John 3:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
Today is my spiritual birthday!!! This is a celebration in my heart like no other day of the year. No cards, balloons, presents or cake but peace in my heart which is God's greatest gift to me. Sixteen years ago today, a neighbor invited me to church. My children were little tots at the time and were away visiting their Dad in Utah. I was a single Mom back then. Being Jewish, going to church was not part of my repertoire. It was a Wednesday night and I had no kids to care for, I was off from work, so I said "why not?" and decided to go. The church was in a weird building that looked like a warehouse back then. When we got there, I noticed that there was a mixed crowd of people. They had a place where you could purchase cappuccinos with rock candy swizzle sticks, and I did. The people were smiling and they all looked like they were having a good time interacting with each other. When I went into the building, I was greeted by the friendliest people. I actually felt so welcome that it threw me off guard. I listened to Pastor Bob Coy teach in Ecclesiastes that evening and after his message he invited people up to the alter to repent and surrender their life to Jesus. I took that "little walk" and it was the best" little walk" I have ever taken. As I invited Jesus into my life and asked for forgiveness, the tears would not stop pouring down my face. It was as if I could feel the pain, the shame, the sin just pouring out of me. I left that night a free woman. I was given a clean slate. I was no longer in bondage to the "things of this world". I belonged to Someone else now. This has turned into a "longer walk" and I, like many others, have been through a lot of wonderful times since then but I have had a lot of dark times since then as well. BUT, through them all, He has been with me. I can honestly say that I could not have done this life without the hope I have in Jesus and I pray no one else reading this blog postpones their salvation even one more moment. This could be the day that changes your eternity. If you feel God nudging you, don't hesitate to open the door to your heart to let Him in. You won't have an "easy life" but I guarantee you will never do life alone because He will be in You. Today was the day of salvation for me, July 31, 1996. Maybe July 31, 2012 will be the day you are "born again"!!!
2 Corinthians 6:2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 For He says:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you,
And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”[a]
Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Sunday, July 29, 2012
False Doctrine...
2 Timothy 4:3-4
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Funny how my God works. The above verse was posted by a friend on Facebook yesterday and he said that this time has now arrived and he asked what we were going to do about it. My reply was" lots of praying". Later this same day, I chose to hitch a ride in the big bulky scooter at Sam's Club. I was not feeling well but wanted to accompany my husband so I could just be with him. A woman asked Kenny to assist her by lifting some packages of bottled water and placing them in her cart, which he did. After he finished helping her, she looked at me and said "your husband is kind". She then leaned in close to me and asked why I was in the scooter. I smiled and told her "I have MS". She didn't know what that was. I then said, "it's Multiple Sclerosis". She still did not know what that was. She asked me if I knew Jesus. I told her I did. She looked at me as if I were lying. She then proceeded to tell me that there is a problem with my faith or else I would not be in the scooter. She told me to look up a couple of specific verses. I lifted up a prayer to God because I could feel myself getting angry. Not necessarily with her but at her belief in the false doctrines she is learning. I asked where she went to church and she answered (I won't disclose publicly). She said she has been a believer for 20 years. I asked her if she ever read the book of Job. She hadn't. I asked her why God allowed Paul to suffer all he did, she had no reply. I asked her if she knew about the ministry called "Wheels for the World" and who started it. She said no. She attempted to tell me about something from the book with the "guy" in the belly of a "fish". She didn't remember that his name is Jonah and that he was in the belly of a whale. I am not telling you this story to puff myself up or to bash this woman's "good intentions", but my desire is that we will open our bibles and read them for ourselves. If you are blessed enough to own one, open it. Let God's truths penetrate. It's God speaking through His Word to us! Don't listen to me, listen to Him. Pray for understanding and wisdom. He will give it to you.
I did ask the woman flat out if she believed in the "name it and claim it" theology and she wholeheartedly said "yes I do". I told her that I don't. I explained why and told her that His grace is sufficient for me. I had to agree to disagree with her bad theology and move on to meet back up with my husband. We parted ways and it left me feeling unsettled. Normally after encountering another believer, it feels like family, this did not feel that way. BUT, it drew me closer to God because when I got home, I opened my bible and was reminded how much God loves me, has control over my life and will reward my choice to follow Him and obey His commands. I have been commanded to pray for this woman as well as all the other victims of false teachings.
2 Timothy 2:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Romans 16:17
New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Funny how my God works. The above verse was posted by a friend on Facebook yesterday and he said that this time has now arrived and he asked what we were going to do about it. My reply was" lots of praying". Later this same day, I chose to hitch a ride in the big bulky scooter at Sam's Club. I was not feeling well but wanted to accompany my husband so I could just be with him. A woman asked Kenny to assist her by lifting some packages of bottled water and placing them in her cart, which he did. After he finished helping her, she looked at me and said "your husband is kind". She then leaned in close to me and asked why I was in the scooter. I smiled and told her "I have MS". She didn't know what that was. I then said, "it's Multiple Sclerosis". She still did not know what that was. She asked me if I knew Jesus. I told her I did. She looked at me as if I were lying. She then proceeded to tell me that there is a problem with my faith or else I would not be in the scooter. She told me to look up a couple of specific verses. I lifted up a prayer to God because I could feel myself getting angry. Not necessarily with her but at her belief in the false doctrines she is learning. I asked where she went to church and she answered (I won't disclose publicly). She said she has been a believer for 20 years. I asked her if she ever read the book of Job. She hadn't. I asked her why God allowed Paul to suffer all he did, she had no reply. I asked her if she knew about the ministry called "Wheels for the World" and who started it. She said no. She attempted to tell me about something from the book with the "guy" in the belly of a "fish". She didn't remember that his name is Jonah and that he was in the belly of a whale. I am not telling you this story to puff myself up or to bash this woman's "good intentions", but my desire is that we will open our bibles and read them for ourselves. If you are blessed enough to own one, open it. Let God's truths penetrate. It's God speaking through His Word to us! Don't listen to me, listen to Him. Pray for understanding and wisdom. He will give it to you.
I did ask the woman flat out if she believed in the "name it and claim it" theology and she wholeheartedly said "yes I do". I told her that I don't. I explained why and told her that His grace is sufficient for me. I had to agree to disagree with her bad theology and move on to meet back up with my husband. We parted ways and it left me feeling unsettled. Normally after encountering another believer, it feels like family, this did not feel that way. BUT, it drew me closer to God because when I got home, I opened my bible and was reminded how much God loves me, has control over my life and will reward my choice to follow Him and obey His commands. I have been commanded to pray for this woman as well as all the other victims of false teachings.
2 Timothy 2:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Romans 16:17
New King James Version (NKJV)
17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
Friday, July 27, 2012
You just don't know what the day may bring...
1 Peter 4:12
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
Today started off in a bad way. I received a text that my friend's precious son was going back to the hospital again after a recent surgery he had and that he was listless. Then Amanda came out of her room to tell me that her friend was MISSING. Literally missing. Never made it home missing. She was to be flying out of town and even missed her flight. Lots of praying was taking place early and earnestly. Maybe we need to start our days like this more often, with a sense of urgency with our prayers. Yesterday, Amanda had learned that another friend was in a bad car accident on her way home from a trip. Bad things happen EVERY day. We need to be spiritually prepared ahead of time because it is just a matter of time until adversity hits. We shouldn't be surprised by the fiery trials but we need to be prepared. I won't stop telling people about Jesus and the salvation He offers until the day I die . EVERYONE needs to hear the good news. We never know what a day may bring. Tell the ones you love that you love them and if you don't know Jesus personally, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. If you DO know Jesus, tell someone else about Him. It's the most loving thing you can do.
2 Timothy 4:2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
By the way, my friend's son is receiving IV fluids. Please keep him in prayer. The missing friend has been located and is fine. The friend in the bad car accident is ok. Thank You Jesus!!!
