is usually the option that requires the most growth for our true selves.

“But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is one day. The Lord is not slack concerning HIS promise, as some would count slackness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that anyone should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 NKJV. So, I suppose that’s it…..He is giving His children the maximum amount of days to change the sowing of what is in their hearts. Thankfully, He is on the throne giving us chance after chance. One day, the long of nose Father will end the time. Main point being, we must help to share the nature of Yahweh with those who believe He is violent. We must express the narrative as it was intended; to demonstrate His true nature of love. To remind others that anger is not a horrible, ugly quality that our society would like us to believe. That God becomes angry like a loving parent would when their child is injured or sick. This sinful experience our human race is trudging through, was never the intent. We are all on a spiritual growth journey, aimed at reuniting us with God. Jesus has paid the price, we must take the steps in the Spirit toward Him, and Yahweh will do the rest!

Maddie IS a long nosed gal. Calm natured and slow to anger. She never once looked at Yahweh with blame. Never once thought that He was actively punishing her with illness. No. He gave her the way out and allowed her to share His character with others all along the way. This is our calling. To learn and reflect the nature of our Creator!

Til next time….

Forever His and yours,

TBS

Flooded by Grace

Hello there!

Wow-the world in which we are living, seems to be growing more and more chaotic. It has become a place where up is down, and down is up. We all know who the author of confusion is….he is not welcome in our hearts! This reflection on the status of the world, has pushed me deeper into the belief that Maddie truly was rescued. Not just from her failing health, but from the failing world. Today, I am on a mission to gently remind you that even though all may appear lost, Yahweh the God of the universe is FOR YOU! He never fails and our rescue isn’t too far behind sweet Maddie’s.

Time for Yahweh’s character attribute number 2- GRACE. It sounds simple enough. What do you think of when you hear the word ‘grace?’ Is it soft, delicate and gentle? Could be…. The Bible describes it in many accounts which has led me to shift my vision of His grace. I now also see grace as certain strength, fresh like a cleansing rain. Powerfully clean. It may flood you, but the litter and waste you have collected will be swept away. Biblically, it’s an undeserved mercy that takes its place in the midst of a sinful path.

The first person in the Bible to receive this grace of Yahweh, is Noah. (Genesis 6:5-8). Flooding makes sense now, right?! It is a bit ironic that I picture grace as an overtaking flood, but think on it. We can see the troubles or we can see the grace and mercy He gives us in the midst. In Noah’s story, Yahweh is actively looking for reasons to save us. He wants to see the good in each of our hearts and He will spare us from His anger if we participate in the active process of asking HIM. “ Answer me when I call to you, O God who declares me innocent. Free me from my troubles. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1. The world was coming apart at the seams in Noah’s time. But Yahweh gave him grace and with that, a way out. Reading the accounts of grace throughout the Bible, it is revealed to us that we are all in great need of the grace that our heavenly father wants us to ask for and have. David cried out for grace despite his hideous sins and Yahweh heard him. Moses begged on behalf of a people that deliberately disobeyed and was heard. Yahweh changed His mind because of these petitions! Are you being specific enough in your appeals to the Father? (Isaiah 30:18-26).

Yahweh's grace is especially unique in that, at its most powerful, it is given undeserved. Think about that. We have all chosen the wrong path, said the ugly, thought the horrible. But, His ultimate grace is what? Jesus. Jesus gave His life, though we are undeserving. His blood floods over us and washes us clean. (Ephesians 2:1-10). In Jesus, we are saved. We know where we are going after the failing of our health. But, that doesn’t mean you cannot ask for grace in the failing of day to day or in the “against all odds” tragedy that has struck you! Yahweh wants to know these things, too. Trust that He is true to His character and will give you a path. He will flood you with His grace and give you a way through the trouble, an ark.

The love of Christ in Maddie was and is so deep, it could be felt just sitting next to her. Like the spray from the sea while sitting on the shore. She often asked Yahweh for many things here, healing of course being priority. Her healing ark came for her and no, it didn’t look like what she thought. But she got on board and I KNOW without a shadow of doubt that she has never looked back.

Jesus has saved you. He will also rescue you moment by moment via His grace. Ask for your ark!

