I have been through a lot of suffering, but I have always placed my hope in Jesus Christ. He's the one who saved me and continues to save me. In this video you will see how the Lord speaks to us, and if we ask and listen, He will give us revelatory information about our own life. I love what Shawn Bolz says, "We are our own best prophet." I simply asked God for our address for our move and well... you'll have to watch and see how He fulfilled one word in 3 different ways!!
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If anyone should be concerned about getting coronavirus, it would be me. I am immunodeficient with Lyme and autoimmunity. Thankfully I'm on subq immunoglobulin therapy, but that doesn't put me in the clear. The antibodies are so tiny, they can't determine which ones that I am getting. I have absolutely no fear in the face of this virus! I am being wise and cautious, but fear and anxiety are FAR from me. How can that be, you may think? Jesus has removed the worst fear from me! The worst thing that could happen in our minds here on earth is that we die. In knowing that if I do, then I will go to heaven and live with no more pain or suffering. Revelation 21 tells us of the new order to come. “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” This is something we get to look forward to. For some, it may actually be getting really sick and living in a lot of pain. I've been there before; there was a time when it seemed like it would be better to die. Even in those moments, the Lord was right by my side pulling me through. Jesus took our place on the cross, so that we may live abundantly in Him! It doesn't mean that we won't walk through pain, suffering, trials and tribulations. In fact, Jesus promised us that we will walk through storms!! "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33. Ultimately, I believe that the Lord has me here for a much longer time, as He's given me specific words of restoration and abundant life over me. I will continue to proclaim those words that I heard from Him over me and my family. I know it's hard to think of what would happen to Matt and the girls, but I settled that in my heart a long time ago. I trust HIM even with the most valuable things in my life. Because I truly KNOW Him, and I TRUST Him wholeheartedly, every part of me. Satan wants to distort the face of God with lies about who He is. But if we see God for who He really is, then we see that He is loving and kind and wants all people to come to know Him (1 Timothy 2:4). And that it's actually God's KINDNESS that leads people to repentance (Romans 2:4). He sent Jesus, His one and only Son as a sacrifice, to remove sin that stood in the way between us and Himself. There's absolutely no greater love than that. Can you imagine sacrificing your own Son for the life of someone else? In fact, the reason we are even capable of fully loving, is because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 1 John 4:15 In the face of this storm that is very real and very scary for many, I want to encourage you to come to Jesus. Even in the midst of the storm, you can find peace in Him. Paul said it best, in his final exhortations to the church at Philippi. Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 Three weeks prior to my grandmother dying, I had a dream and saw her in heaven. At the time, I wasn't sure why the Lord had showed me that. However, when it happened, I wasn't surprised and I had a hard time being sad. I knew where Grandma was and I knew that she was home. When I flew home to go to the funeral, I was there a day before the rest of the family, so I went with my mom, dad and Aunt to sit with the pastors about the service. The pastor asks my dad and Aunt if anyone would like to speak and the Holy Spirit urged me to speak up. I felt confident that the Lord would say something through me, so I volunteered. Knowing my grandparents and their faith, I believe she was proud of that funeral service. While I was speaking, the crowd was somewhat stoic. And then there, on the right side of the church, there was this white haired man with a grin across his face and cheering me on. He was completely engaged and so encouraged me. His face just said, "Yes, that's right. That's the Lord speaking. Amen Sarah amen." He really helped me get through that while I had knotts in my stomach from being so close to my grandma and the people that were there. After the service and burial, we all had lunch that was provided by the church. I spent the rest of my time looking for that man so that I could simply thank him. He was nowhere to be found. I think the Lord sent an angel to encourage me while I was speaking on that day. The Bible tells us that angels can show up just like regular humans. For example, the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary to tell her that she would give birth as a virgin. Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Ig therapy has been a huge help in my treatment walking through Lyme and coinfections. On April 1st, 2019 I suffered a 24 hour bedridden migraine. I had suffered them daily for many months, but this one got brutal enough that I posted on Facebook for prayer. I received much love and I asked for specific prayer for my Ig therapy to be approved. I had already been waiting 6 weeks at that point. The treatment is so expensive, making it very difficult to get approved. A few days later I called the home nursing company to find out where they were with insurance. She happily tells me that on April 1st it was approved, the same day many prayed!! Man I love how God shows Himself to us. Things like that just aren't happenstance. “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8 I went to bed and had terrible pain in all my joints. I was so inflamed that my pants left a welt on my skin. I had a photosensitive (light induced) seizure when Matt opened the curtains in the morning. My heart was very swollen inside my chest. Come to find out, it was a full moon and Lyme flares are extreme during this time. I prayed and asked the Lord to remove all of the symptoms.
It was about 9:30 am, I had been running around the house cleaning, which I was completely unable to do an hour earlier. Something changed and I got caught up in cleaning, I nearly dismissed it! I looked down at my phone and see that I had a text from my friend Sammy that had come in around 9 am. She asked me if I was in pain because she had a dream that I had severe pain in my legs. I responded emphatically "YES!!" I said, "Did you pray? Because I have been exceptionally better for the last 30 minutes? It was the same time you sent the text." She responded, "That's when I started praying. Wow! God is so good!" The Lord reminded me of this story: John 4:46-53 There was a royal official whose son was sick in Capernaum. When this man heard Jesus was in town, he went to him and begged for Him to come and heal his son, who was close to death. “Unless you people see signs and wonders,” Jesus told him, “you will never believe.” The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his whole household believed. Reese had a major attitude about putting her bike away. She basically said, "No, it's too cold. Don't tell me what to do." I got pretty upset and spouted out in anger quickly but to no avail. It took a bit of arguing and standing my ground for her to put it away. But I wasn't satisfied because of the way she had talked to me! I made her go to her room and her anger and disrespect only accelerated. I sat in her room with her praying. I prayed and rubbed her back as she yelled at me to get out. I wanted her to know that I loved her no matter what. She would still face the consequences, but it didn't change the way I felt about our relationship. "Don't you care that I am hungry?," she says. My immediate response inside was 'of course I'd never want her to go hungry.' I had sent her to her room without food. I know what I did was for a consequence but then she played on my heartstrings. Then, I gently hear the Holy Spirit speak to me in a soft inner voice, "Sarah I care more about our relationship than your comfort." I think that the Lord was doing two things: He was encouraging me in my correction, and He was also teaching me in this moment. You see, just a few days ago, I was having a raw anger moment with the Lord. I was weak; I was having tremors. My brain was just not operating entirely correct. Let's just say I was having a Lyme flare and only a few short days after I posted my healing video of Lilli. "Why God? Why is this happening? I am feeling a bit like Job." I was angry at God. I know what He can do; I have seen HIm do it! He heals! I know it and I believe it. Knowing this made me realize that He chose to 'allow' the sickness to come over my body. A few days later, I was telling my friend how I was angry with the Lord the other day and I felt terrible for being that way. Her response surprised me, "Sarah, it's okay. He can handle it." I expected her to say, "It's okay, let's pray the anger away." I expected a response like Job's friends gave, "How dare you approach God that way?!" Blessedly, after Jesus, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, so my friend could give me a true response from the heart of God. Whereas Job's friends did not yet have the Holy Spirit living in them, their responses were human limited. You see, God doesn't just want to be our provider and healer. Though He wants to be those things too!! More than anything He wants us to seek His face, not just His hand. The Lord was teaching me that He wants me to seek Him in these moments of real, raw emotion. Are you angry with God? Talk it out with Him! He can handle it! My friend reminded me how I get angry with Matt sometimes too. It's called a relationship. Whether it's right or not, it's real and God wants us to come to Him. As much as Reese wanted to push me away in her anger, I wanted her to know that I would always love her. I didn't just want to give her what she needed (food), but I also wanted her to know she was loved no matter how much she disrespected me. I still wanted her to learn the importance of respecting Matt and me, so I carried out the discipline. It hurts my heart more than anything to withhold what she wanted. Let's be honest here, she had just eaten right before her tantrum. I believe God feels the same way. He wants to lavish us with every kind of blessing, but more than that, He wants us to have a real relationship with Him. I don't want my kids just coming to us for their wants and needs; I want them to approach us with all of their feelings, whether they are good or bad!! I want to 'know' them! I want them to seek our hearts, not just provision. How much more does God want to give us, but He wants us to 'know' Him first.
