It is more than time to start a new thread. WOW, so much has happened the last (almost month) and I plan to comment regarding posts from lost time. I'll put those comments on this new thread if that is ok with everyone.
With all that's going on in my life right now...this scripture ministers to me. My husband and I are moving from Oklahoma (been here 23 years) to Florida. Very exciting, at the same time, have sooooooo much to do. Altho I read your posts...the past few weeks I've been packing and still am.
May you, too, be blessed by these verses.
1 Thessalonians 16-18,
Rejoice always,
pray continually,
give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
We worship and praise Christ Jesus our Lord.
[ 04-05-2012, 10:46 PM: Message edited by: daisyrlb ]
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Oh daisy... I SO HATE moving! I hope this will be a great move for you two!!!
God's blessings upon you!!
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
daisy, God bless and strengthen you and your hubby as you start this new chapter. Sounds exciting & huge!!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
daisy,
It is exciting to start a new chapter and I'm sure God is leading you.
I would love to be moving to warmer weather and near the beach!
Praying all goes smoothly for you and gwb!!
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Dear Friends,
Thank you so much. We have lived in this state for 23 years. Have lots of packing to do...but it is moving along and I thank God that I'm feeling good.
Thank you for your prayers.
Have a great day knowing God is with you!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good eve everyone,
I am rejoicing with you and may God continue to give you strength. I so enjoy you being here on God Thought, thank you. Yes, I am blessed by the scripture/verse you have posted.
1Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
ALWAYS? EVERYTHING?
I understand God made us to be joyful, not gloomy and grumpy. Paul says, "Be joyful always." Being joyful always does not come from our feelings; it comes through a decision of faith. So if we depend on our feelings, we cannot be joyful always. But, but seems to be in my thoughts...A LOT these days.
Galatians 5:22 says, " But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When Paul lived for Jesus, he was full of joy through the Holy Spirit, even in prison. I keep telling myself I can be joyful in sufferings because there is the Lord's plan behind them. Then I wanna say, bullcrappy! I have no patience anymore, nor do I have self- control." But, I am to be joyful because God is refining my faith through fiery trials!
Romans 5:22 says, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverence; perseverence, character; and character, hope."
Jesus lived a life of prayer. He prayed from the beginning of His ministry to the end. Jesus taught the Lord's prayer. Praying is spiritual breathing. Praying deepens our unity, our love with Abba Father.
I am still working on giving thanks..give me time...I be kind of grumpy, and should focus on joyful so I can be thankful...my attitude this day. Sinful attitude. To not give thanks. Unthankfulness is dishonor. It's the opposite of worship. To honor Him, is to give thanks in all things. It is worship.
Romans 8:28 says, " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him..." God is good in all things.
I could keep going on and on, hope to not be boring, but my heart keeps talking to me and I have so many thoughts.... I read this quote a short bit back and it did not have much meaning to me, but this day I have ringing in my ears.
Jerry Bridges- quoted... "In the arena of adversity, the scriptures teach us three essential truthes about God, truths we must believe if we are to trust Him in adversity. They are... God is completely sovereign God is infinite in wisdom God is perfect in love Someone has expressed these three truths as they relate to us this way.... God in His love always wills what is best for us. In His wisdom, he always knows what is best, and His sovereignty he has the power to bring it about- J. Bridges.
God is telling us that He wants us to rejoice always. When you are distressed, rejoice. When you are sorrowful, rejoice. Rejoice always, because you are saved. Rejoice because you have the Holy Spirit. Rejoice because you can. You have been enabled to praise God for Who He is, and for His goodness, no matter what happens in this temporal world. Pray without ceasing. Keep on praying, even if you don't feel like praying. Pray and ask God to help you (actually me) to like, enjoy, and look forward to prayer. Pray, expecting God to answer you. Pray like God is your best friend, because He is. In everything give thanks.
Trust God with whatever is going on around you, knowing that he is causing all things to work together for good to you who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Trust God and give thanks in your trust, knowing that God in His love always wills what is best for you. In His wisdom, he always knows what is best, and in His sovereignty He has the power to bring it about. This brings honor to Him and this is what we want to do in all these things that we know are God's will for us in Jesus Christ. Amen!
One more thought then I will let you be and rest... Psalm 107:19-21 "Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He sent out his word and healed them, and delivered them from their destruction. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for hhis wondrous works to the children of man!
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
MDW, Thanks for the write. Exactly what I needed to hear today!
It was one of those very hard days....but I'm thankful there is tomorrow. And God gives new strength & hope for each new day.
I'm ashamed to admit it, because I have the fruit of the Spirit memorized but until reading it here, I hadn't thought about joy being a fruit.
Seems I've misplaced that one. Please Lord, help me get your joy...and use it!!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Thanks for all that you shared, MDW.
I always wonder where you get all that good stuff that comes out of your brain..lol.
I enjoyed reading it very much and it makes me feel encouraged. Thanks!! Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Dkat...so sorry it's been a rough day...me too. I made a mistake above, it's Romans 5:3-5, not 5:22. LOL there is not even a 22 in Chapter 5. 2 is a beautiful verse...Through him we have abtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Daisy help teach me the Fruit of the Spirit way back when on God Thought...but, I just need to remind myself, they are more than just words...practice them...yes.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
This is my grandsons' new favorite song. I have to play it everytime they get in my car and they sing along.