Forever His and yours,

TBS

He is for you!

Hello friends,

I have been spending quite some time reflecting on what made Maddie’s relationship with Yahweh so unique. The love, trust and loyalty Maddie so abundantly displayed for her heavenly Father was inspiring, to say the least. Maddie had so many beautiful times here on this side of heaven. So many painful and tragic times as well. But she never doubted HIM.

Thinking deeply on this, and without beating around the bush, I have noticed that I most certainly have doubted Him. In more ways than I care to admit, I have questioned whether or not Yahweh would “come through” for me. What’s the difference between Maddie’s faith and mine?

Maddie chose to focus on the character of our Father, Yahweh. She knew Him deeply because she looked for Him. She knew by faith and also by fact supported Biblical evidence, that He was FOR HER. The trust Maddie developed in Him over the course of her trials was pure. She would refer to Yahweh with such a familiar tone, His character was made known to her. She was comfortable in her dedication to His plan, no matter what it looked like. Trusting that He had her best interest at the forefront, even at the cost of her earthly time.

So, with Maddie as an example, I have begun a deeper dive into who HE IS. I want to feel always, that He is for me. That certainty she had, is burned in my soul and I am determined to attain it and share a path with you.

Exodus 34:5-6 Is a direct Yahweh given, depiction of His character. Several holy attributes are listed here. Today, we will look a little deeper into the first, “Compassion.”

The Hebrew for this term as a noun and verb indicate that His compassion for us is liken to that of a mother’s womb. Isaiah 49:15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I WILL NOT FORGET YOU!” The deepest love that could be felt, is what He feels for us. It is explained by many as, “thoughtful, attentive and responsive.” Really think on what this words mean. What does each one look like to you?

Looking for more evidence of compassion in the scripture, led me to Isaiah 54:10 “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken. Nor my covenant be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” Heavenly compassion is everywhere, once you start searching! Countless verses, and of course the ultimate example, God’s re-connection to human-kind through JESUS. Jesus is the absolute embodiment of Yahweh’s character. He never changes. (Hebrews 13:8, Psalm 33:11) The Yahweh of the Bible is the Yahweh of Maddie’s life, of mine. Of yours. The compassion He gave to Moses, is the same He will give to you.

Perhaps we know the story of Moses. The back and forth conversation between man and Maker. But, I encourage you to read it again and identify where exactly the compassion is. Maybe, it’s Yahweh tolerating the rejection by Moses 5x over! Maybe, it’s Yahweh blessing him with a colleague, Aaron. I invite you to think on this, how has Yahweh been compassionate towards you? Write it down, remind yourself regularly. Maddie did this. She would explain at length the detailed love He had given her, nothing was too little or too large to be acknowledged.

In following her recipe at this relationship with Yahweh business, we shall start here. Until next time…..

Forever His and yours,

TBS

Here we go..........

Hello Everyone,

Maddie now calls heaven home. I am certain that she does this with ease and pure hearted joy. As we know, she accomplished all that God called her to complete here on earth. Maddie fought valiantly and with a Kingdom centered approach. She may not be here with us in a physical form moving forward, but her essence, the testimony that God bestowed upon her will be carried onward.

Maddie’s mission in starting this blog was to reach all who needed encouragement through a dark time or season. In reading her bio, I was acutely reminded of her hearts hope in unifying the broken under Christ Jesus. Broken in body, broken in spirit, together. Her reference of Galations 6:2 “Carry each others burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” takes me to the core question we ALL ask at one point or another, why are we here?! The pain, the heart break, the confusion….we all must wade through this swamp of life. Just when you think you have reached a safe place despite the filthy muck, boom! The ground gives way and here’s another muddy trial. Maddie knew this feeling so well. However, she refused to look downward. Her eyes remained fixed on the One who knew her name. Maddie also knew that just as Galations 6:2 reveals, we, the body of Christ, are to pull alongside one another. You know what makes the travel through the swamp easier? Pulling as a team.

