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Phil, I am so sorry to hear that you are in the valley right now. But look closely at those words my friend.. Yeah though I walk THROUGH the valley. You will make it out the other side my friend and then you will be able to strengthen those still in that dark place. Allow us to walk with you in prayer and worship. Just wait and see, one day you will look up and your feet will be on solid ground again.. this God promises.
Take care brother and let us help hold your arms when you get tired.
beth
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Posted 06/29/2009 03:25am
Author: bethy
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When The Lord took my much loved husband Home , at the early age of 55yrs , a christian elder, who was also a friend, and a young one at that, said to me quoting Psalm 23, for there to be a shadow, there has to be sunshine. That same elder was taken Home 3yrs later at the age of I think 42 or thereabout.
So take heart dear brother in Christ, you will come out of this valley, and the sunshine will still be there, because God is Faithful, and He will never ever, leave you alone, Praise His Name.
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Posted 06/29/2009 03:31am
Author: mumbly
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Dear brother and friend,
Contrary to the popular teaching, God never promised that we would not have valleys to go through and even periods of the "dark night of the soul". David, who wrote the 23rd Psalm, also wrote many others which express his anguish, anger, depression and fears. He was a man, just like you and me. May I recommend perhaps spending some quality solitude time just reading the first half of Psalms, the ones written by David.
I think that far too often we think that when things start going wrong, coming apart at the seams or literally falling to pieces that either we have done something wrong or there is no way out. To the contrary, many times these seasons of our lives are simply times of learning and growth. As mumbly said, there cannot be a shadow without there being sunshine.
From personal experience I can say that as long as you don't give up, in due season you shall reap in one way or another. I can testify that at times, it seems all we can is "hang in there" and wait the storms out. As hard as this is, the fruit makes it worth it.
I will be praying for you that our loving Father lifts the curtain and in so doing leads you to a whole new era in your life. God is indeed faithful and will not forget all the labor of love you have displayed for His name and His people. In due season, brother. In due season you shall reap if you faint not.
B2Y
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Posted 06/29/2009 04:25am
Author: blessings2you
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Brother Phil,
May you walk through the valley with your hand in the Best Friend of all.
Quote
What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms Heâll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
Unquote
Praying that you will feel the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter with you through it all, and may His strength and courage be your portion.
ptl2008
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Posted 06/29/2009 04:31am
Author: ptl2008
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In order to understand the Word you must read it in its intirety (which I know you have)... Yeh, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for though art with me... You will walk in the valley and through it, you will experience death of all sorts, but His Word is clear you need not fear...and why?, because He is with you. His Word also contains that as the mountains surround Jerusalem He surrounds his people, henceforth...even forever. Rest in the thought that He is with you, surrounding you and protecting you. You are not friendless. He is the greatest friend you can have, and I love you as well. Today and always...rest under the shadow of the almighty.
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Posted 06/29/2009 04:32am
Author: girlforgod
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It is such a relief for me to know that NOTHING can touch me unless the Lord allows it because I also know that He will only allow what is good for me in the long run. This reminds me of something I read someplace years ago. Basically it said that if we could see from the beginning to the end we would be willing to go through whatever He sends our way. He only wants what is best for you because He loves you. Hang in there with Him.
I marvel at those who are in the "valley" and yet can come to a place like CB and share what is on their minds with others. Thanks for doing this. It is my prayer that you will be encouraged even as our Lord Jesus was encouraged in the garden.
Blessings to you, my friend, from the One who knows what it is like to be in the "valley" more than any of us do. I'm praying for you too. 
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Posted 06/29/2009 04:34am
Author: lineman
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Hey Phil,
You know the valley or "dark path" God has me wandering on. It's one I can't ever entirely get away from for the rest of my natural life 'cause the issues of recurrence never quite leave the back of your mind...especially when you have to have tests every year just to make sure you're good to go for awhile. 
Phil, you're right. It is a horrible and often lonely place to be and yet it is in that place that we truly learn that God is bigger!
There is a badly crumpled page in my Bible. It is a page I turned to often during cancer treatment. Even though the words burn in my heart I still wanted to see it. I still turn to it all the time now...as a reminder...
I looked at your gallery a few minutes ago and saw those beautiful pictures of the sunrises...turning the darkness into light!