Hi dekrator...where I get the good stuff? The Word Actually, when daisy shares scriptures, it gets my brain thinking and how it could relate to things in my life. I like homework. Then when my heart won't shoosh, I go to my Bible and led to scriptures with the help of Concordance and the Lord guiding me.
Would love to hear the cute voices of your grand-little's singing. How awesome that must be to listen. Brings a smile to my face, with the thought of joy they must bring you.
Oh, 10,000 Reasons by Matt R. kept getting stuck in my head over the weekend visiting the ocean and lighthouse. The song was driving me nuts! Here, let it get stuck in your head ....
God is so good and faithful. I feel like I have also grown alot. I'm just not so eloquent like you are.
Beautiful song you posted!
DKat, I liked the song you posted too! I never heard either one of those before.
MDW and DKat, My grandsons do bring me so much joy. I love to hear them sing songs of praise. They have learned quite a few. My latest CD has 15 songs on it and they listen and sing often.
When Kaden gets in the car, he immediately turns to track 4 so they can start with "Your Grace is Enough". They love some other Matt Maher songs too.
They don't want to get out of the car at our destination until the song we are listening to is over...lol.
They make my heart so happy.
I'm addicted to the music too. I listened to that one CD 5 times on Sat when I traveled to MD and back. I never get tired of it.
I'm praying for everyone!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Loved the songs! Thanks for what you wrote too, MDW.
My husband and I have gone thru the fire the past few days... nothing to do with our marriage.
So please pray for us when you get the chance. We are feeling better now, but so much negative has occurred that you wouldn't believe it.
We thank GOD we have GOD to lean on!!!!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Dekrator, yes, you have grown so much. It will be two years in May for me. Remember when we would say we were the three musketeer's? Now, we are many musketeer's joined. All for One and One for all.
I found it to be intersting that the musketeers had servants ( I think I will be just fine w/o a servant)
Musketeer Portho' servants... Planchet (d'Artagnan) - a young man from Picardy, he was seen by Porthos on the Pont de la Tournelle spitting into the river below. Porthos takes this as a sign of good character and hires him on the spot to serve d'Artagnan. He turns out to be a brave, intelligent and loyal servant.
Grimaud (Athos) - a Breton, trained to speak only in emergencies and who mostly communicates through sign language.
Mousqueton (Porthos) - he was originally a Norman named Boniface, however Porthos changed his name to one that sounded better. He is a would-be dandy, just as vain as his master. In lieu of pay, he is clothed and lodged in manner superior to that usual for servants, dressing grandly in his master's old clothes.
Bazin (Aramis) - from the province of Berry, Bazin is a pious man who waits for the day his master will join the church, as he has always dreamed of serving a priest.
Lymetoo...yes, I will pray for you and the fire not burn so hot. Good night God Thought family
Oh yeah, I like your song Dkat. I be praying for you heart friend, along with the rest of my God Thought family.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
OH... good news!! I received my copy of Jesus Calling yesterday "just in time." It is wonderful and I feel so blessed to have a copy of it!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Praying for you and your husband, Lymetoo. I'm glad that your book arrived just at the right time. God is good.
MDW, Yep, I sure do remember when it was only 3 of us here. I'm thankful for all the Musketeers that are here now! Interesting stuff about the Musketeer's servants.
Instead of us having servants, we are the servants of God.
Have a very blessed day everyone!
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
Lymetoo, May the Lord bless & keep you and your husband through this....that all will see Another in the fire with you and that you will come out free!
MDW, Like your new "signature quote". WOW, how true! T hank you for such deep sharing on being joyful. Was blessed and challenged. You said, "I understand God made us to be joyful, not gloomy and grumpy. Paul says, "Be joyful always." So if we DEPEND ON OUR FEELINGS (all caps mine) we cannot be joyful always. THAT'S FOR SURE. Feelings are so good...yet they can so deceive us.
I am still working on being joyful always and praying without ceasing...probably will be until I arrive "HOME".
I notice that often when scriptures are brought to my attention, it usually means that I will be needing to be doing that today.
Your "J Bridges quote...I may have to steal that and put it on FB.
DKat, Appreciate your open, honesty. So glad we can be real here on God Thought. Thinking about joy makes me realize...if everything is going fine...who needs joy? It's actually in the "other" times that we need His joy, fruit of the Spirit.
Dekrator, Awesome about your grandsons and their favorite song! "Your Grace Is Enough" so glad you posted that. I may steal that for FB too. It's a great way to start this Lord's Day! Grandchildren are such a wonderful blessing! God is so good!!!
I'm listening to the song now...makes me feel like dancing for the Lord. Seriously, I've never danced for the Lord as hard as I've danced for the world. One of the days I should do that...of course, in the privacy of my home not marching down the street like the psalmist David.
MDW, Ha ha "10,000 reasons stick in my head too. Yeah!" Too funny!