Seek the face of God. Tell Him how you really feel. Ask Him. Converse with Him. He wants to speak to you. God is always speaking, but do you know how to listen? If the Holy Spirit lives in you, then He will speak to you in a soft voice that sounds like yours. Sean Bolz explains how to hear God's voice.... Have you ever considered it joy when you are facing a very difficult situation? I cannot say that I have jumped up and down when facing impossible situations or much pain. "Consider Job," God says to Satan. God literally points Job out to Satan and says, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil" (Job 1:8). Wow. Thanks God. Thanks for pointing me out, and not only that, giving Satan power over me (not complete power). Yep that's what He did... Verse 9-12: "Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” You know, when you first get saved, the Lord puts a hedge around you... until He calls you deeper. Then He tests you. Out of the testing, comes pruning, and molding. Have you considered it joy when you face hardship? I still have a hard time grasping this concept. At least tonight. Right now. As I sit and contemplate the fact that I will have to face Lyme treatment again... this time, not me, but my eleven year old daughter.... a second round for her. Forgive my grammar tonight, as that's the last on my mind. Why? Job asked why. Job didn't get a straight answer from God, but his friends seemed to "know it all." I used to wonder why Job and God were so harsh on Job's friends. They seem to have logic in their response. Commit evil and God will punish you. It seems simple, but that's not the truth in this case, nor is it in mine. I have not denied His Name, in fact I've only promoted His name. Job did not curse God either. In fact, Job praises God after Satan's strike against him. Verse 20-22: At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. How do you react when you face various trials? Do you consider it pure joy as James says? Have you ever considered the fact that God is not only testing you, but He actually believes in you? He sees you. He considers you faithful to Him. He KNOWS you will praise Him in the storms. Do you consider it joy when you face various trials? I will go as far as to say, "Be honored that God chose you to walk through this difficult time." He will use you, grow you, and continue to be faithful to you. "Be joyful in the storm." Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:2-4
I prayed the same prayer as David did. "Lord search my heart and reveal anything that is not in line with your will." The Lord showed me the sin I had been living in for the last year. It was a miracle how I went from 52 routine daily pills to zero!!! How did I get there? Watch and see how listening to the wrong voice almost cost me my life. It's hard to be patient during suffering. We can learn from Paul as he was suffering in chains in prison. He trusted the Lord would deliver him! The storm always ends, so don't lose faith. Hold onto your joy because satan can't take it unless you give it to him. I've never made a New Year's resolution. I always thought it was silly to wait for the new year to make changes in your life, but as I watched others declare good fortunes and new attitudes for 2019, I began to reflect on my own life. What would I even say? It wasn't until I began to reflect over my life that I realized I have been living with an "I CAN'T" attitude! Believing this one lie has caused me to lose ambition, live in defeat, and relinquish my joy.
My joy from the Lord is the one surefire thing I have always counted on. Through all of our storms, the enemy has never been able to take it from me, until recent. I truly didn’t think it was possible, but all it took was believing one little lie. However, it didn’t start out as a lie… Over the course of laying boundaries due to my limitations from illness, I have had to say a lot of ‘no’s’. I have not only had to tell others no but also bind myself from many things. Gradually in the laying down of healthy boundaries, I started to believe that I could hardly do anything. Before I knew it, I was saying “I can’t” to most everything. It was about this time when I found a new doctor that led me further down a dark path. As she listened to me complain about my physical limitations, she began to diagnose and treat. Before I knew it, I was treating all sorts of ailments she had “discovered”. I added more and more pills/supplements. My body had become so confused. I put on a lot of fluid weight as my kidneys began to fail me. I thought the bacteria was causing renal failure, but that’s what I was led to believe. Then, Matt had a dream. He dreamt that I died from kidney failure. It was so vivid and emotional for Matt; we both agreed it was from the Lord. This is when my search for truth began. Over the next few months, I discovered that the medicine was damaging my body. Before Christmas break I started tapering many of my pills and supplements. I needed to start again from scratch and allow my body to work on its own again. “In Jesus Name I can do this. In Jesus Name I can do this.” These words have been my rock through the toughest years of my life. I would say them out loud over and over, pushing my way through any obstacle despite my increasing limitations. Gradually over the last year, these words started to fade unnoticeably. It wasn’t until my reflection that I discovered what the lie (I chose to believe) had done to me. I realize that I have replaced this confidence God had given me with a desperate cry. Instead of believing and declaring what God had promised through the Holy Spirit, I began to beg and plead with Him, as if He was withholding from me. Instead of begging God to give me what He already promised, I am claiming His promises once again over our lives. I am determined to LIVE again! I am standing on Jesus’ Name that “I CAN” and I will again REJOICE! “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” – Jesus. (John 10:10) What are you believing for? If you receive it, will you walk in it? The devil can't steal your joy unless you give it to him. Honestly, I can’t even imagine a life without pain, fatigue and suffering. It has become my normal and my family’s as well. Here is my vague story. I was able to use my calendar with appointments to try and nudge my memory. 2011-2012 - I had a newborn very ill with me. It was a struggle to get her to the doctor, and impossible to get myself to a doctor. There were times I was so weak, I couldn't sit up to burp Reese. 2013 –I was completely out of it, sick all of the time. Matt would come home to a disaster with while our two-year-old and I stayed sick on the couch. Matt would beg me to go to the doctor. I was burned by doctors my whole life, so I just told him that they would just tell me I'm fine and turn me away. Reese and I laid on the couch watching cartoons, while I watched "how to us Illustrator" videos on my computer. August 2013 - when I began to have neurological symptoms. Lilli would have to grow up fast during this time as she was taking care of me. She remembered things for me, packed her own lunch, walk herself to the bus stop. She would find me laying in the floor many times where I was unable to stand. Breathing became difficult for me. September 2013 I remember my sister Lindsay coming up to take me to the ER in Fairfax. My right leg would not operate correctly and I would have to drag it as I walked. I was so very weak, but I pushed to get better at this point. And yes, the doctors did the same thing they always did. That ER visit - the resident treated me as if I was wasting her time. She sent me home with a possible urinary tract infection (inconclusive). Then my parents were angry and they all took care of me at this time. Matt was certain I was a hypochondriac (we are able to laugh now). They took me to Johns Hopkins twice. No one could find anything, because the brain is impossible to test. I didn’t know it was my brain as I had no idea that there are actually 40 different types of seizures. Johns Hopkins did find that my left ventricle of my heart was slightly enlarged. But again, turned me away. I began to run around frantically with the help of my family going doctor to doctor. My mom took me to a Johns Hopkins rheumatologist. As I was throwing up and couldn't bare to see any light, the doctor said, "You are not sick enough to be in my office." That's verbatim. I never saw what he looked like because I couldn't even look slightly up. I was pawned from one doctor to the next. October 2013 – They finally said, “Your gallbladder “may” be going.” He asked me if I wanted to do the surgery, because they may take it out and it be good. None of the tests I did showed the truth. I begged to do the surgery, because I had no idea what else to do. When the surgeon went in, he discovered my gallbladder SO diseased that it had grown attached to my stomach. They had to cut it off the stomach. They typically do these out patient, so they forced me to go home. I begged them to keep me in the hospital, the pain was unbearable. I laid on the couch for 10-12 hours (not even able to go to bathroom). I could barely turn my head. Come to find out later, this was the first dose of IV antibiotics I had ever gotten with Lyme (I didn’t know I had Lyme at this point). I had a major herxheimer reaction (this is where the bacteria die and toxify your body). My dad and Matt couldn’t even lift me so they had to call an ambulance. Looking back I see that my body had become paralyzed. As the antibiotics wore down, gradually I was able to move again, but it took 4 days in the hospital to completely regain my mobility. Again, doctors and nurses told me I wasn’t trying! And the doctor told my mom, “I’m sorry, she’s not a cookie cutter case. I can’t help you.” December 2013 - January 2014 – I had given up. I just couldn’t fight anymore and I laid on the couch just asking God to take me home. My friend Bekah called me at this point (I hadn’t talked to her in awhile; it was God's timing). She told me to fight and she prayed over me. I was asking God to take me home to Him. Many may not understand this, but I was at this point many times. I wasn't suicidal, because I trusted Jesus' timing. But I was certain it was close. After Bekah encouraged me to fight, I got back up in my search for wellness. She said, "Sarah, some people die before their time, when they willing give up!" So, I began to fight again! July 2014 – Dr. Abidin FINALLY caught the Lyme! My NEGATIVE test according to CDC guidelines, was actually POSITIVE! I had Lyme for a minimum of 20-25 years, so my immune system (antibodies to fight Lyme) was losing the fight. I was in search for a Lyme doctor, thinking this was going to be an easy fight with 30 days of antibiotics. Boy was I wrong. I couldn't even get a doctor to take on my case. August 2014 –I finally found an infectious disease doctor. The very first thing he says to me, "There are two schools of thought regarding Lyme. Lyme can be beat in 20-30 days or few other controversial doctors treat with long term antibiotics. If you are seeking the latter, then I can't help you." I had no idea what he was talking about. He put me on doxy for 30 days. It made me