New King James Version (NKJV)
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;
Today started off in a bad way. I received a text that my friend's precious son was going back to the hospital again after a recent surgery he had and that he was listless. Then Amanda came out of her room to tell me that her friend was MISSING. Literally missing. Never made it home missing. She was to be flying out of town and even missed her flight. Lots of praying was taking place early and earnestly. Maybe we need to start our days like this more often, with a sense of urgency with our prayers. Yesterday, Amanda had learned that another friend was in a bad car accident on her way home from a trip. Bad things happen EVERY day. We need to be spiritually prepared ahead of time because it is just a matter of time until adversity hits. We shouldn't be surprised by the fiery trials but we need to be prepared. I won't stop telling people about Jesus and the salvation He offers until the day I die . EVERYONE needs to hear the good news. We never know what a day may bring. Tell the ones you love that you love them and if you don't know Jesus personally, ask Him to reveal Himself to you. If you DO know Jesus, tell someone else about Him. It's the most loving thing you can do.
2 Timothy 4:2
New King James Version (NKJV)
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
By the way, my friend's son is receiving IV fluids. Please keep him in prayer. The missing friend has been located and is fine. The friend in the bad car accident is ok. Thank You Jesus!!!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
If I knew the "cure", why wouldn't I share it with you?
I just wanted to throw this question out there. What have I to gain if you were to surrender your life to Jesus? Would you feel like I won something? Would you feel like I persuaded you into something that you didn't want to believe was true? What stops people from making the decision to go from the "independent" life, to a life "dependent" on God alone? I don't watch Dr. Phil, but from people I know who do, I hear that he says, "how's that working for you?"
I honestly don't know any christians who have given their life to Jesus and now say, "wow, I wish I never did that". If you feel God tugging at your heart, or if when I write about these things, you feel a bit antsy or nervous, keep in mind that there is a war for your soul going on in the heavenly realm. It is a spiritual decision made in your heart, confessed with your mouth and exercised through repentance.
This decision to ask Jesus to be your Savior is the MOST IMPORTANT DECISION you will EVER make. It will determine where you spend eternity. The bible clearly mentions hell throughout the old and new testament and it is not a place where all your buddies are hanging out having a good time. It is described in many ways...all of which sound terrible to me. I don't want to wake up from my death here on earth and open my eyes there and I certainly wouldn't want anyone else I know or love to either.
Isaiah 38:18
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 For Sheol cannot thank You,
Death cannot praise You;
Those who go down to the pit cannot hope for Your truth.
Matthew 25:30
New King James Version (NKJV)
30 And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Matthew 13:49-50
New King James Version (NKJV)
49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”
If a cure came out for my Multiple Sclerosis in the form of a new medication and I decided "it's not for me, I'm just fine the way that I am", well, you might think that I was crazy. You as a family member, friend or even a stranger, might beg me to take the new "cure". If you love me, you desire what's best for me. The same holds true with my love for whoever may read this blog. We are ALL infected with sin. BUT, there is a cure! It's Jesus Christ. You can receive the cure or you can turn your back on it. What makes sense to you? Won't you accept God's wonderful gift of salvation?
Revelation 22:17
New King James Version (NKJV)
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
Come as you are to Him, He loves you.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Blessed with MS?
Acts 2:42
New King James Version (NKJV)
42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
As many of you know, we have an MS bible study that meets every other Sunday. It was originally birthed over 8 years ago out of a need we had for an MS support group that not only offered support, but HOPE. Many support groups out there have good intentions, but quite often they have the tendency to go off on negative tangents and participate in pity parties. This group is different. Jesus is at the center of our gatherings. We DO talk about our disease, symptoms, doctors and meds BUT, we always bring it back to God's Word and remind each other that this is just temporary. We also break bread (eat lots of yummy snacks) and fellowship (chit- chat) together. This group has become a family to us. We all truly love each other. Before leaving the group on Sunday to go home, as I was saying goodbye to one of my friends, we hugged each other and looked at each other intently. I wanted to take a mental picture of the two of us as we stood there "off balance" with canes in hand. We both knew that this situation wasn't going to last forever. We reminded each other of how incredibly awesome heaven was going to be for all of us. We are confident that the promises in the bible are true. This life is but a vapor and the good days will never end once we enter into eternal life. I also had the privilege of praying with another friend in the group as we encouraged and exhorted one another. Although this group gives us the opportunity to discuss life with MS and all that it entails, we don't stay focused on the disease. We accept our lot in this life knowing that we have a future and a hope. We don't deny that God could remove this dreadful disease from any of us at any given moment, but honestly, I believe that this family of friends is truly grateful for the good that has come out of having Multiple Sclerosis. Mainly our friendships. We would not have known each other like we do had we not been "blessed with MS". Yes, I can consider this trial joy when I think about the blessings it has brought into my life. What matters most is God, people and how I use my time to serve them. MS has blessed me with a stronger need for God in my life, a stronger need for good friends and a stronger desire to serve my Savior, Jesus. He is worthy of all our praise! So although the disease itself can be miserable, I can still say that I am blessed with MS!
Monday, July 23, 2012
The" Old Bent Palm Tree"
Matthew 7:25
New King James Version (NKJV)
25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Every time I look at the "old bent palm tree" in our yard, it reminds me of myself. You see, the bent part reminds me of when Hurricane Wilma blew through our yard years ago back in 2005. The tree was nearly blown over but it managed to survive. Our screen enclosure was torn apart and blown to shreds during that storm but that palm tree remained. The bent part is a reminder to me of the trials that I find myself in. The storms that come into my life and try to blow me to shreds. The tree survived and I will too. We will all share in experiencing storms but they never last forever. They blow through our lives leaving us either torn apart out of a lack of faith in our Savior Jesus or they strengthen us, making us stronger faith-filled followers of our Savior. It's our choice...I have quite a few "bends" in me but they have made me stronger like our "old bent palm tree".
Saturday, July 21, 2012
His ways are not our ways....
Isaiah 55:8-9
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
We are not as helpless as many people seem to think we are. Yesterday was another one of those days across our country where we, as mere humans, were voicing our prayers, opinions, suggestions and digging around for answers as to how or why another fellow human could so boldly turn on his own fellow man (woman & children included). It bewilders us. It is completely irrational. Who could figure out this type of mind?
Gun control came up a lot yesterday as one of the solutions to the violence. I am not here to say whether that is a solution or not. I just know that there are many other ways besides guns to perpetrate violence against others. I don't see evil ending anytime soon. I have mentioned recently in another blog post that we have an enemy who is out to destroy and kill us. This is not some imaginary enemy. Just because you can't see him doesn't mean he isn't there. It's the same with God. We can't see Him, but He's there.
God's ways are so above our own that we can't, but I'm sure we will try, to figure this whole dreadful situation out. Many will sit in front of the TV over the course of the next days, weeks, months or even years to come, focused on this hideous event.
I turned the news on yesterday, which I rarely ever do because I had seen the AP banner across my I phone as many others did as well. I started to hear about it on social media and did not want to be ignorant so I turned on the news. I was sickened, literally, by what I saw and heard. Although it was making me sick, I still felt compelled to just sit there and listen to every aspect about the horrific situation over and over again. I used to do that with all major news event such as 9/11, tsunamis, hurricanes, Casey Anthony....
There was a time when I was literally unable to sleep and suffered from severe insomnia & anxiety. I used to fall asleep with the TV on in our bedroom. Kenny and I started to turn it off. Then we physically removed it from our room completely. I don't watch television during the day anymore either. I can't tell you how helpful this has been for me and my problem with anxiety. I am not trying to convince anyone how to live YOUR life or what to do or not do. I am just sharing what has helped me personally. How can one not have the natural reaction of anxiety and depression while pumping tragic events into your brain continuously via the news, especially while trying to sleep? I'm no professional but isn't anxiety and depression normal physical reactions to terrible, tragic events? I just think that when our brains continue to be saturated with this poison, we will continue to feel prolonged anxiety & depression.