DKat, I hadn't heard "The Hurt and The Healer" yet. So comforting. And beautiful your "signature verse"...isn't that the truth!
Lymetoo, Sorry you and your husband and been going through the fire. No fun. Just said a prayer. May God touch you both in a special way today and may the coming week be filled with much love and hope. "Jesus Calling"...I'll have to look that up. Who is that by?
DKat, Powerful song/video "Burn Us Up". Another song I did not know. When the 4 flashed/and the 4th One was also in the fire on the video, made me think, "The 4th One makes all the difference in the world...this one and the one to come."
WOW, coming and reading your posts this morning....I feel like I've already been to church. What a wonderful way for me to start this day, with you all on God Thought and with our God.
Praying each of you have a very blessed Sonday. Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good morning God thought family,
daisy....when you speak of dancing, this song came to my mind and got my toes tapping, Lets celebrate..... We Will Dance
I need to get ready for church, chat after bit with all. Look forward to more share. Share with me the blessings being given to you on this Lord's day be.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
I like that payne, thats some tapping.
Gosh, I sure have had a couple verses on my mind all this day. I share with you, it's another God promise...
Psalm 37:4-5 I chose KJV version because it just sounds so pretty...4 "Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. 5 Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust in him; and he shall bring to pass."
I did not realize just how deep these two verses are to me. I share just a few thoughts that touch me. God says don't look at what you see, but look at what you don't see. Tell me and speak what you want. Whatever desire God has placed within your heart, keep trusting Him and committing it to the Lord. In time He will bring it to pass. Commune with Him and enjoy His presence. He will give us the desires of our heart, then the desires of our heart will be His desires for us.
Delight ourself also in the Lord in the persons in God... Father, Son, and Spirit; in the perfections of God, his power, goodness, faithfulness, wisdom, love, grace, and mercy; in all his works.
Isaiah 58:14 says, "then you will find joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land and to feast on the inheritance of your father Jacob....Hmm, I am still working on the meaning of this scripture I was led to. well, I am off to enjoy and relax the rest of this day. Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Reading through and listening to the songs that were posted this week. I am getting kicked off of the computer as usual. But I pray that you are all having a great day today.
Thank you for posting such inspiration. Some days it's a good swift wakeup call. Be thankful in all things. I am praising God for you all. You are like angels. I wish I had to give more. Until then I will just pray you are all safe, happy and healthy.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good afternoon God Thought family, I share Roy's thoughts for this day.....
There's No One Like Him!
God can do the most AMAZING things, At the most UNEXPECTED times, Through the most UNLIKELY sources, By the most UNUSUAL means, To bless us in the most DELIGHTFUL ways.
``Lord God of Israel, there is no God in heaven above or on earth below like You." 1Kings 8:23
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
payne and flutterby, So good to see youon God Thought. I'm blessed by your posts. I know everyone is.
MDW. Thanks for sharing Roy's words. I love His give for doing "that" to words and phrases. And 1 Kings 8:23...POWERFUL! \o/
Well, everyone a new week has started and I'm trying to keep God Thought moving along week by week.
As we consider that there is no one like our God...may we rejoice in Him!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good morning, God Thought family This is a late one for me, but just wanted to share a few thoughts with you before I sleep this night.
Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him... Psalm 37:7
To wait for anything usually involves an element of trust. We wait in the doctor's office, fully trusting the doctor will make his or her way to the room to see us. After planting a seed, we wait for it grow and trust it will produce its fruit or vegetable. When we are sick, we wait for the medicine to kick in and we trust it will make us feel better.
Several years ago, I was involved in a building camp experience (My little man is legally blind and attended a school program for the Blind in Atlanta). One person was the designated guide, while the other, who just happened to be me, was the blindfolded follower. The task was for the seeing guide to verbally direct the blindfolded follower from one side of the woods to the other. I immediately assumed the "mummy" stance with arms stretched out in front of me as far as they would go. My feet were firmly planted until I was directed by my guide on what to do. The steps I took were just big enough to meet the expectations from my guide on which direction to take and how far.
I constantly questioned and asked for reassurance, "How many more steps? Turn now, or in a few more steps? What, there's a hole... where...tell me when to stop." I was completely dependent on my guide. To be confident that I was on the right path, I had to patiently wait for his command and guidance before I would take another step. Sometimes I tripped; sometimes I stumbled and lost my balance. The entire experience was frustrating. I just wanted to pull off the blindfold and walk the rest of the way on my own, in my own way.
God is our life guide. He wants us to put our complete trust in Him. It is frustrating to wait and encounter seemingly unanswered prayers; to feel as though we've taken a wrong turn and have run right into a tree on the path of life. Our trust may wane when we don't experience the fruits of our labor, or when we see brokenness in our communities and the world and it seems like nothing is making it better. God gives us strength for patience, for hope, for faith, for trust and for love, if we just seek it and continuously ask for it. Be still, be patient, and listen.
I find strength and encouragement through nature and many other things, and one of those other things is through listening to Christian music. I hope these lyrics are inspirational to you as they are to me.
