tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75967363950483011062024-03-04T22:53:16.599-08:00On Being a Christian With Parkinson's DiseaseHow a Christian faces life with a DiseaseAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.comBlogger329125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-10225323411443399492016-01-29T09:28:00.001-08:002016-01-29T09:28:53.055-08:00You May Not Like This, But Read it Anyway....<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Today I worship in the
midst of my broken, and weary body. My Lord, Adonai, has seen fit to
show me yet another day of heaviness. He will not leave me here with
this diseased “house” one second longer than need be. I have
prayed and asked for the fruit that is grown and harvested in this
unsightly garden of Parkinsons's Disease. I am fast approaching that
place of moment by moment dependence on Him for my life. It is the
only place where I willingly lean on Him with the dead weight of
brokeness and impossibilities. It is here that I endure the heavey
hand of His love. It is hard to bear, and I don't do it very well,
but My faith in Him – His name is Adonai – is unshakeable. Thank
You, Lord, for all that You are. I choose to yield to You through
this day. Be glorified today in my body. I am cut off from from the
health that You intended for me, and I am punched down like the clay
of the marred pot, to become a different vessel – one that points
the way to You! </span>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I give You the heart that
You have broken in Your love for me. Every breath is for You. I
have been here once before. I don't know why You have led me here
again, so I will concentrate on what I DO know: You are with me
through all, You are faithful, You have all authority, You are
love.... You are my Shepherd. You keep me from wandering.... This
untrustworthy body longs for the greener pastures, but You have
hemmed me in behind and before and have built a wall of protection
around me. I do not like this place, but You have made it – just
for me – and I will praise Your Holy Name!</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-52020298369954647022016-01-26T04:51:00.002-08:002016-01-26T04:51:47.068-08:00Sign Posts<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In dealing with things and
people that are hurtful or uncomfortable to me, I am propelled into
new territory. I am led forward by discomfort, fear and ignorance,
to seek the reason for painful predicaments. They are sign posts
that point the way to understanding how I arrived in this
uncomfortable situation or relationship. My true motives are
unearthed and will determine my next steps – either to defend my
right to stay and stand on that familiar plot of ground – refusing
to change – or to take steps towards finding a new place that
offers a vantage point that reveals new insight into my true motives
which in turn – if I allow – will get me to the problem that is
behind <u>my</u> problem. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Then
and only then can I invite God in to be the Healer that He is, and
stand aside – so as not to hinder Him as He chisels “self” from
the block of marble that I am. “Self” is always at varience with
the true changes that He makes in my heart – which then show up in
my character. I do not have the power to make these changes, but
only to see that they are needed, and to get out of His way, yielding
to Him, and not fighting against Him. These small pieces of “Self”
- ishness – show up as tendancies to preserve “Self” at the
cost of all else.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So,
the truth becomes clear to me.... I am not perfect or complete.
There are things that must change. And God uses other people –
even my enemies - to make this apparent. If I desire wholeness and
improvement, I will not question my Maker's motives or methods, but
will put that undisciplined house pet called “Self” – out of my
house, and into the yard, so that He – God - can commence removing
what is not part of the finished me.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-82352928802717645232015-12-18T14:38:00.000-08:002015-12-18T14:38:01.389-08:00You Have Been in my Dreams<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You Have
Been in my Dreams</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">12/18/15</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It's Christmas time. This
is the last of the year, and we all want it to be perfect and
magical, everyone happy and even joyful. We remember the good years,
when things worked out pretty much that way, or close to it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It's hard to dream great
things without including other people into our hopes. Especially if
they are our children.... I found myself dreaming for one of my
children, and I even started getting anxiety because I can see, she
is altering her course away from what I want for her. She wants a
lot of the same things that I want for her, but where I can see the
pitfalls and valleys – all dangerous of course - her inexperience
and even naivete do not properly warn her. I worry over all that may
befall her. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">But God is gently
reminding me that she must dream for herself and live each day as SHE
chooses. I did the same thing when I was young. God is reminding me
of His patience with me, and His discipline when I have veered off
course. There were plenty of times that I was the wayward sheep.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I know that the world
is a lot more dangerous now than then. I know that we are like an
ant in a hurricane. Evil forces crouch at the door waiting to pounce
on our unsuspecting kids. But God has heard our prayers and He loves
them. He has listened to our intercession for each one. And He says
in a quiet and loving way, “You must not try to force your dreams
upon them. I am God. You are not. Trust me to do what I do.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So miraculously I have let
my expectations go – like balloons floating up into the sky until
the sight of them is gone. I don't know what's best.... but God
does. I'm not their Holy Spirit..........but God is. My motives are
not always pure.... but God's are. I have decided to trust Him with
what was His all along: my precious children. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, I'm not going to sit
back and do nothing. I'm giving my time to prayer. I don't know
the outcome of specific things, but I know Who does. He tells me to
pray without ceasing. Our passionate and heartfelt prayers are
perhaps the greatest fear of our powerful enemy. We must travail in
prayer, holding these precious ones up constantly to Him, but
refraining from trying to conform them to our very small ideas.
God's dreams for them are huge and amazing. And He has the power and
authority to make them happen.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Give the people around
you, room to live. If you want to change them, or find that your
help is unwanted, take your concerns to Him in prayer and then don't
take pick them up again. If you have PD, then you know the deadly
effects that anxiety produces in our bodies. </span>
</div>
<br />
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">go to God in prayer</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">pour out your heart
to Him</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Trust Him to act</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Never stop praying</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Trust Him in
everything</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And did I
say.......Trust Him?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Trust Him</span></div>
</li>
</ol>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-91589764675808930872015-12-05T07:04:00.004-08:002015-12-05T07:04:59.575-08:00Parkinson's Disease, an Enemy in the Flesh, is not Altogether Unlike my Spiritual Enemy<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">NOTES FROM <u>WHAT DEMONS
CAN DO TO SAINTS</u> by Merill F.
Unger</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">12/5/15</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;">The
nature of the times in which we live calls for clarification of the
precise role Satan and demons may play in the life and experience of
a believer.... In these sinister spirit personalities, humanity,
especially redeemed humanity, has an implacable enemy. This foe is
dedicated to alienate man from God and to keep him from Christ's
saving grace. When men do believe the gospel, Satan exerts every
effort to turn them away from God's will. He knows that once they
are saved they are beyond his power insofar as their position before
God and their eternal destiny are concerned. So he determines to do
them as much damage as he can , seeking to ruin their Christian life
and testimony for God. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Satan is relentless and pitiless in his hatred for God
and the people of God. What makes the devil a fearful foe is the
fact of his great power. This is augmented by the assistance of
innumerable fallen angels or demons. Satanic forces constitute a
mighty evil spiritual reality to be seriously reckoned with by the
entire fallen race, both redeemed and unredeemed.... </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Actually
Satan is the most powerful person in the universe after God.
Although he is a creature and a vast gap separates him as such from
the Creator, he is the first creature and evidently the most glorious
of all creatures.....Our Lord plainly intimated that Satan is a king
and presides over a kingdom (Matthew 12;26). As a potentate reigning
over the realm of spiritual darkness, Satan extends his sway over the
evil angels or demons. Through these 'principalities, powers, rulers
of the darkness of this world and wicked spirits in the heavenlies'
(Ephesians 6:12), he exerts dominion over the fallen human race. As
men open the door to him by sin and rebellion against God, he enters
to dominate and enslave.... </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The
saints must realize that they are the bull's-eye, as it were, against
which Satan and his demon helpers aim their most fiery darts. They
constitute Satan's deadliest foes and the greatest threat to his
authority and powers. This is why saints dare not be oblivious of
Satan's malignity nor 'ignorant of his devices' (2 Corinthians
3:11).</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-29389249515363412042015-11-23T08:11:00.004-08:002015-11-23T08:11:55.791-08:00An Informed Opinion<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Where do you
stand?</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">11/23/15</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Have you
seriously thought about the veracity of the Bible and whether or not
the God of the Bible is real and true? Well do you have an opinion
based on feelings and what seems understandable and right to the
human mind – in this case yours? Could you defend your position?
