Posted by SwitchingGranny on Apr 4, 2010 in
Garden,
Inspiration,
Scripture 
He was wounded for our rebellious acts. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so that we could have peace, and we received healing from his wounds. Isaiah 53:5
When he died, he died once and for all to sin’s power. But now he lives, and he lives for God. Romans 6:10
For in Him we live and move and have our being. Acts 17:28
God is enthroned above the earth, and those who live on it are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the sky like a canopy and spreads it out like a tent to live in. Isaiah 40:42
The Lord reigns, let the peoples tremble. He is enthroned over the angles. Let the earth quake Psalm 99:1
I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, John 11:25
Then Jesus said loudly, “Whoever believes in me believes not only in me but also in the one who sent me. John 12:44
Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 1 John 5:5
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life. John 6:47
As the Scripture says, “Streams of living water will flow from deep within the person who believes in me” John 7:38
We believe that Jesus died and came back to life. We also believe that, through Jesus, God will bring back those who have died. They will come back with Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:14
Brothers and sisters, whom God loves, we know that He has chosen you. 1 Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9
Dear friends, if this is the way God loved us, we must also love each other. 1 John 4:11
Tags: Easter, Scripture
There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
You don’t know what will happen tomorrow. What is life? You are a mist that is seen for a moment and then disappears. James 4:14
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Tim 4:6-8
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. Ecclesiastes 7:1
Whom having not seen, you love; in whom, though now you see him not, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: 1 Peter 1:8
I’m not sure why I am consumed with the knowledge as of recent that my time is at hand. But if my Maker is allowing me the ability to be aware of my departure from this clay; I must say with a pure heart that it is only by His grace that I will be counted worthy to stand in that day.
May my short time on this earth allow for some eternal weight of glory.
And may the memories I leave bring glory to His Name and assurance to those who are yet lost and seeking to be found.
I desire to be with Him… but He may have work for me yet here. My days are in His hands and my salvation is sure. Because of what He has done- All is well with my soul.
Even so Come Quickly Lord Jesus
Tags: Christian Inspiration, eternity, family, illness, Love, Scripture
A story from two years ago today! I’m encouraged by what God does when we obey. And thought you might be as well:
Spirit Leads.. when He does, He also opens doors!
Thursday morning I was exercising on my elliptical trainer and listening to praise music as I often do. I was also praying as different people and situations were brought to my rememberance.
There is a dear 93 year old woman whom I have known since early childhood who is dying. I haven’t seen her in 15 or 20 years. However I’ve kept up some with her condition because she has moved into a retirement village next to a dear friend and my soon to be daughter in law has been working as her personal care giver for quite some time.
This woman was very instrumental in bringing yoga and holistic health ideas into this area. In the 1970’s and 1980’s she helped open the “self awareness center” and offered yoga classes and other courses in holistic health and Eastern Mysticism.
As I was praying for her I became overwhelmed with a burden for her soul. And during prayer I felt a very strong leading to go and visit with her and minister to her.
But of course I immediately distracted myself from the idea knowing that she would not be at all interested in hearing my “death bed Christianity”. But the thought continued to overwhelm my thoughts.
So I prayed more earnestly. I prayed of course for her soul and for her to be at peace and for the knowledge of the love of our Lord Jesus to be revealed to her.
And again I was “moved” that God wanted me to be a willing vessel in His bringing her mind to remembrance of His awesome love and provision for her.
So, I said “Lord if this is indeed You leading me, I do not want to miss being a part of Your divine plan in this lovely woman’s life and more importantly in her eternal destiny. Please Lord grant me the boldness to move forward and trust You in this ministry that You are apparently calling me to. Oh Lord.. You know that this woman and her daughters who are caring for her are very likely Buddhists. You know that they might find my desire to share Your message as truth offensive. They may not allow me in. Lord.. this woman is on her death bed.. how am I to approach her.. How can I even ask at such an awkward time to visit with her? Lord.. I’ve not even seen her in years. Oh Lord.. who am I to be chosen to minister to her? Surely You aren’t calling me to follow through today…. This very moment!
But I knew that this burden was real and non-relenting. I decided to call my future daughter in law and explain my sudden need to be with this lady. I ask her if she saw the time appropriate today if she would ask the lady’s daughters if I could stop by. But my future daughter in law let me know that these folks weren’t any longer allowing even Ruth’s longest time friends to visit.. as she is beyond visiting.
