Taken from Streams in the Desert for today:
"He gives quietness in the midst of the raging storm. As we sail the lake with Him, reaching deep water and far from land, suddenly, under the midnight sky, a mighty storm sweeps down. Earth and hell seem mobilized against us, and each wave threatens to overwhelm our boat. Then He rises from His sleep and rebukes the wind and the waves. He waves His hand, signaling the end of the raging tempest and the beginning of the restful calm. His voice is heard above the screaming of the wind through the ropes and rigging, and over the thrashing of the waves."Quiet! Be still!" (Mark 4:39). Can you not hear it? And instantly there is a great calm."
I woke up today and began to journal. I keep a prayer journal. There is something so incredibly awesome about writing my prayers, or typing them as I do, that I just love. I believe that we lift up so many prayers throughout our day that we often forget what we've prayed for. My prayer journal gives me the ability to go back and see how God has moved in my life and the life of my family and friends. I can see answered prayers and continue praying on the unanswered ones. When I see how He has answered prayer, I am reminded of His faithfulness and my faith gets stronger. Therefore, I am able to remain steadfast in prayer because I can see that my prayers are being answered according to His will and His timing, not mine, which gives me peace. I'm good with that. Sometimes I want to rush Him along, but I know I'm not alone there. As I write, I will quite often stop what I'm doing to write down a dream that comes back to my memory. As I wrote in my journal this morning, no dreams came to mind. I then began to read from my favorite devotional book, Streams in the Desert, and I just stared wide-eyed at the words on the page. I felt like I was reading my dream. My dream flooded back into my mind so I stopped reading the devotion and began to write my dream down before continuing to read the devotion.
I dreamt that I was in the ocean. There were some others with me but I don't recall who they were. We were headed out into the ocean in a small boat. I became extremely fearful that we were going out way too far. In my mind I was thinking that once I could no longer see where the ocean met the sand, we would be too far out and we would be lost. Then came the HUGE waves. They began crashing over my head, I would take a deep breath and let it go over me. They continued to come one after the other, and I was amazed that after each and every one, I managed to survive without drowning. It was actually easy, like Someone was helping me. I could have never survived those massive waves crashing over me without help. As I finished writing all of this down, I went back and began to read the devotion again. I was so amazed. God's presence was so strong. I felt as if I was reading my dream.
This week began with a very rough start. I had some unexpected waves roll into my life, but as usual, God was faithful. I didn't just survive, I actually thrived. The more that my faith is tested, the more it grows. When I have been tested time after time, and God has been faithful time after time, how can I not trust Him with everything? My emotions will take me on some wild rides but the Lord is unchanging. The bible says He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). No matter what this life may bring, He is with me. He comforts me. He stills my storms. As was mentioned in the devotion, He says, "Quiet, Be still!" and then there is calm. That calm is the peace that He has left us with....the peace I am so thankful for...
Mark 4:39
New King James Version (NKJV)
39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm.
John 14:27
New King James Version (NKJV)
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Facebook may be somewhat true, but it's certainly not the whole truth...
"When I mediate my life by Facebook, I am the one who controls it all. I curate it by tagging the photos I like, by offering up the statuses I like, by making myself who I want to be rather than who I am. But when I live before others, when I live a real life in the real world, well, that is where people see who I really am. And they love me on that basis. In fact, they love me more on that basis." This paragraph was taken from "Facebook Makes Us Miserable" by Tim Challies' blog from 3-14-11
I recently went out for dinner with a friend that I love but don't see very often. We used to work together "back in the day". We kept each other sane during our years on the job and I'm sure she would agree that our laughter was the "cure all" for many of our woes on the job and off. As we got caught up since the last time we met for dinner, we realized that there was a common theme to some of our personal experiences as of late. We would have never known of these trials had we been catching up solely via Facebook, texting or e-mailing. That evening and the following morning we joked about the Facebook statuses that we REALLY could be posting, but the truth of the matter is that we would not only be embarrassed, we would be betraying the privacy of the people involved in our trials. So although we are not 100% transparent in our Facebook statuses, in all fairness, we just can't be without hanging all of our "dirty laundry" in the public square where it doesn't belong.
I feel that there are many people out there in cyber space that are seeking to connect with others that are going through trials that are similar to their own. I am basically an open book about my own personal struggles with my health, or lack thereof, but it just would not be appropriate to discuss the personal issues that involve others, whether family or friends. Some things are just private.
I guess my point is that no matter how much I am "shut in" due to my MS, I still need to connect with others face to face. Sure the Internet keeps us connected in a "general" sort of way, but nothing can replace sitting face to face with a friend. The opportunity to share with each other, encourage one another, pray with each other, hug each other and maybe even cry with each other is PRICELESS. I am going to try to do this more often. It proved to be cathartic to both me and my friend...we need each other...we weren't meant to do life alone.