Either way, the Bible claims and stories contain way more than a
quick briefing can afford. It's claims are quite astounding and have
the potential to change lives – yes and save lives. If these
claims are not true then don't you think you owe it to the rest of
the world to be able to give an accounting of why you disagree or
simply don't believe? </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Is truth
something that should be taught to our children and to all people?
How can we ever hope for peace or change for the better if we don't
know what truth is? Many have claimed that the Bible is the true
Word of God. I think we should have an informed opinion about it.
If it's false, then it's a pack of lies. But if true.............
it is the staple of life. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Going over
someone else's opinion is second-hand knowledge, which is unreliable
at best. I don't think we do ourselves justice to let someone else do
the thinking for us. There is a prevailing attitude in our own
country of independence (we like to think we make our own decisions
based on our own knowledge and intelligence). How can we justify
convicting or exonerating the truth or deception of the Bible without
careful deliberation and a study of it's claims? How can I let
someone else do my thinking for me on a matter of such reputed
importance?</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-73484459639465010002015-10-05T09:55:00.002-07:002015-10-05T09:55:31.988-07:00Why?Several days ago, I prayed for a friend who is suffering with more than one physical problem. She is in a great deal of pain and has been for months - even years. Not responding in bitterness or anger, and not complaining to her God and her Maker or the people around her, she prays unceasingly for His help. In her human flesh, she is overcome, but unwavering in her faith in the Creator. <br />
<br />
Romans 12:1 says, "Present your body as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship." Check. She has done that...........Isaiah 54:17 says, "No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that accuses you in judgement you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their vindication is from Me, declares the Lord. In other words, nothing that the enemy torments you (as a Believer)with can last forever. His accusations will come to nothing. This is a promise to Believers. Check. She has embraced this promise. Her faith is in He who promises................. James 5:13 says, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." Check. She has obeyed.<br />
<br />
She has done all she knows to do, and yet still she suffers. I will give voice to the question we all have: Why??? Why, Lord???<br />
<br />
Let me offer this explanation: First there is no pat answer. I think there are just some things we will never know for sure this side of heaven. Only God knows His reasons.... This leaves us with a choice: turn from Him or believe all He promises even though day after day, we do not see the fulfillment or relief. That is when we employ our faith. Faith is for those times when we don't know why or how or when, but we see the hoped for end, and it's good. My father promised me a horse if I saved up enough money to buy one when I was very young. This was a conditional promise. I believed him. So I saved up enough money, though it took years. Eventually I got my horse. Though it came through unexpected channels, it came neverless. What kept me hanging on all those years, saving every penny? Faith in my father's word. <br />
<br />
Only Believers can hope to receive God's promises to His children. Faith will connect the Believer to the promised end. Faith in why or what? Faith that God is who He says He is (a promise keeper). We have faith that the Bible - God's Word, does tell us the truth about God's character. What's going on while we wait? We are developing patience. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete lacking in nothing."<br />
<br />
Contrary to popular thought (especially in this country) pain is not a bad thing. We DO NOT like it, but it is not necessarily a bad thing.<br />
<br />
But I didn't do anything to deserve this pain! It doesn't matter. Matthew 5:45 says, "He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good. And sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous." He blesses the world with many good things. Sickness can be brought on by sin, but not necessarily. <br />
<br />
Look at John 9:1-3 which says, "...He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him saying.' Rabbi, who sinned? This man or his parents that he should be born blind? Jesus answered , It was neither that this man sinned, nor his parents. But it was in order that the works of God might be displayed in him.'" So God let one man suffer so that many might be blessed by the works of God displayed in this man.<br />
<br />
That's not fair, you may say. Well what about a bone marrow donor? Or a kidney donor? These willingly suffer pain so that the wonder of healing can come, and all the world is encouraged. It's not exactly the same thing, but maybe it helps to get my point across.<br />
<br />
We live in a world that has been abused and suffers. God didn't make it that way. Man messed it up. From before time, there has been a war going on between good and evil. There are casualties in a war. Bad things happen to good people in a war. But honestly, I ask you..... Does the crucifixtion and death of Jesus Christ make sense? If we cannot understand this, how can we hope to understand why God allows what He allows at a given time. How can we understand how and why the innocent suffer. We must lay it to rest with this: God promises He has purpose in what happens. And God is the essence of Authority walking in Love. Have faith in Him and trust Him to do what He says He can do.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-4041484236940897962015-09-26T14:32:00.002-07:002015-09-26T14:32:38.765-07:00Taking A Break<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Taking A Break</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Lord, I am remembering old
requests as I sit here and visit with You. My heart is astir as I
wait on Your mercy – on the pouring out of Your grace. I do not
doubt for I am standing on a good foundation. When the world around
me is shaken, I am not. Greater is He who is in me than he who is in
the world.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I am so grateful that You
died for me. Working out and planning just how You were going to
save us was so hard that it made creating the universe seem like
child's play. You are amazing, God.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You are beautiful beyond
my perception. Even if words could truly capture who you are, they
would not even come close to naming Your attributes, or describing
the infinite depth of love and authority in Your deep and knowing
eyes. My whole heart is Yours. I give You all that I am. Please
live in this world through me....</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-45154896892563698902015-05-25T08:43:00.001-07:002015-05-25T08:43:22.857-07:00Jonah and Parkinson's Disease<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Jonah and
Parkinson's Disease</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes I am overwhelmed
with battle fatigue. Sometimes it seems that for every battle fought
and won, there are several new fights to be fought. Sometimes
winning consists of nothing more than still being standing when all
of the dust settles. And the question that I ask is, “Does it make
a difference? Am I wasting my time? Does my life make a difference
to those I know and love?”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I am not given to
depression, nor do I enjoy feeling sorry for myself (it sucks the
life out of me), but at the end of the day, I realize my clothes
are in tatters and the smell of the battle sticks to me like smoke
from a fire. These days, there doesn't seem to be a place of rest
to slip away to from the attackers and invaders that are the enemy's
best. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It reminds me of the story
of Jonah. This man was running from God and thought to hide in a
boat bound for another place. God was giving him a task that he
simply could not find the heart to do (like living with PD). So,
after he had boarded the boat, and they were on their way, a huge
storm came up. It was the worst the crew of the ship had ever
encountered. The ship was barely holding together, and being no help
at all, Jonah had actually fallen asleep down in the lowest parts of
the ship. The crew had thrown all of their cargo overboard to
lighten their load. This storm had cost them all that they had, and
it was still raging. Everything they tried only made things worse. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It struck me at this point
in the story that here I am, and here you are fighting a storm that
God has allowed in our lives.... For many of us, it is Hurricane
Parkinson. We don't want to fight this typhoon and as silly as it is
– we are running from it. And we are trying to outrun God by
staying ahead of Him. If it were up to us, there would be no storm,
and no loss of cargo. But He is as big as the whole sea and
impervious to our best efforts of choosing our own path.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When the crew found out
that Jonah was a Hebrew, they were terrified, knowing that he
worshiped and belonged to the One True God. So they asked him what
they must do to quiet the storm and save their lives. He told them
that they must throw him overboard – out into the storm. “So
they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea and the sea ceased
from its raging.” (Jonah 1:15)</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In the same way, mankind
had been trying to hide from God since the Garden of Eden because of
his sin. The predicament we find ourselves in is that we are caught
in the storm of sin with only one way of making it through alive:
We had to throw Jesus like Jonah out into the raging sea, (upon the
cross) and only then would the sea become calm. Only His life thrown
into Hell's storm of man's sin – to pay for the sins of the world –
would calm this tempest. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;">Now the Lord had
prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly
of the fish three days and three nights. - (death held Jesus three
days and three nights). Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from
the fish's belly. And he said: I cried out to the Lord because of
my affliction and He answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried.