What I do know is that God is alive. He is on the throne and for reasons we are unable to understand, He has allowed, not necessarily caused, this tragic event to happen whether we like it or not. My God is good. My God is faithful. My God is in control. The disciples were horrified that Jesus was crucified and died the death of a criminal. This man Jesus, lived a sinless life and no deceit was found in His mouth yet He was crucified. If God allowed His Son to die this bloody, violent, tragic death, why would He not allow us to suffer at times as well? The "ultimate good" came out of that crucifixion! Prophecy was fulfilled and the veil was torn from top to bottom, giving us access to the Father through Jesus. Don't wait even one more day to repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Like the people involved in the massacre in Colorado, no one knows if they will have another breath. It's just reality. The bible says we are either for Him or against Him. That decision is the most important one you will ever make. It will determine your eternal destiny. Don't let another second go by without a Savior, we ALL need Jesus. He is our help in times of trouble. We don't need to be helpless...we have God!
Psalm 46:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Please let us keep the people and families involved in this tragedy in our continued prayer... This will be time well spent....
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
We are not as helpless as many people seem to think we are. Yesterday was another one of those days across our country where we, as mere humans, were voicing our prayers, opinions, suggestions and digging around for answers as to how or why another fellow human could so boldly turn on his own fellow man (woman & children included). It bewilders us. It is completely irrational. Who could figure out this type of mind?
Gun control came up a lot yesterday as one of the solutions to the violence. I am not here to say whether that is a solution or not. I just know that there are many other ways besides guns to perpetrate violence against others. I don't see evil ending anytime soon. I have mentioned recently in another blog post that we have an enemy who is out to destroy and kill us. This is not some imaginary enemy. Just because you can't see him doesn't mean he isn't there. It's the same with God. We can't see Him, but He's there.
God's ways are so above our own that we can't, but I'm sure we will try, to figure this whole dreadful situation out. Many will sit in front of the TV over the course of the next days, weeks, months or even years to come, focused on this hideous event.
I turned the news on yesterday, which I rarely ever do because I had seen the AP banner across my I phone as many others did as well. I started to hear about it on social media and did not want to be ignorant so I turned on the news. I was sickened, literally, by what I saw and heard. Although it was making me sick, I still felt compelled to just sit there and listen to every aspect about the horrific situation over and over again. I used to do that with all major news event such as 9/11, tsunamis, hurricanes, Casey Anthony....
There was a time when I was literally unable to sleep and suffered from severe insomnia & anxiety. I used to fall asleep with the TV on in our bedroom. Kenny and I started to turn it off. Then we physically removed it from our room completely. I don't watch television during the day anymore either. I can't tell you how helpful this has been for me and my problem with anxiety. I am not trying to convince anyone how to live YOUR life or what to do or not do. I am just sharing what has helped me personally. How can one not have the natural reaction of anxiety and depression while pumping tragic events into your brain continuously via the news, especially while trying to sleep? I'm no professional but isn't anxiety and depression normal physical reactions to terrible, tragic events? I just think that when our brains continue to be saturated with this poison, we will continue to feel prolonged anxiety & depression.
What I do know is that God is alive. He is on the throne and for reasons we are unable to understand, He has allowed, not necessarily caused, this tragic event to happen whether we like it or not. My God is good. My God is faithful. My God is in control. The disciples were horrified that Jesus was crucified and died the death of a criminal. This man Jesus, lived a sinless life and no deceit was found in His mouth yet He was crucified. If God allowed His Son to die this bloody, violent, tragic death, why would He not allow us to suffer at times as well? The "ultimate good" came out of that crucifixion! Prophecy was fulfilled and the veil was torn from top to bottom, giving us access to the Father through Jesus. Don't wait even one more day to repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ. Like the people involved in the massacre in Colorado, no one knows if they will have another breath. It's just reality. The bible says we are either for Him or against Him. That decision is the most important one you will ever make. It will determine your eternal destiny. Don't let another second go by without a Savior, we ALL need Jesus. He is our help in times of trouble. We don't need to be helpless...we have God!
Psalm 46:1
New King James Version (NKJV)
46 God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Please let us keep the people and families involved in this tragedy in our continued prayer... This will be time well spent....
Friday, July 20, 2012
Funny...
Psalm 37:4
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Yesterday I received my very own first eBay package in the mail. My Madame Alexander doll arrived. Her name is "Funny". I didn't name her that, the company did and I never changed it. I have been looking periodically on the internet over the years for this particular doll and have been unable to find her. She seems to be somewhat rare. I am not a doll collector but have desired to find this particular doll for years. I knew I was very young when I received her as a gift from my parents. My Mom & Dad told me yesterday that I was only 3 years old when they gave me that doll. I still remember till this day looking at the shirt sized box and thinking "I hate clothes!". I don't even remember what the occasion was, whether it was a birthday or Chanukah (yes, I'm a Jewish believer in Jesus). I opened the box and what was revealed to me was not clothes, it wasn't a shirt, skirt or pants either. It was a doll! I was ecstatic! I loved her pink gingham skin, her blond yarn hair, but most of all, I loved her smile. She made me smile. I honestly can't believe I remember as much as I do about that experience considering I have a horrible memory and always have. It's weird how certain memories stick forever.
Well, I tidied her up by putting her on a rack in the dryer and steamed her "clean". Just enough so she wouldn't gross me out lol, after all, this really isn't my doll, although with God, it wouldn't surprise me if it really was. Today, "Ketti" may be arriving from Canada. After I was successful finding "Funny", I diligently searched out my sister's childhood Pluto doll that she, actually WE, loved to death. The original "Ketti" was purchased at a Sears store after the "real original " was purchased at Disney World and later left & lost somewhere. My Mom keeps the "Sears Ketti" at her home. The face was made of rubber and my sister and I would both chew on his face. He has very little face left at all. I always threatened her and said that if I died first, Ketti was being buried with me! The fun we had with that old tattered Pluto doll we affectionately called Ketti was unending. Even as adults, he has brought us smiles, laughter and joy. Every once in while my Mom & Dad will bring him along to spend time with my nieces when they visit them. That doll is still bringing smiles a generation later. Maybe, God willing, we will live to see yet another generation love Ketti! <3
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Delight yourself also in the Lord,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Yesterday I received my very own first eBay package in the mail. My Madame Alexander doll arrived. Her name is "Funny". I didn't name her that, the company did and I never changed it. I have been looking periodically on the internet over the years for this particular doll and have been unable to find her. She seems to be somewhat rare. I am not a doll collector but have desired to find this particular doll for years. I knew I was very young when I received her as a gift from my parents. My Mom & Dad told me yesterday that I was only 3 years old when they gave me that doll. I still remember till this day looking at the shirt sized box and thinking "I hate clothes!". I don't even remember what the occasion was, whether it was a birthday or Chanukah (yes, I'm a Jewish believer in Jesus). I opened the box and what was revealed to me was not clothes, it wasn't a shirt, skirt or pants either. It was a doll! I was ecstatic! I loved her pink gingham skin, her blond yarn hair, but most of all, I loved her smile. She made me smile. I honestly can't believe I remember as much as I do about that experience considering I have a horrible memory and always have. It's weird how certain memories stick forever.
Well, I tidied her up by putting her on a rack in the dryer and steamed her "clean". Just enough so she wouldn't gross me out lol, after all, this really isn't my doll, although with God, it wouldn't surprise me if it really was. Today, "Ketti" may be arriving from Canada. After I was successful finding "Funny", I diligently searched out my sister's childhood Pluto doll that she, actually WE, loved to death. The original "Ketti" was purchased at a Sears store after the "real original " was purchased at Disney World and later left & lost somewhere. My Mom keeps the "Sears Ketti" at her home. The face was made of rubber and my sister and I would both chew on his face. He has very little face left at all. I always threatened her and said that if I died first, Ketti was being buried with me! The fun we had with that old tattered Pluto doll we affectionately called Ketti was unending. Even as adults, he has brought us smiles, laughter and joy. Every once in while my Mom & Dad will bring him along to spend time with my nieces when they visit them. That doll is still bringing smiles a generation later. Maybe, God willing, we will live to see yet another generation love Ketti! <3
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Who's a missionary?
