Tag Archive - Faith

This can’t be

July 25, 2011 in Chronic Illness, family, Inspiration, Parkinson's Disease, Scripture, SparklesGlitter with 7 Comments

Face of Parkinson's Disease?

Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

Sounds like a excerpt from a chapter from one of Elizabeth Kubler Ross’s books on dealing with grief. She says grief will occur when one looses a goal that is of importance to them. I used to teach this in Lamaze classes because I knew people might grieve if their labor and birth didn’t go as they’d imagined. (sadly I now believe  that preparing people to expect to not have pain in labor was setting them up for grief)

Some people keep personal things within families quiet.  Especially when dealing with health issues and family crisis situations.   My Mother raised me to not discuss Religion/ Politics/ or Money.  She also felt that things about health and family were also to be kept private.  I just don’t agree; how can people engage in deep relationships without the discussion of the topics that make us who we are?

There have been several 180° turns in my life.  Most often they included the topics above. Previous posts go into my journey which included marrying Tommy when I was only 15.  Immediately changing social economic situations.  Becoming a Mother when I was 18. Becoming a Christian at 21. Falling away from my relationship with Jesus and returning more passionately while in my 30s. Being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and becoming a grand mother in my 40s.

In my 50′s I’ve been learning grace from humility and significance from loss.

I believe my  compassion for others has increased greatly due to my own suffering.  And that’s a good thing!!

Now the shock that is causing me to again have to “walk by faith” to re examine all the promises I cling to; especially Romans 8:28.

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan”

Our youngest son has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is only 33. He is the Father of our precious Grand daughter.

This post is to be continued.

 

He is Returning

May 24, 2011 in discernment, Inspiration, Scripture with 2 Comments

 

The whole situation surrounding the fellow who predicted the rapture or God’s return on Saturday has saddened me. Because it’s causing those who don’t yet believe to have more reason to mock and make fun of real truth.  And it seems that even my brothers and sisters in Christ have jumped in the scoffers wagon.

My concern is that this attitude will desensitize people regarding the absolute truth of God’s promises that He’ll cause His faithful ones to rise “in the twinkling of an eye”  ”at the last trumpet” with “the dead in Christ rising first” “to meet Him in the clouds”.

Yes- He is returning

"Caught up together in the clouds"

Here is a chapter of Scripture I feel lead to share: “2nd book of Peter chapter 3

“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.

But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you,not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.

Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness,waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Final Words

Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”

We’re called to live every day as if it is the day of His return.  He who was and is and is yet to come.

 

Tangible Love

March 20, 2011 in Church Related, Friends, Inspiration, testimony with 1 Comment

 

“But there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.”

Nearing the end of worship at church Tommy left the sanctuary to get Breanna from Sunday school so she could partake of communion with us.

I’ve been dealing with extra fatigue as of recent; thus I was purposely not standing while praising God like I normally do.

One of my precious friends was sitting next to me.  She began to get up for a song and noticed that I wasn’t standing. Instead of getting up she reached her hand over and grasp mine. She and I praised the Lord in song together.

Her gesture was filled with Christ Jesus Himself.

Later today  I began to ponder the depth of the love we share as brothers and sisters in Christ and joint heirs together with Israel together in the inheritance promised by the Messiah Jesus through the gospel.  I’ve experienced this tangible expression of love at other times with friends. And it’s always been with those who are my brothers and sisters!  I began to feel sad for people who don’t share in such a depth of closeness either with friends or their own families.

Are you lonely? Have you a friend who sticks closer than a brother?  Do you know that becoming a part of the body of Christ allows you immediate access to such relationships?  When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior you immediately are born into a family of believers.  It’s something I honestly don’t think the world (non-believers) are able to grasp.

Yet my sister expressed that tangible love towards me today and I am simply touched.