And You heard my voice. For You cast me into the deep. Into the
heart of the seas. And the floods surrounded me. All Your billows
and Your waves passed over me. Then I said, 'I have been cast out of
Your sight; yes, I will look again toward Your holy temple. The
waters surrounded me, even to my soul; The deep closed around me.
Weeds were wrapped around my head. I went down to the moorings of
the mountains; the earth with its bars closed around me forever. Yet
you have brought up my life from the pit, O Lord my God. When my
strength fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer went
up to You, into Your holy temple. Those who regard worthless idols
forsake their own mercy. But I will sacrifice to you with the voice
of thanksgiving. I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the
Lord. So the Lord spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry
land.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We live in a sin cursed
world at the present time, and we fight battles. But we live by
faith, believing that it has all been straightened out – that
Messiah has come and fulfilled His purpose (salvation has come
through Him), and though we do not see it now, all things will be
made perfect, and the corruptible will be done away with and the
incorruptable will established. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">One of the present day
battles we fight is disease. We will live through this disease by
faith, knowing for sure that one day (very soon I think) healing
comes. Perfection will rule and all things will be subject to He who
paid the price and cancelled sin's effect.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Don't fall asleep, like
Jonah did on the boat. Look up for your redemption draweth nigh!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And know that Jesus has
already calmed the sea and defeated death. We will SEE this on the
appointed day! There will be no more disease. We will not just know
that this good day is coming, but we will see it.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-46932875516822537242015-03-25T15:48:00.002-07:002015-10-25T20:21:49.343-07:00It Is the Potter's Choice<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It is the Potter's Choice</span><br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">3-23-15</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Anna Knoedl</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?” Romans 9:20-21</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: start;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">With Parkinson's Disease, there are some days</span><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;"> </span>that are better than others. These days, I don't
have the strength I did a few years ago – or even a year ago. It's
not just that. My speech is slow and sometimes I don't breathe
properly when speaking. I sound clumsy and hesitant, as if I am
confused (which I am not). Sometimes people ask if I'm OK, and when
I say yes, they politely look away as if they believed me. It's hard
dealing with a body which doesn't act right. There is a list of
things that at one time I did well – things that I no longer can
do. Perhaps the most distressing thing is that I am not as sharp of
mind as I used to be. I have talked to God a lot about this,
shrinking from the humiliation of feeblemindedness. The best way of
dealing with it is to face it head on, without complaining and be
grateful for all that I do have.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“You
turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the
clay, That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make
me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no
understanding ?” Isaiah 29:16</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">**</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I
am cut to the quick when I read this. Earth's brief period of
temporal favor – temporary blessings – are meaningless and though
once enjoyed, have been spent and no longer have even momentary
value. These “blessings” are but a memory. Trying to hold onto
them is rather like an old woman trying to look young. It is futile
and heartbreaking to have pride in what I once could do, or to be
proud of how I once looked. I used to feel capable of almost
anything, but the “list” narrows it down a lot.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Strong
and quick of mind, I never doubted my abilities. My voice did not
waver or fade away in the middle of a sentence, nor was the sight of
me unpleasant and there was no stiffness or muscles pulling the wrong
way, making my body crooked. my gate once graceful, now can be
labored and without rhythm – out of time and beat; I feel I am
ugly............ heard only by those who see beyond all the clutter
of once pleasant attributes that make the truth attractive. Like an
unfaithful friend, these are all gone – the list of things I cannot
do.- they are like a
vapor this image I thought was me. Like an abandoned wife, I feel
like I am worthless and ill suited for any worldly cause at all. My
pride is still clinging to the old garments of self. I have found
myself cradling yesterday's rotten clothes desperate to be that
ghost.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.1in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
Lord said: Israel, you have no right to argue with your Creator.
You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter. The clay doesn’t ask,
“Why did you make me this way? Where are the handles?” Isaiah
45:9</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
time is fleeting. To what end? Once spent, forever gone and even
memories fade</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If
this is all there is, then I am with nothing. Give me something to
replace the longing I feel for Egypt.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Creator
– Maker – Help me!!!! I am missing Egypt. and feeling sorry
for myself. How do I yield to Your right to do with me what You
will? How do I surrender completely to You, being willing to lose
all things for Your sake? Paul got there. He said,
“ But
whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss
for the sake of Christ.
More
than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing
value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the
loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain
Christ,and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own
derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the
righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,…
“
Philippians 3:8</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Diving
into the deep end of the pool of water that You are, it is at first
bitter. I know that eventually it will sweeten. But there is no
“half in and half out”. I can see clearly that though it feels
all wrong and perhaps even hopeless, this is the way that matters. I
choose to plunge my whole self into the cold icy truth. I am what
You have made me – I have what You have given me – I agree to
dream only those dreams that You allow; I give up my own ideas
wholeheartedly, holding back nothing, knowing that the only place for
me – the only life that I can have is what You choose; what pleases
You. I know that You are in authority over me. At my invitation, You
will break away what resists. You will decide if I glorify Your name
in power or weakness, beautiful or practical, graceful or not,
healthy or sick..........You are the potter and I am the clay. With
Your hands, You will work truth and beauty into my substance –
kneed it til it's ready. Then another process begins. Until I am
done. On this earth there will be the burning away of what is
impure, useless or unyielding, and I choose not to fight this. It
is a daily decision to die to what I wish and what I want. In the
end, You are really all that I could want. You are what I need.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
“But
who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? Shall what is
formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like
this?'" Does not the potter have the right to make out of the
same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for
common use?” Romans 9:20-21</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I
am cut to the quick when I read this. Earth's brief period of
temporal favor – temporary blessings – are meaningless and though
once enjoyed, have been spent and no longer have even momentary
value. These “blessings” are but a memory. Trying to hold onto
them is rather like an old woman trying to look young. It is futile
and heartbreaking to have pride in what I once could do, or to be
proud of how I once looked. I used to feel capable of almost
anything, but this “list” narrows it down a lot.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Strong
and quick of mind, I never doubted my abilities. My voice did not
waver or fade away in the middle of a sentence, nor was the sight of
me unpleasant and there was no stiffness or any muscles pulling the wrong
way, making my body crooked. my gate once graceful, now can be
labored and without rhythm – out of time and beat; I feel I am
ugly............ heard only by those who see beyond all the clutter
of once pleasant attributes that make the truth attractive. Like an
unfaithful friend, these are all gone – the list of things I cannot
do.- they are like a
vapor this image I thought was me. Like an abandoned wife, I feel
like I am worthless and ill suited for any worldly cause at all. My
pride is still clinging to the old garments of self. I have found
myself cradling yesterday's rotten clothes desperate to be that
ghost.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 0.23in; margin-bottom: 0.1in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">“The
Lord said: Israel, you have no right to argue with your Creator.
You are merely a clay pot shaped by a potter. The clay doesn’t ask,
“Why did you make me this way? Where are the handles?” Isaiah
45:9</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Even
time is fleeting. To what end? Once spent, forever gone and even
memories fade</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">If
this is all there is, then I am with nothing. Give me something to
replace the longing I feel for Egypt.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Creator
– Maker – Help me!!!! I am missing Egypt. and feeling sorry
for myself. How do I yield to Your right to do with me what You
will? How do I surrender completely to You, being willing to lose
all things for Your sake? Paul got there. He said,
“ But
whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss
for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain
Christ,and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own
derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the
righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith,…
“
Philippians 3:8</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="background-color: #0c343d; color: white; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Diving
into the deep end of the pool of water that You are, it is at first
bitter. I know that eventually it will sweeten. But there is no
“half in and half out”. I can see clearly that though it feels
all wrong and perhaps even hopeless, this is the way that matters. I
choose to plunge my whole self into the cold icy truth. I am what
You have made me – I have what You have given me – I agree to
dream only those dreams that You allow; I give up my own ideas
wholeheartedly, holding back nothing, knowing that the only place for
me – the only life that I can have is what You choose; what pleases
You. I know that You are in authority over me. At my invitation, You
will break away what resists. You will decide if I glorify Your name
in power or weakness, beautiful or practical, graceful or not,
healthy or sick..........You are the potter and I am the clay. With
Your hands, You will work truth and beauty into my substance –
kneed it til it's ready. Then another process begins. Until I am
done. On this earth there will be the burning away of what is
impure, useless or unyielding, and I choose not to fight this. It
is a daily decision to die to what I wish and what I want. In the
end, You are really all that I could want. You are what I need.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-36641064611281274362015-03-19T08:40:00.001-07:002015-03-19T08:40:45.081-07:00O, Sleeper, Wake Up!<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">My hands and arms are
tingling and feeling numb. They are going to sleep. As I was
thinking on this, I couldn't help but think about my spiritual body.