Acts 1:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This verse has been speaking volumes to me lately. I felt the Lord impress on my heart last night after watching church on-line, that I had graduated and been promoted. I knew what He was saying to me. After reflecting a lot lately about how I have been removed from the work force due to my illness, I have shared about my feelings of being "demoted" and having a "new normal". Although I still have a heart for the people that God placed in my life through my work, He removed me from there, leaving me to question "why?". As Pastor Chet explained last night, we are to go locally first, preaching the gospel in Jerusalem, our home town and to the people closest to us. That was my Jerusalem. My territory has been expanded by God's grace. My feelings of uselessness have been replaced with purpose. I know that His Word is going forth throughout other nations through this blog. Although it was named, "michele's blog", I had dedicated it to the Lord. That is just the name of the blog, not Who it is dedicated to. My prayer from the beginning of creating this blog has been that through my afflictions, trials, valleys, and also through the wonderful things in my life, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, would shine through what I write and that He would be lifted up and exalted for others to see Him and come to know Him personally. The anxiety, depression, disease, and all the other speed bumps in my life would be laid out in a transparent manner to draw people to Jesus, not to me. He is our hope. I have read the above verse numerous times over the years and thought, "that verse is for missionaries". "I'm not a missionary". I was wrong. If you are a child of God, you are called to be a missionary. We are just not all called to go to the same places or to have the same types of ministries. Pastor Chet last night also referred to an elderly woman he used to visit regularly in a nursing home years ago, she was bedridden. He doubted her ability to be called to ministry from her bed. She convinced him otherwise. She was praying for him and many others during her time in bed, THAT IS MINISTRY! Joni Eareckson Tada, in a recent devotion, mentioned an encounter with a woman by the name of Mary Rose. She was introduced to this woman prior to one of her speaking engagements. Mary Rose "shuffled" over to her, due to cerebral palsy, with the help of an aide. This dear woman told Joni, as she was introduced to her, that she had been praying EVERY day for her over the course of many decades. Joni did the math and was blown away by the fact that this woman had prayed over 7,000 times for her!!! As long as we have breath, God can use us. What a blessing and honor! God can use the least of us to accomplish His will. I'm blown away that He chooses to use me, MS and all. What an amazing God!!!
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This verse has been speaking volumes to me lately. I felt the Lord impress on my heart last night after watching church on-line, that I had graduated and been promoted. I knew what He was saying to me. After reflecting a lot lately about how I have been removed from the work force due to my illness, I have shared about my feelings of being "demoted" and having a "new normal". Although I still have a heart for the people that God placed in my life through my work, He removed me from there, leaving me to question "why?". As Pastor Chet explained last night, we are to go locally first, preaching the gospel in Jerusalem, our home town and to the people closest to us. That was my Jerusalem. My territory has been expanded by God's grace. My feelings of uselessness have been replaced with purpose. I know that His Word is going forth throughout other nations through this blog. Although it was named, "michele's blog", I had dedicated it to the Lord. That is just the name of the blog, not Who it is dedicated to. My prayer from the beginning of creating this blog has been that through my afflictions, trials, valleys, and also through the wonderful things in my life, the Light of the World, Jesus Christ, would shine through what I write and that He would be lifted up and exalted for others to see Him and come to know Him personally. The anxiety, depression, disease, and all the other speed bumps in my life would be laid out in a transparent manner to draw people to Jesus, not to me. He is our hope. I have read the above verse numerous times over the years and thought, "that verse is for missionaries". "I'm not a missionary". I was wrong. If you are a child of God, you are called to be a missionary. We are just not all called to go to the same places or to have the same types of ministries. Pastor Chet last night also referred to an elderly woman he used to visit regularly in a nursing home years ago, she was bedridden. He doubted her ability to be called to ministry from her bed. She convinced him otherwise. She was praying for him and many others during her time in bed, THAT IS MINISTRY! Joni Eareckson Tada, in a recent devotion, mentioned an encounter with a woman by the name of Mary Rose. She was introduced to this woman prior to one of her speaking engagements. Mary Rose "shuffled" over to her, due to cerebral palsy, with the help of an aide. This dear woman told Joni, as she was introduced to her, that she had been praying EVERY day for her over the course of many decades. Joni did the math and was blown away by the fact that this woman had prayed over 7,000 times for her!!! As long as we have breath, God can use us. What a blessing and honor! God can use the least of us to accomplish His will. I'm blown away that He chooses to use me, MS and all. What an amazing God!!!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
We do have an enemy...
1 Peter 5:8
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
While listening to a teaching the other day on-line, the pastor was speaking about how satan is out to destroy our marriages and our families. The main reason being is, if he can destroy a marriage and/or a family, it will lead to God's righteousness not being passed down to the next generation. I see that everywhere I look, including my own home at times. If he can allow me to feel hopeless or not useful, I may cave in and crumble. That does not glorify God. I need to be in God's Word and allow His truths to soak in. I can't base my life or who I am on the world's standards. I belong to God. When I equip myself for a nobel war against the enemy and use the weapons that are provided for me, I can defeat the schemes of the devil. I am finding that being out of the work force due to illness has been a major way in which the enemy will attempt to make me feel useless and in turn attempt to knock me down or destroy me. I need to recognize where these thoughts are coming from, change my thought pattern and remember Who I belong to. We need to know that spiritual warfare is very real and that satan hates God and wants to destroy us, our marriages and our families. This should give us better insight as to why our kids may be behaving in a certain way and/or our spouse. We should be angry at the true source of contention as opposed to the ones we love and care about. Many years ago, Kenny and I went away for a weekend marriage retreat and learned that we are not each other's enemy. We were told to look each other in the eye and say, "you are not my enemy!". So basic, yet so true. We need to put on the full armor of God and fight like soldiers for ourselves, our marriages and our children. Don't let the enemy win a battle that Jesus already won for us. Stay strong in the Lord always. He is faithful.
Ephesians 6:10-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.
While listening to a teaching the other day on-line, the pastor was speaking about how satan is out to destroy our marriages and our families. The main reason being is, if he can destroy a marriage and/or a family, it will lead to God's righteousness not being passed down to the next generation. I see that everywhere I look, including my own home at times. If he can allow me to feel hopeless or not useful, I may cave in and crumble. That does not glorify God. I need to be in God's Word and allow His truths to soak in. I can't base my life or who I am on the world's standards. I belong to God. When I equip myself for a nobel war against the enemy and use the weapons that are provided for me, I can defeat the schemes of the devil. I am finding that being out of the work force due to illness has been a major way in which the enemy will attempt to make me feel useless and in turn attempt to knock me down or destroy me. I need to recognize where these thoughts are coming from, change my thought pattern and remember Who I belong to. We need to know that spiritual warfare is very real and that satan hates God and wants to destroy us, our marriages and our families. This should give us better insight as to why our kids may be behaving in a certain way and/or our spouse. We should be angry at the true source of contention as opposed to the ones we love and care about. Many years ago, Kenny and I went away for a weekend marriage retreat and learned that we are not each other's enemy. We were told to look each other in the eye and say, "you are not my enemy!". So basic, yet so true. We need to put on the full armor of God and fight like soldiers for ourselves, our marriages and our children. Don't let the enemy win a battle that Jesus already won for us. Stay strong in the Lord always. He is faithful.
Ephesians 6:10-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,[a] against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
It's the little things...
1 Thessalonians 5:18
New Living Translation (NLT)
18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
Today has turned out to be a better day than I had anticipated. When I opened my eyes this morning, I was pleasantly surprised that I wasn't as dizzy and sick feeling as I have been lately. That was a good thing. No, it was a great thing! The UPS man just delivered our A/C part so I am praying for air conditioning in my near future. I have to admit that it hasn't been too bad. The weather has been overcast, our bedroom is cool from the portable A/C unit, that I've named r2d2 and Kenny has two industrial strength fans blowing through the house. I am grateful that he has planned ahead for disasters such as hurricanes. The equipment came in handy during this time with no A/C. Last night we used the heat as an excuse to drive through McDonalds for some Iced Mocha Frappe's. I could get used to that unhealthy ritual. When we got back home, I realized what the worst part of not having A/C is, THE DOG STINK! The house stinks like dogs since there is no fresh filtered air blowing through the house. No visitors at this time please! lol
Just a reminder today to be grateful for everything and in ALL circumstances! The little things in life, including these little annoyances, quite often turn out to be some of our fondest memories. Smile, laugh and tell someone you love them today. I will too.