Be strong in the Lord and So don't live life in fear Never give up hope Forgive and forget You're gonna do great things But don't forget why you're here I already know Take your time and pray God's got his hand on you And thank God for each day
His love will find a way... Lyrics by: Sidewalk Prophets
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
payne, What a great word...just what I needed to hear this morning! I feel that word was just for me.
It is interesting you say "Jesus is in the house" and literally our house is becoming THAT time consuming thing. We are in the process of trying to get it sold...have to be in Florida the first week of April and time is moving on rather quickly....just like we need to be doing...moving and rather soon!
Very encouraging word. Yes, Jesus is in our house situation! He is FIRST in my life and He is in control. Thank You Jesus!
MDW, Again...just what I needed to hear this morning...the encouraging words about trusting my God when I am "blind" and can't see the way that He is leading, can't see what is going to happen next.
I will be strong in the Lord, not fear, trust Him, take time and pray and know that God is my LIFE GUIDE TODAY AND EVERYDAY!
WOW, I'm ready for this new day filled with all of God's promises!
I'll keep you posted on what He does! Praise His Name forever!!
PS: MDW, I will obey Psalm 37:7 in the midst of my TO DO list.
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Question: I think I'll start the next God Thought next Monday...is that OK with everyone?
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Sure, daisy, you do whatever works for you!
Have a great day everyone! Praying for all of you.
It's supposed to be 62 degrees here in PA today...woohoo!!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good afternoon,
I have a few minutes to chat before the bus gets here and my little man gets off the bus to share his day events with me.
payne...I, too enjoyed what your thoughts brought to me and how they touched. It being the Easter season...yes. First, I feel more comfortable with Psalms but I will begin with Exodus...The Ten Commandments, because I sure have read them many, many times over the last two years learning and memorizing.
You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3
In the time in which Moses first delivered the Ten Commandments to the people of Israel, they were surrounded by cultures that worshipped multiple gods. They themselves built and worshipped a golden calf. In the New Testament reading we have Jesus casting out a false god of another kind when he overturns the moneychanger's tables in the temple.
Sometimes, though, our idols aren't that obvious. Sometimes they are things that seem to be good, or paths that the wisdom of men tells us to follow. We can spend so much time in volunteer or charitable activities that we forget to pray and rest in the presence of God. We can spend so much time cleaning and cooking and earning money that we neglect the family for whom we do these things.
Even things we are commanded to do by God can become false gods when we forget why we're doing them. A vocation that becomes an end unto itself rather than a path by which to follow God. Love of other human beings that leads us to forget the primacy of the love of God. Obsession with the details of scripture that leads us to forget why we are to read it in the first place. Oh, it's not always money, or illness, it's not always new cars or the latest gadget. Anything can become an idol when we forget the One in whom we live and move and have our being.
What you have shared is a sobering reminder of what can happen when we forget that God and God alone belongs at their center. It is the commandments of God that we must follow. Here's a Psalm, "More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb." Psalm 19:10. It is God alone who we must serve.
Chat bit later, might so..little man be home Yea. Ps...This is a good golly tough commandment for me to learn daily Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, DKAT and payne for the songs!!!!
Jesus Calling is by Lyme patient Sarah Young. It's a daily devotional. Go to Amazon to get a sneak peek.
I need prayer for really painful feet. UGH.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
lymetoo...Why your feet hurt? Were you tap dancing like in the link that payne shared with us? No worry, I did not see you practicing the tap. Sure thing lymetoo, I be praying for your painful feet to heal.
daisy...it is so wonderful to see you here on God Thought more regular again. I sure be missing you here. Sorry if my write above is too deep. Just been thinking much lately. I also do not feel real comfortable sharing other parts from the Bible unless it is Psalm..not sure of myself, and just speaking from the other end. I will keep you in my prayers for this new path you are taking. Florida, here she comes! More lives you will be touching. So nifty.
Dekrator...hope you have enjoyed your beautiful weather. Spring is finally showing itself for your corner. Awesome for you.
DKat...where you be? Praying for you heart friend.
Good eve all, chat another day.
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Blessings God Thought Friends,
There were posts on the last thread that I'm sure we're all wondering about updates. I just finished reading the entire thread...what a roller coaster! Wonderful thrilling highs and deep valley lows.
As I went through the posts I prayed for each of you and your concerns. Each one of you has been and is a special blessing to me and I praise God for you.
Lymetoo, I am so rejoicing with the family about Gage, WOW! Finally, a corner is turned and that corner is nothing short of miraculous. Gage is home and life is getting back to normal. Can you imagine the joy going on in that home?!! How is your neck and back, improving? Thanks for sharing the Jackie Evancho "To Believe"...isn't she amazing?!
sammy, how are you doing? Did it work out with the head of immmunology? Any answers? And what about the skin infection on your chest? Is it continuing to heal well?
soccermama, glad your new LLMD is encouraged. That is always great to give us hope! Your poor daughter has been through so much. She is so blessed to have you as mom. I can't think of much worse than a doctor saying "it is in your head...stress related". So sorry that happened. I have a few of those "horror" stories myself. Had to dump them in the "duck pit"...forgot what it is called. How are things now for the two you you?
flutterby, How is it going regarding the stress at your job...your co-worker?