Proverbs 27:9
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
I recently went out for dinner with a friend that I love but don't see very often. We used to work together "back in the day". We kept each other sane during our years on the job and I'm sure she would agree that our laughter was the "cure all" for many of our woes on the job and off. As we got caught up since the last time we met for dinner, we realized that there was a common theme to some of our personal experiences as of late. We would have never known of these trials had we been catching up solely via Facebook, texting or e-mailing. That evening and the following morning we joked about the Facebook statuses that we REALLY could be posting, but the truth of the matter is that we would not only be embarrassed, we would be betraying the privacy of the people involved in our trials. So although we are not 100% transparent in our Facebook statuses, in all fairness, we just can't be without hanging all of our "dirty laundry" in the public square where it doesn't belong.
I feel that there are many people out there in cyber space that are seeking to connect with others that are going through trials that are similar to their own. I am basically an open book about my own personal struggles with my health, or lack thereof, but it just would not be appropriate to discuss the personal issues that involve others, whether family or friends. Some things are just private.
I guess my point is that no matter how much I am "shut in" due to my MS, I still need to connect with others face to face. Sure the Internet keeps us connected in a "general" sort of way, but nothing can replace sitting face to face with a friend. The opportunity to share with each other, encourage one another, pray with each other, hug each other and maybe even cry with each other is PRICELESS. I am going to try to do this more often. It proved to be cathartic to both me and my friend...we need each other...we weren't meant to do life alone.
Proverbs 27:9
New Living Translation (NLT)
9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend
is as sweet as perfume and incense.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning...
Psalm 30:5
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
I would like to start by saying that I do not write this blog to evoke sympathy or even worse, pity. I like to share some of my physical struggles and life experiences because I know I'm not alone and that there are many others out there who are struggling with pain and disease as well. I also love to share how God is my rock in the midst of these temporary struggles and to remind others that they too are NOT alone in their trials either. I have been suffering a lot physically lately due to my MS. I woke up at 2 am this morning with a lot of burning in my arms and a deep aching pain throughout my entire body. This has become a new part of my everyday life, especially during my time of sleep. These new symptoms are on top of my "regular" symptoms such as the 24/7 dizziness, numb feet, tingling legs that feel like lead weights.... I have also been experiencing chest pain, arrhythmias and fluctuating blood pressure. My cardiologist has ruled out heart disease by doing a chemically induced stress test. The results came back normal. He believes my symptoms are stemming from my brain, in other words, he believes that my damaged brain stem is sending wacky signals to my heart, which in turn, is causing my symptoms. The brain stem regulates the primitive functions that sustain life, such as respiration and heart rate. When I allow myself to think about what is actually going on in my body, it brings a bit of dread and fear. The remedy for my fear is God's promises. As I spoke to a friend of mine yesterday, I reminded her that this life is but a vapor (James 4:14), but at times, it can feel like an eternity, especially when one's body is failing and you're experiencing a lot of physical pain. I find myself digging into the Word of God because I need to be reminded over and over again, that the suffering I am going through will be worth the eternal weight of glory. It's easy to lose sight of eternity when you're riddled with physical pain but I also know that this isn't going to be my situation forever. I have a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). No, this isn't a "walk in the park" and I think it's true to say that things will most likely continue to get worse as time goes by and as the disease continues to progress like it typically does. I still believe and have faith that I can be healed in the twinkling of an eye, but more likely than not, God will use my trials for His glory and as He sees fit. He knows what is best for me. I continually pray to be in the center of God's will, therefore I can trust that I am exactly where He wants me. There are reasons we don't see or understand but God can be trusted. He is faithful. If you suffer from sickness and disease, there is a way to ensure a complete healing. It may not occur in this earthly lifetime but if you place your trust in Jesus, surrender yourself to Him completely, and turn away from your sin, He has promised that you too can be saved and inherit eternal life. That is the best promise I've ever heard...reminding myself of this promise brought me joy this morning, as is does every morning...I pray it does the same for you.
Psalm 50:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
New King James Version (NKJV)
5 For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for life;
Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.