When we take a step back and explore what this actually looks like, the depth of it strikes. The mud knows no bounds and in one way or another we will all suffer. The suffering is promised to us while we are here. But Jesus also promises us that that there is help. Help through the Holy Spirit, help via prayer to the Father and help from fellow swamp travelers. This Galations verse allows me to see Kingdom currency clearly once I reflect. Carrying burdens together not only helps the individual sinking the most at the time, but it also fulfills the law of Christ! Give and take. His goals are met when we come alongside one another. Goals of love, kindness, friendship. These in their purest state, push out sin. Random swamp travelers see this comradery and want help too. Or maybe, for one moment they see another is sinking much deeper than they are and a helpful hand seems doable. Here, in this state of mind we find the echo of Jesus. He physically was that hand to the suffering while He was here in the flesh. He lent His hand despite His own torture and daily life tasks. Certainly, He continues in this with the Holy Spirit now, but there’s no denying that He expects us to repeat the lesson and do as He did.

Maddie gave her hands, her feet, her voice and all that she possibly could to help others while she was on this side of heaven. But, she also received. Maddie was never alone in the swamp! If you are spending time sinking, stop for a second. Think of Maddie, pray to Jesus and look around. I promise there is someone not too far off that needs you to help carry their burdens. A kind word, a meal, even a smile. It’s amazing how alone the swamp can feel, yet we are all in it! Just maybe, the motivation and work required to help another will also in turn, pull you from your sinkhole, as we are in fact stronger together. Interesting plan the Lord has for us here……

One of the many beautiful qualities Maddie maintained, was a thankful heart. Her kind spirit motivated those around her to fight for her and for her Savior, whether they knew Him personally or not. She shared just the right words to encourage her swamp pulling team to keep going! This helped her, helped the team through the agony and furthered God’s Kingdom plan. So whether you are in the giving or receiving season, know that a kind heart attitude will help you and others in both.

Finally, I will be the “Not Ashamed” blog steward for Maddie here on out. Carefully, I will not commandeer this vessel for my purposes. With hope, I will be able to continue Maddie’s original goal. Sharing what I believe her heart would want to say. Please help me in sharing Maddie’s story via this blog. More is certainly to come. Stay unified in the swamp folks! We are all broken but Christ makes us beautiful. He will make us whole again and the swamp will be NO MORE! Soon, we will see Maddie again. Free of mud, free from the suffering…..until then hold someone’s hand and keep going.

Who I am is not important, Jesus is. I will continue using Maddie’s lovely sign off with a slight addition.

Forever His & yours,

The Blog Steward

Ready for the New Year

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope you all are doing well and living in the hope of the fresh year. I am doing well. God is blessing me with more strength in my body! This is such a praise report. Also, my most recent MRIs came back stable…AGAIN!!!! My UCLA doctors believe the tumor mass may have even shrunk a tiny bit-so keep those prayers coming. I am getting ready to start chemo round 4…possibly this week. I am ready to continue the fight!

A specific prayer request I have is that my lab work improves. Recently, and after the last chemo round, my lab values were a little too low. The risk of me getting sick is much higher when these values are low, so I have to be even more careful, which seems odd….I feel as though I couldn’t be more careful. But God is good in all of this and I trust Him.

I continue to pray for you all. Even though last year pretty much sucked, we have HOPE. We must cling on to Biblical HOPE!! I have been listening to this song lately for encouragement….I will link it below, take a listen.

Forever His,

Maddie

Post-Chemo Smiles

Hello everyone,

I officially am one week out from my third round of chemo. Praise God!

Well, the chemo was definitely stronger this time. It really wore me out-mentally and physically. But the power of prayer/worship and most certainly Christmas music got me through. I am starting to feel a lot better. Sitting up and being able to move more is giving me smiles for days!

Also during this last week, it was my birthday. I am so grateful for all of your well wishes, cards, and delicious cookies! I turned 20, in 2020- 10 years ago, I was told I wouldn’t make it a week……with God all things are possible! I choose to live in Biblical Hope.

Deuteronomy 10:21 “He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes.”

Continue in prayer for me to get stronger. That way I will be able to see you all soon!

Forever His,

Maddie

Already Time for Round 3!

Praise report!!! My recent MRI came back stable! Thank you Jesus, Who always gets the glory!!