Caleb, too great reports. I like what you said about the "miracle World Records". Woohoo and thank You, Jesus. So how is Caleb now?
Dekrator, About that "hard time" praying things continue to get better? And Jeff's rotator cuff? Healing well. Awwww, I can't imagine precious Amaya's family. So very sad beyond words. My prayers are with the family for continued comfort from the God of all comfort. I was sharing with my hubby and he said that "soy" is bad stuff.
MDW encouraged us to "Run to Jesus". Friends, that is exactly what we need to do and what we have been doing and will continue to do.
Whatever we need, whatever our situation Jesus is the One we run to and it is there, in His presence, that we receive what it is we need...until we stand before Him face to face.
Jesus, You are worthy of being our #ONE! You are above all!
PS: It took me so long to type this others may have posted and I have not responded to those new posts.
God is bigger than any giant we face!
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
MDW, Interesting I posted about "Jesus is worthy to be #ONE" and then after I post and read upwards I see several posts added. You say about "having no other gods before God" that "This is a good golly tough commandment for me to learn daily."
My response...True, it is hard. Good thing we have the Holy Spirit to help us. I'd be totally lost without Him.
Lymetoo, just said a prayer for your feet. OUCH! I didn't realize "Jesus Calling" was THAT. After we get moved...I'll have to get that. Seriously, I don't want one more thing to have to pack. LOL
Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Hi All, What a beautiful day God gave us today. I had my windows open and if felt so fresh to breath the "spring" air. He really gave us a break this year from snow. Tomorrow will be near 70 !!
MDW, Please keep going on and on, I love your posts! You really have a great mind and heart. Gods love pours out of it, God bless you!!
Lymetoo, Praying for you and hubbie and your footsies !! Feel better quickly !!
Daisy, how very exciting, thats a big move, so glad you are doing well. Wish I could come and help you pack, I know takes alot of work. The situation at work is beautiful today. It changes constantly but I still pray and it always works. I know I am where God wants me.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze."
Dkat, praying for you. May you find your joy !
Dekrator, You are such a loving Grandmother. I never get tired of the music. I ache for it. Sometimes I have to remind myself to listen when I am feeling down. It instantly fills my soul.
Payne, that is such a great way to look at our healing. I am guilty of that. I will pray for less focus on my health and more on my God, who is an awesome God.
Please pray for my baby girl. She is 7 and has just begun treatment for Lyme. I feel a little numb but I know God will show me the way.
I thank God for all of you, like angels...lighting the way through the darkness. Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Praying for your feet, neck and all of you, Lymetoo!
Thank you for all you have been sharing, MDW. I agree with flutter, that I love to read your writes and you have so much in your heart to share.
daisy, thanks for your prayers! God seems to be working in my family, but we still have a long way to go. I just keep praying and trusting in Him.
flutter, thank you for your kind words. I also never tire of Christian music. I listened to one CD 4 times on the way to my LLMD and back yesterday. It never gets old and it always lifts me up.
I also am so very thankful for all of you. You have lifted my head out of the pit so many times that I have lost count.
Praying for all of my friends.
ps...I'm praying that the new supplement that my LLMD gave me samples of will help my pain. It came on the market in Aug 2011 and many people have been finding it helpful for pain and anything related to inflammation, even sinus issues...it's called Anatabloc....I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks to all of you for your love and concern. I'm at my wits end. Will see my doctor tomorrow. Still waiting to see a podiatrist. My neck is bad too.
praying for all concerns above.. sorry I can't type much at a time
--
the latest on Caleb.. they've really been on a roller coaster. He keeps being periodically violent, not in his character at all. They are even concerned about it being spiritual warfare going on.
Yesterday was better:
Rest Well
We are thankful Caleb slept through the night without any medications given. He woke up still tired and agitated and before the morning was over was given a shot to take the edge off. It did not have an immediate effect but after an hour began to help Cabe.
He continued to want to know if "this" was real, because he feels like it is a dream. He called three trustworthy friends who told him the truth.
They all explained to him what has happened, where he is, and what he has to do. Each also told him he was being prayed for and he has a great cloud of witnesses.
Caleb hung up after the third conversation and looked at me and said, "I want to walk. I want to walk like I did when I came in here." I had to clarify that when he came in here he was not walking at all.
Kurt helped him get ready to walk and off to physical therapy he went to walk 200 yards, his longest walking distance. This is the first time Caleb has initiated the walking. God be praised.
He returned for lunch, had a 30 min. power nap, another shot to keep him calm for his MRI and off we went in the TIRR van for an MRI. He laid perfectly still and was quickly done and ready to head back to his room. God be praised.
He did a small amount of looking on Facebook, made a phone call (stalling until dinner), ate and was ready to get in bed. He was treated shortly after with dessert brought by his aunt and uncle and ate every sopapilla in the huge Pappasito's order. Who wouldn't be ready for bed after that?
So there's a rundown of the day and when I look at it in print it really sounds like a very good day. Maybe sometimes I need to write things down so I can see the blessings in the day that get smothered out by other things.