so sick. Then I found an internist who put me on IV antibiotics for 70 days. When I told him it wasn't working, he said that we would try other things. Something happened between that visit to the next. He walks in with his head down, and says "I can't help you anymore. Here's a referral for an infectious disease doctor." My best assumption is that his colleagues had told him he could have his license suspended if he over treated me. He could also be sued by the insurance company. This is what happened to my doctor that helped me the most, Dr. Jemsek in DC. At this point, I could barely walk up the steps. My limbs were so heavy, I learned to drive with two feet. I had migraines to the point of throwing up. I had so many symptoms the neurologist said that I was crazy and put me on psych meds. I cried all the way home believing I had gone crazy. That MRI of the brain I begged for, caused me to have a seizure so bad, that I was walking like in the video below. Somehow I managed to drive myself to a local ER. The doctor there was great and ready to do a spinal tap. Of course he calls my neurologist. Dr. Fishman told him that I was basically causing my symptoms with my anxiety. He told the doctor to give me an IV of Ativan and send me home. The good thing was that it worked. I didn't know that the "anxiety med" was also used to treat seizures. Oh the relief that day. There is no pain associated with these, but it's scary to think that I may never walk again. May 2015 – I found a Lyme doctor in Roanoke, VA. At this point I was driving myself the 4 hours and would have to pull over and sleep 15-minute intervals to keep myself from wrecking my kids. I didn't know why I was so plagued with fatigue. She put me back on the IV with double the antibiotic amount. This time I had a home nurse because I was unable to do the daily trips to the hospital. Dr. Talty was amazing; however she could only get me so far. After 3-4 months on IV with her, I transferred my line over to Dr. Jemsek in DC. I continued multiple antibiotics and detox until January 2017. This time I was rotating several antibiotics. I have drawers and cabinets full of medication. September 2015 – I started passing out because of my heart. My heart beat went up to 180 bpm and it couldn’t get enough blood to the brain and I would pass out. Jesus saved me at least 5-6 times this happened. I would wake to my 3-year-old standing over me saying, “mommy”. She didn’t seem concerned so I imagine I wasn’t out long. Death was certainly closing in on me. I went to heart doctors who would take one look at me and not believe me. "You don't look like you should be in my office. You look healthy." I mean, what does healthy look like? How does anyone know what's going on inside the body by what the outside looks like? After Echo, EKG, heart monitor, tilt table etc… nothing would show up, because my brain was causing it. Dysautonomia / POTS. I was so tired of spending 6-8 hours in the ER for them to find nothing; so I quit. My home nurse forced me to go, calling Matt or she would call an ambulance. Another time I went to urgent care because I was having trouble breathing. She was in the office all of 1 minute feeling my crazy fast and off heart beat (tachycardia and arrhythmia), and she said I MUST go to the ER and she was calling an ambulance. I didn't want to go in an ambulance, so I had to sign agreement to go immediately to the hospital. She would call the hospital to make sure I went. Again, 8 hours later, with nothing. I was so fatigued, so I did a sleep study and they told me that I had mild sleep apnea, and I shook (myoclonic seizures) 255 times a night! They called it restless leg syndrome. My immune system was not good, so I was also on monthly IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy). This was a 6-hour day on IV. I only came off recently because my new doctor is trying other natural treatments. My doctor then, told me that I had to have had Lyme since at least 1992. It made sense because my dad was a boy scout and we went camping very regularly. I also grew up running through cow pastures! We lived outdoors. At some point, I would see another neurologist. His tech did an EEG on me. I shook uncontrollably every time the light was in my eyes. He never actually picked his head up from the screen and looked at me; he wasn't even in the same room. He focused only on the test, my brain waves. Shockingly, NOT, he said that the EEG was normal. August 2016 – FINALLY, I found a heart doctor on a Lyme blog. Dr. Atiga redid the tilt table test. The first doctor mocked me and did the test wrong. As they tilted the table from laying to standing, I felt a terrible sick feeling and I started to shake uncontrollably and then I nearly passed out (he did something to make sure I didn’t). My blood pressure and heart rate had dropped dramatically. It was very scary. Then Dr. Atiga says to me, “I don’t typically put a pacemaker in a 36-year-old (only about 1% are placed in patients under the age of 64), but I would like to put one in you. Are you okay with that?” I cried and said thank you thank you!! Dr. Atiga saved my life! After the placement of the pacemaker, I was more depressed than I’ve ever been. Not only was I so sick, I couldn’t do ANYTHING for myself. I had to rely on my dad and family to take complete care of me. I was miserable and helpless. September 2016 – November 2016 – The herxing was killing me. I would drive to the store and then on the way home I would forget where I live. I couldn’t remember a split second ago. I’m surprised I knew my family’s names. I know God's grace and healing were constantly working in me. The brain was so toxic that I even went completely paralyzed one day. Lilli was 9 and Reese was 5 and they were downstairs in the basement while I was up in bed. I couldn’t move a single finger, toe or anything. I couldn’t even speak. I was fully aware of everything and I could see, but couldn’t turn my head. Finally, Reese got scared and came up to yell for me. When she spoke it somehow triggered the ability to speak back. I yelled down, “Reese come help Mommy.” I told her to pull me out of bed. She pulled an arm and it triggered it to move. Then my leg, and then my whole body. I could walk, talk and move again!! One time, I lost my voice for 2 weeks. Most of the time I could barely get words out of my vocal box, but part of it I was completely mute. It came back in a split second when I was talking to Lilli. Praise God! Another supernatural healing. These stories are just the ones I can remember right now. You can imagine so much more struggle than this. Like I said at the beginning, "Vague." I know in my heart of hearts that I was only able to survive this by the grace of God. And, this really brings us up to present because I’ve not gotten better, but I have learned how to live differently: I lost / lose circulation in my limbs at night. Sometimes, I sleep in the recliner, because lying flat causes my heart not to be able to pump all the way out. Sleeping legs up and head elevated helps my heart work. It also relieves joint pain. I stay on one level of the house the best I can, and I put baskets at each staircase to fill up with items that need to go up or down. Matt carries them for me when he gets home. I never take staircases in public places when there is an elevator. Walking too far or uphill makes my legs burn. I’m completely exercise intolerant; this is a symptom of dysautonomia. I definitely get looks when I pull into the handicapped parking space. I only have enough energy in one day. Parking close gives me a little bit more time to get through. Pain debilitates me especially at night. I wake up all through the night stretching, moving and even going to the recliner. I can’t tell you how many times I walk into a room and forget why I’m there. It happens almost every time, many times a day. I can’t walk barefoot at all because of the neuropathy in my feet. Barefoot causes stinging and sharp pains in my heel and also like walking on coals and 1,000 needles. It’s awful. I also get terrible hot flashes where I’m sweating and everyone else is chilly. My sense of smell is so heightened that I try to avoid public restrooms, even because of air freshener. I get headaches daily and if I don’t treat it and lay down, then it’s migraine to the point of throwing up. I have to sleep with a minimum of 6 pillows at night and I’m so sensitive to light that all curtains have to stay closed at all times. Lights stay off during the day, and when Matt is home, the lights that are towards my eyes stay off. Sometimes I wear sunglasses indoors. Breathing is difficult at times. There was a point where my brain wouldn’t tell my appetite to work. I stopped eating and I lost weight. Matt started putting food in my mouth which then I realized that I wasn’t getting hungry! I just don’t know day to day what symptoms will come on. But there’s never a day without symptoms. I always say that it is a good thing my memory is bad, because I can always smile! Oh the grace of Jesus. I always need back support. My joints in my back, neck, fingers, knees and ankles hurt so bad each at different times. My back and neck hurt ALL THE TIME. So does my jaw. Sinuses are so chronic that I get the daily headaches and will have to go to ENT consistently to get suctioned out. This is after 3 sinus surgeries. I don’t go outside much. If I am around people, it takes a lot out of me. Mental fatigue causes physical symptoms. So, if I’m around people, then you can count on that amount of time for me to be down afterwards. If I visit family for a week, then you can count on me being down the next. It’s a game of knowing how to divvy my time and effort, because everything I do has a cost. If I have a two-hour doctors appointment then that’s all I can do for that day. Sometimes I try to shove two in one day, but it kills me. The whole next day I’m out. If I have over 4 things on my calendar in a week; that’s stressful for me. I have had to relearn everything in life, and I continue to have to relearn. For example, as I was just typing, I forgot if the comma goes before or after the "and". I had to find another example in my writing to get it right. I have not had any trouble with that before. These things happen all the time. My comprehension and word finding is very difficult at times. Mid sentence I lose my train of thought, multiple times a day. I was able to cope with this after having an 8 hour test that measures the loss of your memory and comprehension. The findings are compared with an average adult my age, with my level of education, a bachelors degree and occupational attainment. I've posted my actual test below. There is a clear line in my life before and after that 8 hour test. Before the test, Matt and I would bicker a lot. I was still trying to work my own company. I had OCD writing that financial spreadsheet to make sure I was making money. Matt would tell me that I was spending more than I was making. He had to convince himself that it was just my hobby, because I could not grasp what he was saying. My head was spinning and my will was strong. I was determined to make money to help, as my health expenses were ridiculous! I just "knew" I could do