 

Today from tears to praise

March 20, 2011 in Chronic Illness, family, Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, Multiple Sclerosis, Scripture, SparklesGlitter with 0 Comments

Today I woke knowing I was still exceptionally down physically.  And I’d even fallen asleep pretty much when Tommy did that’s unusual as he goes to sleep and I stay in bed watching podcasts, reading facebook or watching Netflix.  Tommy is one of those guys who shuts his eyes and is snoring sweetly within minutes. He has kindly allowed gadgets and laptops in bed with us. As long as I turn down the brightness and use ear buds.  ((there have been occasions when I’ve laughed so hard that it has kept him awake)) but that’s not my story tonight.

After falling asleep earlier than usual I’d hoped to wake feeling well enough to enjoy doing some things around the house with Tommy today.  If you only knew how selflessly good he is to me you might also know why I desire to feel my best to make the time we’re able to spend together blessed.

Yet, when I awoke I was very sore and achy.The lower backache that so often goes along with a urinary tract infection. And if I had a uti that would explain my serious fatigue of recent. Also would be the explanation for the night up with bladder spasms earlier this week. Sadly this morning things were worse. The fatigue, the pain, the lack of ability.  The sun shining outside only caused me more disappointment regarding my inabilities.   Tommy is so kind, he just wants me to be happy. Even propped up on the sofa with my mac or my ipad.  If he knows I’m enjoying myself in any way and content- he’s happy.   He was working in the back yard with a project he’s desired to begin working on since its begun to get warm.  He needs to tear down much of the deck work my Father did maybe 40 years ago so it can be replaced w/ wood that is not rotting and buckling making it very treacherous  for my dragging feet to walk over. Today was the beginning of that project for him and he was taking down the lattice work rails. I wanted to either be out there with him or inside accomplishing some things to help our house seem tidied up.

But I soon found myself laying on my bed crying. I don’t cry! {Seriously it’s just not my normal response} Yet I was and needed to quickly get over it, knowing that Tommy finding me crying would break his heart.  (of course he knows me all to well and would later see that I had been) I prayed, I ask God to please please help me focus on others and gain the strength I needed just to enjoy some home time w/ my wonderful husband.  I took some meds that I am prescribed for MS fatigue- this I apparently don’t do enough.. somehow thinking that taking the drugs is going to turn into something I have to do to get through the day, and THIS I DON’T WANT.  But I knew I needed the help today.

Because of your prayers, my prayers and the meds, things began to come together.  I was able to send a card to a dear sister who has recently lost her Mother.  I was able to reach out to some online who I know are hurting and needed prayer and a kind word.  I was able to make Tommy some nice ice tea and prepare him some food.  Several things got done.  I laid down thinking I would now be exhausted for the afternoon/evening. Right away  our niece and her precious son stopped in. He’s so cute see the pictures below:

Our precious Great Nephew Eli

After they left  I said to Tommy “put your shoes back on.. we’re going to get the groceries we need”  This was something Tommy had wanted me to do last night and I was unable.

While at the store Breanna (Granddaughter) telephoned to see if we wanted her to come over to spend the night before church tomorrow. Initially I told her that Granny was just not feeling so well and that we’d try to pick her up on the way to church tomorrow. Well she then reminded me with the sweetest voice “Remember- before you call the Dr. Call me because I’m your good medicine”

"Remember before you call the Dr. Call me- I'm good medicine"

 

Oh how we love that child. We called and picked her up on the way home from the grocery.  She’s tucked in beside me sound to sleep. And you know what? I’m at the moment feeling better and very thankful that I was able to accomplish some things today.

Many people who deal w/ chronic illness find that even talking on the phone is too much effort. I’ve heard people say that it’s way easier for them to type than to talk, and sometimes that is my situation. I cannot explain the fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis…. Except to say that the air itself is heavy.  Every movement even thought is done through weighted air.  So it’s not that one is tired or sleepy.. but just unable to move through that heavy thick air to do the things I want to do. And when I’m having a particularly rough time due to fever or the heat outside then it is even hard for me to sit upright.  That’s when I’m horizontal or sideways surfing.