Then she said that maybe I should call Ruth’s daughters as she felt that they might be more apt to hear my plea. But she said at least I was prepared to deal with the likely fact that they would not accept my invitation to visit their dying Mother.
So I thanked my future daughter in law for listening and giving me such direction. I told her that I would pray and if I was to call that I would.
Well I prayed and knew that I needed to call. And I did. I explained to the daughter who I was and that I had been quite moved to come and minister to their Mother for a short time. That I felt very intensely that God was wanting to use me to be of some encouragement to Ruth and to maybe pray with her. That I knew He was calling me to be used to physically express His love towards her. I told her that I knew this was normally not an appropriate time for visiting… and that in my flesh I would not even ask. But that this was a spiritual thing outside of myself. And that I knew that these daughters were indeed very sensitive people. And that if they took time to consider my request they would know if this was meant to be or not. I told her that I would give her time to discuss this with her sister and her Mother and that if they felt this was to be that I would come over and if they did not I would not be offended in anyway.
When I hung up the phone I honestly did not think I would get a return call. I went to shower. And after my shower I saw that my phone had rung and a message had been left. The message said that they had discussed my desire to come out to see their Mother and thought that I should. And that they wanted me to call back and set up a time.
Wow.. I was nearly afraid for a second, then quite humbled that God had indeed chosen to use me in such a very personal time in their lives. I prayed for His continued leading and anointing and called back.
The daughter said that her Mother was very weak, nearly not speaking. She said that her Mother was just resting and listening to the Dali Lama. And that I should come on out now.
So I went praying earnestly as I went. I did not even take my Bible as I knew that God did not need any more than His Word that I’d hid in my heart. I did not stress over what I would say or do. I just committed the time to Him and thanked Him exceedingly for allowing me to serve Him regarding Ruth. I prayed against the powers and principalities of this world…. I prayed for the anointing of His Holy Spirit. I prayed that He would touch Ruth through me and in fact that the ripples of this touch would reach way beyond the present circumstances into eternity.. not just regarding Ruth… but her daughters and my daughter in law and all those who would see the Glory of God through this .
When I got to her door the smiling face of my future daughter in law sweetly answered and let me in. I saw immediately to remove my shoes and was directed back to Ruth’s bedroom where her daughter’s were softly talking with her and listening to some chanting on the cassette from the Dali Lama.
The daughter spoke to the Mother to announce my visit. And initially I saw that Ruth was perplexed. I immediately told her again who I was and I saw recognition on her face. I told her that I had been sent to her by the awesome love of God to deliver a message. I told her how precious she is to Him. How many lives that have been touched by her years of teaching to our community. I told her what a special lady she had been.
And I told her that the Lord Jesus Christ had impressed upon my heart that He wanted to minister His love and truth to her. I told her that He wanted her to know that everything she has ever known of the Lord Jesus Christ is Truth. That He is who He is! That He is alive! That He very much loves her. That He shed his blood to make provision for her sin. That He was waiting with open arms to receive her into His presence and that He would help her not be afraid. She listened intently as the Dali continued to chant in the background. I ask Ruth if I could pray for her. She looked directly into my eyes and nodded. I placed my hand upon her sweet forehead and prayed for the sweet grace of the Lord Jesus to pour out upon her, that He would indeed open her eyes to His love and salvation for her. That Ruth would be saved and received into His arms with peace and rejoicing.
After I prayed Ruth took my hand into hers and actually pulled me towards her. She gave me a kiss!!!!!! Oh how sweet that was.
Then I realized that her bed was making noise.. it was moving. I remembered my years in ICU and knew that some beds are programmed to movement to prevent bed sores. But pretty quickly I realized that her head was coming up and that I was somehow stepping on the controls! I had Ruth’s daughter come in to re adjust Ruth to a comfortable position. Then Ruth’s daughter said “Mother Martha has surely come and brought peace into this place” and Ruth reached for both of our hands and raised them up and said “And Love”. It was so sweet… then she began either to sing or to chant with the Dali. I am not sure.
But she quickly fell asleep and I walked to the kitchen and replaced my shoes.. I cried knowing that this had been such a divine appointment.
I do not know what occurred in the Spirit while I was with Ruth. But I do know that God reached out through me towards another human being in such a profound way. I am humbled and inspired by Him today.