this! But... I couldn't. I was blind and my strong will was the only thing pulling me. Now the line was about to be drawn. I went in for that 8 hour test and I was frantically late (time became confusing to me). That test was the best thing I ever did. I slowly over the course of that day began to realize my brain was not working right. I grew so weary and it would decline even more. When the test came back, my jaw dropped. In most areas I dropped from 70% to around 30%. In one area I had gone to 1%! There were several others in the teens. So, the line was drawn and that test changed my life forever. My eyes were open and I could see that I had to lay a lot of boundaries in my life. I had to quit my business. But first I had to apologize to Matt! After seeing it on paper, I was able to cope with it. I think it's a lot like the beginning of alzheimer's. Without seeing it on paper, you are trying to convince yourself and others that your brain is well. You get very frustrated when others question your ideas or your forgetfulness. My grandpa couldn't understand why the doctor would take his keys away. In my experience with illness, the actual evidence has been the most important to me. So when you get all these tests back in the beginning that say you are normal, it makes you feel crazy!! What you learn over the course of years and many doctors is that most doctors only test for basic typical illnesses. You don't realize that when you get blood taken, they are only looking for a few things. When I got 30 vials of blood taken from my most recent doctor, I knew she was the right one. I now have hard evidence of what's going on inside. My mom had to demand my primary physician back in 2013 to take blood for Lyme. It was a simple test, and I was told it was negative. One year later, after taking an encyclopedia of my medical records in a target bag from doctor to doctor, it was discovered from that very same test. Dr. Abidin (he saved mine and my children's lives) braved those medical records thumbing through every paper. He's the only doctor that would do that. He came upon that Lyme test; he looked up. He said calmly, "You have Lyme." I can’t work. I have had to set boundaries. I go to church but do best when I’m home. However, even in my home is a daily battle. Honestly, I can’t even imagine a life without pain, fatigue and suffering. It has become my normal and my family’s as well. Please feel free to pass my story along to anyone suffering. It may save a life. In my most recent post, I talked about the controversial subject of suicide being the "Top Killer for Lyme". Depression always comes first and I address the spiritual component in this follow up video. Depression is a hard place to be in, and we've all been there. I'd like to go deeper into the spiritual side of it. If I could sum depression up with one word, it would be "hopelessness". Hopelessness leads to feelings of loneliness and shame. Let's talk... National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 Available 24 hours everyday 1-800-SUICIDE 1-800-784-2433 Teen Suicide Hotline 1-800-USA-KIDS (872-5437) Text CONNECT to 741741 International Hotlines United States Hotlines Are you close to someone who needs help? Download this app to help you ask all the right questions and know what to do in a situation. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health Huib writes, "The major cause of death from Lyme disease is suicide. Other psychiatric causes of death include homicides and opioid overdoses. Based upon epidemiological calculation, there are at least 1200 suicides in the US and 140 in New York State per year from Lyme and associated diseases." Excerpt from Annie Perkins article: "With any chronic illness, there may come a time when symptoms become overwhelming, when the judgments from those we love can weigh us down and with the large number of psychiatric manifestations that Lyme and co-infections can cause, some days can be significantly harder than the rest." Over the past 5 years of my research into my own sickness and many doctors and symptoms, I have concluded that the top killer for Lyme Disease and co-infections is suicide. Lyme Carditis is the next in line. I have struggled to stay on Lyme facebook pages because of the overwhelming hopelessness which burdens me. The only way for it not to bear me down is to take it to the Lord in prayer. I pray that I can be a light of hope to all those suffering. I think it's time for people to know the truth; it's time for those watching to show empathy for the spirit of the sufferers. The fact that the disease loves the brain and central nervous system causes sufferers to NEED the support of those around them. I am so very blessed to have a husband that supports me; I could not have pushed so far without him. Your brain is the control center for everything, from walking to talking, down to your emotions and moods. Lyme is not just about joints and flu like symptoms; it's deeper than that. If you are a support person and don't know the depths of the disease, I really hope you will dig and learn. And not only by the research articles, but by stories, real life stories of those suffering. Sue Baiata's suicide story written by John Baiata (brother) NBC News producer "She developed advanced Lyme disease in the years after being bitten by a tick. One of the side effects she experienced was hyperacusis, a sensitivity to sound so severe that she tried to find a doctor willing to surgically deafen her." Medical article on the subject put out by US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health. Bransfield RC writes, "Suicidality seen in LAD (Lyme and associated diseases) contributes to causing a significant number of previously unexplained suicides and is associated with immune-mediated and metabolic changes resulting in psychiatric and other symptoms which are possibly intensified by negative attitudes about LAD from others." Hi there. If you are reading this, infected with chronic Lyme and co-infections, contemplating suicide, I beg you to reach out for professional help. Enduring this pain is beyond us, but there is a loving God that wants to know you, to comfort you and to walk with you through this. Jesus Christ can use you to help others, just as he has used my story to reach you right now. Please let me show you Jesus heals in ways we never expected, beyond our understanding. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to a new mindset, a new way of thinking. Isaiah about Jesus Christ: He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. Have you ever wondered why God doesn't always heal when we ask? Well I think the Lord gives us an idea in the story of the paralyzed man. The video is only 5 minutes, so take some time to hear what i think the Lord is trying to tell us through this miraculous story about healing in this life and the next. It's only 6 mins. See into my heart regarding God's Word and healing through suffering. I have battled Lyme disease amongst other co-infections and illnesses for 8 years (though having it for 27). The Lord has taught me so much about His Word and faithfulness and I'd just like to share with you. My Notes for the VideoJohn 18:31 Pilate said, "Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law." "But we have no right to execute anyone," they objected.
Jesus Before Pilate and Herod - At daybreak the council of the elders of the people, both the chief priests and the teachers of the law, met together, and Jesus was led before them. “If you are the Messiah,” they said, “tell us.” - Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you will not believe me, and if I asked you, you would not answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the mighty God.” - They all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?” - He replied, “You say that I am.” - Then they said, “Why do we need any more testimony? We have heard it from his own lips.” This is what they crucified him for. Pilate succumbed to peer pressure but he thought Jesus was innocent Jesus Barrabas or Jesus Messiah At the festival the governor releases a prisoner picked by the crowd The crowd chose Jesus Barrabas They said “crucify him” "Crucify Jesus the Messiah" (Barabbas was a man who had been put in prison for causing a riot in the city and for murder.) Pilates wife warned him not to have anything to do with Jesus – she was tormented in dreams. But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed. “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor. “Barabbas,” they answered. “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. They all answered, “Crucify him!” “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!” All the people answered, “His blood is on us and on our children!” The whip (flagellum) was made of several pieces of leather with pieces of bone and lead embedded near the ends. Two men, one on each side of the victim, usually did the flogging. Flogging The heavy whip is brought down with full force again and again across Jesus’ shoulders, back, and legs. At first the heavy thongs cut through the skin only. Then, as the blows continue, they cut deeper in the subcutaneous tissues, producing first and oozing of blood from the capillaries and veins of the skin, and finally spurting arterial bleeding from vessels in the underlying muscles… Finally the skin of the back is hanging in long ribbons and the entire area is an unrecognizable mass of torn, bleeding tissue. (C. Truman Davis, "The Crucifixion of Jesus. The Passion of Christ from a Medical Point of View," Arizona Medicine 22, no. 3 [March 1965]: 185) It is not surprising that victims of Roman floggings seldom survived. Crown of thorns pressed into his scalp. scalp is one of the most vascular areas of the body. They also kept spitting on him… And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe (bandaid) and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. required to carry the heavy wooden crosspiece Jesus started out carrying his cross (John 19:17), pressing into the lacerated skin and muscles of Jesus’ shoulders. The scourging of blood so weakened him that he could not go on carrying the heavy crossbeam. Interject my weakness Simon carried it Jesus is quickly thrown backwards with his shoulders against the wood. The legionnaire feels for the depression at the front of the wrist. He drives a heavy, square, wrought-iron nail through the wrist and deep into the wood. Does other wrist – not to pull arms too tight but to allow some flexion and movement. The cross is then lifted into place. The left foot is pressed against the right foot, toes down, a nail is driven through the arch of each, leaving the knees moderately flexed. The victim is now crucified. As he slowly sags down with more weight on the nails in the wrists, excruciating, fiery pain shoots along the fingers and up the arms to explode in brain—the nails in the wrists are putting pressure on the median nerves. As he pushes himself upward to avoid this stretching torment, he places the full weight on the nail through his feet - arms fatigue, cramps through the muscles, knotting them in deep, relentless, throbbing pain. With these cramps comes the inability to push himself upward to breathe. .