Monday, July 16, 2012
God's in Control!
Proverbs 16:33
New King James Version (NKJV)
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.
Upon awaking this morning, I knew that it was once again "shot day". After a dreadful weekend, I needed to reintroduce this medication back into my body. I know there is a period of time that it will take to get used to it (often 6 months or so), but it seems like an eternity when you feel horrible. My body doesn't seem to react well to certain medications, this is one of them. Feeling horrible is common with Rebif for many at first and if you've ever had the flu, you understand the meaning of flu-like symptoms. I don't know anyone who enjoys feeling feverish, achy, dizzy, nauseated, fatigued and just plain old SICK! I have felt led to use this medication, so I am walking in faith that God knows what is best for me at this particular time. I'm so glad I can trust Him. My life is in His hands. My days on this earth are numbered and He knows every hair on my head, that comforts me.
There is no such thing as chance. God is in complete control. We can't fake Him out. He knows everything. When I battle making decisions such as "should I continue to take this drug when it's making me sick"? Or "should I stop taking this drug and risk having another major relapse"? Whatever I decide to do, He will use for His glory. He can use ALL things, including what we may feel to be "bad" decisions, for His glory. When we rest in knowing that our lives are in His hands, we can live in His peace. We don't have to bog ourselves down trying in our flesh to make decisions that are "right". If I am staying connected to my Savior, and I'm praying for His will in my life, He's not going to have me out of His will. If I pray to be walking in the Holy Spirit, by faith I need to know that I will be. These are good things to pray for.
Matthew 7:9-11
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Today I choose to rest in God's sovereignty. Although my decision making will quite often feel like I'm "casting lots", I can rest in Him. I'm going to enjoy His peace today, no matter what comes my way.
New King James Version (NKJV)
33 The lot is cast into the lap,
But its every decision is from the Lord.
Upon awaking this morning, I knew that it was once again "shot day". After a dreadful weekend, I needed to reintroduce this medication back into my body. I know there is a period of time that it will take to get used to it (often 6 months or so), but it seems like an eternity when you feel horrible. My body doesn't seem to react well to certain medications, this is one of them. Feeling horrible is common with Rebif for many at first and if you've ever had the flu, you understand the meaning of flu-like symptoms. I don't know anyone who enjoys feeling feverish, achy, dizzy, nauseated, fatigued and just plain old SICK! I have felt led to use this medication, so I am walking in faith that God knows what is best for me at this particular time. I'm so glad I can trust Him. My life is in His hands. My days on this earth are numbered and He knows every hair on my head, that comforts me.
There is no such thing as chance. God is in complete control. We can't fake Him out. He knows everything. When I battle making decisions such as "should I continue to take this drug when it's making me sick"? Or "should I stop taking this drug and risk having another major relapse"? Whatever I decide to do, He will use for His glory. He can use ALL things, including what we may feel to be "bad" decisions, for His glory. When we rest in knowing that our lives are in His hands, we can live in His peace. We don't have to bog ourselves down trying in our flesh to make decisions that are "right". If I am staying connected to my Savior, and I'm praying for His will in my life, He's not going to have me out of His will. If I pray to be walking in the Holy Spirit, by faith I need to know that I will be. These are good things to pray for.
Matthew 7:9-11
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Today I choose to rest in God's sovereignty. Although my decision making will quite often feel like I'm "casting lots", I can rest in Him. I'm going to enjoy His peace today, no matter what comes my way.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Selfless Love...
Quit praying about yourself and be spent for others as the bondslave of Jesus. That is the meaning of being made broken bread and poured out wine in reality. Oswald Chambers
My husband has shown selfless love over this trying weekend. He showed me the meaning of being poured out like wine for my benefit. When I read this line in the devotion for today by Oswald Chambers it revealed how selfish I can be. By nature, I care about myself, my needs, my comfort way too much. Yesterday was proof. I was sick as a dog from my increased dose of Rebif, my MS med. I did the shot on Friday, but it has made me very sick over this entire weekend so far. Yesterday was miserable for me and to top of it off, our A/C is broken. Heat and MS don't go together at all. Just a half a degree increase in body temperature can wreak havoc on my central nervous system, exacerbating every symptom I've ever had. I slept most of the day away yesterday. I'm always praying for God's will in my life yet I'm so surprised when feeling miserable is part of His will for me sometimes. If you're anything like me, you can't help but to fast forward to the future and obsess over the thought, "what if I feel like this forever"? "How will I be able to survive"? We are commanded to not worry about tomorrow, but I was worrying. His grace is sufficient for me, I reminded myself multiple times throughout the day and it was sufficient. I made it through the day and today is a new day. I'm still feeling cruddy but I'm grateful for the slightest improvement at all. I knew what to expect with this new medication yet I allowed it to blindside me. My prayer for today is that I will once again, stop my "domino effect thinking", live in the moment and realize that this too shall pass. It's a season. All seasons come to an end and a new season will begin. I am so grateful & thankful for my husband, who can change his plans on a dime and "just roll" with whatever comes his way. We weren't able to get out of the house yesterday like I had initially desired, but we ordered sandwiches to be delivered to the house and stayed entertained by watching a goofy movie. He set up the portable A/C unit in our bedroom to keep us cool during the night. He switched sides of the bed with me to put me on the "cooler side". He takes good care of me. That is selfless love. <3
Philippians 2:3-4
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
My husband has shown selfless love over this trying weekend. He showed me the meaning of being poured out like wine for my benefit. When I read this line in the devotion for today by Oswald Chambers it revealed how selfish I can be. By nature, I care about myself, my needs, my comfort way too much. Yesterday was proof. I was sick as a dog from my increased dose of Rebif, my MS med. I did the shot on Friday, but it has made me very sick over this entire weekend so far. Yesterday was miserable for me and to top of it off, our A/C is broken. Heat and MS don't go together at all. Just a half a degree increase in body temperature can wreak havoc on my central nervous system, exacerbating every symptom I've ever had. I slept most of the day away yesterday. I'm always praying for God's will in my life yet I'm so surprised when feeling miserable is part of His will for me sometimes. If you're anything like me, you can't help but to fast forward to the future and obsess over the thought, "what if I feel like this forever"? "How will I be able to survive"? We are commanded to not worry about tomorrow, but I was worrying. His grace is sufficient for me, I reminded myself multiple times throughout the day and it was sufficient. I made it through the day and today is a new day. I'm still feeling cruddy but I'm grateful for the slightest improvement at all. I knew what to expect with this new medication yet I allowed it to blindside me. My prayer for today is that I will once again, stop my "domino effect thinking", live in the moment and realize that this too shall pass. It's a season. All seasons come to an end and a new season will begin. I am so grateful & thankful for my husband, who can change his plans on a dime and "just roll" with whatever comes his way. We weren't able to get out of the house yesterday like I had initially desired, but we ordered sandwiches to be delivered to the house and stayed entertained by watching a goofy movie. He set up the portable A/C unit in our bedroom to keep us cool during the night. He switched sides of the bed with me to put me on the "cooler side". He takes good care of me. That is selfless love. <3
Philippians 2:3-4
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Peace and Joy
Philippians 4:6-7
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God, through Paul tells us in the above verse to not be anxious about ANYTHING. It seems like a tall order for most of us but it is a command. When the Lord tells us to do something, that is an order or a command, when we follow through and do it, that is called obedience.
