Sometimes, those of us with PD are so uncomfortable and weak and anxious that we just retreat into silence. If this is the case with you, did you know that you are still important? Did you know that God's purposes are still being worked out in you and around you? Your life is impacting those who are around you. In your silence, worship Him. In your pain, honor Him. With your thoughts reach out to Him. In your anxiety, by faith receive peace. Maybe you can't even sit up to read this at your computer. I know what that's like. And if that is the case today, I pray that someone will read this message to you. In your predicament, worship Him in your spirit, though your soul and your body be in distress.
Do you know who Corrie Ten Boom was? She was a renowned speaker who traveled the world over to give her testimony. She was a survivor of a German concentration camp. At the end of her life, she had a stroke and was paralyzed - not able to talk or communicate in any way. A friend who was also a nurse took care of her from then on until her death. Corrie, was not thrown to the side by God when she no longer could testify with words or deeds. Her silence and suffering somehow brought blessings to people who would come to see her. She was an inspiration to those who took care of her. Her nurse knew her so well, that at times she would even speak for Corrie.
God brought about things through Corrie's life that never could have been - in any other way. I pray God's strength for you today, but if it doesn't come to invigorate your body or calm your soul, then ask Him to use you to His glory and worship him in your total weakness and inability - and do this in your spirit. You matter.
Showing posts with label dealing with Parkinson's Disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dealing with Parkinson's Disease. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Monday, October 8, 2012
It's Bad
Unemployment, rising gas prices, death in Afghanistan, fathers murdering children, as well as missing children, enemy drones invading Israel, meningitis outbreaks caused by back pain shots, and alligators released and abandoned in public areas on Long Island - These are a few things going on here and in the world at large.
Make no mistake - we are living in a dangerous world, populated by dangerous people, in dangerous times. We are perhaps frightened because of our disability. We know that there is much we cannot do. We are slow or frozen, weak and uncoordinated - an easy target for bad people. We are forced to depend on the kindness of others. We are very much aware of our physical shortcomings in a world where only the super heroes of our imaginations meet the dark demands of evil. We are no match for whatever may attack from the midst of darkness.
It will not help to turn from this reality and pretend - and hope - that we and our loved ones will emerge from it all unscathed. Because we don't know what to do - we have fallen asleep; but we MUST wake up!
Our heavenly father tells us what to do. He tells us what the final outcome for those who belong to Him will be:
"You will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory." Isaiah 60:19
I'll give you some highlights from the 91st Psalm, but I strongly suggest that you read the entire Psalm for yourself:
"It is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in the day...." Psalm 91
God is our refuge - our hope - our help in times of trouble. WAKE UP, Pilgrim! Have courage and fear not.
Our God is aware; our God is powerful; our God is light and love. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the most high, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.: Psalm 91:1
Make no mistake - we are living in a dangerous world, populated by dangerous people, in dangerous times. We are perhaps frightened because of our disability. We know that there is much we cannot do. We are slow or frozen, weak and uncoordinated - an easy target for bad people. We are forced to depend on the kindness of others. We are very much aware of our physical shortcomings in a world where only the super heroes of our imaginations meet the dark demands of evil. We are no match for whatever may attack from the midst of darkness.
It will not help to turn from this reality and pretend - and hope - that we and our loved ones will emerge from it all unscathed. Because we don't know what to do - we have fallen asleep; but we MUST wake up!
Our heavenly father tells us what to do. He tells us what the final outcome for those who belong to Him will be:
"You will have the Lord for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory." Isaiah 60:19
I'll give you some highlights from the 91st Psalm, but I strongly suggest that you read the entire Psalm for yourself:
"It is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper, and from the deadly pestilence. You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day; of the pestilence that stalks in the day...." Psalm 91
God is our refuge - our hope - our help in times of trouble. WAKE UP, Pilgrim! Have courage and fear not.
Our God is aware; our God is powerful; our God is light and love. Draw close to Him and He will draw close to you.
"He who dwells in the shelter of the most high, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.: Psalm 91:1
Friday, October 5, 2012
Sixty Second Prayers
My computer has been down and still is out of commission, so I'm writing to you from my son's computer. Life has been very busy these last few weeks. We will be moving soon, so I've spent my time packing, throwing away, and organizing. I can't do as much as I would like to do at one time, but I'm plugging along. I have set easily attained goals for every day (like I aim to pack two boxes by the end of the day) and I'm surprised at how much I have done. I stop often during the day and pray very quick prayers. I find that this is the best way to deal with confusion, fatigue, discouragement and any other trouble that comes my way (and there have been PLENTY). Sixty second prayers keep me focusing on the right thing and remembering Who my Helper is.
I am satisfied more and more with talking to God about my problems and obstacles and content to wait and see what He says or shows me. He never fails to answer. In the first chapter of James, the Bible tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God for it. Then He Who gives generously and without reproach will give it. But it warns us that we must ask in faith without any doubting because the one who doubts should not expect to receive anything. Doubting God is not believing that He is Who He says He is or that He will not do what He promises.