3pm - Jesus cries “My God My God why have you forsaken me Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani? Some thought Jesus was calling Elijah to take him down not sure but possibility that Elohee sounded like Elijah to the Jews Jesus was directing us to Psalm 22 but it is also the moment when the Father's presence left Christ alone at the cross because at that moment He bore our sins and became a curse. Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”-- Galatians 3:13 Fullfill Scritpure “I am thirsty” (fully human) Gave sour wine vinegar (wine with myrrh - put on hyssop stalk sponge to Lips stupefy the senses - did to ease pain tasted then refused Samaritan woman – at well – you will never thirst again – another sign the father turned away Received the drink “It is Finished” Bowed his head - gave up His spirit “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” then curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom Most Holy Place But only the high priest entered the inner room The gifts and sacrifices were no longer accepted come boldly obtaining eternal redemption living God! mediator of a new covenant In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. But he has appeared once for all all generations Centurian “Surely this was a righteous man, the Son of God” beat their breasts and went away “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons. Matthew 27:52-56 Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. Hebrews 9:27-28 Over 40 recorded miracles Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. John 21:25 USA Today Comparison to Charles Manson 1969 Killed 9 Hollywood Residents in two days Although was never convicted of killing himself 60s sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll. Manson, then 34 convicted of murder as the mastermind, along with two other murders. styled himself as a Christ-like figure juvenile reform schools and jails, and he served 10 years in Washington state prison for pimping and passing stolen checks. master manipulator of both people and the media Manson claimed that he was Jesus and believed the string of murders would help hasten an apocalyptic race war. His cult of about 100 followers was deeply engaged in drug use and included many naive young girls lured in to help carry out his mission. His followers committed nine slayings at four locations in the summer of 1969. seven-month trial Manson was found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the deaths of seven people, including Tate. All of the slayings were carried out by his followers. He was also convicted of first-degree murder in two other deaths. He was originally sentenced to die in 1971, but the term was commuted to life in prison without parole after California eliminated the death penalty a year later. Resources:
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Blue Letter Bible KCRA News www.kcra.com Wikipedia C. Truman Davis, "The Crucifixion of Jesus. The Passion of Christ from a Medical Point of View," Arizona Medicine 22, no. 3 [March 1965]: 185) USA Today The Passion of the Christ (standard youtube license) The Gospel According to John (standard youtube license) Huffington Post Music: Rebekah White (purchase on ITunes) Something More by Sean Redmond Kevin McLeod - Instrumental Epic Cinematic - Instrumental Intense 2012 We will Rise Again by David Fesliyan 2013 Brink by David Fesliyan The Descent - instrumental Intense Watch the video first. There is a wealth of information that took a long time to prepare!
I personally think this is one of the biggest deceptions the devil has gotten away with in the 21st century. I live in the Washington, DC metro area, and I've never seen more political correctness. You can't possibly offend anyone without major backlash. This has caused us to be "stuck" in our relationship with God as a church whole. These younger generations are crying out for boundaries, and we continue to break down godly boundaries, in order not to hurt feelings.
When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, he took God's wrath that was meant for you and me upon Himself. Therefore, we who follow Christ, have been forgiven of our sins. Our sins have been paid for by Jesus. However, the question remains: Should we judge others? Who? When? The Bible is clear on not judging others when we are living in sin. Jesus says you will be judged in the same way that you judge. He goes on to call the self righteous judge, hypocrite. Why do you try to take the speck from your brother's eye, but have a plank in your own? Then.... it says, take the plank from your own eye, and you will be able to see clearly to remove the speck from your friends eye. (Matthew 7:1-5). I think we miss that last part. Do not judge if you are walking in sin yourself. You must be set apart, then help your friend by walking in love, taking the speck out of his/her eye. Recall, when the Pharisees (self righteous leaders) brought an adulterous woman to Jesus to be stoned. Jesus says, "Let the one who is without sin throw the first stone. That was a strong conviction as no one could pick up a stone. (John 8:1-8) Those who were ready to judge and condemn another were living in sin themselves, especially the religious leaders. Paul, is stern when he is speaking to the Romans about judgment. He says that whenever you pass judgment, you are condemning yourself. "So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment?" (Romans 2:1-3) Pay close attention to "yet do the same things." Isn't it interesting that the ones who are passing judgment are typically the hypocrites? According to the Scriptures I've found, they are all hypocrites. Is it different if you are walking in the spirit? I think people are confused in this area, and many people walk without accountability. I've seen people in leadership fall, because there has been misconception on judgment, accountability, speaking the truth in love. These verses are 100% truth, but I do think they are taken out of context (not including the entirety of the passage.) Please don't be deceived: 2 Corinthians 5:10 clearly states that we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. After salvation, we will still be judged for what we do good and bad. This doesn't mean we aren't forgiven when we repent, but we are still held accountable for what we do.
Deuteronomy 29:29
“The LORD our God has secrets known to no one. We are not accountable for them, but we and our children are accountable forever for all that he has revealed to us, so that we may obey all the terms of these instructions. Luke 12:48 “And a servant (you and me) who knows what the master (Jesus) wants, but isn’t prepared and doesn’t carry out those instructions, will be severely punished. But someone who does not know, and then does something wrong, will be punished only lightly. When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required. God does hold you and I responsible. We are accountable for the good and bad we do. I'm not talking about salvation here. Romans 2:5 But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” I'm urging you to take your heart before the Lord. Stand up for your convictions and do what is right in His sight. **** please look up and read the Scriptures in their context. I always do when I write, however it would be too long to post each Scripture in it's paragraphs. I'm more interested in your character than your feelings The words my grandmother spoke to me 9 years ago often ring in my ears. She looked into my 1 1/2 year old daughter's eyes and said, "Well sweetheart, you're still learning." Lilli had obviously done something dramatic and out of line. To my grandma it was simple, but she has no idea to this day how much that has affected my parenting. We are all still learning. Lately, every time I correct one of the girls, they say, "Mom, you're hurting my feelings and you don't care." I have always felt terrible for hurting their feelings, but I knew I had to discipline (prov. 13:24, Hebrews 12:11, Prov 22:15, Eph 6:4). Lord help me know what to do. I felt defeated. I felt like they didn't hear me, and I don't like to hurt them. Seriously, discipline is just as hard on the parents, if not harder!! I tell my girls, "I don't want you to grow up as brats!" Whether you spank, timeout, or simply correct, they have to throw it in your face like you are the most terrible parent! And with all of that, you have to trust you are doing the right thing. I mean how hard can it get??! I've prayed over this, and the Holy Spirit says to me, "Sarah you should care more about their character than their feelings, as I care for your character over your pain." Facebook can be so deceiving. A picture is great at lying, happy kids and parents, always doing stuff together. They look nearly perfect, with minimal struggle. Birthdays where no one cries, school days with no morning fights, no little liars, manipulation, or deceit. Need I say more? Facebook never helped me in my parenting. Scrolling always made me feel as if I don't measure up. And, to be vulnerable? to share my struggles in discipline, in parenting, in life? That's so difficult when hardly anyone else is transparent. Maybe all the others really do have it all together. Comment if you feel the same. Maybe we can encourage one another. Character. "I'm interested in your character, not your feelings. I'm going to be your mom that is raising you up in the way that is pleasing to the Lord." Steps to Healthy Biblical Discipline:1. Correct in a calm voice 2-3 times (yes, you heard that right. I can fly off the handle right away sometimes)
2. Consider your words, that they are correcting but also edifying. Speak the truth in Love.
3. Hold hands and pray with your child. Do expect him/her to reject, as they are being tempted by the enemy to do wrong. Prayer will break this. I used to take this rejection so personally, like what am I doing wrong that they don't want to pray? We still have an adversary out there, especially trying to grab the young ones.