The only thing I left out was basically about 4 questions Caleb asked over and over again. What's wrong with me? When will I get better? Is this real or a dream? When will I get out of here?
Kurt and I answered as honestly and creatively as we could hoping it would stick. Maybe tomorrow. Tonight we are tired.
Maybe you are tired too because we all have things that wear us down that really are painless. We just let them overshadow what is good. Rest well.
My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. (Exodus 33:14) My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. (Psalm 62:1-2)
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength. (Isaiah 30:15)
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11: 28-31)
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Thanks for the update on Caleb, Lymetoo.
I continue to pray for him and his family. It is a long road but they will make it with God's love and strength.
I pray your Dr will be able to help you tomorrow and you can see the Podiatrist very soon and get relief...praying.
Have a great day everyone! It going to be another unusually warm March day in PA! YAY!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good afternoon God thought family,
Been a busy day for me, but wanted to say Hi, and I am thinking of all of you this day.
Here is a song by Tim Hughes called Everything, just wanted to share. Jesus is our everything.
I'm so thankful to have this to come to. So many of your shares are just what I need to hear.
Still praying for you all.
Lymetoo, I'm sorry you're hurting. God bless and lift you into His healing light.
MDW, Thanks. Your song reminded me to seek 1st the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to me...& us. Jesus is my everything!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks, DKAT. My dr says my pain is from my Raynaud's... not so sure, but he's ordering ultrasound therapy for me.
--
update on GAGE
---
It's been another interesting week. Gage is still not walking on his own or able to feed himself. His right hand is not back to normal and it shakes when he tries to use it. So, we started PT and OT today!! Yeah!!! I feel like help is on the way. I am very excited to have guidance with Gage to help him get back to walking.
We saw Dr. Fletcher yesterday and he explained that edema is the cause for the gait/hand issue we are seeing. (edema is swelling) He was pleased to see Gage doing well over all and we are forever grateful to him for stepping up and helping our family. We can't thank him enough and praise God for him.
The pathology report is in. We have not talked to Dr. Burzynski about it yet but I did send it over to them. I don't think we will hear bak from them until next week. There was nacrosis (dead tissue) in the tumor. There was low cellular activity also. That's good news. We will have to wait to fully understand all of the report. I know God's hand has been in this whole situation.
I am praising God for peace and a calm spirit. I have been such a wreck through all this. I seriously have. The growth, then breakdown, to a cyst, to surgeons, to surgery to pathology reports. God really had to slap me up side the head after we talked to the surgeons and ask me if I was going to trust him or not.
I gave in. I hated being nervous and scared. I much prefer laying back in his arms and saying you have to take this over. It's SOOOOO much easier for me to do that. So, he did and we will walk the rest of this out and again pray and pray it never returns.
Thank you God for helping us. Thank you for our sweet, precious children. Thank you for a husband that pushes me to face my fears and holds me during the pain of our reality. Thank you for family and friends who won't stop fighting for us. Thank you! Amen
Believing,
Missy
Posted by payne (Member # 26248) on :
John 15:1-7 King James Version (KJV)
John 15 1I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
3Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
4Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
6If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
7If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you com on Easter !
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
Lymetoo, Does ultrasound therapy rejuvenate the nerves so your feet stop hurting? Still praying for you.
Thanks for posting the update for Gage. Missy is so honest & courageous. May she always see the Lord walking with them.
payne, good scripture. Thanks.
It's been unseasonably mild out here. Sure feels good. A robin is singing His praises.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Yes, she is courageous and brave. So are Caleb's parents. They have really been through it.
I think ultrasound provides circulation and helps with inflammation.
I go for my evalutation tomorrow at 7:30 a.m.!! EEK.. I should be in bed!
I may not get any treatment tomorrow.
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
Lymetoo, I hate early morning appointments!! Funny though, before all this nonsense, I was a morning person.
God bless you, may you feel better soon.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Well, I'm going to have "aquatic" therapy instead. That is good because I need the exercise and it will help my back too!! (wish it would help my NECK!)
First session is tomorrow. Thanks for prayers!!
Caleb has been moved to an inpatient rehab facility. I sure hope he turns the corner soon!
but hey... like his dad said... 69 days ago they thought they had lost him forever.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Popping in to say that I am praying for everyone!!
Posted by soccermama (Member # 35101) on :
Hey everyone!
I have come to this thread often even though I have been very busy trying to take care of myself while helping my oldest daughter.
She went from being a "normal" nine year old to complaining of headaches, joint pain, etc. She is
still having tics but she is taking medication to control it.
I have an appointment of Monday with my LLMD. The doctor will see both me and Anna. I just want a direction/plan for her. I trust my LLMD.
I have been experiencing symptoms to one degree or another since starting my antibiotics. Right now my stomach is giving me all kinds of problems.
Ten days ago, my youngest daughter, Faith fell off her bike. She broke her humerus bone. She was hospitalized for two days cause she had surgery.
MDW: Really enjoyed the "Everything" video. I don't know what it means to be joyful always. I have spoken to the Lord about this many times. What does the joy of the Lord is my strength mean.