With that, it is time for round 3 of chemo-this time increasing the dose. I may also be starting an IV chemo this month. But, one day at a time. God’s grace is sufficent and we are all called to live in today. Easier said than done, I know :)

Not only am I feeling pretty good, I also have a new motorized wheelchair to master! So trying to stay happy, fun things coming.
I may not be able to reply to all of your emails and letters, but I do read them all. They bring smiles to my face. Thank you for your love.

The day before this last MRI, I read Psalm 139. A verse that really struck me was 16. He knows the outcome and is with us in EVERY SINGLE moment. Also, verse 5. “You hem me in behind and before, and You lay your hand upon me.”

Jesus loves YOU!!!!

Forever His,

Maddie

Round Two Approaches

Hello all!

Happy update today. Fortunately, my recent labs came back great and I am well enough to start my second round of chemotherapy tonight. Thank you Jesus! Please pray that I am able to maintain strength, strong breathing and restful sleep. Chemo is not an easy job.

Another praise report, last week I had a parade! Yucaipa Valley Water District took the time to surprise me and my family by doing a drive by parade. It was so cool to see the big equipment and all of the guys and gals that love me go by the house! Of course, I cried. This process has been not only hard physically but emotionally. I often feel isolated. That day, I felt loved. So thank you to them and all who took the time to drive by and share some love with me. Fun fact, the Yucaipa News Mirror came to my parade too! They are doing an article on me and my journey. God gets all of the glory here! So keep a look out for the article this week. Also, if you would like to follow my medical journey more specifically, my family updates my Go Fund Me site regularly. On the Go Fund Me’s site, search “Help Maddie Cansler Heal!!!” to follow.

Love you guys

Forever His,

Maddie

Prayer

Hi everyone, time for a prayer update.

Thank you for all of your prayers. I would like to be more specific in what I need prayer for these days…

Please pray that I maintain strength, both physically and emotionally. For this has been hard on my broken heart. Psalms 71:20-24

I have a UCLA appointment this Thursday. So please pray that I receive some good news and for God’s glory to shine through all of my suffering. That everyone I meet sees Him and not just my circumstance.

Love and prayers to and for you all.

Forever His,

Maddie

Hello

Hello friends. It has been a while since my last update. Thought I would fill you in.

September 2nd I ended up having to go to the Emergency room at UCLA, because my body was giving out. My strength and breathing were failing. Jesus guided me to make the trip down to UCLA with my family. After countless ER hours, I was admitted to the hospital in Santa Monica. After much testing and imaging, it was there that I learned my tumor has grown.

As of right now, I am home and have recently completed round one of chemotherapy. Praying for God’s healing hand to work with the chemo and restore my body. It is with much heartbreak that I share with you all, my physical struggle is immense. I am currently unable to move. My breathing feels like work and I am tired like I have never been before. But, God is with me. The verse that I keep hearing in my mind is John 11:4 “ When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”

Please continue to pray and pray for healing not only for my body but for my heart and mind. We are claiming this healing in Jesus’s name.

I pray for each and every one of you, one at a time and at night when I realize that there is no sleep waiting for me.

There is more detailed medical information about my journey on my go fund me page. Right now, speaking about the details is too difficult for me.

Lots of love to you all.

Forever His,

Maddie Cansler

Waiting

Hello everyone! I just wanted to give a little bit of an update on what's been going on, I ended up getting in touch with my doctor at UCLA and Oncology wants another MRI of my full spinal cord and then to discuss the best route for me. I don't have a date yet for the MRI but I will let you know when I get one. So it is great to hear from them but it also caused anxiety and fear. I've been praying for peace and focusing on all the good that God has brought in my life.

John 14:27 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid."

I am grateful for all of your prayers and for your friendship. God has brought so many wonderful people in my life who now I consider family. I've discovered how much I do need the church which isn't just a building it's the people in it! Please continue to pray for God's will in my life and for healing upon my body, all of you are in my prayers! Please leave a comment down below or you can also email me if you prefer fortheloveomadalyn@gmail.com I love reading all your emails and comments! God bless

forever His,

Maddie Cansler

Patience

Hello everyone! I first off want to say thank you for your love and prayers they mean the world to me. I know there's a lot of craziness in the world right now also a lot of crazy in my life, but I'm trying to remind myself that God's timing is perfect and just have patience and wait on Him. There's nothing new doctor wise and it seems like everything is on hold, which is a little confusing but God sees the whole picture I don't.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 11 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

This puts everything into perspective for me, knowing that God is never early and He's certainly not late!