I'm not in the same place (emotionally) that I was in the last time I posted on my blog, but then neither are you. I'm moving ahead and looking forward to the new things that are ahead of me. Sometimes I'm tempted to worry about going to a new place, making new friends, learning new places, changing doctors, but when those worries try to crowd in, I just start praying. I will check back with you as I can until once again I can write regularly. My thoughts are with you....
Anna
I am satisfied more and more with talking to God about my problems and obstacles and content to wait and see what He says or shows me. He never fails to answer. In the first chapter of James, the Bible tells us that if anyone lacks wisdom let him ask God for it. Then He Who gives generously and without reproach will give it. But it warns us that we must ask in faith without any doubting because the one who doubts should not expect to receive anything. Doubting God is not believing that He is Who He says He is or that He will not do what He promises.
I'm not in the same place (emotionally) that I was in the last time I posted on my blog, but then neither are you. I'm moving ahead and looking forward to the new things that are ahead of me. Sometimes I'm tempted to worry about going to a new place, making new friends, learning new places, changing doctors, but when those worries try to crowd in, I just start praying. I will check back with you as I can until once again I can write regularly. My thoughts are with you....
Anna
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
I Have Everything I Need to Finish the Day
We cannot escape it - heartbreak, danger, unexpected disaster, extreme fatigue.... But we CAN overcome these obstacles that would drag us down, slow our forward movement and drain the courage right out of our hearts. We cannot avoid that which would call forth every fiber of strength we can muster to get through, but we CAN choose to walk through it all - in step with our Helper who is the Spirit of God. Stop for a moment and think about this: It is the Spirit of the living God - the Comforter that Jesus left for us when He rose to heaven - the teacher and guide that can never steer us in the wrong direction - that walks us through every difficulty that threatens to render us useless or unable to go on living.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Holy Spirit. It is enough. I will encounter difficulties today, but not alone, and not without guidance and instruction. Help me today not to forget that I have everything I need to finish the day.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Holy Spirit. It is enough. I will encounter difficulties today, but not alone, and not without guidance and instruction. Help me today not to forget that I have everything I need to finish the day.
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Memories Allowed
How much time in a day do we spend on memories? Dwelling on our memories can catapult a person into a mire of sadness and halt all forward progress we might look forward to in a day. Sometimes focusing on certain memories can trigger a downward spiral into depression which can lead to even more problems.
But the right kinds of memories can encourage, lift up, and increase faith. Many times I have heard it said, "The mind is the battlefield". I believe it. We must choose carefully what we allow to linger in our minds.
Scripture often tells us to remember the things God has done for us. When I meditate on times in the past when God has clearly spoken to me, or definitely acted on my behalf, my faith is easily strengthened and actually grows. In this way, I am responsible for the condition of my faith (even though I know that it is a gift from God). It becomes easier to detect the whispers of doubt that come from my spiritual enemies, and reject them as lies.
If you have Parkinson's Disease, you are limited in what you can do, and you are not as physically active as you once were. In my case, this leads to an ever more active mind, so I must take charge of my mind and be careful not to allow the wrong kinds of thoughts in. Proverbs 23:7 tells us about man: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is."
Don't let your mind wander without direction. No matter the condition of your body - no matter what you are not able to do - THIS you CAN do: discern whether your thoughts are good or bad and allow only memories that will increase your faith and move you forward.
The choice is yours. Do you want to have a healthy faith?
But the right kinds of memories can encourage, lift up, and increase faith. Many times I have heard it said, "The mind is the battlefield". I believe it. We must choose carefully what we allow to linger in our minds.
Scripture often tells us to remember the things God has done for us. When I meditate on times in the past when God has clearly spoken to me, or definitely acted on my behalf, my faith is easily strengthened and actually grows. In this way, I am responsible for the condition of my faith (even though I know that it is a gift from God). It becomes easier to detect the whispers of doubt that come from my spiritual enemies, and reject them as lies.
If you have Parkinson's Disease, you are limited in what you can do, and you are not as physically active as you once were. In my case, this leads to an ever more active mind, so I must take charge of my mind and be careful not to allow the wrong kinds of thoughts in. Proverbs 23:7 tells us about man: "For as he thinks within himself, so he is."
Don't let your mind wander without direction. No matter the condition of your body - no matter what you are not able to do - THIS you CAN do: discern whether your thoughts are good or bad and allow only memories that will increase your faith and move you forward.
The choice is yours. Do you want to have a healthy faith?
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Works, Walking and Worthiness
How many small and seemingly insignificant decisions do you make every day? How important do they seem? As a person living with Parkinson's Disease, I am confronted with many choices in my day, just like everyone else, but the choices I am given will be different than another person's choices. It may be a decision to not complain for the day, even though there may be alot to complain about. Or it could be something like putting someone else's need in front of mine......all day.
There are some choices that seem more important than others, yet along with it, comes a temptation. My heart knows the right thing to do, but from somewhere comes the idea that just this once, I could cut corners and take the easy way and no one would know.... There are also those choices where I could take the easier route, and no one would blame me. God would understand....