Yesterday I read a blog by Galahad which talks about God "turning his back on you".
It is called God Has Turned His Back On You . I really liked it and if you haven't had a chance to check it out yet, you might want to do so. It solidified something I already knew in a very beautiful way!
I printed out and framed these words prior to going through cancer treatment. I wanted to keep them before me...
You are in my prayers, my friend...
Blessings!
K 
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Posted 06/29/2009 05:22am
Author: kreynolds
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Phil... Look at the love and concern being poured out on you here by these wonderful people. Do you know where that love and concern is really coming from? I know you do. Jesus.
May you know God's love and protection today.
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Posted 06/29/2009 07:27am
Author: whobelieve
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I hear my pastor's words echoing in my head... "walk through the valley! Don't pitch a tent and camp out there!" Faith sustains us through dark times... Jesus is right with you, and He's saying, "C'mon Phil! I'm here with you! and This too shall pass!"
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Posted 06/29/2009 09:49am
Author: blackrose65
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Hello Phil, my name is David. I can say that I went through an experience similar to yours and technically I still am. I was driving one day after I went through everything and it hit me like a ton of bricks. But I looked over at my wife and told her, "through my lack of faith during my trials I studied, prayed, and meditated on faith and still I didn't feel any change." But Phil we must endure. (Ecclesiastes 7:14) And at that moment I relized that my faith increased through my walk in the valley. I only really grew and learned what faith was after that trial. I hope this helps you to know that we share in the suffering of Christ when we die and are raised back to life.
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Posted 06/29/2009 10:24am
Author: psalm117movement
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Philruby~ If you hold onto your faith, God will see you through. Study Job, who even after his wife told him to forsake God he praised Him, and you will see someone who was in the darkest of Vally's. . . but he still had hope, in Yahweh. You do to. After all as Christians we pass through the Valley. . . but God is usually carrying us through.
Praying for you,
~His
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Posted 06/29/2009 10:58am
Author: oneofhisown
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Hi Phil,
This is the scripture that kept me going, I nearly drove my car into head on traffic because I felt God had left me. So I know those places full well. Something I learned recently though, is that a valley is normally a invitation from God to press deeper into his presence.
Take comfort in this scripture!
Psalm 91
1-2 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most high, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will then be able to say "He is my refuge and my fortress" My God in Him I will trust.'
15-16 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with be with him and honour him. And with Long life I will satisfy him, and show him my salvation.
God bless brother
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Posted 06/29/2009 04:34pm
Author: sbloggerh
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Hello Phil
I am very new to this site (& blogging) but felt touched by your pain. I am so amazed by all the support & prayer that comes from the members on this site and hope that their words of comfort, fellowship and scripture can offer you strength and hope at this time. I add my prayers to theirs and pray that you will be able to come through this difficult time. I love the poem footsteps and often think of that in hard times of my own - I hope it helps you too:
"One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along
the beach with the Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed
two sets of footprints in the sand,
one beloning to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the
very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life there is
only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you most
you would leave me."
The Lord replied "My precious, precious child,
I love you and would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffereing,
when you see only one set of footprints in the sand,
it was then that I carried you."
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Posted 06/29/2009 07:30pm
Author: littlekitty
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Phil,
It seems that God is speaking through His people. Remember God speaks through His Word, prayer, His Spirit and people. The valley is well known to me also. I am currently there as well. Therefore, you are not alone. Jesus told us that trouble will find us. It is inevitable. However, our view of these times needs to be one that clearly looks for the Father. It was Jesus, who on the cross, went through the darkest time none of us will experience. He even stated, "My God, my God why have you forsaken me?" - a quote from the Psalms.
Remember before Jesus ascended into heaven he told his disciples, "I will NEVER leave you or forsake you". That my dear brother is a promise. Hold onto that promise. No matter what happens in this life, we are not meant to be happy, we are meant to be joyous. Our focus should always be on Jesus Christ and what He has done for us. Hang in there brother, God is always there.
Think of it this way, it was in the darkest hour this world has ever seen, God reached out gave a hug to His creation and cried as His Son died for His creations sins. We may feel that we are forsaken, but maybe, it is God holding us up rather that turning His back.
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Posted 06/29/2009 08:09pm
Author: joeyleone
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I am overwhelmed. I am overcome by a knowledge that God's love is alive and well in the world, and especially here at CB.
