 |
| Author Kim Vogel Sawyer |
From the time I was a little girl, I’ve been a question-asker. My
poor dad patiently answered my deluges of questions (although I’m sure at times
he wished I wasn’t so inquisitive). Now, as an adult, I find myself aiming my
endless questions at my Father God. After all, He knows everything, right?
Most recently I’ve been questioning why my littlest
granddaughter, Kendall Grace, has to face such a difficult start to life.
Kendall has a host of physical medical problems, the combination of which is
very puzzling to doctors. As Kendall Grace’s gramma, I want to know WHY this
baby girl’s muscles are weak, WHY her digestive system doesn’t work right, WHY
her bones aren’t growing normally, and HOW these issues will affect her
socially and emotionally as she grows into little girlhood, enters her teenage
years, and eventually becomes a grown-up. While I pray healing for this darling
baby with the big blue eyes and a smile that could melt the abominable snowman,
I try to look ahead and see what the future holds for her.
Apparently my “crystal ball” is broken, because things are
cloudy. But you know what? I’m discovering that maybe it’s okay for me not to
know. When we don’t KNOW, we’re forced into a place of trust. 2 Corinthians 5:7
says “For we live by faith, not by sight.” If we could see/know everything in
advance, then what would be the purpose of faith? A dear friend who walked the
cancer journey with her son told me, very wisely, that she gave up the right to
know and simply trusted God knew...and that was enough.
So that’s what I’m trying to do--simply trust that God
knows...and that is enough. It isn’t easy, I confess. That little girl who
trailed her daddy and asked, “Why, Daddy? Why?” is still very much a part of
me. ‘Cause I’m human. But just as Daddy did oh so long ago, I know my Father is
smiling down at me, perhaps with a hint of indulgence glimmering in His eyes,
and answering patiently, “All in good time, Kim. Trust Me.”
Unknown times are growing times. Not a bad place to be, after
all.
Social media links:
Kim's Facebook page
Social media links:
Kim's Facebook page
Bio:
In 1966, Kim Vogel Sawyer told her kindergarten teacher that someday people would check out her book in libraries. That little-girl dream came true in 2006 with the release of Waiting for Summer's Return. Since then, Kim has watched God expand her dream beyond her childhood imaginings. With over 30 titles on library shelves and more than a million copies of her books in print, she enjoys a full-time writing and speaking ministry. Empty-nesters, Kim and her retired military husband, Don, operate a bed-and-breakfast inn in small-town Kansas with the help of their four feline companions. When she isn't writing, Kim stays active serving in her church's women's and music ministries, traveling with "The Hubs," and spoiling her quiverful of granddarlings.
Purchase links:
CBD:
Book Depository Kim Vogel Sawyer Books (available for international shipping.)
Deeper Shopping Kim's books
Book Depository Kim Vogel Sawyer Books (available for international shipping.)
Deeper Shopping Kim's books
Giveaway: We are giving away two copies of Kim's books this week, winning reader's choice of book and format (international winners ebook only or paperback if the book is available through Book Depository.) Starbucks $10 gift card. Follow Kim on Twitter (put "T") or like her FB page (put "FB") and leave an encouraging comment or prayer for Kim and her granddaughter to enter. Beginning this week, winners will be posted in the upper right corner of the blog, so you do not have to leave your email address but you must contact us at OWGblog@aol.com if your name is listed.
no need to enter me, but I wouldn't want to miss this opportunity to pray for Kendall. After all, my grandson and she have big plans some day ;)
ReplyDeleteFather God, you know all things, and you were the one who made the dry bones live again, and you were the one who formed us in our mother's womb. You know when we sit and when we stand, when we doubt and when we believe. Help our struggling belief, and show us again your mighty power at work in Kendall's life, her body, her future, her mission and purpose. We bless her in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen!
I shared this giveaway on FAF, twitter and fb.
Blessings,
Kathy Maher
Bless you, Kathy, for sharing! Love you!!!