And as a member of a larger spiritual body – the Church – there
is a lesson in here for all of us. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We are in perilous times.
It is not a time we would want to be found falling asleep on the job.
If any one of us – as a member of Christ's body – is asleep,
then we must know that this will cause pain and discomfort for the
other members. By falling asleep, I can most certainly open the way
for the enemy to come in and attack - to wound -up close. As a Body,
our work will be of a poor quality, because some of us are asleep!
Some of us can be wounded when other members are asleep. It is being
a slacker . It is not believing the signs that God has told us to
watch for. He doesn't want anyone to be surprised by the fierce and
deadly attacks of the devil and his hordes upon Believers. He gives
us many warnings in Scripture. But if anyone is not reading and
studying God's Word, he is sleeping. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">What does it mean to fall
asleep spiritually? It means that when I am supposed to be on the
lookout for danger and being prepared for whatever may come so that I
can warn encourage and equip other members, I am asleep. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wake up, Sleeper! The
signs of the times are appearing on the horizon and rushing past us
as never before. We don't know exactly when we will pass by the
markers that are events we are told are coming, but we KNOW they are
COMING and where once they were as a tiny dot on an uncluttered
horizon, they are upon us now as giants on an anthill. Wake up,
Sleeper! Do your job!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">It is only in God's
strength that we overcome. And when (not if) we see storm clouds
approaching, but do not warn, then the resulting breach in the wall
is on our heads. God will not be mocked. His judgement is coming
and He will not be lenient upon our enemy who seeks to maim, kill
and destroy, or the sins that sent Jesus to the cross. Don't think
that any sin is so small that it does not need to be confessed and
repented of. Don't sleep while there is still time to get out of
bed, and be about the business of the Lord.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is an uncomfortable
message, but if you are reading it, it is meant for you – today.
It is no accident that His message has come to me – today – and
I have brought it to you. Ask God for help where you need it. Call
on His name for help. Clean things up and leave no spot or wrinkle
unattended to. He is a loving God, and His mercies are new each and
every day. O, Sleeper, wake up!</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-5092275941744625662015-03-18T09:36:00.001-07:002015-03-18T09:36:42.776-07:00Worship<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Worship is setting aside
time..........chores...........things...........and other people so I
can lift God up to His rightful place in my life. It's so I can give
back to Him the love I have received. Last week – all week – I
was more aware of being a pilgrim in this foreign world. I
consistently chose God over the TV, the phone, the computer and even
house work. I deliberately kept my eyes on Him. I let my
imagination kick in as well. Reading the Bible not only renews my
mind. It stimulates my thought processes. I don't mean to sound so
dry and matter-of-fact, but the really fun stuff comes AFTER the
foundation work of good choices. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When I decide I
want to start my day with Jesus – there I am, in my mind –
pulling the other rocking chair up close so He'll be near. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Throughout the
day, I choose to bring my Lord and Savior up close. I remember to
admire Him and ponder His ways. Much of our time together is in
silence, and I am learning the timber and tone of His voice - it is
different from anyone else's. O, and we laugh together – sometimes
uproarously, holding our sides. I've learned to expect small tokens
of His love all day. And I've learned to give Him the same.
Sometimes my gifts are like a child's drawing - simple and colored
occassionally out of the lines. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Strangely
enough though, it's the scaryness of this unsteady world, the mean
people, the disappointments and the pain that pulls me in closest to
Him. </span>
</div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">With every
choice inside of a day, I grow one way or the other - into Him or
away from Him. This week I chose to make more of every day just
worship, and I found comfort when He was near. When He is the center
of my world, and I am not – all's well.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-35383922316123661642015-03-11T08:55:00.002-07:002015-09-17T07:57:02.863-07:00From the Old Home Bound for the New<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">From the Old
Home, Bound for the New</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">3/11/15</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Today, I am beset with
worries, and my thoughts only make me fear. Perhaps today is the
same for you. Well, this is nothing new, and many many people who
have gone before us faced unsettling issues and problems for which
they could find no answers. There have been more heartaches than
anyone can count. Without saying more about that.........I will say
this: God has things well in hand. He knows our trouble and it has
come as no surprise to Him. He has come to put our feet on the right
track and walk us through danger, through trouble, through disease,
through the camp of giants, and any other thing that may threaten us
or hold us back from all the good He has planned for us. He knows
the way through to safety. It is not our way. It is not what we
wanted or where we went when the road forked. But it is HIS way. It
is the ONLY way. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">At the beginning of time,
when Adam rejected God and because of sin, could not walk with Him
in the garden, a rift was created between ourselves and God. A veil
was drawn over our eyes so that to us wrong seems right, and right
seems wrong. If we will throw away our pride and admit that we are
lost and cannot find our way back to Him, we can receive His help.
But we must trust Him to help us. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In our case, among other
things, this means He will help us through this disease on this day
even though we don't have any strength; even though we think we
cannot stand another minute of this humiliation; even though we
cannot scrape together the remnants of the joy we once had; even
though we have bourne the loss of things we thought we could never
live without; even though it feels like life is over and we want no
part of what's left. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">King David was right
there. He sang of it. He opened his heart up to God and held back
nothing within it from the Lord. Here is some of what he wrote: </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;">Be gracious to me, O
Lord, for I am in distress; my eye is wasted away from grief, my soul
and my body also. For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years
with sighing; my strength has failed because of my iniquity, and my
body has wasted away. Because of all my adversaries, I have become a
reproach, especially to my neighbors, and an object of dread to my
acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me. I am
forgotten as a dead man out of mind. I am like a broken vessel....”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Now we get to the “hope”
part.............</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;">I trust in Thee, O
Lord. I say, 'Thou art my God.' My times are in Thy hand;” …...
“Make Thy face to shine upon Thy servant; Save me in Thy
lovingkindness. Let me not be put to shame, O Lord, for I call upon
Thee;”................”How great is Thy goodness, which Thou hast
stored up for those who fear Thee, which Thou hast wrought for those
who take refuge in Thee, before the sons of men! Thou dost hide them
in the secret place of Thy presence from the conspiracies of man;
Thou dost keep them secretly in a shelter from the strife of tongues.
Blessed be the Lord, for He has made marvelous His lovingkindness to
me in a beseiged city....” Or we might say, in a beseiged
body........ “ As for me, I said in my alarm, 'I am cut off from
before Thine eyes; nevertheless Thou didst hear the voice of my
supplications when I cried to Thee, O, love the Lord all you His
godly ones! The Lord preserves the faithful.... Be strong, and let
your heart take courage all you who hope in the Lord.” taken from
Psalm 31 NAS</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">There is no avoiding
trouble in life. But there is a way through. We may make it to the
finish line, torn and bruised, weary and hurt, but God has it all
under control. He gave us the beautiful gift of life with blessing.