Please keep Ruth in your prayers. She has made a choice not to eat and Monday will be three weeks. Pray also for Ruth’s daughters and all involved. Pray for God to get the Glory He deserves. And please say a prayer for me as I am overwhelmed by His love and Thank Him with me for this opportunity.
Martha
*Ruth went into a coma that very afternoon and never awoke. She died a few days later*
Tags: Christian, death bed, Sharing Jesus, w/ Buddhist, witnessing
Posted by SwitchingGranny on May 4, 2009 in
Book Review,
Inspiration,
Scripture 
I was thrilled to see that Thomas Nelson Publishing was offering Christianity in Crisis 21st Century for their book bloggers review program.
Wow discernment for those who will listen!
The church today desperately needs this book! There are so few bold “watchmen on the wall”, and Hank Hanegraaff is indeed one of these discerning ministers. Hanegraaff says in the preface “ the Biblical model of faith has given away to an increasingly bizarre array of fads and formulas.”
Two decades ago “Christianity in Crisis” was published. This new book expands on the information in the original. The “Crisis” is only intensifying as we are nearing the fulfillment of all prophecy.
Hanegraff, who is President of the Christian Research Institute is not afraid to name names as he exposes the heretical doctrines taught by leaders of the “faith movement.” From Kenneth Hagan to Todd Bentley. I thank God for your boldness Hank!
Ultimately man is taught to believe that “the face of faith is so powerful that even God (however you define him) is bound by its irrevocable reality.” The power lies not in the sovereignty of God; but in the words we speak.
Is this not exalting man and his thoughts above God?”
I was glad to see that Hanegraaff takes time to distinguish the charismatic renewal movement from the deceptions found in the Word of faith movement. “ The Crisis within Christianity is not the fault of the charismatic renewal movement. It is focused on a life and death struggle between orthodoxy and heresy; between the Kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of the cults.”
Such depth of detail revealed within this book; I counted 157 pages of Appendixes and Indexes, Bibliography and Notes. This kind of research comes from an Institute whose focus is indeed researching these topics. This book is filled with scripture, quotations and references.
Those of you who have the original “Christianity in Crisis” need to know that the Crisis continues to grow deceive many. I encourage you to get this book. I again thank Thomas Nelson Publishing for making this book available for review.
Check out ThomasNelsonProductPage for more information.
Tags: bookreview, BookSneeze, Chirsitanity in Crisis, Christian, discernment, Non fiction. Hank Hanegraff
When you see me I’m having a good day. And thanks be to God I have plenty of great days.
But there are “those days” when you don’t see me. When my intentions are good and plentiful yet my abilities are not. It is always a battle when “those days” hit. They generally come on without warning. Initially it is an overwhelming perception that the air around me has become heavy. Every little thing becomes monumental. Just the regular activities of daily living seem like overwhelming tasks that I am unable to accomplish.
The “old me” (before chronic disease became a part of my life) still sees myself as lazy when I don’t follow through with my goals and plans. Especially if this inability includes simple things like getting dressed and getting the bed made and the laundry done. Or even doing simple hygiene things like washing my hair seems too labor intensive.
So I’m trying to get adjusted to the fact that I cannot count on myself to feel great from one day to the next. In fact I am having to realize that if the Lord Himself has allowed this affliction to continue, then HE will show Himself strong through me and obtain glory through it all.
Am I giving in when I realize I cannot do the things that I’ve committed to doing? When I stay in a horizontal position most of the day? When I let my husband or family down regarding plans we’ve made and I can no longer fulfill?
No- I’ve decided not. I am enduring this trial to become stronger in Jesus and to somehow allow Him to show His grace and mercy through me.
No I am not giving in. I am yielding and trusting and praying for a way that this will be used to minister compassion towards someone else who struggles with some of the same “can’t depend on myself” issues.
Tags: fatigue, multiple sclerosis, pharmaceuticals, symptoms
It was exciting to receive ” The Word of Promise The Gift of Psalms” from Thomas Nelson Publisher’s to review for the Book Review Blogger program I’ve enrolled in.
The book is a beautifully bound book that looks and feels like an expensive gift edition. Pages are embossed with gold. And tucked in the back of the book are 3 cds that are dramatic audio renditions with background music of 30 of the Psalms and devotionals from the book read by professional actors
Yet the actual read of the book was difficult for me. I am a lover of the book of Psalms. And each of the 50 selected Psalm excerpts are laid out nicely (NKJV) on the left page with the right page being the devotional. Something just did not feel right about the devotional aspect of the book. It was like the Psalms alone weren’t complete enough to minister to the reader. As if there is a deeper explanation needed for us to understand the intent of God.