I would like to start by saying that I do not write this blog to evoke sympathy or even worse, pity. I like to share some of my physical struggles and life experiences because I know I'm not alone and that there are many others out there who are struggling with pain and disease as well. I also love to share how God is my rock in the midst of these temporary struggles and to remind others that they too are NOT alone in their trials either. I have been suffering a lot physically lately due to my MS. I woke up at 2 am this morning with a lot of burning in my arms and a deep aching pain throughout my entire body. This has become a new part of my everyday life, especially during my time of sleep. These new symptoms are on top of my "regular" symptoms such as the 24/7 dizziness, numb feet, tingling legs that feel like lead weights.... I have also been experiencing chest pain, arrhythmias and fluctuating blood pressure. My cardiologist has ruled out heart disease by doing a chemically induced stress test. The results came back normal. He believes my symptoms are stemming from my brain, in other words, he believes that my damaged brain stem is sending wacky signals to my heart, which in turn, is causing my symptoms. The brain stem regulates the primitive functions that sustain life, such as respiration and heart rate. When I allow myself to think about what is actually going on in my body, it brings a bit of dread and fear. The remedy for my fear is God's promises. As I spoke to a friend of mine yesterday, I reminded her that this life is but a vapor (James 4:14), but at times, it can feel like an eternity, especially when one's body is failing and you're experiencing a lot of physical pain. I find myself digging into the Word of God because I need to be reminded over and over again, that the suffering I am going through will be worth the eternal weight of glory. It's easy to lose sight of eternity when you're riddled with physical pain but I also know that this isn't going to be my situation forever. I have a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). No, this isn't a "walk in the park" and I think it's true to say that things will most likely continue to get worse as time goes by and as the disease continues to progress like it typically does. I still believe and have faith that I can be healed in the twinkling of an eye, but more likely than not, God will use my trials for His glory and as He sees fit. He knows what is best for me. I continually pray to be in the center of God's will, therefore I can trust that I am exactly where He wants me. There are reasons we don't see or understand but God can be trusted. He is faithful. If you suffer from sickness and disease, there is a way to ensure a complete healing. It may not occur in this earthly lifetime but if you place your trust in Jesus, surrender yourself to Him completely, and turn away from your sin, He has promised that you too can be saved and inherit eternal life. That is the best promise I've ever heard...reminding myself of this promise brought me joy this morning, as is does every morning...I pray it does the same for you.
Psalm 50:15
New King James Version (NKJV)
15 Call upon Me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.”
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
New King James Version (NKJV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,
Sunday, January 13, 2013
United in Christ around the world...
1 Corinthians 3:7-8
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
As I sit once again from the comfort of my couch and I chat via my Facebook in-box with my sister in Christ, Rani in India, I am blown away at how God has not only blessed me with a friend around the world, but a true sister. How the Lord brought us together is still a bit of a mystery. Our hearts are knit together by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am pretty particular about who I "friend" on Facebook but somehow God led her to Me and Kenny. I am so forever grateful to God for joining us together the way that He has. Rani and her husband Onjang are the epitome of the glorious works that God is doing through the lives of those who love Him. Both Rani and Onjang were orphans themselves. I don't know all the particulars of their stories, but I know enough to be absolutely AMAZED by God and what He is doing in and through their lives. Onjang and Rani have opened their hearts and their home to other children who are orphans. They pour themselves out like a drink offering and shower these precious children with the love of a family and the necessities of life. Their lives are devoted to sharing the love of our Savior Jesus Christ with these children and others in their community, as well as the surrounding villages. It is my privilege and honor to pray for them and to help in a monetary way as we are able and as God leads. They in turn pray for me and my family. I know that their many prayers have sustained me through some of my most troubling times. It fills me and Kenny with so much joy as we see our prayers being answered across the globe. The pictures we see of smiling, beautiful, healthy, precious & loved children that are being cared and provided for, in a very tangible way that is honoring to God, is a HUGE blessing to us. I am not trying to rob them of their eternal rewards. I am writing because these people have devoted their lives to not only spreading the good news of Jesus to others, but they are providing a new life to children who have had the roughest of circumstances to deal with from a very young age. They are an inspiration to me on so many levels. On top of their orphan ministry, Rani's husband Onjang has become a Pastor. He is a modern day Paul going out into the villages of India and bringing the glorious message of salvation through Jesus to a people who may have never heard this great news that we know as the gospel of Jesus Christ. They hold services on Sundays and do special community outreaches as well. I love how the Lord can use us together as one family, connected by the Holy Spirit to plant seeds and water the crop so God can increase His kingdom! If you feel led, please visit their blog at: www.lifewayindia.wordpress.com. You can also friend LifeWay India on Facebook. I guarantee the smiling faces of these children will bring a smile to YOUR face! They give God ALL the glory, as do I.
Matthew 19:14
New King James Version (NKJV)
14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
New King James Version (NKJV)