Our ancestors brought sin into this perfect world, and we were all
lost to His blessings. Then He provided a way – the only way –
to get through our once perfect world that was ruined. The way is
not easy, and doesn't always make sense. It sometimes hurts –
because medicine can be bitter. But He has not cut us off from the
way out – the way back to Him. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you think you can
commit to halfway following Him and the other half to doing things
your own way, then you'd better think again. He will not be
dishonored or disbelieved that way. It would be better to reject Him
outright than to pretend to belong to Him and to pretend to love Him.
</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Don't be afraid. Live
this life for Him, and headed for the beautiful home He has made for
you. It's almost ready.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-90556401193815386002015-02-14T16:53:00.000-08:002015-02-14T17:01:52.787-08:00Help Us, LordThe fact that we have awakened to a new day, means that there is hope to be grasped in this day. I pray that we would all be helped to grab onto it through Jesus the Lord. Through Him all things were made and FOR Him all things were made. IN Him all things hold together. There is no hope or truth outside of Him. <br />
<br />
O, Heavenly Father, we present ourselves to You, this morning, for service in Your kingdom. Lord, we do confess our unworthiness before You to receive anything good. We do not deserve Your help. In fact we have sinned against You - our God - and our brothers and sisters in Christ - as well as the world of people who are lost. We are no better than they, and do not deserve Your mercy or forgiveness. But in Your kindness, You have made a place for each of us, that is in Your Presence. In that place, You have provided opportunity to examine ourselves, and allow You to take away from us the sins that we embrace, as well as those we do not even know we have committed. Keep us today, Lord, in the place of the 23rd Psalm. <br />
Take our hearts and cleanse them and give us clean hands this day. <br />
<br />
We pray for our country today, and the men and women who are governing it. Most specifically we lift up to You our president. Please put Your desires into their hearts and guide them in Your ways. Just as Abraham asked God to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there were only 10 righteous people in those cities, we also ask that for the sake of Your people that you spare this country and us with our families. <br />
<br />
We also pray for leadership in our cities and towns. Show them the way of salvation today, and give them wisdom to lead us into Truth.<br />
<br />
I pray that You will protect families and communities here. Save the loved ones in our families who are lost. Preserve us, Lord and protect us. We will perish in our sinful ways if You do not help us. Give us Your desires and increase our love for You. Forgive our selfishness. Inhabit these temples - these bodies of ours after we are cleansed and consecrated.<br />
<br />
In the Name of Jesus AmenAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-89914091503203706902015-02-13T08:12:00.002-08:002015-02-13T08:12:55.476-08:00A WarningThis is a warning. Don't leave yourself open to the enemy. He is looking for places that will be a foothold for him so he can scale the wall that separates he and you. Don't think that you are without sin. If that's what you think you are calling God a liar. Don't be lulled by comfort or quiet......... If we could see into the spirit world right now, I believe we would be dismayed at the huge increase of activity there. The enemy is working very hard to deceive the world and everyone in it. And, believe me, there are many who have fallen, or are at risk of losing all. <br />
<br />
Believers are called to finish the race; to throw away everything that encumbers, to not hold dear anything of this world; to not fear man or devil; to overcome; to be strong in His strength; to judge ourselves and confess our sins, though we have already done so (we must never consider ourselves above sin - as pride has shown us it is no respecter of persons).<br />
<br />
We must know how to judge a person's words and actions (but never their heart) so that we are not unaware of the enemy around us. We are to love radically, forgiving all, but not forsaking all we have learned. Forgive, but don't throw away caution. And know that forgiveness is not the same as trust. Only God can be fully trusted. Man will disappoint, fall short and fail. It is God who provides what we need and protects us. <br />
<br />
The enemy is very sly, and will attack in ways that you do not even know. You will think that you imagined your fear and that it was a groundless warning more due to chance than to God's wisdom imparted to you. He specializes in attacking you while dressed as an angel of light. He is a wolf among sheep. Make no mistake. He comes to kill, maim and destroy. There is no middle ground. Pay attention when the red flags wave in your spirit.<br />
<br />
The enemy is the voice that says, "God is great - but I am greater; God is powerful, but I am more so; God makes things better, but I know best; God can feed you, but with me you will feast.......... The grass that always looks greener is not real. It is a mirage. And after you have succumbed to the lie, he will shame you and condemn you. He will not offer redemption or forgiveness like our God does...........<br />
<br />
It is not too late, to agree with God. He is a merciful God. He does not merely dispense mercy, but He IS mercy. If we will humble ourselves, confess our sins and admit our need for a saviour who is Jesus Christ - God's own Son - He will hear from His holy habitation and will come and save.<br />
<br />
Do not be deceived. God is not mocked. We will all reap what we have sown whether that be condemnation and punishment or mercy and the removal of our sins. Bow down before Him and repent. God is coming soon and He has warned and warned and warned. It should come as no surprise, but to many it will. Today hear His voice as He calls your name. While it is still today, receive Him. To all those who are weary and heavey laden, come to the Son whose burden is light.<br />
Shalom (may we destroy the power that fuels chaos). Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-6442510644818538052015-02-11T17:45:00.002-08:002015-02-11T17:45:46.401-08:00Be SmartIs there a weariness setting in on you these days? Does there seem to be more to tend to than you are capable of, and do you ever get to the end of your list? I think this is a sign of the times we live in. I believe that we are in the terminal generation. You may not agree with me, and you may dismiss that idea altogether. But one thing is for sure. The world is changing so fast it makes my head spin. People are redefining good and evil, and they have thrown out the old morality and brought in one to their liking. Power in the world is shifting. Relationship is easily replaced with the fascinating electronic play things, and we don't socialize like we once did. And I think you would agree that there is a certain power that resides in the world and in the heart of man that is evil. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to encourage you to count the minutes you have in each day, and don't waste any of them. We are running out of time. Every day brings us closer to the unknown. All our efforts have only served to complicate things, and leave us bound to what can only be a place of unimagined dangers. It has become a world where only "useful" people are valued. The disabled are discarded. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here is the good news: Each one of us has been chosen to live at this time. We have all been gifted if we are His children. We have even been given protective gear. We are called to battle evil. Whatever time we have left, there is still time to spend it learning to stay alive in this darkness that can be more felt than seen. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We must learn to discern at a moment's notice what is most important and what is just important. I believe one of Satan's tactics here at the end, is to get our attention on the wrong things and miss the opportunities that God has given us. If Satan can keep us from praying about things of God's choosing, and asking for all the wrong things, then he has defeated us.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And don't think that defeat is not a possibility. We must not coddle any sin and we must know how to listen to Him. Pray! Ask Him to take you where He would have you go, and encounter those people of His choosing, and put the right words on your tongue. These are the little things that make us victorious and powerful. Leave no small thing undone, for it is in the small things that you are proved faithful. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I wish I could write you a book! There is so much to say.......... But perhaps this will encourage you and help you in your walk. I hope so. We must encourage one another! </div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-39371778461049078372015-01-21T08:58:00.001-08:002015-01-21T08:58:41.791-08:00The Boy in Sam's I am posting this little story I wrote for two reasons. The first one being that because I have PD, I do not work outside of the home therefore I have more time than some to engage my gifts (writing). The 2nd is that I love to laugh, and I believe laughter is healing. T hat being said, here is my story:<br />
<br />
It was refreshing to see that some people still do take boundaries seriously. We were at Sam's with our grocery basket full of items we had chosen, and waiting in line to be checked out and to pay. Well, someone else was going to have to pay too. Not for our groceries.... In fact not for anyone's groceries. <br />
<br />