That’s my story for today and I know some who will surely relate.

“Remember your word to your servant

in which you have made me hope.

This is my comfort in my affliction,that your promise gives me life.

Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep your word.

You are good and do good;

teach me your statutes, with my whole heart I keep your precepts;but I delight in your law.

It is good for me that I was afflicted,
that I might learn your statutes.
The law of your mouth is better to me
than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

Your hands have made and fashioned me;

give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.

Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
because I have hoped in your word.
I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
Let your steadfast love comfort me
according to your promise to your servant.
Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
for your law is my delight.

Forever, O Lord, your word
is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Your faithfulness endures to all generations;
you have established the earth, and it stands fast.
By your appointment they stand this day,
for all things are your servants.
If your law had not been my delight,
I would have perished in my affliction.
I will never forget your precepts,
for by them you have given me life.
I am yours; save me,
for I have sought your precepts.

I am severely afflicted;
give me life, O Lord, according to your word!
Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O Lord,
and teach me your rules.
I hold my life in my hand continually,
but I do not forget your law.

I rise before dawn and cry for help;
I hope in your words.
My eyes are awake before the watches of the night,
that I may meditate on your promise.
Hear my voice according to your steadfast love;
O Lord, according to your justice give me life.”

Verses Quoted from Psalm 119 ESV

 

 

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Beware the walls crumble

February 23, 2011 in Chronic Illness, Friends, Inspiration, Love between Tommy & I, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 1 Comment

A couple of years ago I was blessed to meet a twitter friend @GailHyatt IRL (in real life). She came bearing gifts.
One of the gifts, a book titled “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young has continued to minister to me because it is book of daily devotions.

Todays devotion was  powerful for me: 

“Be on guard against the pit of self-pity. When you are weary or unwell, this demonic trap is the greatest danger you face. Don’t even go near the edge of the pit. Its edges crumble easily, and before you know it you are on the way down.  It is ever so much harder to get out of the pit than to keep a safe distance from it. That is why I tell you to be on guard.

There are several ways to protect yourself from self-pity.  When you are occupied with praising and thanking Me, it is impossible to feel sorry for yourself. Also, the  closer you live to Me, the more distance there is between you and the pit. Live in the Light of My Presence by fixing your eyes on Me.  Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is set before you, without stumbling or falling.”

Wow, powerful truth here.  It is especially easy to get all to close to the edge  of the pit of self pity when you are dealing with chronic illness.  Who would want to add being trapped in a nasty pit with crumbling walls on top of being weary or unwell?   Not this Granny! And I hope not you!

Immediately after reading today’s devotion I prayed and thanked God for this warning and ask Him just what I should do to move myself even further from the edge.  In His faithfulness He brought to my mind many who were lonely and hurting today.  I prayed for them then made telephone calls to a couple of those that He brought to my mind.

What do you do to keep from nearing the crumbling walls of the pit of self pity?

Have you ever turned away after knowing Jesus- I did

February 9, 2011 in Church Related, Inspiration, My Story, testimony with 2 Comments

Comfort of home

Here is a bit of my history of turning away after knowing.

After finding salvation through Jesus, maybe a decade or so later.. I lost my way.

It began innocently enough. I began drinking to numb some hurts regarding being literally the only one in my entire family who desired Jesus. Watching my Dad have a miraculous recovery from a devastating stroke yet seeing that he still denied the existence of God.

I began the party lifestyle that I had never experienced (because I was married at 15.. then gave birth to two children before I was 20 and became a Christian) So I gradually moved more into the world and away from Christianity.

I remember well talking w/ my very concerned pastor at the time and telling him that I knew he only saw black & white but that I was seeing gray and that I could no longer remain in a “church” situation that was so narrow.. I still believed in Jesus and was confident about my eternal destiny.

About two years into my “compromise” I found this verse:

“The man that wanders from the way of understanding will find himself in the congregation of the dead.” Proverbs 21:16

This shook me! It was upon seeing that verse that I realized I indeed had fallen away.