So instead of thinking too much, I've decided to start painting/drawing its good occupational therapy for me and helps take my mind off of stuff. I've also been walking a more and just using my left side more in general which is such a praise report thank you JESUS! So I don't know what He's doing but I do know He's moving and something amazing is going to come out of this!

Again thank you all for the prayers please continue to pray for strength return to my left side and for God's guidance. Please leave a comment or you can email me at fortheloveofmadalyn@gmail.com I would love to hear from you! Prayers to you all.

Forever His,

Maddie Cansler

Update

Hello everyone! I just first want to say thank you for all your prayers and support, I've received so many wonderful comments and I love hearing from all of you! Anyways I thought I would give you all an update on what's been going on. The last time I gave an update I told you that I was going to USC to get a second opinion, and I got a second opinion and it really opened my eyes to keep fighting for my health. God actually ended up leading me to get another opinion from UCLA. And I felt the pull there and I found my new doctor! So now I’m officially a patient at UCLA! My case is still getting looked over by the tumor boards, so I should have a game plan of what I need to do in a couple of weeks, which I will keep you all informed:) God is doing amazing things in my life and it’s crazy to see! I’m so blessed and excited for the future a little scared too but I know that God is in control! Sometimes in order to see God close the mouth of lions, you still have to enter a lion's den to witness His miracle. So I’m going to be brave and I will see God do a miracle in all of this!

 Daniel chapter 6:16-23   16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signets of his lords, that the purpose concerning Daniel might not be changed.

18 Now the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting; and no [f]musicians were brought before him. Also his sleep [g]went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried out with a [h]lamenting voice to Daniel. The king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”

21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.”

23 Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God.

Please continue to pray for God‘s will in my life and for strength to return to my left side! I pray for you all every single day. Please leave a comment or email me at fortheloveofmadalyn@gmail.com 

I so enjoy reading your comments and emails, they always bring a smile to my face! Lots of love to you all

                                        Forever His,

                                         Maddie Cansler

Stop looking at the waves

Why do I doubt the Lord's plan for my life why do I let my anxiety take over to where that's all I think about? I actually felt like I was getting pretty good at keeping my eyes focused on the Lord and His plans for my life, but recently I slipped back into looking at the storm around me, I get really bad panic attacks and I let them own me. I'm putting God below my anxiety instead of above it. I have to remind myself that HE is above all of this and HE is in control so I'm good! and not to stress about things that haven't even happened.

Matthew 6:34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

I want to be of big faith and not have doubt or fear, when everything is stacked against you, know that God is for you! Instead of worrying about my healing, I'm going to give it to God believe it will happen and move on. I'm going to try and not let this own me anymore instead of looking at the wind and the waves all around me I'm going to look to the Lord who gives me strength!

Matthew 14:27-33 27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Jesus will bring me out of the storm and He will get the glory in all of this! Thank you all for your prayers and your generosity, please continue to pray for my strength to return. I'm always praying for you too, feel free to reach out by leaving a comment down below or you can email me @ fortheloveofmadalyn@gmail.com

lots of love to you all!

                                                      Forever His,

                                                     Maddie Cansler

Photo by Emiliano Arano from Pexels

Life Update

To be honest, I have not wanted to do a life update because sometimes it's just hard for me to talk about everything going on with my health stuff. But I want to keep everyone up-to-date and also so you can pray specifically in these areas of my life! As of right now, I'm working on getting second opinions, its been extremely difficult because of insurance they are not wanting me to get a second opinion for some weird reason, but thanks to the generosity of so many friends I was able to get an appointment with a physician in Neuro at USC! Also, I've been excepted as a patient at UCLA so JESUS is definitely opening up doors for me! My appointment with USC is in June, so please keep me in your prayers for God's guidance in all of this. Basically, the reason for this appointment is to discuss possible treatments and just to hear someone's opinion on my unique case.