4. Make sure you punish with the consequence fitting the sin. If we punish further than what is necessary, then you create fear in the child.
5. Do not threaten unreasonable punishments that you know are impossible. For example, you won't get to go to Disney World if... Obviously, this is unrealistic if the trip is planned. (Haven't we all spoke before thinking)
5. Follow through with your punishment. It's nice to give them some mercy, but don't completely take away the punishment (I've totally done this!)
6. Follow up with a hug and tell them how much you love them. This is my favorite verse that I tell my kids. Lilli used to say with a loud pouty voice, "That doesn't make any sense!"
We can do this moms and dads!! Let's be more vulnerable, so we can share and raise great children that learn vulnerability and transparency.
Luke 12:2 "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Denial is never good. Sweeping things under the rug accomplishes nothing other than festering temptation, leading to sin that's hard to identify it's roots.
Do you know God? I think that all, well most can answer that question with a yes. But what separates the living God, the great I am, from the dead god?
In better words, do you have a religion (dead god or idol) or a relationship (living God)? You see, religion kills, starts wars, and oppresses. Religion fights for some and throws fire on others. This is all done in the "name" of God. So "who" is God? Which god? I mean, there are many that worship the sun, moon and stars. In Exodus 3:13, Moses asks God what name he should give to his fellow Israelites. This God would bring them out of oppression from Egypt. God replies, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" I AM God sets Himself apart from other gods. It is becoming clear why a name is highly important. Jesus was given the name above all names, and if you want to understand what the one true God does, then study Jesus, who was man and God. Religion says, "Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth." Jesus says, "Turn the other cheek." Religion destroys. Jesus saves. The teachers of religion scorned, exiled and stoned sinners. Jesus spent time with sinners, saving them from their sins. Saul was the most sincere, devout religious teacher. He took it upon himself to enforce Jewish law in the name of God. This meant that many true Christians were murdered at the hands of Saul. I use the word sincere, to emphasize that you can be sincere in any of your convictions, but it doesn't mean you are right by God. Until one day on the way to Damascus, Saul was met by Jesus. "Why are you persecuting me?" says Jesus. You can read the rest in Acts 9:1-19. Saul's name was then changed to Paul (name importance), and he went on to lead the gentiles to Christ. He most importantly wrote 1/2 of the New Testament. You can still believe in Jesus while oppressing others, starting wars, scorning sinners, in which lands you right back in the middle of religion. Religion keeps others from God, where relationship reminds the world that Jesus died for all. There's the difference between believing Jesus and following Jesus. I think that we all have to check ourselves every so often and ask God to keep us on the side of relationship through Jesus Christ. Humans are a people of rules, where God wants to be our ruler. The Holy Spirit wants to guide us, but we feel the need for a formula. Our Father wants to be our daddy, but we want to replace His character with our human ideas of what a father should be and do. Let's take God out of the box we so often put him in. And Christians, stop going to church to find God for your conscience. Rather, find God through His Word and others and take Jesus to the world. Remember, Jesus destroyed the temple, as the temple of the Holy Spirit is YOU, not a building. The bride of Christ, the church, is not the building but is the people and Jesus is the cornerstone. What do you think about religion versus relationship? Are you quick to judge others for whether they go to church or not? Share Jesus. Not church. Trust me. They will want to come to church when they are hungry and thirsty. That was me. Jesus first. Relationship is God centered. Religion is man centered. He did all the work on the cross and "It is finished." The work is done, so just believe and trust.
Hope...
Have you ever experienced God move in your life with a mighty hand and get a completely different outcome than what you expected? That's what keeps happening in our lives. I sense that it is God's pruning, as it hurts. However, I look back and see the growth.
Last blog I told you that Kris Vallotton was coming to speak in DC. I saw God's mighty hand align the most impossible circumstances. Let me give you some background about this man. I had never even heard of him 3 months or so ago. Somehow, I made my way to his teaching (the Lord). I was hooked by his wisdom and revelation and I would watch his sermons sometimes 2 and 3 times a day, and read the Bible. I had been very sick during these times; as you know I have Lyme flares that can last long. It was easy to watch and take notes. Besides, I had yet to find a great pastor since the dismantling of our church plant. We helped plant Commissioned church 6 years ago, and there is so much I miss. We had to disperse over a year ago. We've since been looking for the right church.
Saturday night... The worship was so amazing and of course the sermon was incredible. I couldn’t take notes fast enough! At the end, I’m starting to get excited because somehow I’ve got to ask him to pray for me. They had already called two ministry teams up to pray, each of which did NOT have him a part of. But, he was directly in front of me! Just before he was about to take a step out, I just boldly tapped his shoulder, showed him my list of illnesses, and asked for prayer. He said, “Well, yeah let’s pray for you!” I explained how I wanted wisdom more than healing. Wow. He laid his hand on my head and prayed for me, but for some reason I couldn’t comprehend his words. This really bummed me out. I’m not sure if it was commotion or Lyme brain. His team, a few ladies, continued to lay hands on me with Matt and my dad right behind me. One of the ladies was praying and then she says to me, “The Lord wants you to know it’s okay to hope again.” I literally broke. I felt like my belly was kicked in, and a wall I built was shattered. I cried and cried, but really paying attention to that word. I was confused by the word. My initial interpretation regarded my health and children's healing. I consulted the Lord all day Sunday, trying to understand, as I didn't think I'd lost hope in my healing whether it's now or later. I began to think on finding a church home, as the last year was rough for me in that area. I had problems in the children's ministry in our last church. They were unapproachable, and disgraced when I raised questions about the doctrine. I thought we would still be building Commissioned and I didn't expect it to crash. I was bitter for some time, but have been able to walk through to the other side of that pain. Hope... Romans 8:24-25 For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it. So the hope that I've lost has to do with something that I have longed for in faith. Remember stick-to-itiviness? Why would we stick to it, if we don't hope for what's ahead? I can't say that I've hoped for complete healing. Let me explain. In the beginning I absolutely yearned for health, and even in my most painful moments, which are many, I called out to God, "WHY?" I begged him to take me home and bring me to full healing in heaven. Being near to death, He would hold me as close as He could to the flame but always pull back. Let me tell you this, I could feel the heat of that fire and these were the moments I wanted Him to take me. When you have a blessed family with two beautiful girls, you can grasp the idea of how painful it was. When Paul was tormented by the devil, he pleaded for God to take it away. After the third time, Jesus said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:8) Prior to this, Paul boasts about his sufferings. Talk about being held to the flame! In the past I've wondered, why do Scriptures tell us how many times Paul begged? I see it now, it was important to show me that I can stop asking, trust and hope in Him. Instead of wasting time begging for healing, I would rather have wisdom (this is not for everyone, as Jesus loves to heal). I want wisdom and revelation so that I can help others come to salvation in Christ. I want to see people, delivered, healed, forgiven, saved and go to heaven with me. If God sees a purpose in my sickness, then I trust in Him to SUSTAIN me. I'm certain many do not like my answer or understand it, but they don't have to. God is my refuge, not the opinions of the people. I'm learning to be more vulnerable. In this past year, I have longed for the Lord to use my family for His glory. We have waited and waited. Then I was fired as a volunteer. Haha! I met with the Pastor asking for more Jesus in the children's curriculum. I mean, how much Jesus is too much?! I'm shocked by the suppressing of the Holy Spirit, of a supernatural God. Isn't it interesting how Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin” (Mark 3:29). This same Spirit is in each of us, raised Jesus from the dead. He led Jesus' entire ministry and He's who fell on the disciples and 3,000 others giving them power and boldness for the work of the ministry. YET, churches are not including Him in their services. The worship is amazing as they are playing all of the popular Hillsong and Bethel songs. The funny thing is, I wish they would listen to the teaching as well. The controversial Kris Vallotton and Bill Johnson's teaching is full of wisdom and revelation, which of course only comes from the Holy Spirit and God's Word. I would advise reading 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; I posted the passage at the bottom. I truly had lost hope in the local church. I told Matt just before Kris Vallotton night, I couldn't see anymore. I couldn't see ahead of me, and I'd lost any vision for working with children. I never lost hope in healing, but I did lose hope in my calling. I clung to one prophecy, but lost hope in my present calling.