DeleteThank you for the beautiful prayer, Kathy! I think of your little grandson often. We know GOD DOES MAKE MISTAKES, and He has wonderful plans for ALL of His children! We can be confident in that truth. Bless you!
DeleteThat was supposed to say GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES. One word sure makes a difference! Sorry about my clumsy fingers. *cringe*
DeleteThanks for sharing Kim. Praying daily for Kendall for answers and healing in the Lord's time. Praying also for you and all of the family for patience as you allow God to work in her life as well as yours.
ReplyDeleteI follow on FB, twitter and have shared this giveaway on both of those.
I appreciate your prayers very much, Betti! Blessings to you.
DeleteKIM welcome to Overcoming with God, it's a pleasure to have you with us this week. Thank you for sharing with us about your beautiful granddaughter and your reminder of trusting GOD with our lives. I will be praying for KENDALL GRACE for GOD to bless her and bring healing to her precious body. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Teresa!
DeleteThank you, Kim, for sharing. Your little granddaughter is often in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteI'm so touched by the number of people who pray for Kendall Grace. Such a blessing!
DeleteI know just what you mean Kim. I've never been good with patience either - He gives me lessons over and over on that. But giving up and giving complete trust to Him is the key. I hope your granddaughter is doing well and will continue to heal and improve beyond what everyone expects. May He bless you and keep you!
ReplyDelete"Giving complete trust to Him" truly is the key! You've got it. :o)
DeletePraying hard for both of you to keep Gods peace even if you dont get answers
ReplyDelete(((((HUG)))))) God bless you
Chris Granville fb
Thank you very much!
DeleteKim, Welcome to OWG blog. Thank you so much for sharing with us. Lord, place Your healing hand on Kendall, bring an amazing recovery and may the health care providers and family give all the glory to God! In Jesus's precious name, Amen!
ReplyDelete"FB". I have litttle Kendall on my daily prayer list.
ReplyDeleteSusan Snodgrass
TSL9Snodgrass@aol.com
Thank you, Susan!
DeleteKim, there is so much in this life we don't understand, isn't there? I am going to add your precious little Kendall Grace to my prayer. I know the power of prayer is great!
ReplyDeletemauback55 at gmail dot comx
Prayer is soooo important, and we thank you for lifting up our Kendall Grace. Bless you!
DeleteOh how I have been praying for little Kendall Grace since her birth and Kim mentioned on her blog......will continue to pray.
ReplyDeleteLove Kim's books and always very blessed by her writings. She is a wonderful author and person.
Thanks for the giveaway.
Thank you for those steadfast prayers, Jackie, and for your kind words. You blessed my heart!
DeleteT, FB. Oh how well I know that feeling. 7 years ago when my granddaughter Lizzy was born with a full blow case of CF and we didn't know that my daughter and her husband were both carriers of CF gene. Lizzy only lived 4 months, she never came home from NICU and it was so hard for me as I was not in AL where my daughter lived at the time. I was awoken the very night my daughter went in to labor from a dream and then the phone rang and it was my daughter, I already knew something wasn't right. Oh how I pray the Lord will heal Kendall and comfort your grandma heart in all this. I will be praying for her and for your whole family. I have not been able to read many of your books but would love to win one and have a great read. I am so Glad that your dream came true and I am praying that your prayers will be answered and Drs will be able to help Little Kendall Grace. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
ReplyDeleteIt is true we don't always need to know,but we always need to have faith.
Love and Blessings
Linda Finn
Faithful Acres Books
www.faithfulacres.net
faithfulacresbooks@gmail.com
I'm so sorry for the loss of your little granddarling, Linda. Thank you so much for your willingness to pray for Kendall Grace. May God bless you as you reach out to others with His love!
