Pills or Not........

How do you feel about having to take meds? Do you feel guilt and shame for not being able to function without them? Shouldn't we be able to "overcome" our problems and successfully meet our challenges without aids and crutches? Do you think, "I have prayed for a miracle - I've prayed for healing and relief, but my dependence on these meds only increases as time goes by."? Well that's what I used to think. But I have come to realize that my meds are actually the answer to my prayers. Dependence is not the issue, because every day we are dependent upon Him for life and necessities and happiness. We just don't want to rely on those pills. Obviously, if the only way you can move is by taking your meds, then He is saying no to healing without them at this time. Miraculous healing may indeed come at a later time, but He has His reasons for saying no right now. And I think sometimes we must be worked on in time to become worthy of the good gifts He wants to give us. If you were suddenly and completely healed today, would you spend as much time with Him, or be as interested in obeying Him, or would your life be the witness that it is to the sufficiency of His grace? God is not mean and He does not withold good things from His children, but He also does not give His gifts indiscrimently and without preparation. Wouldn't that be like giving a child a loaded gun? The world desperatly needs to see living examples of real people living through the toughest storms that may come. God loves all people so much that He is willing to let you suffer (like His Son) so that others might be saved. Our distress is momentary compared to the glories He has lovingly prepared for all who will come to Him.

Grudges and Healing

I have read that holding grudges and refusing to forgive can cause disease in our bodies, and certainly aggravate what is already an issue. I don't know about you, but I don't want anything in my life that could prevent or retard healing! So, I have been doing some thinking about it. I came up with an analogy that helped me understand the process a little better, and perhaps it will help you as well. At any rate, it can't hurt: Forgiveness is a garden that we must tend or it doesn't develop. I must work the ground (of my heart) digging it up, breaking up hard clumps, - hoeing and raking – pounding it until it is workable (ready to forgive). Then I add fertilizer and thoroughly mix it in, until it is evenly distributed. Holes must be dug and plants and seeds planted. I must water them (give the water of grace instead of the dust of vengence). I guard it (from animals, insects and birds – or more plainly – wrong attitudes, thoughts or deeds) as I watch. I make sure it gets plenty of exposure to the sun (reading the Word, praying and fellowship). The garden must be tended daily and as time goes by, I weed it and continue to water. I prune as needed. If I am not faithful and consistent in my resolve to forgive, weeds will choke out the plants by blocking them from the sunlight and drinking up all the moisture. Everything will go to seed and appear unkempt. Yields will be little or nonexistent if the garden is untended. God causes growth. We decide to forgive (we will it), but God changes our reluctant hearts and transforms them into forgiveness. We only must be willing and obedient to the point of death – death of my “right” to demand punishment – my “right” to revenge. It must be put on the cross with Christ and crucified. Just as the seed must die when planted so that the transformation (of the seed into a plant) can take place, so my desire and decision to forgive must be the starting point which begins the process of forgiveness. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ seed.....(the decision to forgive).....seed dies (flesh crucified - deny the satisfaction of exacting revenge or punishing).....plant grows.....(daily resisting the flesh by reaffirming the decision to forgive).....plant blooms and reseeds.....(we are transformed - FORGIVENESS! __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ God takes the unjust wounds inflicted on us and the stings of abandonment and betrayal to test our hearts and bring forth the gold of forgiveness. These wounds and stings are the manure from which the blooms of forgiveness are grown. Think about it.

Your Unique Gift

I was going through my paintings and I decided that I would donate a number of them (copies) to our church. As I went through them I reflected back to the time when I painted each one. I was amazed at the detailed work I have been able to do. My husband used to watch me as I painted and he marveled at how my hands grew steadier as I painted delicate details, like eyelashes....

We are all different. We all have some kind of a handicap, and we all have unique giftings from God. Nobody really fits a set pattern, because we are all different. In my case, art has been one of my gifts, but I am challenged with Parkinson's Disease. So what does God do? He gives me quiet hands that grow steadier as they are called upon to paint tiny details. Whoever heard of a person with PD who paints detailed miniatures? Did I have tremors? Yes, but when I painted they seemed to go away.

God enabled me to do what He wanted me to do. And He will do the same for you. Fate or random chance does not decide what I can or cannot do. It is God who decides. He has a plan for each one, and no two plans are the same. Take time to really thank Him for what He has enabled you to do. Thank Him for the joy it brings to you and to others. You are a joy to Him!

Little Wishes - Big Miracle

I was trying to think of an interesting topic for my blog today. Let's see......... I had a tooth pulled. Unexpectedly brush fires started up not too far from where we live.... I dropped some clothes (a lot) at the drop off box.... I had a doctor's appointment.... Another day of victory so far as my food intake! No junk or sugar or wheat. Just good stuff.

Nothing noteworthy or extraordinary has happened. But do you know what I JUST realized? One of my dreams came true today! Just a few years back, when my body could hardly do a thing, I made a wish. I wished that I could do little things that most people never even think about.... Normal things. Like walking across a room without effort, or buttoning my own shirt.

I asked God to heal me, and today - years later - I am experiencing this very thing. I had forgotten this tiny but great miracle.... Some measure of healing has come from my heavenly Father.

Thank you dear God. Thank you for loving me. I love you too....

From Anna

Light Up the World

The sun has gone down and the darkness has settled down around my house. I can't see beyond my porch, and even that is filled with shadows, shifting like clouds in a blue sky. My eyes can penetrate very little, and my mind wonders if it really sees those faint indistinct outlines of forms that morph into shapes without names.
Parkinson's Disease entered my life like that.... like the sun sinking into the spreading darkness. It is filled with fears and monsters with ugly names.
Everyone has their own personal darkness. It's different for us all. But, as Believers we have this in common: "The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light. And to those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned." (Matthew 4:16 NAS)
We are not without comfort. We are not without purpose. We are not without beauty or a deep abiding faith that can only come from living in a dark place. Like a candle that lights the darkness, we are the hope of the world. Until the world sees you shining in the darkest place- they will not find faith, hope or love.