7 So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor.
As I sit once again from the comfort of my couch and I chat via my Facebook in-box with my sister in Christ, Rani in India, I am blown away at how God has not only blessed me with a friend around the world, but a true sister. How the Lord brought us together is still a bit of a mystery. Our hearts are knit together by the power of the Holy Spirit. I am pretty particular about who I "friend" on Facebook but somehow God led her to Me and Kenny. I am so forever grateful to God for joining us together the way that He has. Rani and her husband Onjang are the epitome of the glorious works that God is doing through the lives of those who love Him. Both Rani and Onjang were orphans themselves. I don't know all the particulars of their stories, but I know enough to be absolutely AMAZED by God and what He is doing in and through their lives. Onjang and Rani have opened their hearts and their home to other children who are orphans. They pour themselves out like a drink offering and shower these precious children with the love of a family and the necessities of life. Their lives are devoted to sharing the love of our Savior Jesus Christ with these children and others in their community, as well as the surrounding villages. It is my privilege and honor to pray for them and to help in a monetary way as we are able and as God leads. They in turn pray for me and my family. I know that their many prayers have sustained me through some of my most troubling times. It fills me and Kenny with so much joy as we see our prayers being answered across the globe. The pictures we see of smiling, beautiful, healthy, precious & loved children that are being cared and provided for, in a very tangible way that is honoring to God, is a HUGE blessing to us. I am not trying to rob them of their eternal rewards. I am writing because these people have devoted their lives to not only spreading the good news of Jesus to others, but they are providing a new life to children who have had the roughest of circumstances to deal with from a very young age. They are an inspiration to me on so many levels. On top of their orphan ministry, Rani's husband Onjang has become a Pastor. He is a modern day Paul going out into the villages of India and bringing the glorious message of salvation through Jesus to a people who may have never heard this great news that we know as the gospel of Jesus Christ. They hold services on Sundays and do special community outreaches as well. I love how the Lord can use us together as one family, connected by the Holy Spirit to plant seeds and water the crop so God can increase His kingdom! If you feel led, please visit their blog at: www.lifewayindia.wordpress.com. You can also friend LifeWay India on Facebook. I guarantee the smiling faces of these children will bring a smile to YOUR face! They give God ALL the glory, as do I.
Matthew 19:14
New King James Version (NKJV)
14 But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.”
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves...
Hebrews 10:24-25
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Last night, Kenny and I attended church together "live". You may wonder why that's so special or unusual, but it actually has not been a common occurrence for us for quite some time. After much prayer and consideration, Kenny has made some adjustments in regard to his service unto The Lord. He has set aside Sunday mornings (after serving many years at the Sunday 8:00 am service), for the benefit of our family. This has freed up some time on the weekends, which in turn has given us the ability to attend church together as a couple. I have driven maybe 4 or 5 times in the last year and a half, so I don't get out much unless we are together. It had become extremely difficult for me to get up very early in the morning and get myself ready in time to join him on Sunday mornings (he was there by 6:30 am for a weekly bible study that takes place prior to the 8:00 am service). After reading the above verse the other day, I so desired to join the "assembling of ourselves" with our brothers and sisters in The Lord. It has all happened in His perfect timing. Last night we were able to attend church together as a couple. Something we had been unable to do for quite a while. We were in great need of worshipping corporately and fellowshipping with our church family. Sure, we can feed ourselves spiritually via the internet, but nothing compares to being there in person. Walking through the corridors and through the sanctuary last night was like a "taste of heaven" as we were greeted by many familiar smiling faces at every twist and turn. Over the many years of attending church at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, we have developed many friendships & lasting relationships with some of the most amazing people around. We are so incredibly blessed beyond measure. The divine appointments that we encountered last night were so specific to our particular needs that there is no denying that God is with us and He is faithful. He showers us with glimpses of His glory that are just enough to keep us moving forward in our walk with Him....
New King James Version (NKJV)
24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
God knows exactly what we need and when we need it. Last night, Kenny and I attended church together "live". You may wonder why that's so special or unusual, but it actually has not been a common occurrence for us for quite some time. After much prayer and consideration, Kenny has made some adjustments in regard to his service unto The Lord. He has set aside Sunday mornings (after serving many years at the Sunday 8:00 am service), for the benefit of our family. This has freed up some time on the weekends, which in turn has given us the ability to attend church together as a couple. I have driven maybe 4 or 5 times in the last year and a half, so I don't get out much unless we are together. It had become extremely difficult for me to get up very early in the morning and get myself ready in time to join him on Sunday mornings (he was there by 6:30 am for a weekly bible study that takes place prior to the 8:00 am service). After reading the above verse the other day, I so desired to join the "assembling of ourselves" with our brothers and sisters in The Lord. It has all happened in His perfect timing. Last night we were able to attend church together as a couple. Something we had been unable to do for quite a while. We were in great need of worshipping corporately and fellowshipping with our church family. Sure, we can feed ourselves spiritually via the internet, but nothing compares to being there in person. Walking through the corridors and through the sanctuary last night was like a "taste of heaven" as we were greeted by many familiar smiling faces at every twist and turn. Over the many years of attending church at Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, we have developed many friendships & lasting relationships with some of the most amazing people around. We are so incredibly blessed beyond measure. The divine appointments that we encountered last night were so specific to our particular needs that there is no denying that God is with us and He is faithful. He showers us with glimpses of His glory that are just enough to keep us moving forward in our walk with Him....
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