DeleteKIM, thank you so much for being with us this week on OWG and for sharing something so near and dear to your heart. Those gkids are something else and I constantly fret over mine when they fall ill. They are such a special gift from God in our latter years. Notice I didn't say "older" years! ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe Bible says where any two shall agree as touching anything they shall ask, He will give it to them. So I agree with these prayers here and join mine with them, for complete healing for little Kendall. May she begin to amend THIS day, in the name of Jesus! Amen! I love that scripture in the Bible that says -- and at that very hour the child began to amend!
Thank you, Diana. I join you in that prayer! May He work His perfect will in Kendall Grace's life.
DeleteYour post made so much sense to me! I, like you, have ALWAYS asked many, many questions! For the past 4 years since losing my dear husband, I have asked God numerous questions each day; many times each hour! (OK, minute!) Just this morning, I was at our beach house "alone" (Steve's favorite place) and walked to the water to have my quiet time and tell Steve goodbye. (his ashes were put there) I kept asking God questions, as usual, and even told him that if he told me the "whys" and "whats", I wouldn't have to ask him those questions anymore. Your words 'rang a bell with me.' If God answers all my questions now, like you said, I won't need to talk to God as much, won't have to keep listening and reading his word(s), and won't need to seek his face daily. I think your message will 'hit home' with many people, no matter what their circumstances and situations are. I had just never thought about it the way you wrote, and when I read it, tears just starting pouring..........God used YOU to help me, and he's using US to pray for your granddaughter. God is great! Now each time I start asking God questions, I will be reminded of what you said, and I will know I'm not supposed to know all the answers 'now' ..... and I will remember to pray for your granddaughter. Great lesson learned for me today! Thanks! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteSusan in NC
susanlulu@yahoo.com
Susan, you are such a sweetheart! I am so glad this post resonated with you! Hugs!!!
DeleteSusan, bless your heart, these lessons are life-long, aren't they? So grateful God is so patient with us! Thanks for sharing your heart with me.
DeleteT
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
I'm praying for your granddaughter and for grandmom, may you run to Rock who is a place of refuge when we are overwhelmed. Blessings, Merry
worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com
We have a wonderful Refuge for every storm of life, don't we? Blessings to you!
DeleteHello to the OWG girls, and to Kim. Kim this was a heartbreaker post. I pray GOD will give you one of His miracles by healing your little Kendall. Babies are all so precious. My heart hurts for you and her parents. One of my great-grandsons was born 3 years ago, with so many problems. The first day he had to be taken right into surgery for a Colostomy, for he didn't have an anus. Then a little later he had surgeries on his intestines. He was missing a ventricle on his heart and before 1 had to have heart surgery. And, never knew if he was going to the Hospital this day for he had breathing problems also. So many scans, MRI's etc. But he always had that beautiful smile for everyone. And, his heartbeat was so strong they put off the heart surgery for 10 mos. The latest was when they built him a anus. Such a miracle that GOD has let them learn so much. But, we have to just pray for those miracles and know he is in GOD's hands and HIS will will be done. And, I won't tell you not to worry for tho GOD tells us not to, I haven't been successful at that yet. I would sure love to win one of your books. Thanks to you and OWG for this give-away, and may GOD bless you. Maxie
ReplyDeleteMaxie, isn't it amazing how God blesses these little ones with such a cheerful spirit? We can learn a lot from them! I'm glad he's making progress, and I will send up a prayer for his continued healing!
DeleteI forgot to put the FB on here for I have already liked Kim on FB but I don't Tweet. Maxie
ReplyDeleteI too know what is is like to face the unknown. In my prayers.
ReplyDeleteFB
Thank you, Mary.
DeleteWelcome to OWG, KIM, it's wonderful to have you on here and I'd like to add my THANKS for your beautiful, insightful, and encouraging post!
ReplyDeleteI have one little grandson (so far!) and I can't imagine that adorable and precious child going through something like your sweet little Kendall. Apart from praying and offering support, it would have to frustrating in not being able to do more. But I thank God we do have prayer. Sometimes all we can do is cling to Jesus in the midst of our tears. But as He says, '..my power is made perfect in weakness'. I'll be joining everyone is prayer for your darling granddaughter, and that in His time His power will be made manifest in the form of healing!