At the same time I found myself missing “Worship with the saints”(Oh it was so good back then)

Alcohol by then had overcome my self control. I was drinking every day, hiding the liquor from my husband & kids. I realized the harm in this and had decided to drink only on the weekends. This is not a stab at drinking- some people certainly enjoy a glass of wine or a drink without being in sin. I cannot.

I was riding my bike over by my church building and saw my Pastor outside. I stopped to talk to him and told him of my longing to worship with the congregation again. Yet I wanted him to know that I was not going to be a hypocrite and he needed to know that I still planned to drink. Of course he said.. “just come sister..we’d love to have you”.

So I came back just to worship. Within a couple of weeks I realized I couldn’t get to church due to the severe hangovers I had from my Saturday night drinking. (remember I’d given it up except for the weekends) I had such a hangover one Sunday I ask the Lord to relieve it enough for me to go worship and I would consider returning to Him fully yielded.

He did! During that morning’s worship I experienced such a communion with my precious Papa and realized I was never going to drink again. I came home and informed my sweet not “saved” non-drinking pot-head husband this news. No doubt he thought *ok I’ve heard THAT before*.

But by the grace of God I was set free. And my return to the sheep fold has been like having been alienated from your best friend or your closest family and then being reunited. It has been divine. My faith is sure and my resolve is firm. I’ve been in the darkness and I’ve been in the Light. No matter how “comfortable we manage to make our presentation, the two are not compatible. Light ALWAYS overcomes darkness.

I’m thankful that I never got to the point that I could deny who Jesus is or the work He had already accomplished in me.

Joy unspeakable!  Joy unspeakable and perfect peace.. if indeed you have tasted.. Nothing else satisfies.

1st Thessalonians 5:23-24

“May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and He will do it”.

My attempt Simple Sabbath

July 11, 2010 in Inspiration, Ourselves And Family with 3 Comments

The rose has thorns only for those who would gather it

Thought you might like an Update on my Simple Sabbath

It’s now been nearly three months since I’ve been offline on Sunday’s. I have found this rather freeing. Each time I think about checking facebook or twitter I remind myself that God has put it on my heart to live more focused on the simple things on Sundays. After the hustle of preparing to get ourselves and our precious Grand daughter to church by 9:00 am. We come home and I linger over the newspaper (the only one we still have delivered ), and spend time making calls to people I don’t talk with so regularly. I actually look forward to my Simple Sabbath days. In a peculiar way this is a fast of sorts for me. Cleansing and refreshing. In the future I am planning to use our winter Sunday afternoon’s to have the family over for a meal. This is something I’ve not done nearly enough of.

If there is a prayer need I wouldn’t hesitate to get online to share it. Otherwise I am keeping my lid shut on Sundays.

Here is my original post on My attempt Simple Sabbath:

First things first: I am not debating “which day” we celebrate Sabbath.

Yet there is an experiment on my heart. I’m not sure if I’ll be successful, so I’m blogging as I think out loud so to speak. And generate some conversation and maybe even put myself “out here” for the sake of accountability.

My desire is to put aside all forms of online social communications for just one day a week to focus on simply assembling with the saints, worship and family. Maybe even attempt to shut down the computer all together; however I’m not going that far yet as I think I’d be setting myself up for failure. {I do use my computer to read my Bible and to watch movies etc. just sayin’}

More like shutting down communications via the web for one day per week. No email, no twitter, no blogging, no facebook.

After church I mentioned to Tommy that I was considering doing this and he said “You aren’t going to start today are you?” “Ha”! I said, “Of course not; I’ll need to blog about the idea today!” I honestly believe that he was a bit concerned. I mean he’s likely planning on watching races or something on television that I could totally distract him from if I weren’t involved online.

I’m addicted and mostly totally engaged in online social interaction. Checking facebook and twitter incessantly not to mention e-mail and reading blogs etc.