I submit that every choice we are given is an opportunity to live for Christ AND make Him known. The world, and even our families, watch us - observing our reactions, asking us questions, noticing if our words stand true in light of our actions. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - "that we should walk in them".... Think about this for a minute.
As a peculiar people - one who is a member of the elite group of people with PD - God has prepared special work for me, that the world may see Jesus in my daily life through the decisions I make. We may or may not be able to walk across a room, but we can certainly "walk" in the good works that God prepared beforehand for each one of us!
I am thinking of the story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego.... (Daniel 3:12-30) In a large assembly of people, they were told to bow down and worship the statue of the king - Nebuchadnezer. Everyone else did, but they did not. They could have chosen to bow like everyone else, and blend with the large group of people (who would blame them?), but this day they chose to walk in the works that God chose for them beforehand (which was to walk in the fire).
When they were noticed standing instead of bowing, they were brought before the king. They told the king that their God could save them from him, but even if He did not, they would not to bow before the statue. Enraged at their choice to not bow, he had them thrown into the fiery furnace. In amazement, the king declared that he saw FOUR people walking around in the fire - not just THREE. The fourth person was God who would not leave them to face the fire alone. As a result, the king called them to come out of the fire (they were unhurt without even the smell of smoke on them). The king then blessed God and glorified Him.
This is the point of the works God has prepared for you to walk in. You have the unique opportunity to walk through the fire of Parkinson's Disease to the glory of God, but never by yourself. The choice is yours - to walk in a manner worthy of the calling of God - with Him leading the way, or bow down to your idol (pride, untruth, fear of death, selfishness, failure to love those around you, etc.). Where will you walk today?
There are some choices that seem more important than others, yet along with it, comes a temptation. My heart knows the right thing to do, but from somewhere comes the idea that just this once, I could cut corners and take the easy way and no one would know.... There are also those choices where I could take the easier route, and no one would blame me. God would understand....
I submit that every choice we are given is an opportunity to live for Christ AND make Him known. The world, and even our families, watch us - observing our reactions, asking us questions, noticing if our words stand true in light of our actions. Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - "that we should walk in them".... Think about this for a minute.
As a peculiar people - one who is a member of the elite group of people with PD - God has prepared special work for me, that the world may see Jesus in my daily life through the decisions I make. We may or may not be able to walk across a room, but we can certainly "walk" in the good works that God prepared beforehand for each one of us!
I am thinking of the story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego.... (Daniel 3:12-30) In a large assembly of people, they were told to bow down and worship the statue of the king - Nebuchadnezer. Everyone else did, but they did not. They could have chosen to bow like everyone else, and blend with the large group of people (who would blame them?), but this day they chose to walk in the works that God chose for them beforehand (which was to walk in the fire).
When they were noticed standing instead of bowing, they were brought before the king. They told the king that their God could save them from him, but even if He did not, they would not to bow before the statue. Enraged at their choice to not bow, he had them thrown into the fiery furnace. In amazement, the king declared that he saw FOUR people walking around in the fire - not just THREE. The fourth person was God who would not leave them to face the fire alone. As a result, the king called them to come out of the fire (they were unhurt without even the smell of smoke on them). The king then blessed God and glorified Him.
This is the point of the works God has prepared for you to walk in. You have the unique opportunity to walk through the fire of Parkinson's Disease to the glory of God, but never by yourself. The choice is yours - to walk in a manner worthy of the calling of God - with Him leading the way, or bow down to your idol (pride, untruth, fear of death, selfishness, failure to love those around you, etc.). Where will you walk today?
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
A Simple Prayer and a Small Thought
Today, I have a doctor's appointment. It is a DBS adjustment. It seems that I need more "juice" because I'm experiencing some minor symptoms that until recently were a thing of the past. The only problem is that whenever I go in for an appointment, I seem to be having a great day with no problems, so my doctor can't really make much of an adjustment. I'm grateful for good days, but I do hope this morning, he will be able to see what's going on.
Maybe I've just gotten used to the absence of symptoms and the beauty of a life that is without the debilitating symptoms that used to be a constant agony. I don't know.
In any case, Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that You know best, and that I am not left alone to cope with my problems. I trust you. I am grateful for the beautiful gifts You have showered on me. Help me to honor You in all that I do and say and think today.
"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Thy way may be known on the earth." Psalms 67:1,2
Maybe I've just gotten used to the absence of symptoms and the beauty of a life that is without the debilitating symptoms that used to be a constant agony. I don't know.
In any case, Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that You know best, and that I am not left alone to cope with my problems. I trust you. I am grateful for the beautiful gifts You have showered on me. Help me to honor You in all that I do and say and think today.
"God be gracious to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us, that Thy way may be known on the earth." Psalms 67:1,2
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
How Is Your Faith Today?
How is your faith today? Is it dependent upon your circumstances? When things get bad does your faith weaken and falter? Do you have to see to believe? Or is your faith healthy and robust?
