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.
Showing posts with label hope dealing with parkinson's disease. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hope dealing with parkinson's disease. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
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
Saturday, August 4, 2012
On the Cross With Jesus
This world we live in is a stressful place. There is evil, greed, and every kind of selfishness. Danger is always present. But we can also find light, kindness, goodness, and people who are willing to share.
We have no control over the actions of other people, so we can't control the amount of stress around us that we have to deal with. I find that trying to find that place where stress is non-existant is a waste of time. A better thing to concentrate on is facing my problems, my fears, and my insufficiency and learning what to do with them.
I don't think I'll ever reach the place where there is no fear. At least not on this earth. Having Parkinson's Disease brings up all kinds of fears. I can't help that. But rather than trying to battle them in my own humaness, hoping against hope for a reprieve, I can put those fears where they belong - at the feet of Jesus.
To do this, I must first identify and face these fears. It won't help to try and forget them or pretend they are not there. Running from them will only wear you out. Once I have identified them, then I mourn, and cry and grieve in the presence of God. Tell Him all about your agony. You can even go to God with your anger. Then admit your powerlessness over these things you fear. Our struggle to maintain control is nothing more than a mirage.
It actually gets simple at this point. I didn't say "easy". But we now trust God to do as He pleases, believing that He is a loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God who works out His purposes in every day He gives us.
I remember as I struggled through this process (it will take longer for some than others), giving up my own hopes and dreams for this life, I told Him in all sincerity, that if there were any other place in the world I could go, that's where I would be. But I had exhausted all other possibilities. I found myself on the cross with Jesus. My old self had to die with all of my old dreams, desires, and plans. I did not choose it to be so, but this is where I found myself.
It was agonizing - letting go of my cherished hopes and dreams. But Jesus knew exactly what I was going through. In the Garden of Gethsemene, He too struggled with the impending reality of the cross. He asked the Father 3 times to "let this cup pass" yet when He did not receive the answer He so desperately desired, with resignation He faced death.....death on a cross.
When the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease comes, recognize the dread of not knowing how your life will play out or how you will die. Consider that you may lose loved ones because they can't deal with your tragedy. But do it all in light of the wonderful reality that He will never leave you or forsake you ("He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5). He will never ask you to do what He hasn't done before. And know that your life will be what He has planned it will be ahead of time. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Now I can truly say with Paul and Timothy in Philippians 3:8 - "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 in order that I may gain Christ." Trust Him, dear ones. You will not be disappointed. Trust and wait.........
We have no control over the actions of other people, so we can't control the amount of stress around us that we have to deal with. I find that trying to find that place where stress is non-existant is a waste of time. A better thing to concentrate on is facing my problems, my fears, and my insufficiency and learning what to do with them.
I don't think I'll ever reach the place where there is no fear. At least not on this earth. Having Parkinson's Disease brings up all kinds of fears. I can't help that. But rather than trying to battle them in my own humaness, hoping against hope for a reprieve, I can put those fears where they belong - at the feet of Jesus.
To do this, I must first identify and face these fears. It won't help to try and forget them or pretend they are not there. Running from them will only wear you out. Once I have identified them, then I mourn, and cry and grieve in the presence of God. Tell Him all about your agony. You can even go to God with your anger. Then admit your powerlessness over these things you fear. Our struggle to maintain control is nothing more than a mirage.
It actually gets simple at this point. I didn't say "easy". But we now trust God to do as He pleases, believing that He is a loving, all-knowing, all-powerful God who works out His purposes in every day He gives us.
I remember as I struggled through this process (it will take longer for some than others), giving up my own hopes and dreams for this life, I told Him in all sincerity, that if there were any other place in the world I could go, that's where I would be. But I had exhausted all other possibilities. I found myself on the cross with Jesus. My old self had to die with all of my old dreams, desires, and plans. I did not choose it to be so, but this is where I found myself.
It was agonizing - letting go of my cherished hopes and dreams. But Jesus knew exactly what I was going through. In the Garden of Gethsemene, He too struggled with the impending reality of the cross. He asked the Father 3 times to "let this cup pass" yet when He did not receive the answer He so desperately desired, with resignation He faced death.....death on a cross.
When the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease comes, recognize the dread of not knowing how your life will play out or how you will die. Consider that you may lose loved ones because they can't deal with your tragedy. But do it all in light of the wonderful reality that He will never leave you or forsake you ("He Himself has said, I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you." - Hebrews 13:5). He will never ask you to do what He hasn't done before. And know that your life will be what He has planned it will be ahead of time. Jeremiah 29:11 says, For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."
Now I can truly say with Paul and Timothy in Philippians 3:8 - "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 in order that I may gain Christ." Trust Him, dear ones. You will not be disappointed. Trust and wait.........
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
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.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Cool and Cloudy
Today is unseasonably cool. It's cloudy with temperatures in the 60s. Definitely sweater weather! This is not my idea of a typical June day.
Emotions are sort of like the weather. One day you are hot only to be cool the next. Our comfort levels change as circumstances outside of our control may be all over the map. In other words, we are directly affected by the "weather" around us and we have no control over what may come.
Certainly, for people with PD we are faced with new problems, new circumstances and unforseen events every day. It can be more than we can handle at times. So how do we stay steady and remain grounded in an unpredictable climate? I do it through my relationship to Jesus. If I didn't know that He is all powerful and loving I know I wouldn't make it through my crazy days! I know that He has all knowlege and that He is merciful and forgiving. I may not understand the why of what He does, but I don't have to. Knowing who He is will be enough.