God had given me a vision for teaching the children God's Word, prayer, and how to move in spiritual gifts through children's ministry, using my theology and art background. When I walked into that new church in DC, I was so engulfed by the presence of God. Although I left feeling confused, I was built up in the Lord. The next night was the regular service for Grace Capital church, and I left there with HOPE in a church after talking to the pastor. The sermon was PHENOMENAL! They are a new church plant, only one year old, and I would never have found them if it weren't for Kris Vallotton speaking there. The church doesn't show up on Google, and you know that's how we roll in the 21st Century. God works in the coolest ways. He restores hope and works all things out for our good for those who love Him.
The outcome was different, but it's better. It's always better when the Holy Spirit guides us into the right place, despite not being what we expected. My family is finally home.
"Should we come to God with expectation?"
Many will say, "But I've asked and God didn't answer, so I end every prayer with 'if it's your will God?.'" Others complain, "He may do it for you, but not for me. I'm tired of waiting." Still others, "I was healed in this way, but then my finances started to suffer." Who am I kidding? Haven't we all said one or all of these in our hearts at one time or another? My favorite question during suffering... one word: "Why?" God never answers me when I say why at my most frustrating and painful moments. Later in His word , when I'm "actually" listening, He gently teaches me James 1:2-7. Be joyful while you are going through all different kinds of trials! The Lord is proving/testing your belief in the gospel and a supernatural God. This proving of your faith produces perseverance, which is essentially stick-to-itiveness. Yes, you heard that right! That is a real word!! So what are we sticking to? Our suffering? Certainly not! We are sticking to Jesus, to our faith in Jesus, the Name above every Name. Stick-to-itiveness Pay attention to the word produces; the Greek word is κατεργάζομαι. The tense of the verb is perfect infinitive which is very important in order to understand this passage. The sentence should be translated "God tests my faith 'to produce' perseverance" (stick-to-itiveness). The infinitive tense means that it's connecting the verb with another verb. Perfect tense in the Greek means that "the progress has been completed and the results of the action are continuing on, in full effect. (http://www.ntgreek.org/)" Therefore, God tests my faith through trials, which will result in continually persevering with steadiness. If perseverance is complete, yet continual, then this would mean that we are in a place of wholeness, despite our physical lacking, expecting healing and wisdom from a supernatural God, (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). The Lord is doing something deep in your spirit, etching off the impurities little by little and working out your salvation; this is healing too. Eternal salvation for you and those around you is worth more than gold or silver. See where Jesus forgives before He heals the man on the mat (Luke 5:17-26). So... should I expect God to move? the answer is certainly YES.... BUT Speed and perseverance don't go together. Remember, when we arrive at perseverance, then you are complete, not needing speed but steadfastness. You see, while you want relief, God wants YOU more. Your faith and love for Him grows in the longevity. The thing is, He IS moving and has been moving, but we haven't opened our eyes to see. We seem to be creatures that forget a lot. We have many testimonies from yesterday where God has taken us out of a situation miraculously, yet we cannot see how God could move in our current situation. Why? We are not living with expectant hearts, remembering the past miracles and expecting Him to take care of our future as He promised. Whether we are on one side of the trial or the other, we should be walking in maturity and wholeness through perseverance!! The NASB is the best translation of vs. 4, "And let endurance (stick-to-itiveness) have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. And so, We are seeing with the wrong eyes. When we see our trials through the lens of our physical eyes, all we can see is brokenness, lacking, and incompleteness. If we are complete in our faith by walking out steadily in our perseverance, then yes we absolutely expect God to move every time. He may say "not yet", or "my grace is sufficient for you (2 Cor 12:9)" in some areas, but He WILL move. Physical healing WILL come now or later and sometimes it's when we are PERFECTLY whole as in Revelation 21. Friends, you ARE mature and complete if you are walking in perseverance. During this time of perseverance, you stand in your undeserved yet rightful heavenly place through Jesus' righteousness, and EXPECT God to move every time. But don't "see" with your natural eyes. However, healing in the "spiritual" will also manifest in the natural!! Pay attention to verse 5. Above all we should seek wisdom. Tonight I'm going to a special service in DC, where Kris Vallotton is speaking. He is from Bethel and people are constantly being healed physically in their church. I'm going to bring the list of all my diagnoses and expect something from the Lord. What I will ask for first above all is wisdom. I want Kris Vallotton's mantle and I'm going to ask for it and expect it!!! More than anything that's my desire!! The Lord sustains me daily, and I want to share His wisdom and revelation with others so that they can understand God's Word. (For another blog: I was able to ask a demon, "Why haven't you killed me?" And it said, "I can't, only He (Jesus) can.") God sustains me. Ephesians 1:17-23 Paul asks God to give the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, which brings about knowing Him better. "I pray that the EYES of your HEART may be enlightened in order that you may know the HOPE to which He has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." (vs. 18-19) Paul is not talking about our physical eyes; he is talking about our spiritual eyes. As our eyes are enlightened (able to see), we have hope in our calling and believe in our inheritance and we have the same power that raised Christ from the dead, the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
James 1:2-8 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
Dear Jesus,
I'm walking in perseverance expecting you to give me more wisdom and revelation through your Word and through this wise gentleman, Kris Vallotton tonight. Lord above all I expect to grow in revelation. I'm bringing a list of my illnesses and expecting that you will heal me in some regard. I will walk away in faith believing and expecting. Lord I thank you that you sent this man to me. I know that he's there for others, but truly it's a miracle that he's going to be in DC. I just can't see it any other way; you have something great for me and my family! And, THANK YOU for sending my dad up as well! As you already know all this, I'm going to share the list of illnesses so all can know that despite my many many trials, I stand steadfastly in perseverance and stick-to-itiveness. I am complete in that I have YOU and I stand strong, because when I am weak you are strong in me. It's not by my strength, but I hold onto a supernatural strength through the power of YOU the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead. Thank you Jesus for walking, willingly to the cross in order that we may be saved and our sins forgiven receiving eternal life. Jesus if you can walk through these trials, I believe I can through the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray all these things in your Holy righteous name... Jesus.
Doctor Confirmed Diagnoses
Lyme Borealis Complex Addison’s disease Low Immunity Ray nodes syndrome Dystonia Myoclonic seizures Arthritis all joints Bulging disc in L5 S1 Arthritis up my spine 12 Lesions on the Brain Pineal Cyst in brain Gastroparesis Pacemaker Dysautonomia POTS High Blood Pressure Lyme Asthma Sinusitis (3 surgeries) Gallbladder Removed Hypothyroidism Fibromyalgia Chronic Fatigue Generalized Weakness TMJ Memory Loss Anxiety Chronical illness depression Sleep Apnea Restless Leg Syndrome Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome Symptoms are too many to list! God sustains me! Over the past year I've had a hard time writing on a regular basis. I just thought I had writer's block, or I was distracted (as my illness would overtake). Facebook has dropped off of the map for me as well. I just kept allowing time to slip by, trying not to think about it, but God reminds me. I'd pull up the site to write and only every now and again I could put my fingers to the keyboard. Otherwise I would keep a tab open to come back to it (yes that's how I do my to do list, by tabs). It is at this point that a lay my head back in my chair and ask the Holy Spirit to speak through me so that others can be touched by my vulnerabilities.