I am doing better so praise Jesus, I'm using my wheelchair a lot less around the house so I'm becoming a tiny bit more independent. HE is definitely answering our prayers in His timing. I'm extremely thankful for all that GOD is doing in my life and all that He's going to do. Always thank you for your prayers it means so much to me that you think of me during this time in my life, I pray for all of you every single day but if you ever have any prayer request please leave it in the comments below or you can email me directly at fortheloveofmadalyn@gmail.com thank you for your love and support I will keep you all updated on my appointment, God bless you all!

Philippians 4:6 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."

Forever His,

Maddie Cansler

Blessed Community

This past week my wonderful sister, Samantha surprised me with worship and fellowship at my house!

With everything going on with my own health and coronavirus I haven't been able to see anyone besides my close family, and sometimes that can get kind of lonely, I know for me the enemy often makes me feel like no one cares and that I'm all alone in this. Even though I know it is all lies sometimes those lies just get to me you know? So Saturday I got up and pulled my self together expecting to go house hunting with my sister and brother-in-law, when they got here we all sat out in the backyard and when we came inside I was told to go look in my bedroom which I thought was strange. When I turned the corner I saw my whole church family and they all came and brought church to me. It felt like a little snippet of heaven. I felt so loved but it was just nice to worship JESUS! These last few months for me have been full of pain and sadness, the only time I was not anxious was when I had my eyes fixed on The One who is above all things and when I would be in worship. I'm so thankful for all those who came out and worshiped with me and prayed for me!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT) 9 Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. 10 If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. 11 Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? 12 A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Matthew 18:20 20 For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.”

Thank you to all who came out to worship with me, and all of you who are praying for me! It really means the world to me you have no idea! Also a special thanks to my sister Sam for setting this all up, I love you! Be blessed!

Forever His,

Maddie Cansler

Being content where you are.

I have found in these last few months I've been completely stressed out and never happy or content where my life is at. Nothing will ever be good enough, I will make gains and then I will be on to the next thing or nothing will happen at all. My life is at a standstill I will get so depressed and start feeling sorry for myself. There is no joy in that life so I’ve decided to start being more content with my life to stopping holding on so tightly that I lose sight of what's important. Which is sharing the good news that Christ died for us so that we may live!

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 New Life Version (NLV) 9 He answered me, “I am all you need. I give you My loving-favor. My power works best in weak people.” I am happy to be weak and have troubles so I can have Christ’s power in me. 10 I receive joy when I am weak. I receive joy when people talk against me and make it hard for me and try to hurt me and make trouble for me. I receive joy when all these things come to me because of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

For me it's an honor to suffer for Christ and knowing that This isn't my permanent home my home is in heaven where I'll get a new body where they'll be no more tears, you see we'll never be content here there's always going to be something wrong with this life but if we fix our eyes on Jesus and knowing that He paid the Ultimate price that I can be with Him in heaven and to look forward being free of this body or tent:) I am praying that God does heal my body I'm getting stronger every day and using my wheelchair less so that's a praise report! He is doing a mighty work in my life and I'm so thankful I get to share it. Here is something that helps me have more joy.

*I try to focus on what I do have instead of what I don't. Sometimes I get lost just thinking about what I don't have, but instead of doing that I just try to count my blessings. I always think of this song that's in 1954 White Christmas, Bing Crosby sings "Count your Blessings". It always brings a smile to my face so I will link it down below.

John 3:16 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

          Forever His,

          Maddie Cansler

(c) Paramount pictures

Fear and hope, the war over the heart.

I wrote this before my head injury a couple of weeks ago, I found my self reading this often because of all my fear and anxiety, hope this might help you. In the midst of a trial, fear can come in and grip the heart to where you can’t think about anything else but our pain. Instead of putting the hope of the Lord in our hearts, we let fear and anxiety come in? Why? For me, I was always letting fear to come in my heart and I was constantly tormented by evil thoughts things NOT from the Lord. Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” See we have hope in His name, and He knows the future. We get so worried and start wanting to control the future and thinking we know best but that is false! God’s plan for us is perfect, I know for me I need to be reminded of this on a daily bases it's easy to given in to thoughts of “will I get my strength back”, “will I be in the hospital again?” There are so many uncertainties in life but there is one thing we can always rely on His promises! Isaiah 41:10 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. John 8:36 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. These are just a couple of His promises there are so many more! Fear has lost its hold it's on me when I put Jesus first when He in front! So be full of joy brothers and sisters because God is for us so who can be against us? My strength comes from the Lord and I shall not be dismayed. Remember the creator of the universe loves us and is for us, fear has lost! So hold on to His promises for He is faithful!