Btw, I LOVE that your word that went forth that day to your kindergarten teacher came to fruition! PTL!
Noela, thanks for sharing your thoughts. In deed, His power is made perfect in our weakness. It's good for us to practice that truth. :o) Blessings!
DeleteLoved this post and so agree with everything Kim spoke - we ARE forced into a place of trust when we don't "know", trusting that God knows IS enough, and unknown times ARE growing times. I feel that another reason we aren't always allowed to know everything is because God is protecting us from possible tendencies to weaken our faith and trust in Him by knowing of the trials ahead of us. I have had several surgeries and numerous serious health problems diagnosed over the last 14 years and am thankful that with each diagnosis, I wasn't aware of future trials - as hard as they have been to face, it could have been even harder had I not been allowed to handle them one at a time. With each trial has come a period of growing and increasing my faith and trust in God - I'm giving thanks for the growth and trust that is being learned through the trials of little Kendall Grace!!
ReplyDeleteI had the pleasure of meeting Kim just a couple of weeks ago - she is every bit as sweet as she appears online, and there is a peace and beautiful spirit that flows from God through her. She gracefully signed each of her 12 books I own and I look forward to adding the other 20 of her books to my collection!! I have also been touched by the reading of sections of her healing testimony.
Beautiful little Kendall Grace has been on my prayer list for some time now - as well as her parents and grandparents!! I am thrilled by the progress she has made and the recent pictures Kim posted of her sitting up. I continue to offer prayers for her total healing.
I would love to win a copy of "Through the Deep Waters" - Kim has sold me on it via the touching excerpts featured on her blog this week. She is such a wonderfully prolific writer and her books have such sweet, inspirational, touching, story lines!! How amazing is our God that He would impress upon a kindergarten aged child the wonderful writing gift He would bestow on her!!
FB
Bonnie, how good to "see" you again! YOU are in MY prayers every day! Asking God to hold you close, whisper peace to your heart, and offer healing to your body. Bless you, dear lady!
DeleteBonnie Roof, that is SO cool that you got to meet Kim Vogel Sawyer in person and she signed all your books!!! I'm looking forward to getting my copy of Through Deep Waters too!
DeleteHow precious is life at all stages, but the illness or infirmity of a child seems to break our hearts every moment. At times like these, I find comfort that Jesus says...."Suffer the little children to come to me, and hinder them not, for such is the kingdom of Heaven!".... Trusting to let God take that suffering child's hand is the hardest thing. Sometimes HE lets us hold the other hand for a while...and trusts us to love that child no matter what, and teach them about HIM....sometimes HE calls us to let go, and let HIM give the best care. It is a blessing and privilege along with heartbreak to be trusted with their care. Praying for Kendall & all her loved ones for peace in walking this journey of her life on earth, and for peace to know that walking each day with her is enough.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I believe God has a special place in His heart and arms for the wee ones. I am so grateful He loves Kendall even more than I do! Thank you for your prayers.
DeleteYour granddaughter is darling, and I pray that God will heal her. I know she is already a witness to His goodness.
ReplyDeleteT FB
Little Kendall Grace has already touched more hearts in her short life than many of us do in decades. God has wonderful plans for her! Thank you for your prayers.
DeleteSounds good. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteKim, I'm so sorry about your granddaughter's health problems. I won't go into it all here, but I have been there. I thought you were describing my first child after she was a few months old. I will pray for your beautiful baby girl and her parents, and for you as well. Trusting God is the only way to survive whatever comes in the future. I'll just say that he doesn't always choose to do a miraculous healing (well, better said is a complete healing) while here on earth but there are miracles in every little thing she accomplishes. Sometimes you have to look deep to see them but they are there, everyday. I can't answer why any of us are asked to walk the road we do except that it glorifies HIM, and that is where our focus must always be, ON HIM. Love and prayers from a mom who's been there.