As you deal with Parkinson's Disease (or whatever your problem) are you able to believe in the goodness of God? Are you able to believe that God is sovereign when just days ago a young man went berserk in a movie theater and murdered people indiscriminantly and without mercy as he shot them? Are you able to believe in God when you're living in a world ruled by mad men just itching to go nuclear?
I hope so. If you are not able to trust in God and believe He is all the Bible claims Him to be, today, then how will you survive through tomorrow? Our world is precariously perched on the edge of an abyss. God told us ahead of time this was coming and He is warning us in many ways,that if we don't change course we could face what Joel Rosenberg refers to as "implosion".
I don't know why we see evil that befalls the innocent, but I don't have to see to believe. My mind is only able to understand so much, and then the rest must be taken on faith. I believe that God is love, that He is all knowing and all powerful and present everywhere. My mind is like a car that runs out of gas. It can only take me so far. Then I need gas to get me where I'm going. The gas is faith.
Now is not the time to doubt or to be unsure. Make sure your faith is healthy today.
As you deal with Parkinson's Disease (or whatever your problem) are you able to believe in the goodness of God? Are you able to believe that God is sovereign when just days ago a young man went berserk in a movie theater and murdered people indiscriminantly and without mercy as he shot them? Are you able to believe in God when you're living in a world ruled by mad men just itching to go nuclear?
I hope so. If you are not able to trust in God and believe He is all the Bible claims Him to be, today, then how will you survive through tomorrow? Our world is precariously perched on the edge of an abyss. God told us ahead of time this was coming and He is warning us in many ways,that if we don't change course we could face what Joel Rosenberg refers to as "implosion".
I don't know why we see evil that befalls the innocent, but I don't have to see to believe. My mind is only able to understand so much, and then the rest must be taken on faith. I believe that God is love, that He is all knowing and all powerful and present everywhere. My mind is like a car that runs out of gas. It can only take me so far. Then I need gas to get me where I'm going. The gas is faith.
Now is not the time to doubt or to be unsure. Make sure your faith is healthy today.
Just My Thoughts
Today I read a little bit about the Great Awakening. After fifty years of prayer and fasting for revival, it came in the early to mid 1700s. Some of the finest preachers of the time experienced great desire to preach the gospel, and at the same time, people became hungry and thirsty to hear about God. Preaching out in the open instead of enclosed buildings caught on. Thousands were saved. This came at a time when government was corrupt and people didn't know the difference between going to church and actually knowing Jesus. Men like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and John and Charles Wesley were born again. They were highly educated but did not fall into intellectualism or elitist thinking.
Today I prayed for revival, as I have been doing for some time, though I feel I surely I need more inspiration to pray more passionately and for longer periods of time. But, as I pointed out in the previous post, I have the time for prayer!
Today, I stood in the gap for friends and family. I prayed through challenges resisting the urge to pick up the phone and dial-a-friend.
I have been inspired to seek a closer relationship with Jesus, wanting more and more as time goes on to be completely His without reservation. I want to hold back nothing so He might use me to bring others to Christ. I want to be a blessing to my family and friends and even to strangers.
These are just some of my thoughts today - because God gave me the time. What did you do with your day? I'd love to hear....
Today I prayed for revival, as I have been doing for some time, though I feel I surely I need more inspiration to pray more passionately and for longer periods of time. But, as I pointed out in the previous post, I have the time for prayer!
Today, I stood in the gap for friends and family. I prayed through challenges resisting the urge to pick up the phone and dial-a-friend.
I have been inspired to seek a closer relationship with Jesus, wanting more and more as time goes on to be completely His without reservation. I want to hold back nothing so He might use me to bring others to Christ. I want to be a blessing to my family and friends and even to strangers.
These are just some of my thoughts today - because God gave me the time. What did you do with your day? I'd love to hear....
Sunday, July 8, 2012
A Prayer to Start the Day
Lord, in the darkness of early morning, the possibilities of my day stretch out before me. With trepidition I venture into the possibilites of this day as if they were patches of fog in a valley untraveled. Already I am perplexed as to which way to go or what to do... so here I am - before your throne - in the presence of my King and my Father.
Please lead me through this day of endless options. I don't know what I will face, so I am afraid. This is not becoming to a child of the King. I give You my fear, and You give me Your courage. On this morning, I give you my weakness and You replace it with Your strength. My sin for your righteousness. Anxiety for Shalom....
I'm putting myself into Your own dear hands. Guide me, protect me, and use me to Your glory. I will hope in the good end of this day and believe that You have grown my faith and excercised it in the face of darkness and the unknown.
Together we are prepared. Today we will move forward - You and I. Thank you for hearing. I love You so....
Please lead me through this day of endless options. I don't know what I will face, so I am afraid. This is not becoming to a child of the King. I give You my fear, and You give me Your courage. On this morning, I give you my weakness and You replace it with Your strength. My sin for your righteousness. Anxiety for Shalom....
I'm putting myself into Your own dear hands. Guide me, protect me, and use me to Your glory. I will hope in the good end of this day and believe that You have grown my faith and excercised it in the face of darkness and the unknown.