                    Forever His,

                       Maddie Cansler

We will bloom again.

Last Sunday I had an accident, I hit my head on the desk in the office. This wasn’t your average fall I hit my head so hard when I landed on the ground I could not move, all my nerves were going off I remember crying out to God to save me! You know what? He did! After I was crying out I was able to move a few seconds later I could sit up again and I remember feeling wet and when I looked at the ground and pools of blood all over the carpet. When I touched the left side of my head and saw that there was blood on my hand so Immediately I call my parents to come to help me. I received five stitches and great medical treatment. This is one of the most traumatizing things that I've been through. I'm still trying to recover physically and mentally from this everything has been harder, whenever I get injured or sick it always settles in my left side. As I was laying in my bed I would smell the dry blood and instantly get anxiety thinking just had surgery I would touch my neck where are my scar is. I would just get frustrated thinking Why another thing don't I have enough on my plate? But the other day I went outside and I saw are Orange tree in the front yard with the most beautiful blossoms, you see in the past this tree would not do well. I always kind of related to this tree, it brought me so much joy to see this tree do well. That the harsh winter couldn't stop the tree from Blooming it persevered through! You see I don't have the strength to make it through this but I know that God will give me the strength to make it through this season and I will bloom again because there's always hope in the name of Jesus! Isaiah chapter 35. 35 The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.

2 It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing: the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God.

3 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompence; he will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.

6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.

7 And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water: in the habitation of dragons, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes.

8 And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.

9 No lion shall be there, nor any ravenous beast shall go up thereon, it shall not be found there; but the redeemed shall walk there:

10 And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (KJV).

God will be glorified through my pain!

                   Forever His,

                  Maddie Cansler

Having real faith in the midst of trial

 We all go through trials in life some more painful than the others. The past few months I’ve been in a trial and let's just say it been a really painful one. I've always known that I had faith but to put that faith to work is a lot harder then I could ever imagine, I understand now why it is so important that our house should be built on the rock. Matthew 7:24-27 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” You see when the fires and the floods come we need to fix our eyes on Jesus I can't tell you how important this is. I found myself looking at other things like my circumstances the fear was gripping me so tight that I took my eyes off of Jesus and it wrecked me whenever I did that I have the worst depression I felt like I couldn't breathe the fear was controlling me. I had to put my faith to work I had to constantly fix my eyes to Jesus, that's how I dealt with the fear. Because He already conquered. I guess I should explain what I've been going through the past few months now. It'll start back in November 2019, I ended up taking a fall and I thought I was fine but each week that went by started to lose strength in my left side and if you know anything about my story I have a spinal cord tumor and that is a symptom. So instantly I developed a panic I got angry and the anger got worse. I would get so frustrated with my left side that I would punch myself and I developed bruises which I'm ashamed of doing. February was my worst month where it was hard to walk, hard to open things. I ended up having to get an MRI which was at the beginning of March following that I had to meet with my new neurosurgeon this was on March 13 one of the most painful days of my life. I remember sitting in the room waiting for him to come in and just feeling sadness and fear when he came in he told me my worst fear this was my nightmare. He told me that my tumor has grown a little and that I need to look at options for surgery, chemo, radiation, remember my heart falling out of my chest. It's crazy in the midst of all of that God was with me and he still is now. Let's just say I couldn't sleep thoughts would constantly run through my head what is my family gonna do without me I’m not ready to die. Instead of having peace I was in chaos. I had to put my faith in work and remember that God can move mountains! And of course that whatever happens He's already won! He has Concord death. I do believe that God is going to move this Mountain! Matthew 17:20, 20 He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Right now I'm waiting upon the Lord praying with the expectation that God is going to heal me once again. Because strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord! I'm going to attach a video back in 2017 when I played everlasting God on the drums in Remembrance that all things are possible as long as we have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ because He can move mountains!  

                    Forever His,

                    Maddie Cansler