And.. well there it is. The answer. Vulnerable. Who likes to be vulnerable? You lay yourself out there, knowing that some will be touched, others will judge you, and others will mock your faith or your situation. The hardest part for me is being judged for the way I handle my kids with the treatment of Lyme, or worst, unbelief of their diagnosis's. Definition of vulnerable: capable of being physically or emotionally wounded : open to attack or damage : assailable
: capable of or susceptible to being wounded or hurt, as by a weapon: :open to moral attack, criticism, temptation, etc.: (Miriam-Webster and Dictionary.com) Isn't it easier to be silent, to not even risk the hurt? Is it worth it? Are the few who are touched by your story worth it? We see God saving the remnant all through the Old Testament. Noah was the remnant, the one who still sought God. Wasn't he vulnerable? Talk about a family that obeyed God despite the mockery. It was 120 years that God gave mankind to turn back to Him (Genesis 6:3). The Bible does not tell us exactly how many years it took Noah to build the ark. But, I like the way "Answers In Genesis" deduces their answer down to about 20-40 years. Imagine: Mankind is evil, doing the worst kinds of things. It had never rained on earth at this time. When God created the world, the oceans and such sprung up from the ground (Gen. 2:6). The scene is Noah and his family cutting wood building this ENORMOUS boat and telling people to repent, save yourselves, because God is going to dump water from the heavens. Now, this was not just a simple boat; it is nothing like what we see in the cartoon depictions. This boat (ark) is 1 1/2 times a foot ball field (450 ft long), 75 feet wide, and 45 feet tall. To make matters just all that more difficult, mankind had not ever seen rain before. This would be the very first rain, well, supposedly according to Noah. For 20-40 years, Noah is mocked and judged. We know this because, no one other than Noah's family got on that boat. Vulnerability is an understatement. I can sit here behind my computer screen sharing my story and love for Jesus, post, and then decide not to read the comments. I hear the enemy place thoughts in my mind that "speculate" what others are saying. But Noah was out there in the open. His vulnerability was out there in a physical dimension for anyone walking by to see. If the evil was ramped enough for the Lord to destroy ALL of it, then it must have been worst than anything we all can imagine. Noah was vulnerable. The Lord convicts me here. Am I living this life to please God or man? It IS worth the few. It was worth Noah and his family, the 8. Satan is the father of all lies and all mockery. Satan is at work, as I use to obey him. If we really think and pray on this, we realize that many do not even know what they are saying until they humble themselves to the feet of Jesus. Ephesians 2:2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil--the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first." Vulnerability. The devil doesn't want you to stand up and speak. He doesn't want you to share your story about Jesus in your life. That being said, I will share where I am in my illness. And I will share my faith in what God is doing through me, through it. Strongholds In order to break down strongholds in your life, you must allow God to make you vulnerable. The type of stronghold I am talking about is described in 2 Corinthians 10:4. It is a fortress you have built up, with the help of satan, to keep you safe from being hurt or exposed to criticism. Unfortunately this type of stronghold does not allow God to work in and through you. Once we allow God to break down our strongholds, we are exposed to the fiery darts of the devil. This is when we must take up the armor of God (shield of faith) and take refuge (stronghold) in Him. 2 Corinthians 10:4 NIV "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." Let us allow God to protect our hearts, and make ourselves vulnerable, in order that we may help others with their struggles that are like our own. Use your spiritual weapons to break down the fortresses you have built up and take your refuge in Jesus. He sets you on a firm foundation, up high on a rock and no matter what comes your way, you will stand strong. Snow days! I remember when I was a child how exciting it was to get a day off from school and go sledding. Or simply get a day off last minute. My sisters, brother and I would stand by the radio or watch the television eagerly waiting that long list of closings and delays begging for our school to be called, as if we could persuade the newscaster. And, oh the joy if he did call our school; we might as well have thrown a party! My mom was a teacher, so she would be excited as well, so long as we didn't miss too many days causing them to shorten our summer. I get it when my girls are eager for snow days, and I root with them.
It was just after Christmas break, the weather got cold and snowed. The girls missed a few days and it was time to go back to school. The temperature was rising turning the precipitation to rain. Typically they call the schools off the night before around here, and they sent a message that they would reevaluate in the morning. At this point, school was open. Upon receiving this message from her dad, I hear Lilli say, "I'm going to pray that they close school tomorrow." My initial reaction was, "Really Lilli? That's not a reasonable prayer!" After saying that, the Lord convicted me, "Isn't it tho?" I corrected myself and said, "You know what? It doesn't hurt to ask Him. He can always say no." Lilli came running up to me eagerly to pray. I told her she had to ask. She closed her eyes and made a short plea to the God of the Universe. "Please God, close the schools tomorrow, so we can have one more day of fun. In Jesus Name. Amen." The weather was looking unlikely from a human's perspective. At bed time, Lilli once again says, "Mom, will you ask God too?" So I prayed as well. "God, I know you delight in your children. You are our daddy, our Abba Father. You tell us to ask anything in your name, and I know nothing is too big for you. Lilli wants one more free day, so will you close the schools for her? In Jesus Name." Okay girls, time for bed. The morning came, and Matt comes in to tell me to go back to sleep because schools are closed. He proceeds to converse with me, "When I was a kid, I had to walk a mile to school in a foot of snow." I bet every parent says that these days! It made me chuckle as my head hit on the pillow. I smiled because I knew what God did for Lilli. It doesn't hurt to ask. The girls were so excited! Lilli was ecstatic that God heard her small prayer and moved on her behalf. It's even in the little things that God hears us. He says, "You have not because you ask not." He can always say no, so why not ask? He wants to give to His children as a father gives to his child. But our Father in heaven has ALL the resources. Hehe. Jesus said, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:11 Sure, it wasn't life and death or a necessity like food and water, but God wants a relationship that's more than just talking to Him when we "need" something. He wants us to love Him, like really delight ourselves in Him. He's not just our God and maker, He's your Father if you trust Him. On a practical level, what does this look like? Prayer is ultimately talking to God. You don't have to always close your eyes or recite a creed. Just talk to Him. He's not as far off as you may think. Jesus came down from heaven to make a way for us. Search out the Bible or ask a Christian friend to help and you will find Him. Acts 17:27-28 And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us, for “‘In him we live and move and have our being’; as even some of your own poets have said, “‘For we are indeed his offspring.’ I love when God answers our silly prayers. He's a daddy like that. Oh my sweet baby Jack. He's my sister Lindsay's 18 month old baby. He's near and dear to me, as he's always been my miracle baby. Originally he was born to die, being diagnosed with trisomy 18. Some babies live a little but not long. I'll never forget the morning Lindsay called me hysterically crying as she relayed the news to me. I had this supernatural confidence that the Lord was going to override this death sentence. I prayed over her, over Jack. I just knew in my spirit that he was going to live and he was going to be healthy. Over the course of her pregnancy it would be one thing after another, where the enemy would try to steal Jack's life. It was a spiritual battle for this one precious baby. The day had come, and would you believe that this sweet baby was perfect? He was not just healthy; he was perfect. He's the sweetest, most loving and caring little guy. I've known from prayer to now that he has an extraordinary purpose on his life. I pray over him every time I see him or hold him. The love that I have for this boy is beyond what you can even imagine, as I love him as I do my very own girls. Over the last year, there has been a battle for this family. Lindsay has been very ill and needed help with Jack over the last month. Matt and I took him into our home. It was certainly a change of pace for us, and I had to be on my toes with my own shortcomings with Lyme. We had gates, toys, food on the floor (glad we have a little dog Dixie), and all that comes with a little one. A. Lot. Oh but the moments. Everything about my miracle baby melted my heart. He learned so much in a short month. He and I will always have a special bond. Oftentimes, we think that God has this extraordinary plan for our life, and we wait as it passes us by. Kris Vallotton reminded me of our current modern day worship singing for the heavens to rend open, or we are on the verge of this enormous breakthrough. Yes this is true that God does pour out his glory, mercy, healing and love over us, and breakthrough is always coming. However, we miss it when we don't open our eyes seeing him in the details of our daily monotonous lives. The Lord had me up all night over our Thanksgiving break, praying over Lindsay as she was in the ER once more for her ulcers. Quickly as the night began, God told me to help her heal by taking Jack until Christmas. This was an unlikely possibility that all would be on board. Matt, as the leader and protector of our family, was concerned over my own health while taking care of a baby. I did not take Jack that next day or the following week. It wasn't until the very next weekend that all hearts had softened and were on board. This was my calling right now. God had prepared the way for me to give my undivided attention to my family and to Jack. We knew that it wouldn't be perfect, that there would be frustrations, battles and even jealousy. We worked through each one as it would present itself. I had to adjust to the fact that I still needed to care for Lilli and Reese. You would think this would be obvious, but it was a sudden, demanding, extravagant change in our home. At the end of our care for Jack, Lindsay was healing in leaps and bounds. As I look back over the course of the month, it wasn't this explosive ministry where 10 kids were saved or lives were changed through a great Word. My days consisted of multiple diaper changes, saying the same thing over and over to get him to say something, sitting on the floor playing legos, watching baby cartoons as he sat in my lap or attempting to read to him. This was my calling from God right now. Jack is one child. Jack matters to God. You matter to God. It isn't always in the extravagant that God is calling us to serve Him. I've learned that over the last month. The last lines of this song by Hillsong spoke to me straight from the heart of Christ. It was the sum of what the Lord had called me to do. It was my calling, my obedience to the Lord, surrendering myself for one, as Christ did for me. He doesn't leave one of His behind. "I can see Your heart in everything You’ve done Every part designed in a work of art called love If You gladly chose surrender so will I I can see Your heart Eight billion different ways Every precious one A child You died to save If You gave Your life to love them so will I Like You would again a hundred billion times But what measure could amount to Your desire You’re the One who never leaves the one behind" |
I write in order to give others hope during their trials, tribulations, and physical suffering. Jesus gives me hope and spiritual healing as I walk through the fire. My desire through my writing is that you would also gain hope through Jesus Christ. He died for the world to come to know Him and be saved by believing.
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May 2020
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