Dekrator suggested Joyce Meyers and I have been listening to her as time permits. She had a lesson on pay day coming.
As I listened to it, my thoughts turned to everyone on God Thought and I had a feeling that pay day was coming this year for some on this thread.
I have listened to Kari Jobe's called "Here". I tried to post a link but it didn't work. It's on youtube if any is interested.
I keep all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
soccermama, Praying for your LLMD appointment on Monday. May you have a safe trip and may your doctor have wisdom. God bless you and your daughters with complete healing.
I've wondered and studied about Nehemiah 8:10 Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
Another verse Zephaniah 3:17 states For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
I was blessed to grow up on a dairy farm and always thought myself strong. I could keep up with Dad on the hay wagon and then go horseback riding to the creek with Mom to cool off.
Now, just getting groceries is a major feat. My body looks and acts like my old grannies.
I have thought that the joy IN the Lord was my strength (kind of like replacing the spirit of heaviness with the garment of praise).
That does help and is true but I think this is more. The Lord isn't mad at me...He took my punishment for my sins. Strength comes in knowing He loves me enough to find joy in me ... enough that He sings over me.
My mind still doesn't wrap totally around that, but I want to know His love...to see His face.
Another thought...when we sing with Him, He leads us in perfect harmony. Being with Him, being loved by Him and made for Him gives such peace & hope.
Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us each morning with your unfailing love, so we may sing for joy to the end of our lives.
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
Just wanted to share a couple worship songs and let you know you're in my prayers.......
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Thank you all for sharing. I am praying for all your concerns, healing, comfort and all your needs.
Love to you dear friends!!
Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Hello my Godthought family, I too am praying for all of you. I was so moved last night at the Casting Crowns - Come to the Well Concert. I am so filled with the Holy Spirit, I feel like I may burst at any moment. I wanted to share a piece with all of you. Remember all who are suffering, this is temporary, listen and believe the voice of truth....Jesus is the voice of truth.
These arent my videos but just wanted to share the feeling with all of you with hope that you realize just how much God loves you today and always will. Blessings of healing to all of you ! xoxoxox
Flutter
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Sounds like a GREAT experience, flutter!! Casting Crowns is a wonderful group!! Thanks for the links.
Praying for all of you. I hope daisy is almost finished unpacking!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The latest on Gage... will update on Caleb soon.
--
We are back home and doing good. We actually had a really good trip. The first day in Boston we walked around the main shopping strand and also did a Duck Tour of the city. Gage got to drive the boat and was so cute all day. We are so thankful for the wheel chair that Gage's therapist provided. He didn't like sitting in it but he liked going around the city so it worked out.
Day two we hit the ground running. We ate breakfast and went to the aquarium all morning. Gage had a 1:30 appointment with Dr. Wolff but when we got there and waited a hour they told us it would be a while so we left and they called us when he could meet. We started our meeting at 4 and ended around 6:45. I was hungry and we couldn't all decide on the best plan. Dr. Wolff needed to think and we needed to think.
Today we got up and left. We hadn't been home for 5 minutes when Dr.Wolff called. He was thinking the same way we were. He had jumped even more out of the box. We were hoping Gage would be able to do a hedge hog treatment along with the other and sure enough Dr. Wolff says yes he should. So, here is the challenge . . . we need an oncologist here in town to follow Dr. Wolff's plan. Yikes. All things are possible with God!! We are believing. Most of the pathway inhibitors that Gage would be taking can be taken the rest of his life with little to no side effects IF it works. So, pray for us. Some of the treatment is available at Whole Foods. In fact a lot of it is.
------------ We have huge decisions to make and hard ones to make for Gage so please continue to pray. We will update when we have a plan.
Believing,
Missy
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
flutter,
I love Casting Crown's music. That must have been so awesome!
Thanks for sharing the links!
Lymetoo,
Thank you for the update on Gage. It is wonderful that Gage was able to have some fun and be a normal kid.
I am also praying and believing!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Please pray for Alice's family. She went to heaven this morning at 6 am after a 3 1/2 year battle with colon cancer.
She was only 50 yrs old and leaves behind a husband and 2 school age children, along with sisters, brothers, her father and many others.
My dear friend Carolyn is Alice's sister.
The family really needs prayers right now. Thank you.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I'm so sorry to hear about Alice. God's blessings upon her family!!
Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Hi All,
Continuing prayers for Gage and also Alice's family. How sad to leave her family so soon. May God wrap his loving arms around them and give them peace.
As always praying for all of you.
TUTU, how was the aquatic therapy? I hope it has helped you.
soccermama praying for you and both of your daughters.
God is everywhere in my life, He is my strength and shield. Things are going well. I am flaring a little but, I feel better somehow. My daughter is tolerating her treatment well. No herxing or flaring.
The owner of my company has rented a yacht and taking us all on dinner cruise. Transportation also included to and from the boat. God is good, it is something to look forward to, We will cruise the Hudson and see the Statue of Liberty. I am truly blessed.
Normalcy, Thank you Jesus.
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
flutter, God bless you on your dinner cruise...that sounds like sooo much fun!! And thank you for the links...being with so many worshiping must have been awesome! I just downloaded the Glorious song...wow!!