Philippians 4:4
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
The verse above commands us to ALWAYS rejoice or be joyful. How does this happen? I can only tell you how it happens in my life. Coming from a past that was plagued with depression and anxiety, I speak from my own experiences. Philippians 4:6-7 was what I had always considered to be my "life verse". My world consisted of so much anxiety that as a new believer, almost 16 years ago, the words of that verse just popped out at me! I have to tell you that if you are someone who has never experienced anxiety or depression, consider THAT all joy because it is HORRIBLE. I will take my MS symptoms over the symptoms of anxiety and depression any day. I had been on and off medication most of my life to help control my symptoms. When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had more peace in my life just knowing that my sins were forgiven yet I still battled depression and anxiety. I hadn't had a relationship with the Lord long enough to trust Him through my trials. I was used to trying to deal with my issues myself. I didn't know how to cast my cares onto Him. I think we would all agree that the longer we know someone and the longer they prove themselves trustworthy, it is much easier to trust that person. Over the years, Jesus proved Himself trustworthy and faithful over and over again to me personally in my life. This verse hung in my cubicle at my last job. Before starting my busy workday, I would lift up a quick prayer for the Lord to be with me and help me through my day. Then I would glance and look at my verse hanging there and the word that always stuck out more than any other in that verse to me was the word "thanksgiving". I began to realize that through any storm that came my way, there was always something to be thankful for. Isn't it true in your life too? People always say things like, "it could be worse" but we don't ponder about the things in our lives that are already good and maybe even wonderful. Through listening to teachings, reading books and praying, I started to focus on thankfulness. I continue to practice this today. It is easy to sit around and stew over things we can't do anymore or "stuff" that we don't have, but I am choosing to be thankful and I am choosing to be joyful. Joy is not the same as happiness. I don't feel happy all the time. In fact, my MS can make me quite miserable at times BUT it doesn't take away my ability to be thankful for the multitude of blessings in my life and it can't steal the joy or peace that I have because it comes from the Lord. When He blesses me with His peace, I accept it as a wonderful gift. The problems in life will NEVER end. The aggravations that get under our skin, will NEVER end. That is a promise from God too.
John 16:33
New King James Version (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus says, YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION. Why don't we cling to those words as well? We have a habit of clinging to all the things that sound wonderful to us but when God tells us that we will have tribulation or that we will have to suffer, we don't want to hear that.
The bottom line is that when we become thankful, truly thankful for EVERYTHING, and for me that includes my MS, we begin to think more like Jesus instead of the world. When we can start looking straight into the eye of an oncoming storm and cry out to Jesus and KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM, we can get through ANYTHING because He is with us. If you are a christian, HE LIVES IN YOU. He can't get any closer. He is a whisper or a thought away. Take advantage of His proximity today and always. If you don't have Him living in you and you desire to, call on His name.
Romans 10:13
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”[a]
My prayer for anyone reading this today is that if you don't know Jesus as your Savior, just talk to Him. He can hear you. If you do know Jesus, thank Him today and rest in the peace and joy that are ours when we trust Him at His Word.
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
God, through Paul tells us in the above verse to not be anxious about ANYTHING. It seems like a tall order for most of us but it is a command. When the Lord tells us to do something, that is an order or a command, when we follow through and do it, that is called obedience.
Philippians 4:4
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
The verse above commands us to ALWAYS rejoice or be joyful. How does this happen? I can only tell you how it happens in my life. Coming from a past that was plagued with depression and anxiety, I speak from my own experiences. Philippians 4:6-7 was what I had always considered to be my "life verse". My world consisted of so much anxiety that as a new believer, almost 16 years ago, the words of that verse just popped out at me! I have to tell you that if you are someone who has never experienced anxiety or depression, consider THAT all joy because it is HORRIBLE. I will take my MS symptoms over the symptoms of anxiety and depression any day. I had been on and off medication most of my life to help control my symptoms. When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I had more peace in my life just knowing that my sins were forgiven yet I still battled depression and anxiety. I hadn't had a relationship with the Lord long enough to trust Him through my trials. I was used to trying to deal with my issues myself. I didn't know how to cast my cares onto Him. I think we would all agree that the longer we know someone and the longer they prove themselves trustworthy, it is much easier to trust that person. Over the years, Jesus proved Himself trustworthy and faithful over and over again to me personally in my life. This verse hung in my cubicle at my last job. Before starting my busy workday, I would lift up a quick prayer for the Lord to be with me and help me through my day. Then I would glance and look at my verse hanging there and the word that always stuck out more than any other in that verse to me was the word "thanksgiving". I began to realize that through any storm that came my way, there was always something to be thankful for. Isn't it true in your life too? People always say things like, "it could be worse" but we don't ponder about the things in our lives that are already good and maybe even wonderful. Through listening to teachings, reading books and praying, I started to focus on thankfulness. I continue to practice this today. It is easy to sit around and stew over things we can't do anymore or "stuff" that we don't have, but I am choosing to be thankful and I am choosing to be joyful. Joy is not the same as happiness. I don't feel happy all the time. In fact, my MS can make me quite miserable at times BUT it doesn't take away my ability to be thankful for the multitude of blessings in my life and it can't steal the joy or peace that I have because it comes from the Lord. When He blesses me with His peace, I accept it as a wonderful gift. The problems in life will NEVER end. The aggravations that get under our skin, will NEVER end. That is a promise from God too.
John 16:33
New King James Version (NKJV)
33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will[a] have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
Jesus says, YOU WILL HAVE TRIBULATION. Why don't we cling to those words as well? We have a habit of clinging to all the things that sound wonderful to us but when God tells us that we will have tribulation or that we will have to suffer, we don't want to hear that.
The bottom line is that when we become thankful, truly thankful for EVERYTHING, and for me that includes my MS, we begin to think more like Jesus instead of the world. When we can start looking straight into the eye of an oncoming storm and cry out to Jesus and KEEP OUR EYES ON HIM, we can get through ANYTHING because He is with us. If you are a christian, HE LIVES IN YOU. He can't get any closer. He is a whisper or a thought away. Take advantage of His proximity today and always. If you don't have Him living in you and you desire to, call on His name.
Romans 10:13
New King James Version (NKJV)
13 For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”[a]
My prayer for anyone reading this today is that if you don't know Jesus as your Savior, just talk to Him. He can hear you. If you do know Jesus, thank Him today and rest in the peace and joy that are ours when we trust Him at His Word.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Friends...
“The next best thing to being wise oneself is to live in a circle of those who are.” CS Lewis
Proverbs 19:20
New King James Version (NKJV)
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.
Today I was in a bit of disarray upon awakening. My MS symptoms plus the Rebif side effects are placing me under the weather physically. I was hoping that I would feel well enough to meet with a friend for coffee this morning to discuss some "stuff" but it didn't happen today. Getting some basics accomplished like showering, brushing my teeth and a few things like a load of laundry here and there will be the extent of my day. I am so grateful for my understanding friends. The ones that know that my "excuses" for not getting together are very real and don't allow them to interfere with the friendship we have. I try not to mention names on my blog other than my family members out of respect for people's privacy but I'm so grateful for ALL the friends that God has placed in my life. Each and every friend & "sister" God has blessed me with has a special place in my heart. Today, one of these friends, who I refer to as my "Soul Sister", she knows who she is, blessed me with her words. She and I are able to speak into each other's lives in a way that is so unique and meaningful. I love having someone who loves the Lord, seeks His will and loves me for me, as my friend. Although our struggles are so very different, we still have so much in common. So much in common in fact, that we constantly interrupt each other and quite often will have more than one conversation going on at the same time! I'm so grateful and thankful that we can be truthful and honest with each other without the fear of offending each other. That is rare to find in a friendship and I don't ever want to take that for granted. During certain trials, we all need those people in our lives that will be brave and have enough courage to tell us the "truth in love". It's always easier to swallow good counsel when we know that they are speaking from experience and with God's love, not out of selfishness. Living with MS or any chronic condition wears on you enough but if you add in the everyday struggles and trials of living here on earth, it can send us off course quickly and often. Today the Lord redirected me through the counsel of this friend as it was delivered from Him, through her voice, traveling through my cell phone and into my ear. I prayed for many years for the Lord to bring me christian sisters that would develop into meaningful friendships and I have been blessed beyond measure with answer to that prayer. God has strategically placed these woman in my life and I'm so BLESSED! A special thank you to my dear "SS" today for your love, support and prayer. You are heaven sent.
Proverbs 19:20
New King James Version (NKJV)
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction,
That you may be wise in your latter days.