Together we are prepared. Today we will move forward - You and I. Thank you for hearing. I love You so....
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Face Giants by Remembering God
Our lives are populated with giants. Giants are really big problems and they show up in our heads, our friendships, at work, at church, in marriages, at the doctor's office, in our families and every other place we go. They must be faced and overcome or they will devour us.
L. B. Cowman in Streams in the Desert says: "'We will be stronger by overcoming them than if there had been no giants to defeat.' In fact, unless we have overcoming faith, we will be swallowed up - consumed by the giants who block our path. 'With that same spirit of faith' (2 Cor 4:13) that Joshua and Caleb had, let us look to God, and He will take care of the difficulties."
Cowman says it so much better than I can, so the following is taken from the same devotion book as above: "We encounter giants only when we are serving God and following Him. It was when Israel was going forward that the giants appeared, for when they turned back into the wilderness, they found none.
Many people believe that the power of God in a person's life should keep him from all trials and conflicts. However, the power of God actually brings conflict and struggles. You would think that Paul, during his great missionary journey to Rome, would have been kept by God's sovereignty from the power of violent storms and of his enemies. Yet just the opposite was true. He endured one long, difficult struggle with the Jews who were persecuting him. He faced fierce winds, poisonous snakes, and all the powers of earth and of hell. And finally, he narrowly escaped drowning, by swimming to shore at Malta after a shipwrick nearly sent him to a watery grave.
Does this sound like a God of infinite power? Yes, it is just like Him. And that is why Paul told us that once he took the Lord Jesus Christ as his life in his body, a severe conflict immediately arose. In fact, the conflict never ended. The pressure on Paul was persistent, but from the conflict he always emerged victorious through the strength of Jesus Christ.
Paul described this in quite vivid language: 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (2 Cor 4:8-10)."
Don't be dismayed and lose heart because tragedy has struck and you are faced with the impossible. You will make it through your day - one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time and one decision at a time. The mountain of accomplishment is scaled one persistant step at a time - one effort at a time - one bit of knowledge at a time.
The giants will be defeated through continuous application of Truth and the works which flow from this Truth. Rabbi Michael L. Munk in The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet says, " Do not believe that you have tried and failed. Rather understand that you have not tried hard enough."
When you see giants, take a step back and remember Who God is then remember who your are. Then taking one step at a time make choices and let your actions be in agreement with those two things. Getting through your day is a process and it occurs time after time as the days go by.
L. B. Cowman in Streams in the Desert says: "'We will be stronger by overcoming them than if there had been no giants to defeat.' In fact, unless we have overcoming faith, we will be swallowed up - consumed by the giants who block our path. 'With that same spirit of faith' (2 Cor 4:13) that Joshua and Caleb had, let us look to God, and He will take care of the difficulties."
Cowman says it so much better than I can, so the following is taken from the same devotion book as above: "We encounter giants only when we are serving God and following Him. It was when Israel was going forward that the giants appeared, for when they turned back into the wilderness, they found none.
Many people believe that the power of God in a person's life should keep him from all trials and conflicts. However, the power of God actually brings conflict and struggles. You would think that Paul, during his great missionary journey to Rome, would have been kept by God's sovereignty from the power of violent storms and of his enemies. Yet just the opposite was true. He endured one long, difficult struggle with the Jews who were persecuting him. He faced fierce winds, poisonous snakes, and all the powers of earth and of hell. And finally, he narrowly escaped drowning, by swimming to shore at Malta after a shipwrick nearly sent him to a watery grave.
Does this sound like a God of infinite power? Yes, it is just like Him. And that is why Paul told us that once he took the Lord Jesus Christ as his life in his body, a severe conflict immediately arose. In fact, the conflict never ended. The pressure on Paul was persistent, but from the conflict he always emerged victorious through the strength of Jesus Christ.
Paul described this in quite vivid language: 'We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body" (2 Cor 4:8-10)."
Don't be dismayed and lose heart because tragedy has struck and you are faced with the impossible. You will make it through your day - one day at a time, one hour at a time, one minute at a time and one decision at a time. The mountain of accomplishment is scaled one persistant step at a time - one effort at a time - one bit of knowledge at a time.
The giants will be defeated through continuous application of Truth and the works which flow from this Truth. Rabbi Michael L. Munk in The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet says, " Do not believe that you have tried and failed. Rather understand that you have not tried hard enough."
When you see giants, take a step back and remember Who God is then remember who your are. Then taking one step at a time make choices and let your actions be in agreement with those two things. Getting through your day is a process and it occurs time after time as the days go by.
Friday, June 29, 2012
How to Start Your Day
There are some things we all need to know in order to get through our day (and to do it successfully). It's equally important for people who have disabilities as for those who don't. The very first thing is to know there is a God. Not just "a" God, but "THE" God. Everyone knows that if the compass is not set properly, the destination will not be reached. When I think about things from this premise- when I start out my day from this point - I have the right perspective. My starting point is grounded in Truth - not fact or fiction. I find that my center becomes God instead of me, myself and I! From there, I remember that He is the Creator - MY Creator. I find my purpose in Him. I realize that He has work for me today. I am not left with empty desires or fruitless jobs, but if I stay tuned into Him, I will be about His work. At the end of the day, I will have a sense of accomplishment and contentment. When I am doing those works He has designed for me, I find that I have sufficient strength, hope, faith, love and inspiration to work.
