Remission Not Regression - Pamela Klopfestein

"And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." Hebrews: 9:22 (KJV)

When my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer, the day turned out worse than I could have imagined, especially when the doctor said, “I can give you chemotherapy. It will buy you some time, maybe six months.”

A few months later, the doctor told my grandfather he had gone into remission. A smile lit his face because he realized he was given more time with his family, even if it was only a few weeks.

I’ve been a nurse for nineteen years and have heard countless stories from patients who say, “I’m in remission.” But these same patients later tell me the cancer has returned, and the sorrow that plasters their faces, breaks me to tears.

One day I was meditating. “God? Why do the doctor’s say remission?”

I meditated on this for quite some time. Finally, I approached my pastor about what was troubling me. He said a better term would be “regression.” When Christ died for our sins, he put us into “remission” and cast our sin-germ into the sea to be remembered no more.

I thank God for the day he put me into remission when I believed in his son, Jesus, whom He sent. I no longer have to worry about regression. There are times I may slip up and not let my light shine, or even backslide, but I’ll always be in remission because I didn’t do the work. Christ did it for me. I’m just resting in what He did.

What makes me even more thankful is that one of these days I’m going to my eternal home where there will be no more sorrow, or heartache, or saying “goodbye” to our loved ones.

My prayer is that the next time you’re faced with difficulties in life, you may find the peace that only comes from above. Keep your heart fixed on heavenly things—where the roses shall never die, God’s river will never run dry, and children will play on the hills of freedom.

Pamela Klopfenstein is a freelance writer and has had articles published in magazines as well as online. She started writing shortly after the death of her four-year-old son, Jonathan, who was disabled. My Heart Will Forever Go On, can be purchased at amazon.com or any other online bookstore. Pam enjoys writing about God and true-to-life experiences. She is a nurse by profession, an adoptive parent, and resides in Ohio with her husband Kurt, and their four children, Jeremy, Matthew, “Da’oshia,” (adopted) and Dalaquan.

Read Pam's devotions.

A Brother in Arms - Pam Klopfestein

"Thou therefore my son be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ." 2 Timothy 2: 1-3 (KJV)

Night fell, and the only sound was the wind rustling the tree outside my bedroom window.

I moved to the edge of my bed, gazing out at the night sky blanketed with stars. I thought about all of the soldiers who had spent time in various wars to protect our country so we could have freedom.

While my mind ran through a list of the many soldiers, one in particular came to mind. His name is Benny Isabell. Benny served in Vietnam. He was wounded in action. He put his life on the line so people like me could have freedom--so my family could have freedom.

This thought alone reminded me of how Christ came and died so that the chains of sin that bound me could be loosened and I could go free.

I stood in the congregation of our church and stared straight ahead. There was Benny, our deacon, our piano player, our teacher who continues on the battlefield today for Christ. When he’s not teaching, he’s a man of few words, but he doesn’t have to say much because his humbleness and dedication to the church and to our Lord speaks volumes. Benny is steadfast in the building of God’s Kingdom, in helping strengthen families.

I’m thankful for all the brave soldiers who risk their lives daily so people like me can have liberty. But I’m also grateful for those brave soldiers who stand daily on God’s battlefield.

Benny is not only a brave soldier but my brother in Christ. Thank you, Benny, for agreeing to stand and serve with me.

Have you given thanks to those who fight for us and with us in the flesh and spirit? Have you put your arms around them and told them how much you love and appreciate them? Are you a soldier for Christ?

My prayer: Dear God: I always want to be in the center of THY will.

**Benny Isabell, a 1966 graduate of Lake City High School, entered the Army August 18, 1967. He took his infantry training at Fort Benning, Georgia and Fort Lewis, Washington before being transferred to Vietnam. Benny was injured near Chu Lia, Vietnam while on patrol with his unit, the 198th Light Infantry Brigade. He received wounds in the stomach and leg. He was awarded the Purple Heart.**

Pamela Klopfenstein is a freelance writer and has had articles published in magazines as well as online. She started writing shortly after the death of her four-year-old son, Jonathan, who was disabled. “My Heart Will Forever Go On,” can be purchased at amazon.com or any other online bookstore. Pam enjoys writing about God and true-to-life experiences. She is a nurse by profession, an adoptive parent, and resides in Ohio with her husband Kurt, and their four children, Jeremy, Matthew, “Da’oshia,” (adopted) and Dalaquan.

Unconditional Love - Pam Klopfenstein

“ For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby, we cry, Abba, Father.” Romans 8: 15 (KJV)

After my son Jonathan passed away, I began fostering medically disadvantaged children, some born premature, drug exposed, and disabled. I spend time nurturing them to good health. I teach them how to crawl, talk, walk, or if they are blind, to see the world through my eyes. They have come from different backgrounds and cultures, but all have one common need—unconditional love.

I recently adopted one of my foster daughters. Once the paper work was finalized and she was given my last name, this scripture popped into my head; For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the spirit of adoption, whereby, we cry, Abba, Father.

I, too, needed to be loved and adopted. God took me into His family and gave me an eternal home. He loved me when I didn't feel worthy, and He did it unconditionally. We have an opportunity to help and encourage others and, by doing so, we are showing them God's love and hope.

We are freed from bondage and adopted. Isn’t it amazing how God looks at us and sees perfection in our creation even in our imperfection? He loves us and nurtures us to health.

Now that you’re part of a new family, who will you love and nurture? Who will you invite into your family?

Dear God, thank you for all the blessing's you've sent my way. May I always be in the center of thy will.


Pamela Klopfenstein is an aspiring writer. She teaches a class titled Handle with Care to foster parents in Montgomery County, OH. She's a nurse by profession, a foster/adoptive parent for thirteen years. She contributes articles to Ezine online. Her article titled "Life Raft" will be published in the Angels on Earth magazine in their upcoming December issue. Pamela and her husband, Kurt have three biological children, Jeremy, Matt, and Jonathan (now in heaven), and have adopted their daughter, Da'oshia. They are currently adopting their foster son, Da'laquan.