When the weather turns bad suddenly, I know He is my shelter. I trust Him to know what I don't, and I trust Him to be who He says He is. Read your Bible today.......... You'll learn something new about Him. It's all there - in the Bible.......... The answers....
Emotions are sort of like the weather. One day you are hot only to be cool the next. Our comfort levels change as circumstances outside of our control may be all over the map. In other words, we are directly affected by the "weather" around us and we have no control over what may come.
Certainly, for people with PD we are faced with new problems, new circumstances and unforseen events every day. It can be more than we can handle at times. So how do we stay steady and remain grounded in an unpredictable climate? I do it through my relationship to Jesus. If I didn't know that He is all powerful and loving I know I wouldn't make it through my crazy days! I know that He has all knowlege and that He is merciful and forgiving. I may not understand the why of what He does, but I don't have to. Knowing who He is will be enough.
When the weather turns bad suddenly, I know He is my shelter. I trust Him to know what I don't, and I trust Him to be who He says He is. Read your Bible today.......... You'll learn something new about Him. It's all there - in the Bible.......... The answers....
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Talk
How are you with talking to people about your disability? Maybe you're embarrassed, or fearful to talk about it. Maybe you feel like if you can ignore it or talk around it then somehow it's not as bad, or not there at all. Maybe it's somehow not real if you ignore it.
WRONG!
When we tell others our stories or share some of our problems with friends, it somehow lightens our burden. Others are blessed when we share a little bit about OUR burdens. Some are inspired by our courage and strength, and some are an encouragement to US. Don't waste all that you have learned by not telling. Let others in on the lessons that you have had to pay dearly to learn. Lighten your burden by sharing and bless someone by acknowleging your struggles. I believe that's part of our purpose here on this earth.... taking what we have and giving it to someone who needs it.
I have realized anew that life is not all about me. I am a vibrant and necessary part in this world, at this time, and so are you, but there is so much more. It's actually a relief to realize that and forget my inhibitions or discomfort for a while and speak freely.
So, now having said that, I'll touch on opportunities to share. I find that God almost always brings someone to me, and they will usually lead the conversation quite naturally in the direction of an openning for me to share. Pray for opportunites like that. He is just LOOKING for someone to share our life in Him with someone who needs to hear it. Ask Him for a chance to do this. If we are willing and make ourselves available, He will honor that request.
No matter if you are sick or what your burden may be, you have something to share and somebody has a need to hear it.
WRONG!
When we tell others our stories or share some of our problems with friends, it somehow lightens our burden. Others are blessed when we share a little bit about OUR burdens. Some are inspired by our courage and strength, and some are an encouragement to US. Don't waste all that you have learned by not telling. Let others in on the lessons that you have had to pay dearly to learn. Lighten your burden by sharing and bless someone by acknowleging your struggles. I believe that's part of our purpose here on this earth.... taking what we have and giving it to someone who needs it.
I have realized anew that life is not all about me. I am a vibrant and necessary part in this world, at this time, and so are you, but there is so much more. It's actually a relief to realize that and forget my inhibitions or discomfort for a while and speak freely.
So, now having said that, I'll touch on opportunities to share. I find that God almost always brings someone to me, and they will usually lead the conversation quite naturally in the direction of an openning for me to share. Pray for opportunites like that. He is just LOOKING for someone to share our life in Him with someone who needs to hear it. Ask Him for a chance to do this. If we are willing and make ourselves available, He will honor that request.
No matter if you are sick or what your burden may be, you have something to share and somebody has a need to hear it.
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!
Friday, April 20, 2012
Grudges and Healing
I have read that holding grudges and refusing to forgive can cause disease in our bodies, and certainly aggravate what is already an issue. I don't know about you, but I don't want anything in my life that could prevent or retard healing! So, I have been doing some thinking about it. I came up with an analogy that helped me understand the process a little better, and perhaps it will help you as well. At any rate, it can't hurt:
Forgiveness is a garden that we must tend or it doesn't develop.
I must work the ground (of my heart) digging it up, breaking up hard clumps, - hoeing and raking – pounding it until it is workable (ready to forgive). Then I add fertilizer and thoroughly mix it in, until it is evenly distributed. Holes must be dug and plants and seeds planted. I must water them (give the water of grace instead of the dust of vengence). I guard it (from animals, insects and birds – or more plainly – wrong attitudes, thoughts or deeds) as I watch. I make sure it gets plenty of exposure to the sun (reading the Word, praying and fellowship).
The garden must be tended daily and as time goes by, I weed it and continue to water. I prune as needed. If I am not faithful and consistent in my resolve to forgive, weeds will choke out the plants by blocking them from the sunlight and drinking up all the moisture. Everything will go to seed and appear unkempt. Yields will be little or nonexistent if the garden is untended.
God causes growth. We decide to forgive (we will it), but God changes our reluctant hearts and transforms them into forgiveness. We only must be willing and obedient to the point of death – death of my “right” to demand punishment – my “right” to revenge. It must be put on the cross with Christ and crucified.
Just as the seed must die when planted so that the transformation (of the seed into a plant) can take place, so my desire and decision to forgive must be the starting point which begins the process of forgiveness.
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seed.....(the decision to forgive).....seed dies (flesh crucified - deny the satisfaction of exacting revenge or punishing).....plant grows.....(daily resisting the flesh by reaffirming the decision to forgive).....plant blooms and reseeds.....(we are transformed - FORGIVENESS!
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God takes the unjust wounds inflicted on us and the stings of abandonment and betrayal to test our hearts and bring forth the gold of forgiveness. These wounds and stings are the manure from which the blooms of forgiveness are grown. Think about it.
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