ReplyDeleteAnne, thank you for your sincere empathy and kind words. You are appreciated! Bless you.
DeleteFB Kim and her granddaughter are in my thoughts and prayers. Angela in KY
ReplyDeleteThank you, Angela!
DeletePrayers for precious Kendall Grace. Praying Proverbs 3:5-6. May God give peace to you all and I know He will direct Kendall's path. I know her sweet and precious life will be a testimony of God's faithfulness. We know a local pastor who's family seemed to go through the same thing of so many doctors, tests and never any answers for their little girl. Finally God opened a door and a doctor gave them a diagnosis of Rhett syndrome. All of this happened in God's timing, so I pray as you wait upon Him and trust in His timing, He will make all things clear for Kendall and her precious family, especially sweet Grandma Kim!
ReplyDeletemarypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann (Merry)
wrote on Kims fb page
Thanks so much for sharing the story of your pastor. Some things just take time! We'll wait for God's answers. Thanks for the prayers!
DeleteGreat post with Kim. She's my favorite author. That little Miss Kendall is SO precious! No need to enter me for the drawing. I have ALL of her books already. Just wanted to pop in to say hi. :)
ReplyDeleteSo glad you popped by, Amy!
DeleteI'll never understand "why" my husband broke his neck or "why" my mother died from Alzheimer's but God knows the "why" and all we need to do is leave the "why's" with Him. My prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteJanet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Much of what happens "down here" is confusing from an earthly standpoint. I look forward to the day I stand in Glory and suddenly all the difficulties show their heavenly purpose. Blessings to you!
DeleteThis just in from Kim Vogel Sawyer: PLEASE PRAY!!!
ReplyDeleteRIGHT NOW Kendall is being rushed to Children's Mercy. Would your team please pray for her? Thank you!
God bless~
Kim Vogel Sawyer
In from Kim: I just heard her initial tests warrant further investigation. She's heading for ultrasounds of her kidneys and colon right now.
DeleteGod bless~
Kim Vogel Sawyer
Praying for your grandaughter and her parents as they go through this! Praying that they feel God's presence surrounding them!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. We definitely experienced God's peace and comfort today. Although we still don't have the answers, we know Who holds our little darling, and we're grateful for His presence. Thank you for praying!
DeleteFB
ReplyDeleteKim, thank you for your Facebook updates on your sweet Kendall Grace and giving us the opportunity to pray for her. Like you, I often want to know "why" something is the way it is. I'm very thankful our God is trustworthy so we can just leave it all to Him.
I have read many of your books but there's always room for one more on my Kim Vogel Sawyer shelf (actually you share a shelf with Deb Raney, but I think someday one or both of you will have your own shelves!). Thanks for sharing with us today.
Pam, thanks so much for making room for me on your shelf, putting me in such wonderful company, and--mostly!--for praying for Kendall Grace. So very very appreciated!
DeleteFB
ReplyDeleteKim, I don't know you personally, but from reading your books and following you on FB I believe you are a very caring person who has a true heart for God.
I believe that God gives special children and grandchildren to special people. He knows that you will trust that He will see you and family through.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Cindi, we adore our little Kendall Grace, and we think she's just perfect. We're so grateful to call her ours! Blessings to you.
DeletePraying for your little grand baby!! Sorry to hear the sad news. Here's a verse for you my dear friend it is Prov 3:5-6
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book. I'm a big fan of your.
oh.hello.hiya@gmail.com.
Thanks so much for your prayers, Danie, and for being a faithful reader. Bless you!
DeletePraying for you Kim and the family. Your precious baby will be on the prayer list of our church. GOD bless all of you, and especially little Kendall Grace. Maxie
ReplyDeleteSo many people are praying for Kendall--how that blesses us! Thank you so much. :o)
Delete