There was a small boy in line next to us with his parents. He was pleading with his very large and tall mom. I heard her say without wavering, "I'm done. I am totally done." The calm in her demeanor and voice was unnerving. Like the deadly calm of a glass sea with not a puff of wind in the blue sky above, her even and judicial voice left the impression that the jury had come in and it was decreed that his crime would be punished. "You're getting a spanking when we get home." She was firm but not loud or abusive in any way at all. Her face was set in hard lines. She was on a mission, which namely was dealing out the promised retribution to her son. He was vainly trying to change her mind, but it was not to be done. She looked directly into the boy's eyes and he quaked, putting on an awful face.<br />
<br />
"I don't want a spanking", his voice getting higher and definitely strained. "NO, NO!"<br />
<br />
"Well, I warned you this is what would happen if you kept on." Her grand size and a quality in her voice, made me glance behind and the boy started moving and contorting his body in a language that said, "Retribution is coming. And I will dread every moment from now until then. And afterwards, there will be pain.... lots of pain to remind me that no means no.<br />
<br />
"But I don't want a spanking!" the boy quietly wailed."<br />
<br />
That's too bad. It's too late, "she said; then hesitating for emphasis said in a measured tone, "You've earned it." She said this with an awful finality. "You are getting a spanking when we get home." She replied. He continued to beg for reprieve, but it was not to be found.<br />
<br />
The boy began pleading with the dad, who clearly was outranked by the mom and said to him, "Well, how many times did she warn you?" Something in his voice suggested hopelessness to the boy.<br />
<br />
There was no mercy that could save him from the unfortunate fruit of his misdoings in all of<br />Sam's. Whatever he had done would remain unchanged like a blot of ink on a fresh white paper. This boy's unfortunate choices had cost him dearly and everyone knew it. I don't know what he did, but I was sure that if I had been in his place, I would have stopped whatever it was, the very first time she warned.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-39216480931527226962014-12-26T03:04:00.002-08:002014-12-26T03:04:46.202-08:00SeedsMerry Christmas! I had a wonderful and quiet christmas this year. I am very aware of the wonder and awe of celebrating the birth of my saviour - Jesus - in the city of David - Bethlehem. He came to earth for me and you and took on the semblance of a man. He is fully man and fully God. I am now righteous because of His shed blood for me. I proclaim my need for a saviour. I claim the lives of my children for Jesus. <br />
<br />
I awoke this morning at 3 and felt burdened to pray for my grandchildren and my children. I am still wide awake and it's almost 5. I would like to share with you, some thoughts on prayer for our children. I believe God has shown me these things: <br />
<br />
Don't get discouraged over what seems to be unanswered prayer for your precious children. I have prayed for going on 35 yrs now for some of mine, and have seen no visible result. When I took this to God and asked Him to help me pray for them, I believe He gave me this: two words...........<br />
seed germination. <br />
<br />
Perhaps you are like me in that you have sown many many seeds for Christ in your child's life. You have taught them Who Jesus is, You have seen that many of those seeds have sprouted and grown, but not all. You have also made mistakes and sown some bad seed. You may have lived a sinful life before them, giving them the example of quenching the Spirit and of sin and defeat. This cannot change the fact that you have also sown good seed. <br />
<br />
Many of those good seed did not germinate , and just like the farmer growing crops there seems to be no reason for this. Both the seed that germinated and the seed that did not, got water, sun, weeding etc., but for some reason not all sprouted and grew. Now is the time to pray to your heavenly Father that He would cause all of those seed to germinate now. Remind Him that we sowed good seed, and now are praying for Him to cause growth. <br />
<br />
It is our job to sow - and God's job to cause growth. <br />
<br />
Heavenly Father, please bring forth the life that is still hiding within the good seeds we have sown. You have told us that Your word does not go out and return void, but always accomplishes that for which it has gone out. <br />
<br />
Think this over, and begin praying. He is waiting to hear from you . He loves your children .Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-35810509911897772162014-11-23T08:35:00.002-08:002015-10-22T09:46:55.681-07:00A Parable Just in Time for the Holidays<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><br />A Story of Memories and Today<br />Just in Time for the Holidays<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />To no one in particular, I voiced this dirge – this melancholy refrain which burdened my heart and relentlessly tore at my soul:<br /><br /><br />“If there is any Good – any Love – or strength in Truth, come into my heart this morning. Fill me and wipe away all of the empty echoes of the past - where voices of children rang out, when we were all under one roof, when I was strong, and I knew which path to take - when I could fix what hurt, and a simple hug and kiss made it all better............ Come!”, I appealed to the sky above. “Come into my heart this morning. I am too tired to hope they will all come home - that there will be a day when all sadness has faded, and when mistakes are past - when wrongs are undone......... The scars seem as bad as fresh wounds. Hope is dim, and I have grown feeble. Will they ever come home? Some of the mistakes are mine, and some of the blame is mine, though I never meant for it to be so. From a broken woman worn out and consumed by what I cannot erase - I used to be sure that all would work out, that good would prevail, and that no one would be lost............ But here I am, calling them home, with no answer.......... I hear my own voice calling out for the children who are gone........... It seems so bitter now........... Even if they find their way, even if they WANTED to come home, how will the years that are gone, be made up for?<br /><br /><br />Is there such a thing as a second chance – or a third or fourth? I watched the chickens that were oblivious to my troubles, scratching around in their pen. I loved these birds that did not see beyond the worm just swallowed, or past the brief skirmish which revealed the pecking order. I gave them names. I had watched them hatch from their eggs and fight for freedom from the once safe shell that was a barrier to the world around. When the time came – somehow they knew when to engage in the struggle that was necessary for life. I knew I could not help in this process of birth. It had to be the chick who itself cracked the shell that bound them and broke away from the old to enter the new.<br /><br /><br />All they would ever know was the coop within the yard where they would spend their lives, enjoying the safety I had provided them. Brief battles between hens and one rooster.............. and he crowing his pride in all that was his.<br /><br /><br />I have always known that children are like chickens; living out the moment, not concerned with tomorrow. They enjoy the love of the mother hen who calls to her chicks when the shadow of the hawk overhead foretells something dreadful. They obediently run to her, snuggling in close beneath her wings until the danger has passed. The top hen calls out her victories over the lesser hens, and so their battles go.....<br /><br /><br />I am not a chicken, and my children are not chicks. And they are no longer within range of my voice. But old habits die hard. Forever linked with my kids, I sometimes sense danger and do sound the alarm even from a distance.<br /><br /><br />The yard is provided by me, as is the chicken coop. Their food is provided by me, and I oversee the relationships between them making sure there is harmony within.<br /><br /><br />As I am pondering all of this, I begin to imagine that I am perhaps more like a chicken than I think. Although my life has been painful at times and not at all easy, it has been a home for me. I have been protected from some things evil – much that is evil. And there have also been good things – uneventful things.<br /><br /><br />Twenty two years ago, I began to peck at my shell. Somehow I knew to hope for a better life – that it was time to leave one and enter another. I have broken down impossible walls and pierced through hard places so that I have glimpses of Goodness, Truth and Love.<br /><br /><br />My shell is Parkinson's Disease. In my battle against it, I must wage my war alone. I find my strength as I battle. I grow and get closer and closer to leaving the pieces and remnants of this shell behind. I know that on the other side of this broken shell, there is Love, Goodness and Truth. But in all honesty, I must admit that when the shell was whole, it too was good. Though I would not have chosen it, there was safety and room to grow – protection from what I was not ready to face.<br /><br /><br />PD has marked out the boundary lines around me and kept me within certain perameters, for reasons I do not know. But I don't have to know. Goodness, Love and Truth have protected me, and helped to shape me. My shell would not have suited you, nor yours mine. If you look and are willing to see, you will come to the same conclusion. That you are not alone, and you do have what you need to become who you were born to be. When it is the right time, you will break through the last and final piece of eggshell. Grow now where you have been planted. Don't struggle using up all your strength for battles that do not need to be fought. Trust the owner of the chicken coop! He is God, and He is Love. He does not give you an easy birth, but one that will take you from Hope to Love............<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span>Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-50112863574650332112014-10-30T11:31:00.002-07:002014-10-31T04:14:06.171-07:00I Had a "Moment"Last night I had a "moment". I was just so sad............ The whole world is broken , I'm broken, you are broken, and those you know are broken. This globe that we live on has been abused and taken for granted - unappreciated. <br />
<br />