The same being true of the included cd’s. If the cds were only readings of the actual Psalms I’d be listening to them over and over. Yet with the devotionals read after each Psalm I won’t care to listen again.
I doubt I’ll be recommending this book, mostly because of the added content beyond the Psalms. I’d love this exact format for the entire book of Psalms without the added content. I find the book of Psalms alone to be a devotional fully complete in themselves
What I will be glad to do is to “re-gift” this book. Because of it’s beauty. I’m sure anyone who gets this book will be initially very impressed as I was.
Thank you Thomas Nelson Publishing for encouraging your book review bloggers to fairly review the books received either negatively or positively.
I’m happily awaiting my next book to review.
Tags: bookreview, BookSneeze, CD's, TNP
Posted by SwitchingGranny on Mar 5, 2009 in
Inspiration,
Multiple Sclerosis,
Scripture Always was very thankful for good health. I love life and people. And most of all I have absolute confidence in and passion for my Lord Jesus.
There is this thorn in my flesh. Multiple Sclerosis! Although I’ve not been disabled much regarding mobility (only when I’m hot from either external heat or an internal rise in temperature), I do face “issues” from the MS that cause my good health to be like a yo-yo.
When I am feeling good I am great. And love every minute of it. Yet I can be shot down in a matter of hours.
There is “background noise” that I deal with daily. The fatigue, memory problems, urinary retention to name a few. I deal with these things with medications and regular self catheterizing.
There are things that aren’t so common like episodes of migraines or spasticity.. also dealt with mostly pharmaceutically.
The urinary retention is a big problem for me. Because if my bladder isn’t emptied all the way it is a breeding ground for bacteria. Yet self catheterizing no matter how clean the technique or sterile the equipment, catheterizing introduces bacteria into the urinary tract.
Thus I’m really prone to urinary tract infections. These come on so rapidly. I don’t always know what I’m dealing with right away. Because my first symptoms are extreme weakness both physically and emotionally. I’ll feel like I’ve suddenly gotten really lazy and so easily weepy. Then once the fever hits I become dizzy and even weaker from the rise in body temperature.
So this is very difficult for me. I just hate being on my back. And I hate to complain. I desire to be well and fully serving my God. And I know that He can get glory even though I have this thorn in my flesh. He shows His strength when I am weak.
This is likely a warfare with satan wanting me to be discouraged and unfruitful. And I admit I do get discouraged. But it is only because I become weary physically. I do not become weary spiritually. By His mercies that are new every morning and by HIs grace I am kept hopeful. I know the ultimate end. And in the mean time I know that there is healing in His wings. He is able.
And if I do not find healing while on this earth, I will still be fruitful. I can still encourage others. I can still fruitfully serve Him.
satan has no claims on me…. I’m under the shed blood of Jesus- redeemed and awaiting my reunion with Him.
My help comes from the hills from the Creator of heaven and earth.. who was and is and is to come.
Amen
Tags: coping, emotions, inspired, multiple sclerosis, undependable
Posted by SwitchingGranny on Mar 5, 2009 in
Multiple Sclerosis,
Scripture Early after my diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2003 I created this blog. Yet I’d never posted!
Seems like most of my posts had gone to my online journal with MSIF
And I’ll keep posting to the MSIF site because it includes an online community of folks with multiple sclerosis that I want to stay connected to.
But there are things to share here too.
The most unique thing about multiple sclerosis is how it differ’s not just for every individual who has MS; but that each day for me is completely different from the previous.
I cannot count on how I will feel from one day to the next.
My diagnosis is not the more usual relapsing remitting MS. I’ve been told that I deal with primary progressive MS.
So besides the times I’ve awakened with optic neuritis, I’ve never had a completely new symptom pop up that goes completely away. But I can sure feel great one day and be nearly bed ridden the next.
For example, yesterday I felt wonderful. Weather-wise we’ve encountered a cool front. At least compared to the weeks of 90 degree days. Yesterday it was low 80s! Tommy and I hand waxed both cars! Then I did things around the house and went and got some groceries. Made up some soup. And had our Granddaughter stay the night.
Today however I am unable to accomplish anything productive.
Just barely made it through the morning visiting with our Breanna. No church! Tons of things I want to do to prepare for our upcoming trip to Michigan. Yet, here I lay with my macbook on my lap. Blogging horizontally!