Today I was in a bit of disarray upon awakening. My MS symptoms plus the Rebif side effects are placing me under the weather physically. I was hoping that I would feel well enough to meet with a friend for coffee this morning to discuss some "stuff" but it didn't happen today. Getting some basics accomplished like showering, brushing my teeth and a few things like a load of laundry here and there will be the extent of my day. I am so grateful for my understanding friends. The ones that know that my "excuses" for not getting together are very real and don't allow them to interfere with the friendship we have. I try not to mention names on my blog other than my family members out of respect for people's privacy but I'm so grateful for ALL the friends that God has placed in my life. Each and every friend & "sister" God has blessed me with has a special place in my heart. Today, one of these friends, who I refer to as my "Soul Sister", she knows who she is, blessed me with her words. She and I are able to speak into each other's lives in a way that is so unique and meaningful. I love having someone who loves the Lord, seeks His will and loves me for me, as my friend. Although our struggles are so very different, we still have so much in common. So much in common in fact, that we constantly interrupt each other and quite often will have more than one conversation going on at the same time! I'm so grateful and thankful that we can be truthful and honest with each other without the fear of offending each other. That is rare to find in a friendship and I don't ever want to take that for granted. During certain trials, we all need those people in our lives that will be brave and have enough courage to tell us the "truth in love". It's always easier to swallow good counsel when we know that they are speaking from experience and with God's love, not out of selfishness. Living with MS or any chronic condition wears on you enough but if you add in the everyday struggles and trials of living here on earth, it can send us off course quickly and often. Today the Lord redirected me through the counsel of this friend as it was delivered from Him, through her voice, traveling through my cell phone and into my ear. I prayed for many years for the Lord to bring me christian sisters that would develop into meaningful friendships and I have been blessed beyond measure with answer to that prayer. God has strategically placed these woman in my life and I'm so BLESSED! A special thank you to my dear "SS" today for your love, support and prayer. You are heaven sent.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
"Bobble Head Day" with a side of "G-Force"
Proverbs 17:22
New King James Version (NKJV)
22 A merry heart does good, like medicine,[a]
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Today and over the last few days I have had a "bobble head" with "G-force" or what I call "pulling G's". It's a weird disconnect feeling between my neck and my head. I think it comes from a combination of a headache, dizziness, ear pressure, low blood pressure, blurry vision & vertigo. The G- force is the feeling that my head is being pulled to the ground. When I lived in Utah, a neighbor and friend taught me about her husband "pulling G's" as an Air Force Jet Pilot. I associate my "pulling" feeling with her description.
The combination of all these weird sensations create my own "unique" symptoms. I have posted on Facebook before about me naming some of my symptoms. I started doing this when my "psychedelic legs" were diagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis back in 2002. Since that time, I have had countless crazy symptoms which have included, and not been limited to, silly string face, bewitched nose, creepy-crawly head & other body parts, my knee strap, tube-sock calves, bubble-wrap feet, (a close friend and I both have had "bubble butt", in more ways than one, lol), hit by a Mack truck fatigue, fumble fingers, brain shudder, airplane ears...the list goes on and on. If you have MS, you probably can add some of your own to the list. There is an endless array of symptoms associated with this disease. They stem from the location of your particular brain and spinal cord lesions (damage). We with MS or any chronic illness, need to keep things in perspective. We have to be able to laugh at ourselves and with each other. If we take our afflictions too seriously, we will never survive. Laughter is great medicine!
The reality of not having control over certain parts of our physical bodies can be both frightening and create anxiety. I get comfort from my friends who not only share in the MS experience, but who place their trust in God, Who will restore us to how He intended us to be, in His perfect timing. My prayer today is that anyone with MS, who may be reading this and feeling alone will come to know that you are NOT alone. I pray that if you don't have anyone in your life to share your MS experience with, that you will reach out to someone today, even if it's just me. We need each other!!!
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 Two are better than one,
Because they have a good reward for their labor.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
But woe to him who is alone when he falls,
For he has no one to help him up.
Saturday, July 7, 2012
I did nothing...or maybe not.
Luke 10:41-42
New King James Version (NKJV)
41 And Jesus[a] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Yesterday I did very little. I want to say that I did nothing but that would not be truthful. It just felt like I did nothing. On days that I feel bad physically, I spend more time with God. I noticed that since Kenny is working and I am not, I begin to feel guilty, like I'm not "doing enough". It is just a feeling, not necessarily truth. When I read in "Jesus Calling" yesterday, I underlined a few sentences that explained EXACTLY what I was feeling, "This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury. You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with me". Those sentences hit the nail on the head. I have been feeling guilty when I don't "do enough" before spending time seeking God. Prior to leaving the work world, I had very limited time. I would wake up before the crack of dawn to squeeze some time in with God before my hectic day began. Now that my days are not as hectic because I'm not working, seeking God for long periods of time feels like a luxury to me. A guilty pleasure. Although I feel dizzy, nauseated and unwell most of the time, I feel "guilty" that I'm spending so much time with God. I realized that He has me where He has me for His purpose, not my own. In His view, I am exactly where He wants me to be. Not where I think I should be, where my husband or kids think I should be, friends, or anyone else thinks I should be, but in His divine will for MY life. That gives me peace. The rat race is over. The difficulties of this life will never end until the day I die and go home to be with Him, but for now, I am not chasing after the wind. I'm chasing after Jesus. That is a guilty pleasure I can feel good about. I want to be like Mary in the verse above. The good part will not be taken away from me!
New King James Version (NKJV)
41 And Jesus[a] answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Yesterday I did very little. I want to say that I did nothing but that would not be truthful. It just felt like I did nothing. On days that I feel bad physically, I spend more time with God. I noticed that since Kenny is working and I am not, I begin to feel guilty, like I'm not "doing enough". It is just a feeling, not necessarily truth. When I read in "Jesus Calling" yesterday, I underlined a few sentences that explained EXACTLY what I was feeling, "This duty is such a joyous privilege that it feels like a luxury. You tend to feel guilty about pushing back the boundaries of your life to make space for time alone with me". Those sentences hit the nail on the head. I have been feeling guilty when I don't "do enough" before spending time seeking God. Prior to leaving the work world, I had very limited time. I would wake up before the crack of dawn to squeeze some time in with God before my hectic day began. Now that my days are not as hectic because I'm not working, seeking God for long periods of time feels like a luxury to me. A guilty pleasure. Although I feel dizzy, nauseated and unwell most of the time, I feel "guilty" that I'm spending so much time with God. I realized that He has me where He has me for His purpose, not my own. In His view, I am exactly where He wants me to be. Not where I think I should be, where my husband or kids think I should be, friends, or anyone else thinks I should be, but in His divine will for MY life. That gives me peace. The rat race is over. The difficulties of this life will never end until the day I die and go home to be with Him, but for now, I am not chasing after the wind. I'm chasing after Jesus. That is a guilty pleasure I can feel good about. I want to be like Mary in the verse above. The good part will not be taken away from me!
Thursday, July 5, 2012
First week down...
I completed my first week of Rebif. I had three "lower dose" shots this week. I have felt pretty yucky (flu-like), yet I am determined to stick it out and continue to try this medication. I gave myself the first injection, Amanda played nurse for the second and Kenny did the third shot yesterday. It's a family affair! I'm looking forward to a "no injection weekend". As I've mentioned before, this past April marked 10 years of living with MS. Looking back, which I try not to do often, I wish I had traveled more. My worst symptoms come from dysfunction of my brainstem causing symptoms of dizziness, vertigo and nausea. They don't make good traveling buddies. It affects my equilibrium, therefore my balance and my ears feel "messed up". It often feels like I just entered a pressurized cabin on an airplane. I get shudders in my head and sensations that I am unable to describe easily. I can't handle too much movement. You will never catch me on a ride at an amusement park (or even a swing, for that matter), a cruise or an airplane anytime soon, if ever. I get sick rolling over in my own bed. For these reasons, we don't travel much, but if we do, it is by car.