In my corner of the world, I see things that just make me despondent. They are little things to be sure, but much loved, and missed when they are gone. For instance, the stars.......... We live outside of our small city, and it's rather like country - or at least parts of it. We used to be able to see the stars so much brighter than they are now. When I slip out onto the back patio, after dark, where once the tree frogs and other night creatures. sang out, there is silence. The still quiet of the night that comes from small populations, and the absence of convenience stores is even disappearing. More and more I hear the rumble of loud engines as cars go by, in place of the lowing of the cow for her calf, or the packs of coyotes that run free. <br />
<br />
My daughter is a bee keeper. I've learned that bees are very docile workers who do really amazing things: they dance in the hive when they find a good food source and they want to tell the others; they produce and share with us that wonderful food - honey. They pollinate our flowers and vegetable gardens and without them we could grow no food. But for some reason, bees are disappearing..... (<a href="http://www.motherearthnews.com/homesteading-and-livestock/the-importance-of-beekeeping-zbcz1402.aspx" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" target="_blank">http://www.motherearthnews.<wbr></wbr>com/homesteading-and-<wbr></wbr>livestock/the-importance-of-<wbr></wbr>beekeeping-zbcz1402.aspx</a><br />
<br />
A person with a disability will look at things differently than someone who is strong and healthy. We may be afraid to try new things, or stop doing old familiar things because we cannot depend on our bodies to respond to things in the needed way. <br />
<br />
But I will move on from this sad moment. I don't want to get stuck. I can do little to change the world, but I can decide how to live in my little corner.......... and you can too!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-10692238692854037082014-10-29T05:48:00.001-07:002014-10-29T05:48:58.707-07:00Is It Truth or is it Not?I awoke this morning with a sense of well-being. You wouldn't think that possible in this world and in this day. Not only is this a dangerous and hostile world, but I am disabled, and am a step behind everyone else. It is getting worse every day, with new acts of violence and new calamities. I don't have much of a chance at coming out of this in one piece and unharmed. There are terrible things going on - it is rather like Pandora's box............ It is as if every bad possibility becomes reality. What IS going on???<br />
<br />
My beliefs are not approved or agreed with by the majority of people, and the rights I have always known and enjoyed are crumbling away faster than we can name them. People around the world are being bullied and even killed for believing the way I do. And it's not just death for a difference of opinion, but beheading - of children - by throngs of evil men who are led by evil rulers. <br />
<br />
Why do I have a sense of well being? Well it is not that I have faith in a particular outcome in this polluted world. It is not that I think I will beat this world system. It's certainly not that I believe man will triumph on the side of good, but I know Who I belong to. I do know the general outcome of this world that the God of the Bible created, but that is not so much comfort in the moment - every moment. I know Who I belong to. <br />
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If man has proved no other thing, than the fact that he is incapable of good, and in need of a Savior, then that is good. Our best and most valient efforts have landed us in a world of terrorists with the doors of freedom closing and with no way out. We need a deliverer. I think we all would agree about that. <br />
<br />
Well, I know my Deliverer! I know in whom I have trusted. As I sit here trying to choose the right words that will convey to you who my Savior is, I am a bit frustrated. There are no words which I know that will truthfully describe to you Who He is. <br />
<br />
Perhaps this one quotation from the Bible will enter your awareness as you read these words, and work its way through your entire being, and become a part of you. I pray that it does:<br />
<br />
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16<br />
<br />
Believe and embrace the Truth - be true to it - and it will set you free! If you cannot tell whether or not you are embracing the real truth, then ask this question: Does it set you free? If not, then it is not the truth.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-68508024791765125482014-10-08T08:20:00.003-07:002014-10-08T08:20:51.084-07:00Joy and Trials<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">James 1:2-4</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-size: medium;">Consider it
all joy my brethren when you encounter various trials, knowing that
the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have
its perfect result that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in
nothing.”</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">I read that the
deeper meaning of the word “joy” is to be satisfied. I want to
ask you if you are content or satisfied with your lot in life. James
says that we should be. In fact, he says that when we encounter
rough waters – when we encounter various trials – we are to meet
those trials with contentment. </span>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">By definition
“trials” are sufferings that put strength, patience or faith to
the test.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">James was
talking to fellow BELIEVERS. That's US.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">How can we
rejoice or be content when we are suffering a trial of some sort? We
are not glad to be unhappy – but we celebrate the fact that in the
midst of painful, hurtful circumstances – God is <u>there</u>
– with us – meeting our needs. The God of the universe has made
Himself small enough that He has concerned Himself with and
acquainted Himself with MY problems! It's not the problems that
matter so much (the problems come and go) but with a sense of wonder
I am transported far beyond my trial – and I “see” God holding
me up, bending over me, attending me, expressing His tender love for
me....</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">When
I say that I 'see”it, it is through the lens of faith. I am
believing that God is who He says He says He is and that He loves me
the way He says He does. To do this I have to know what the Bible
tells me about Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Do
prepare now for the testing of your strength, faith, and patience by
READING the Word. We must first KNOW the Word. Then we BELIEVE that
Word. Then we ACT on the truth of that Word. It will feel bad at
first. But push through that pain. There is joy unspeakable on the
other side of that trial. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">As
I write this I am reminded of my childhood. Whenever I got sick, my
mother would take care of me. She would take care of me. She would
feed me delicious meals, medicate me, see that I rested in bed,
freshen my sheets every day, and so on. I loved the attention. I
didn't like being sick, but I loved the TLC. I think James is
telling us this same thing: You don't have to like the trial, but
rejoice in your heavenly Father's tender loving care over you.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-74230750665539987042014-08-13T08:45:00.000-07:002014-08-13T08:45:20.663-07:00The Power of LoveThank You, heavenly Father, for sending Your Son to redeem me. I can't figure out why You would want me, except that You love me. You ARE love. <br />
Love is not weak or polite, nor does it wink at sin. Love is the power and creative genius that made the heavens and the earth and all the creatures in it. Love not only lifts me up amidst the sorrow and the torment of things gone wrong, but it also crushes the counterfeit of good. It will obliterate the hypocrisy of disease.<br />
Love is tenacious in it's pursuit of us. It never gives up as long as there is life and a chance of redemption. Jesus set His face like a flint towards the cross, and did not shrink back. At the time appointed, we will see that magnificant power under control. That's what love is. It does not cower before anyone, and is obedient only to theTtruth. Love looks you in the eye and unfalteringly speaks the truth. <br />
My truth today is PD doesn't control me, - like love gone wrong - It attacks me, and like a twisted piece of metal it is a mangled version of life. But He Who is Truth and Love will prevail. I will endure to the end of this life that evil has for the present claimed - until the coming of His great great kingdom and the unveiling of His Truth.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-42595270792077985142014-08-07T08:53:00.001-07:002014-08-07T08:53:14.398-07:00We Need a SaviourPeople with PD need a Saviour (a Great Physician) ! We are broken and cannot fix ourselves. We have tried diet, excercise, positive thinking, physical therapy, medicine and surgery, but we still have this affliction. And it progresses. This is also our spiritual condition. We are sinners. Even if we figure our sins are minimal and we are not as bad as some others - the truth remains: We are sinners. Even if we lived a sinless life from our first moment of birth we would still be sinners in need of a Saviour. Why? Because every human being has a sin nature that we are born with. We are tainted from the beginning. It is just as impossible to get rid of sin and it's effects, as it would be to heal myself of PD. We are utterly powerless. <br />
As Believers, we have allowed Jesus Christ to pay for all our sin and then to cleanse us from every particle of it in our lives. <br />
I have had a transforming and life-giving surgery that has gotten rid of many symptoms of this disease. This was arranged by God. I have been "saved". Spiritually speaking Jesus Christ has come as the Great Physician into my life and saved me from certain spiritual death. Some people (many in fact) refuse this wonderful gift, (spiritually speaking) and stubbornly continue to refuse help as they weaken and lose their abilities. That would be like me telling the neuro-surgeon: thanks for your offer of a better life, but frankly I'm going to decline your offer to help me - to make life wonderful. I'd rather die. <br />