Unpredictable! Frustrating.
Two very descriptive words for Multiple Sclerosis.
I’ve never wanted to consider myself sick. In fact I’d be the first to argue that MS is not a sickness, just a progressive neurological disorder! But when I’m fatigued to the point of being in my bed, I begin to think that maybe I am sick!!
Next post I pray will be more uplifting.
Tags: coping, multiple sclerosis, optic neuritis
I’ve again gathered with the members of my family to celebrate Christmas. *however we’re dwindling in numbers* As there are likely many of you who have had to endure this holiday season with people you loved and admired having passed away during this past year.And that is sad. Most folks are in tune to the depth of despair you must endure to have be dealing with a major holiday and death plans at the same time. I am sure that there is a loneliness in that.But when I walked into the Pre Christmas Service last Sunday I was overwhelmed by the beauty of His presence. The sacred time of offering up worship that would bring Him great joy. As He sees His chosen gathering to worship and remember what he has done for us.
Yet my dear husband was outside of the sanctuary preparing some of the food for celebration feast we were to enjoy after the church service. My precious Granddaughter was up way too late the evening before and was in a mood that was like lying on the pew not showing the least interest in the time of worship. So I walked her out to sit with her Grandfather in the other room.
As I walked back to my seat I heard the sounds of some of the most meaningful Christmas hymns to me. And I looked around and saw families who were really into worshiping our risen Lord in Spirit and in Truth. And I sat alone. I thought of the folks I know who have gathered together for generations to worship the Lord together. Especially at Christmas time.
But I wasn’t raised in one of those homes. My folks were wonderful in the non Christian since.. they loved me and they were very active in their businesses and organizations that they felt strongly about. My Mother was even the very first director of Planned Parenthood here in my home town. They weren’t church goers unless you can count the boater folks they ran with having
drinks on Sat evening out on the Ohio river and choose to meet up again the next day at the Unitarian Church to drink coffee.. sober up some and discuss issues of the day… if you call this church.. my parents really considered it a group of like minded folks who wanted to help others.
So when I was finally saved at the age of 21 I found myself all alone walking with and worshiping my precious Jesus. To my family I was becoming “one of those Jesus Freaks “So.. though none go with me still I will follow::
So my early years in the church were surely all alone. Yes I was happy to take our two sons who were 14 months apart in age.
And initially my sons were in great Sunday School programs and excelled. I was under the impression after serveral years that they had both given their hearts to God. There was fruit and much very fruitful conversation going on in our home.
My husband was not interested in going at that time. He was a pot smoker.. and felt that he’d need to give that up to come to Jesus.. so he was in no hurry. I knew I couldn’t get him into the kingdom by nagging.. but only by praying and obeying the Lord.. that tells us that our husbands can be won without the Word in 1 Peter 3 By the behavior of their wives!
Sadly to say .. once these young men grew up they did not make choices to remain in any church. Our youngest did try to come back soon before his marriage and his new wife is from a non active catholic upbringing and seems to think she has no need spiritually speaking. And I think our son believes that maybe he doesn’t have a need either.
Our oldest son who was just married a year and a half ago. Has told me recently that he is an Atheist. This was a super difficult thing to hear. Because I knew that when he was young he knew! And I know that now he is older he still knows… yet he has made choices that cause him to deny the existence of our Creator.
So again. though none go with me still I will follow.. still none go with me still I will follow.
I need you committed believing knee benders on twitter. Because when I feel that I’ve some how been called alone on this path towards the throne of God, I will ask your encouragement.
Just saying again.. that especially at this most holy time of year it is rather sad to be following all alone. And loneliness has several different reasons , yet I honestly feel that except type of grief getting through losing someone to death, the next most difficult grief is when one is walking spiritually alone because the ones they love choose not to follow
So I grew up with a family who did not know or glorify the Lord Jesus. Then I found Him when I was a brand new mother and wife. Yet my husband did not want me “preaching” at him.
My sons ultimately have grown up and by their lifestyles they aren’t seeing any need for God in their lives.
There have been other times.. serious times of being in organizations that were put in place as Christian organizations but have moved away from the actual things that made them separate in the first place. And often even among believers I’ve had to take an unpopular stand.
Allowing the one I follow when no one goes with me to hold my hand. O Praise Him The lifter of my head.
Tags: Alone, loneliness, Walking, with Jesus