Does this mean I never experience fear or fatigue? Does this mean my faith is not challenged or that I never lose sight of what's real? No, that's not what it means. If I make a mistake and make the wrong choices, I will see warning flags like confusion or guilt or remorse. I am to take that directly to Jesus, Who will forgive, cleanse me and reset my compass.
I will have stress and difficulties along my path. I will have to give up some of the things I would rather not in order that I may possess the better things.
When the Israelites sent spies into the promised land, all but Joshua and Caleb were cast down and lost the vision that God had given them. They looked at the situation from a strictly human perspective and as a result they saw giants. They forgot Who made them, guided them and empowered them. They forgot all God had done up to that point to beat the odds and to deliver them through EVERYTHING. They forgot that even the Egyptian Pharoah and his army had been annihilated when they held God's people in bondage and would not let them go.
I'll speak more tomorrow about giants and what they represent and how we can deal with them....
Does this mean I never experience fear or fatigue? Does this mean my faith is not challenged or that I never lose sight of what's real? No, that's not what it means. If I make a mistake and make the wrong choices, I will see warning flags like confusion or guilt or remorse. I am to take that directly to Jesus, Who will forgive, cleanse me and reset my compass.
I will have stress and difficulties along my path. I will have to give up some of the things I would rather not in order that I may possess the better things.
When the Israelites sent spies into the promised land, all but Joshua and Caleb were cast down and lost the vision that God had given them. They looked at the situation from a strictly human perspective and as a result they saw giants. They forgot Who made them, guided them and empowered them. They forgot all God had done up to that point to beat the odds and to deliver them through EVERYTHING. They forgot that even the Egyptian Pharoah and his army had been annihilated when they held God's people in bondage and would not let them go.
I'll speak more tomorrow about giants and what they represent and how we can deal with them....
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Thank You, Daughter
I just returned from a visit with my daughter and two grandsons. Not only did I have a wonderful time with them, but also enjoyed my daughter's bee hives, garden and excellent cooking. I'm home now with renewed inspiration to prepare healthy foods and enjoy eating right with my family. I've been going through a book (called Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig., PHD) that my daughter gave me to find some new recipes, but I was a bit overwhelmed at the huge amount of information along with tasty dishes. So I decided to learn just one new thing at a time. I have chosen chicken stock which is used in many different things. It's incredibly nutritious.
At times I am tempted to think it's a waste of time for me to eat nutritiously, because I have already suffered much damage to my body with the Parkinson's Disease. What good is it going to do now? But I am going to throw that thought away. I believe that nourishing my body now can only fuel it to heal itself. It may slow or halt the progression of PD. It makes sense that it can only be beneficial for me AND my family.At the very worst, I will enjoy eating what I prepare with my family.
I have already found that I am energized as I put good things into my body. Join with me in this endeaver. Share with me any recipes made with organic foods that you have, and let's get to work getting healthy!
At times I am tempted to think it's a waste of time for me to eat nutritiously, because I have already suffered much damage to my body with the Parkinson's Disease. What good is it going to do now? But I am going to throw that thought away. I believe that nourishing my body now can only fuel it to heal itself. It may slow or halt the progression of PD. It makes sense that it can only be beneficial for me AND my family.At the very worst, I will enjoy eating what I prepare with my family.
I have already found that I am energized as I put good things into my body. Join with me in this endeaver. Share with me any recipes made with organic foods that you have, and let's get to work getting healthy!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Spiritual Ticks
I was recently doing some reading on Lyme's Disease. I read that some people with Lyme's have been misdiagnosed as having PD. I don't know whether that's true or not, but it got me thinking of spiritual parallels. Just like the danger of getting a tick bourne disease from a walk through the yard, we must be aware that there is much in the world that is evil. Unsuspecting the risk, we go through our day without a thought for the scheming the enemy (Satan) has done and the pits he has dug to try and trap us. He wants to shut us down – put us out of commission. He lurks in unsuspected places.
But thinking we are safe - and that there is no risk – and that we have matters under control – we are unaware of the danger. Evil does exist and it is sometimes unseen, or invisible to us just as a tick bourne illness that resides in the infected tick is not seen. Though small and undetected, it is not to be underestimated.
I'm not trying to scare you, and I'm not suggesting that behind every encounter or opportunity lies something evil. I'm merely suggesting that we are more dependent on God to keep us safe than we know.
Evil predators searching out a victim rove back and forth across all of creation – quick to detect our movement or catch our scent. Feeling the warmth of our breath these parasites stealthily follow our trail.
Just don't forget Who has you in the palm of His hand. Don't forget Who gives you armor for protection. Don't forget Who gives you warnings in His Word and tells you how to live and avoid calamity. He is at work protecting us even when we don't know it. Where our bodies are weak, He is strong. Let that encourage you today. He will never leave you, or forsake you!