The funny thing is, is that I've never really enjoyed traveling much to begin with. I consider myself to be a "homebody". I'm the person who while away on vacation, can't wait to pick up my dogs from being boarded and then go home! I enjoy being home. I love being home with my husband, kids (whoever is around), and my 3 dogs. Hanging out is my idea of fun. Now that I'm physically unable to travel, it makes me want to more. Why do we always want what we can't have? It just proves to me how we are never completely satisfied while living here on earth. It won't be this way in heaven, with Jesus in our presence, we won't need a thing. There is fullness of joy in Him.
Psalm 16:11
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
As I sit here typing on the couch, I am so grateful for EVERYTHING that I have been blessed with. It's raining outside at the moment and that is beautiful to me. I am amazed at how much the view from my front window has changed from day to day over this past difficult year. The view is ever changing. I see sunny days, rainy days, windy days, people walking with their dogs, birds flying, butterflies, squirrels, cats, children playing, the mailman..... If these scenes are beautiful to me, I can't even begin to fathom the beauty of heaven. I'm looking forward to my "ultimate vacation" in heaven. It will be PERFECT!!!
Revelation 21:4
New King James Version (NKJV)
4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Deceitful Hearts
Jeremiah 17:9
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I love this verse. It's not one that you will see printed on a greeting card or on a magnet for your refrigerator. The reason why I like it so much is because it's true. EVERYTHING in the bible is true. We are brought up believing that if something "feels" right or good, it is. That is a lie. The bible says that God never lies, it's impossible for Him.
Numbers 23:19
New King James Version (NKJV)
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Hebrews 6:18
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might[a] have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
The bible mentions who the "father of all lies" is:
John 8:44
New King James Version (NKJV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
The bottom line is that we ALL sin and fall short of God's perfection.
Romans 3:23
New King James Version (NKJV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
If we say we have no sin, we are lying.
1 John 1:8-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
If we can be truthful with ourselves and others, we could improve all of our relationships. Our "hearts" cannot be trusted. If you "feel" like something is right because your "heart" feels it's right, you may want to pray about it and ask God to reveal the truth to you. We live in a world where we put ourselves before others, thinking of ourselves higher than we ought to. We should be esteeming others and putting their feelings above our own. It's not easy but we are called to do so.
Philippians 2:3
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
If everything is so clearly spelled out for us in the bible, why are we spending so much time trying to figure everyone else out? I am guilty of doing the same. Today I pray for God to continue to show me my own flaws, which He does daily. He is very good at that! He never fails at revealing my sin to me. Although I know He will never stop revealing just how wicked my heart truly is, I also know that His forgiveness and grace are sufficient to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Thank You Jesus!!! I am nothing without You!!!
New King James Version (NKJV)
9 “The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
I love this verse. It's not one that you will see printed on a greeting card or on a magnet for your refrigerator. The reason why I like it so much is because it's true. EVERYTHING in the bible is true. We are brought up believing that if something "feels" right or good, it is. That is a lie. The bible says that God never lies, it's impossible for Him.
Numbers 23:19
New King James Version (NKJV)
19 “God is not a man, that He should lie,
Nor a son of man, that He should repent.
Has He said, and will He not do?
Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Hebrews 6:18
New King James Version (NKJV)
18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might[a] have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.
The bible mentions who the "father of all lies" is:
John 8:44
New King James Version (NKJV)
44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.
The bottom line is that we ALL sin and fall short of God's perfection.
Romans 3:23
New King James Version (NKJV)
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
If we say we have no sin, we are lying.
1 John 1:8-10
New King James Version (NKJV)
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
If we can be truthful with ourselves and others, we could improve all of our relationships. Our "hearts" cannot be trusted. If you "feel" like something is right because your "heart" feels it's right, you may want to pray about it and ask God to reveal the truth to you. We live in a world where we put ourselves before others, thinking of ourselves higher than we ought to. We should be esteeming others and putting their feelings above our own. It's not easy but we are called to do so.
Philippians 2:3
New King James Version (NKJV)
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
If everything is so clearly spelled out for us in the bible, why are we spending so much time trying to figure everyone else out? I am guilty of doing the same. Today I pray for God to continue to show me my own flaws, which He does daily. He is very good at that! He never fails at revealing my sin to me. Although I know He will never stop revealing just how wicked my heart truly is, I also know that His forgiveness and grace are sufficient to cleanse me from ALL unrighteousness. Thank You Jesus!!! I am nothing without You!!!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
This is the day the Lord has made!!
Although I'm feeling a bit yucky today, I am rejoicing that I was able to hear the Word of God and get fed spiritually via the internet today! The service was great and I'm so grateful to be part of a church (Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale) that has taught God's Word so faithfully for so many years.
The nurse did make it out yesterday. She was about 20 minutes late and of course I extended a lot of grace to a woman with a sharp needle! :)
She was actually a very educated nurse in the area of neurology, and specifically Multiple Sclerosis. Her Mother and Aunt both have MS. She was caring, helpful and just an all around pleasant woman. The initial dose of this drug is significantly lower than the actual dose I will eventually be taking, God willing. It is a shot given subcutaneously 3X per week. I took Advil around the clock yesterday and can't say that I felt well by any means but I feel a lot worse today. Just an overall malaise, headache, along with a bit of an exaggeration of my normal MS symptoms (dizzy). I normally haven't felt led to write or blog on Sunday but the more I ponder the people who may be reading this, my heart wants to reach out and hug others who are not feeling well today too. The word that keeps popping up in my mind lately is "shut-in". What constitutes a shut-in? I guess anyone who is stuck in the confines of their home or maybe a hospital room, due to a multitude of reasons. It could be due to illness, depression, anxiety, the weather, or it could be that you live in a part of the world where it is difficult or maybe even impossible for you to go and worship the Lord in public. Whatever is keeping you home today, like me, remember He meets us exactly where we are at. He is with us, He will never leave or forsake us. He encourages us to not be fearful but to be of great courage because He is on our side. If His Holy Spirit resides in You, you have been sealed. It is a done deal. You don't have to work or earn your keep as His child. Now out of a love for Him, you may choose to serve Him, but there are no rules and regulations as to how. He just wants to be in a relationship with You. So no matter where you are today, simply lift your eyes to Him. He will never fail you. You may not feel well today or even tomorrow, but you have a great future if you placed your life in His hands. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore!!!
Deuteronomy 31:6
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”[a]
Romans 8:31
New King James Version (NKJV)
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalm 16:11
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presences is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
The nurse did make it out yesterday. She was about 20 minutes late and of course I extended a lot of grace to a woman with a sharp needle! :)
She was actually a very educated nurse in the area of neurology, and specifically Multiple Sclerosis. Her Mother and Aunt both have MS. She was caring, helpful and just an all around pleasant woman. The initial dose of this drug is significantly lower than the actual dose I will eventually be taking, God willing. It is a shot given subcutaneously 3X per week. I took Advil around the clock yesterday and can't say that I felt well by any means but I feel a lot worse today. Just an overall malaise, headache, along with a bit of an exaggeration of my normal MS symptoms (dizzy). I normally haven't felt led to write or blog on Sunday but the more I ponder the people who may be reading this, my heart wants to reach out and hug others who are not feeling well today too. The word that keeps popping up in my mind lately is "shut-in". What constitutes a shut-in? I guess anyone who is stuck in the confines of their home or maybe a hospital room, due to a multitude of reasons. It could be due to illness, depression, anxiety, the weather, or it could be that you live in a part of the world where it is difficult or maybe even impossible for you to go and worship the Lord in public. Whatever is keeping you home today, like me, remember He meets us exactly where we are at. He is with us, He will never leave or forsake us. He encourages us to not be fearful but to be of great courage because He is on our side. If His Holy Spirit resides in You, you have been sealed. It is a done deal. You don't have to work or earn your keep as His child. Now out of a love for Him, you may choose to serve Him, but there are no rules and regulations as to how. He just wants to be in a relationship with You. So no matter where you are today, simply lift your eyes to Him. He will never fail you. You may not feel well today or even tomorrow, but you have a great future if you placed your life in His hands. At His right hand are pleasures forevermore!!!
Deuteronomy 31:6
New King James Version (NKJV)
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”[a]
Romans 8:31
New King James Version (NKJV)
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Psalm 16:11
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presences is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
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