As Believers, we have accepted the Saviour's beautiful gift. We could not have earned what it took to pay for all the sin in our lives, but He opened the Book of Accounts, and marked in the space beside my name - PAID IN FULL<br />
DEBT CANCELED<br />
PAID BY THE SAVIOUR<br />
Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your priceless gift!Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-120118740987454482014-07-30T21:18:00.001-07:002014-07-30T21:18:03.801-07:00I Have Learned What is Most ImportantI'm sixty years old. Sometimes I feel every bit of that plus more........and other times I feel what I'm guessing normal may feel like. Of course having had this disease for over 20 years now, I don't guess I really know what normal feels like. Whatever. But what I want to say is that PD (monster that it is) has taught me different values - better ones. Before, I depended upon the temporal parts of me. Like my youthful appearance, my size 2 body, the gift of grace on a horse - the way I looked and the way I carried myself. I also developed character and tried to always be kind and generous among other things, but now that I don't have that young face and body, or those graces, I have had to realize that skin deep isn't good enough. I want to be good and strong, honest and faithful, loyal and loving......... What I cannot do physically any more, is a temptation to insecurity. There are no approving glances or admiration at my physical skills. Instead I am clumsy and slow. <br />
But, do you know - this is why I have learned what is most important. It takes courage to face the world with less than everybody else has. When you step outside your secret world, it forces you to call up the strength you never thought you had. It encourages you to be forgiving and patient with others, because you know you are taxing on people at times. You learn to reject embarassment over meaningless things like inability to use a fork correctly, or hold a tea cup without trembling. These problems force me to grow past the things that I will leave behind when I leave this earth. <br />
I will never love PD. But I am a different person than before. I am a better, deeper person. I am less interested in SELF and far more interested in you. Life with PD has called forth my best efforts and taught me to notice the little things, because I can't do what I once thought were the big things. <br />
I hope that one day, I will meet you.......... I wonder what you think of life with PD, or just plain life........... And I want to say, that it takes grace - and lots of it - to move through life with a broken body. I think you must be beautiful..........and one day I hope I will meet you.Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7596736395048301106.post-31589939371857478542014-07-11T15:23:00.001-07:002014-07-11T15:23:21.549-07:00Shepherd King Part 9<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The Shepherd
King</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Part 9</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Hours later,
aware that I was not alone, - I saw it, - but I wasn't sure if it saw
me. The moon was full and cast deep shadows that were in stark
contrast to to the bright light surrounding them. Into my line of
vision came a creature like a wolf, that was jet black and shaggy
with tangled fur and red eyes, as tall as a large pony. Upon its back
sat a creature – I don't know what. It's teeth were long and
sharp. It had a stench that reached my nostrils almost before I saw
it. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Then in an
instant I knew that it was aware of me. With eyes narrowing to
slits, it threw back it's head and screamed a blood curdling warning
to its companions who couldn't have been far behind it. Its steed
was pulling at the reins, eager to pounce and the creature pulled out
a sword and pointed it in my direction. I could hear the galloping
monsters behind it nearing my line of vision. The first one began
speaking evil words that though I did not understand them, made
chills run up and down my spine. The words had harsh sounds and the
voice that delivered them seemed to come from the depths of its cold
heart. </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I waited until
it seemed the last one had rounded the bend, and I could wait no
longer...... I called to the scorpions, commanding them to attack
and kill these evil beings. They appeared to glide out from under
the rocks in endless waves, covering all, stinging until there was no
life left in those frightful bodies.</span></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">I was nearing
Parkinson's Disease and the closer I got to it, the worse my wounds
became. The town itself was set in a valley where bare rock could be
seen, and shallow depressions of dirt were scattered at random as far
as one could see. Only the spindly weeds were able to scratch out a
life and draw some form of nourishment from the otherwise barren
place. </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">An old woman
approached me, with head down and bent over. Her voice was weak, so
I had to strain to listen to what she said. </span>
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“<span style="font-size: medium;">You must be
the new person. We have been expecting you.” Pointing to a
dilapidated old shack (not unlike the other houses in the
vicinity)she began shuffling towards it. This is where you will
stay.” There was no mention of a departure time, and my heart sank
as I drew nearer to it. I couldn't help but think of the differences
between this scrappy lean-to and the wonderful safe houses where help
had come to me in the past.</span></div>
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“<span style="font-size: medium;">Your
assignment is to pray. All distractions have been taken away from
you so that you can devote all of your time to prayer.”</span></div>
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“<span style="font-size: medium;">What will I
pray about?” I asked. </span>
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“<span style="font-size: medium;">You will
pray for our people (others who also pray) and you will pray them
through hard places and to be protected from the dark ones. The
Shepherd King will tell you as you go........”. </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">She turned and
made her way to a large house where others were also going. She
motioned for me to follow. When I entered this house, I saw that
they were praying with one accord – one mind – one heart. I
joined in with them, and so the days went. I also prayed much by
myself. At last the day came when I could not even carry my backpack
or walk without assistance. I cried out to the Shepherd King
unceasingly. I wanted Him to heal me, and I knew that He
could......... But I had never seen a person healed, so there was
much turmoil within me. My heart was so sad......... I no longer
knew </span>
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">the joy of
movement. I felt I was nearing death. I had served my time in the
forces of the Shepherd King. On the last stretch of this journey, I
wept tears of sadness, of loss of hope.......... </span>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">One day during
my quiet time of prayer, suddenly I heard a man's voice – a
wonderful voice. Full of compassion and care, He lifted me in His
arms. He was so strong. Together – in His strength – we crossed
the threshold of the door leading outside, and He found a tree where
He could prop me up. He knelt down before me, and swept my hair back
from my face. He looked deeply into my eyes. There was wisdom and
love on His face and even in His hands. Who WAS this man?</span></div>
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“<span style="font-size: medium;">Do you know
who I am?” He asked. I confessed that I did not, though He seemed
strangely familiar – as if I had known Him a long time. I am He
who protected you from the fiery arrows in enemy attacks . I am the
Healer of your wounds, and I carried you when you could not walk. I
rescued you from the tangle of thorns. I am He of many names and I
have billions of Messengers – some of whom have I sent to your aid.
I am the Defeater of Demons, and the Scorpions and Snakes obey me.
I am the author of the Book of Life and I have helped you to
understand the wisdom contained within its pages. I sent my servants
to share their food with you. I am the One with authority over
giants and the one who shielded you from their attack. I am the
lowly Shepherd King</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">who rules. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I am also the
Giver of Gifts, and I have one for you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">It is many
moons since then. But I remember it very well. It was not the kind
of gift you can put in a box and wrap. It wasn't exactly the kind of
gift that could be seen – at least not directly. There were no
bright colors with shine-y paper foils, and no bows. It was
spectacular all the same. It was wondrous yet has been passed over
by men who could not see it's worth – men who did not dream –
whose thoughts went no further than their eyes could see. Hidden
treasure it was – pure gold – so pure – transparent like a
bottomless crystal...... It was all new to me– never before
imagined, yet it is older than the stars. Fluid - like sparkling
water – definable yet eternal. It was not to be found in the
window of a store or on someone's wish list. No one had ever dreamed
how huge this tiny gift would be – how it would bring healing and
guidance; how it would open eyes and ears. </span>
</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Older than the
stars, but new to me, He gave me a Word...........a new Word, that
only I know). He has called me into a place of partial healing for
now; and one day it will be complete. I wait with a holy
anticipation. The Shepherd King has given me His Word that these
things are true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">My Shepherd
King has been here with me all the time . And, lo He always will be
there.</span></div>
Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05010191665464308075noreply@blogger.com2