Be as wise as serpents, but as innocent as doves.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Truth About Growing
Are you ever disappointed in yourself? Do you wonder if you will ever get it all right? Can you think of the last time you did? Do you ever feel stuck and disadvantaged because of your disease (or whatever your challenge is)?
The truth is without our challenges (otherwise known as heartaches, shattered dreams, or as Paul called it - a thorn in the flesh) we would get nowhere. We would never get past stage one in our growth process. We would remain immature and undeveloped. We won't change unless we are pushed out of the familiar place where we are comfortable. We won't develope a taste for truth until we have been burned by untruth. We won't get creative and figure out new ways to get through a day until we can no longer do it the old way. Growth can be a painful process. But the key word here is "process". It doesn't happen all at once just because you know the Truth. True change happens when as you learn the truth, you choose to incorporate it into your heart, soul and spirit - when it becomes who you are.
My disability has fueled my growth. It's true that it is a disagreeable teacher, but one from whom my growth has sprung! Thank you, Lord, for not leaving me unchanged and undeveloped!
The truth is without our challenges (otherwise known as heartaches, shattered dreams, or as Paul called it - a thorn in the flesh) we would get nowhere. We would never get past stage one in our growth process. We would remain immature and undeveloped. We won't change unless we are pushed out of the familiar place where we are comfortable. We won't develope a taste for truth until we have been burned by untruth. We won't get creative and figure out new ways to get through a day until we can no longer do it the old way. Growth can be a painful process. But the key word here is "process". It doesn't happen all at once just because you know the Truth. True change happens when as you learn the truth, you choose to incorporate it into your heart, soul and spirit - when it becomes who you are.
My disability has fueled my growth. It's true that it is a disagreeable teacher, but one from whom my growth has sprung! Thank you, Lord, for not leaving me unchanged and undeveloped!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Wounded Warrier
This morning I am feeling burdened for those of you who are battle weary and wounded. I FEEL your pain. I am moved to pray for you. If you are reading this - know that these words are for YOU. Here is my prayer for you:
Lord, bring this sister's (or brother's) pain to a close. Let hope become evident where there is no hope. Make the pain of the past give way to joy. Make sense of this apparent triumph of evil, sickness and death.
Where is Your victory? Where is justice? Where are you in all of this? We wait on You to make sense of all this, and we wait on You to guide us through this deep, thick darkness. Come to the rescue, Lord.... We are nothing on our own.
Give back what the locusts have devoured. The enemy is merciless in his attack. Help us - help Your servant and friend.... In the midst of attack lift up her (his) head, establish her (his) faith, and fill her (him) with hope. Our lives hinge on your strong arm. Though it feels like you may come near to slaying us - let our love for You abound.
Lord, bring this sister's (or brother's) pain to a close. Let hope become evident where there is no hope. Make the pain of the past give way to joy. Make sense of this apparent triumph of evil, sickness and death.
Where is Your victory? Where is justice? Where are you in all of this? We wait on You to make sense of all this, and we wait on You to guide us through this deep, thick darkness. Come to the rescue, Lord.... We are nothing on our own.
Give back what the locusts have devoured. The enemy is merciless in his attack. Help us - help Your servant and friend.... In the midst of attack lift up her (his) head, establish her (his) faith, and fill her (him) with hope. Our lives hinge on your strong arm. Though it feels like you may come near to slaying us - let our love for You abound.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Death to the Seed!
Have you ever planted a seed? Have you ever really looked at this tiny little thing? If you put it in some soil, it will sprout and 2 tiny little "leaves" grow atop the longer stem. The seed also sends down a root. There are scientific names for all of this but I have forgotten what they are. If all goes well, the sprout in time becomes a full grown plant, which will flower. It yields a crop of hopefully many fruits.
I have to say, that from the seed's point of view, this isn't great. It must lay down it's life to exist in darkness (soil) and just wait for something to happen. It must have enough food (hope) stored inside the seed to sustain the beginning of the little life that has begun to grow. As it grows it reaches for the sun and as it absorbs the sunlight, a chemical process called photosynthesis starts. Without this there can be no growth or development.
Have you ever thought of your life as a seed? You who have PD (or any other giant of a problem) may be feeling the darkness of your condition. You have felt a death to your pre-pd life. You may just be existing on the last flickers of hope for better days. But don't despair! Reach for the sun (Son), knowing that He can transform the old "you" into someone new. Without the breaking of the seed (breaking of the old you), there will be no going forth from death to birth (this means death of the old you). Without the darkness and waiting there will be no development - no transformation. And without the light that is God, there can be no bearing fruit.
It's not always easy, is it? But take comfort in this: Life is not a series of random events. There is a Gardner. He has plans for the garden. And He tends each plant. His plan for you is LIFE!
John 12:25 CJB: "He who loves his life loses it, but he who hates his life in this world will keep it safe right on into eternal life!"
Monday, April 30, 2012
Pills or Not........