What kind of change would this place on my day? Would I indeed benefit from the simplicity of life without these things on Sunday? Would my relationship with my Lord and my family be enhanced? How hard will this be for me?

I’m going to give this an attempt and I’m really interested in your thoughts. Today I’ll be checking in to see what you think ~smile~. And I’ll let you know how my experiment goes when I actually attempt it.

“ Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”

Exodus 20:8-11

Switched to the path of life!

May 4, 2010 in Garden, Inspiration, My Story, SwitchingGranny's Stuff, testimony with 2 Comments

"azalea&path"

Found my diary entry from July 31, 1978!  I’m leaving the spelling and grammar as it was written:

“Yes its true. I have accepted Jesus as my Saviour!”

I have very mixed emotions about this. Although deep down I know I’m glad and at peace about this decision. But on the outside I am a little scared and skeptical. I will pray that this decision will not hurt my family. Tom is scared too. I can see it- he’s afraid I’ll get too involved and freak out like Danny *his brother* or our neighbors- Mary & Dave. But I feel this will be a very personal thing for me. I believe I will be a better person with my new found faith in Christ.

Today was a very trying day after making this decision. Tony’s cutting teeth and I’ve just been worn out emotionally.

I’m going to pray that I will be able to cope with these children better. And I am going to be a better person. I know I may sound crazy, but I think this is what I’ve needed. It’s just all so new & strange to me. I’m excited and afraid at the same time. I know things will change. I know it’s for the best. I’m confident that Tom will soon convert or see the light and then I’m sure life will be richer for all of us. He’ll have to make the decision on his own, so I will not push him.

Today I believe I was a bad example of a newly saved Christian. Only because I was excited, confused and emotionally tired. But I’ve prayed tonight and feel much better about my decision.

I knew this would be a special day for me. I knew I’d likely accept Jesus today. I know it sounds strange and you must think that someone has “gotten to me”, but I’ve done this all on my own. We did visit a church last weekend. It was all young people in blue jeans or whatever. They looked like regular freaks. But they were so sincere and into it. No one in this church pushed Jesus on us. They weren’t totally crazy like those Penticostals. They were real down to earth.

Last night I started reading the book 666 by Salem Kirban. Corky gave it to me a couple weeks ago. Its all about the revelation and the rappture  and  the tribulation times to come. I’m actually believing these things to be true. Something is impressing “truth” in my heart.

I’m not going to flip out and start preaching to everyone (although I really hope Tom will see these things also).

So at the end of the book there is this “invitation” asking you to pray and recieve Jesus as your Saviour. Believing that He is real and that He died for you and bled for you and then rose again to live evermore at the right hand of God. It said if you believe this is true in your heart then you need to ask Him in your heart.. asking Him to forgive you for your sins and give you new life eternal in Him.

Well I did it! I knew I should. I don’t know what the future holds.. but I know it is about Jesus Christ and living forever.”

Bout to Burst

July 21, 2009 in All Things Tech, Inspiration, SwitchingGranny's Stuff with 4 Comments

All looks good for Granny’s Big Trip to Texas tomorrow. To spend some time with folks that I so admire. A complete treat. Wanted to mention that although there have been some serious fervishly fatigued days as of recent. My health has been good enough to get things together for this really unique and precious opportunity.

I know the Lord’s hand is on the trip. And my health is indeed in His hands. Some one commented on my last post that I should spend more time focusing on the positive rather than the negative of life. And normally that is my outlook. God knows that weakness drags one emotionally low as well as physically.

And then He decided (through the kindness of others) to allow me this exciting visit. So I am trusting that He’ll also allow for the good health needed to enjoy every minute of it. Thank You Lord Jesus.. Thank you Neal & Cali and Thank You Tommy for allowing me to leave you for a week just because you love me. Thank you friends for taking time to pray!

Oh let us magnify the Lord together. Let us exalt His Name for He is Worthy of our praise!

I’ll keep you posted. Most likely from my switchinggrannysstuff.blogspot.com