Thank you a million times...all of you...for your words of comfort, encouragement, and enlightenment.
As I read your comments, one thing came forth in my mind. I hope that many, many people read this blog and all the comments from you wonderful Christian brothers and sisters. I pray that all who come here to visit this site see it and realize that there is much love and support here.
I know that many of you have, and are at this time, in a valley of your own, and you have my support as well. You have my love. You have shown light in the darkness.
My daughter (16) once told me that to go a thousand miles in the darkness, all you need is one little flashlight. As long as you can walk to the end of that light, then it will shine further, and on until the end of the journey. You don't need to see the whole trip ahead of you...only the short distance in your light ahead. She's very smart and wise for a teenager.
Thank you for the many flashlights, my friends.
I can go on now.
Blessings and love, in Christ
Phil
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Posted 06/30/2009 08:04am
Author: philruby
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Wow, that is a tough place to be mentally and emotionally. I have been there. I do not know why such a darkness comes over some of us such as this. What I DO know is that it is a window of opportunity. An awesome window of opportunity. A time to make God's Word in your life, bigger than your own thoughts and feelings. A time to watch your faith develop into something extraordinary. A time to know that no matter how dark or joyless it is, God never leaves us nor forsakes us. A time to develop faith .. trust .. love .. patience .. etc. I call it the "icky" place. And I think for it to look so despondent .. there must be something within reach. Something spectacular. Something more than worthwhile. Something others will covet. With patience, it will only be matter of time before that spectacular "something" is revealed. Patience is "continued cheer". You are in a tough place but I know you are tougher than the place. As God does not allow more than we are able to handle and He provides a way out.
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Posted 06/30/2009 02:38pm
Author: debradoo
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Phil,
I truly believe as God has shown me that all of the valleys, valley of death, valley of baca, are part of our journey, but He will send rain to fill the wells to refrsh your spirit. The most awesome thing about the valley is that the Word becomes Real and ALIVE!!! You stated that you had been able to pray for someone in the valley and know that God was with them. Phil know this. God loves you so much that your journey will end up exactly where He wants you to be "in His will" whatever that may be. HOld on friend, hold on to your faith and the lover of your heart for He is with you. He is there holding your right hand, wrapping HIs loving arms around you when you need Him most. He is your refuge your strength. And I believe that is always the lessons, without HIm, we cannot do, have, be anything but through Him we have everthing.
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Posted 07/02/2009 07:29am
Author: univbarbie
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I see that I am more than a day late and a dollar short. I found it only because I was searching for you, it seems that I haven't seen you in a while.
Phil, you posted this about 5 days ago, and I realize that's not a very long time. But I do hope your days are a bit brighter than they were the day you wrote this.
A very wise woman told me once, as I walked through the darkest and dead-est valley ever, "you're right, things will never be the same again BUT they will be good again."
I still cling to that.
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Posted 07/04/2009 01:25pm
Author: savedbyegrace
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For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us (Romans 8: 18)...And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose (8:28).
I understand the valley, because I am currently walking through a valley of my own right now, but I know that this valley is an invitation for me to strenghten my walk with the Lord and walk by faith and not by sight. The Lord is preparing us for battle. Trying times are ahead for us all and how will we be able to encourage others if we are not able to go through trials and tribulations ourselves. Our lives must be a living testament of the Glory of God. He has promised that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our lives, that we can expect. Yet and still, we must learn to let go of this world. Our flesh must die daily in order for us to enter the kingdom. Let Go and Let God. "For we brought nothing into this world and we can carry nothing out (1Timothy 6:7). Rest in the Word of God and Be Blessed.
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Posted 07/05/2009 05:54pm
Author: queendwta
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Hi! Deanna here,
Yes true we all go through that valley, where? we say where is God and you feel he is not there and he is not answering you.
But I believe at that time he is carrying you, through that valley, and wants you to trust him. Just wait on him "He said those that wait upon me shall renew their strength they shall rise up like eagles, they shall run and not grow weiry, they shall walk and not faint.
He is strengthing you while you are waiting on him it is nothing bad remember he even tells us to have patience one of the fruits of the Spirit. He has not left you but is working on you while you are waiting dear brother. Your sister in Christ.
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Posted 07/22/2009 02:33pm
Author: deanna
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