How do you feel about having to take meds? Do you feel guilt and shame for not being able to function without them? Shouldn't we be able to "overcome" our problems and successfully meet our challenges without aids and crutches? Do you think, "I have prayed for a miracle - I've prayed for healing and relief, but my dependence on these meds only increases as time goes by."? Well that's what I used to think. But I have come to realize that my meds are actually the answer to my prayers. Dependence is not the issue, because every day we are dependent upon Him for life and necessities and happiness. We just don't want to rely on those pills.
Obviously, if the only way you can move is by taking your meds, then He is saying no to healing without them at this time. Miraculous healing may indeed come at a later time, but He has His reasons for saying no right now. And I think sometimes we must be worked on in time to become worthy of the good gifts He wants to give us. If you were suddenly and completely healed today, would you spend as much time with Him, or be as interested in obeying Him, or would your life be the witness that it is to the sufficiency of His grace? God is not mean and He does not withold good things from His children, but He also does not give His gifts indiscrimently and without preparation. Wouldn't that be like giving a child a loaded gun?
The world desperatly needs to see living examples of real people living through the toughest storms that may come. God loves all people so much that He is willing to let you suffer (like His Son) so that others might be saved.
Our distress is momentary compared to the glories He has lovingly prepared for all who will come to Him.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Autobiography - Seven
More and more things became impossible for me to do. I remember one day I was home alone and I lay on the couch singing with my praise music. That was literally all I was able to do. I thought, "I will praise You, Lord, in the only way I can, but I WILL praise You!" Eventually I told God that if this is what He wanted for me in this life, He would have to help me to bear this burden, but I was willing. I held nothing back but accepted His will for me whatever that would be. If it meant suffering in my body, then with His help, I would suffer.
At this time I began pouring through the Bible like never before. I would meditate on it and speak the truth of it to everyone around me even though I could not feel the victory. I felt so useless. I was a burden to my family. In the eyes of the world I had no value. I was a liability. Whatever strength I had left in me had finally drained out of me. I lost the will to live. I began to ask God to just let me come home. I was ready to die. All this was very stressful on my marriage, my children and my friendships. I cried to God continually, being ever aware of His Presence. I knew that He shared my agony, and yet somehow He was using me to His glory.
At this time I began pouring through the Bible like never before. I would meditate on it and speak the truth of it to everyone around me even though I could not feel the victory. I felt so useless. I was a burden to my family. In the eyes of the world I had no value. I was a liability. Whatever strength I had left in me had finally drained out of me. I lost the will to live. I began to ask God to just let me come home. I was ready to die. All this was very stressful on my marriage, my children and my friendships. I cried to God continually, being ever aware of His Presence. I knew that He shared my agony, and yet somehow He was using me to His glory.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Autobiography - Six
At about this same time, my mother underwent sudden heart surgery and afterwards suffered a massive stroke. Her death was a blow to me. My father - so dependent on her - died a few weeks later. That year I would face the death of both of my parents, the horror of September 11th, and the increase of responsibility that came with a job promotion in the next year. I worked as long as I could, but eventually it became apparent that the demands and the stress of work were more that this disease would allow.
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive and incurable disease. Without a miracle, my future looked hopeless and horrible. Outside of a miracle from God, I knew there would be nothing more than suffering, loneliness, and darkness ahead of me.
My new husband and I attended church regularly and became a part of the body of believers in a small non denominational church. I attended Bible studies (even facilitating sometimes) and grew to love the women I got to know. But within a few years, my disease had progressed to the point that I could hardly walk. I couldn't attend Bible studies or do my art any more. I was increasingly isolated as I could not drive, or even feed myself without great difficulty. It was hard to sit in a chair and type or hold the phone more than a few minutes to talk. Sometimes it was an effort just to breathe. I couldn't even turn over in bed.
People began to bring meals and send cards. There were so many people praying for me regularly. Some were even people I didn't know. I stubbornly held onto God, believing that He is a God of miracles. As more and more time went on without a healing I began to despair of ever receiving it on this earth. But my belief in God never faltered. I was heartbroken yet still believed in His love.
Parkinson's Disease is a progressive and incurable disease. Without a miracle, my future looked hopeless and horrible. Outside of a miracle from God, I knew there would be nothing more than suffering, loneliness, and darkness ahead of me.
My new husband and I attended church regularly and became a part of the body of believers in a small non denominational church. I attended Bible studies (even facilitating sometimes) and grew to love the women I got to know. But within a few years, my disease had progressed to the point that I could hardly walk. I couldn't attend Bible studies or do my art any more. I was increasingly isolated as I could not drive, or even feed myself without great difficulty. It was hard to sit in a chair and type or hold the phone more than a few minutes to talk. Sometimes it was an effort just to breathe. I couldn't even turn over in bed.
People began to bring meals and send cards. There were so many people praying for me regularly. Some were even people I didn't know. I stubbornly held onto God, believing that He is a God of miracles. As more and more time went on without a healing I began to despair of ever receiving it on this earth. But my belief in God never faltered. I was heartbroken yet still believed in His love.
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