Prayers for Gage & Alice families...
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Thanks for the prayers for Alice's family, Tutu, flutter and DKat.
Oh flutter, how wonderful...a dinner cruise on the Hudson to see the Statue of Liberty! Enjoy!!...and can't wait to hear about your cruise.
May God continue to pour out His blessings on you and your family!
Praying for everyone's needs and healing!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
quote:Originally posted by fflutterby:
TUTU, how was the aquatic therapy? I hope it has helped you.
- It's helped some. I went for PT on my feet today and a re-eval. They put my feet in this nice warm machine which surrounds your feet with ground corn husks or seeds (??)
Very nice .. then did exercises on the feet. Will do pool therapy again next week.
Pain level is down to a 5 or 6 most of the time.
Thanks for asking!
Reminding myself to be thankful in all circumstances today!
(please continue to pray for my neck pain)
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
update on Caleb... yesterday was a bad day as he was very depressed... so I was happy to read this today. (they did take him off some meds, so I'm hoping he will actually be doing better now .. he has not had an outburst since being off a few meds)
-- QUOTE:
Caleb's day was a good one. He did not rise in a joyful spirit this morning. Yet he did get up and stayed up most of the day. He walked and participated in some activities, ate double lunch, and was sleeping on the couch in the den area of his house when we arrived.
He was tired but he came outside with us to eat his Oreo Blast. We had time with him and he answered our questions but really preferred not to converse unless asked. It's just good to have time with him and hug him. Thank you God for Caleb's life.
Please continue in your prayers for Caleb and his healing. It's such an encouraging time in creation to see the wonders of things coming to life which once appeared dead. Not only are they alive but they are showing themselves beautiful and they are fragrant.
It's the time of year when it seemed the most grim for followers of Jesus Christ, but it was not so. The TRUTH is He is alive. Celebrate wherever you are.
Posted by DKat (Member # 30941) on :
Lymetoo, God bless you with perfect full healing and Caleb with hope and healing.
The last sentence in your above post is awesome!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
DKAT... I took only an excerpt of her journal entry. You should read her daily postings (some are by her husband).
to see yesterday's post.. click on "read journal history"
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Praying for your neck pain to resolve, Tutu. You and I could form a "pain in the neck club"
Thanks for the update on Caleb. I am always in awe of their posts on the Caringbridge page. They are so faith-filled even during the most difficult times. They are an inspiration for sure.
I was also very struck by her quote, "It's the time of year when it seemed the most grim for followers of Jesus Christ, but it was not so. The TRUTH is He is alive. Celebrate wherever you are."
Wow! That is powerful!!!
Praying for everyone and hope you enjoy a great SONday!!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Dekrator.. My husband says I belong to the "pain in a neck club!"
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Had to share Deborah's journal entry today...
--
Let go??? I have Jesus Calling on my iPhone and usually try to read it before my feet hit the floor. I have had several confirmations that it seems to be speaking so specifically to our journey at this time.
Each time we feel led to share it on Caringbridge as our update. I know God has been teaching me to let go for years and I am still in His school for letting go. I am so glad He is patient and kind. I will follow up with specific prayer requests for Caleb.
Jesus Calling, March 24,2012.
This is a time in your life when you must learn to let go: of loved ones, of possessions, of control. In order to let go of something that is precious to you, you must rest in My Presence, where you are complete.
Take time to bask in the Light of My Love. As you relax more and more, your grasping hand gradually opens up, releasing your prized possession into my care.
You can feel secure, even in the midst of cataclysmic changes, through awareness of My continual Presence. The One who never leaves you is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
As you release more and more things into my care, remember that I never let go of your hand. Herein lies your security, which no one and no circumstance can take from you.
Psalms 89:15. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD. Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Isaiah 41:13. For I am the LORD, Your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.
Caleb did not mention a dream today..... Answered prayer. Thank you God Caleb has been less agitated even with reduced meds. Thank you God He seems very tired at all times.... Pray for his energy and for no depression.
Pray that Kurt and I will trust God in our letting go and for the relationships we are building at Touchstone. Have a blessed Sunday in your home of worship!!!
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Dear God thought friends,
I could use your prayers right now. I don't know if you follow many posts in medical. If so, this is old news to you, sorry.
I've been having excruciating back pain and recently found out that I have 6 vertebral body compression fractures. There is strong suspicion to believe that I now have 2 more... (one broke when I was violently ill and one broke when I fell yesterday, distinct horrible crunching sound).
So this is why I've not been able to be here much. I've not been able to sit up in a chair for more than a couple minutes at a time. The pain is too great. I'm on a small amount of pain medicine mainly so that I can breathe and eat and drink.
My doctors have done a ton of tests to try to figure out why I've had so many of these sudden rare fractures at such a young age (29). It is common for one or two to happen in the elderly.
I'm also scheduled for a DEXA scan today. This is very important. My bones have to be strong enough to withstand the necessary surgical repair.
Tomorrow I will finally get to go see my neurosurgeon for the first time. I am excited and anxious. I'm scared of surgery. But I can't handle this excruciating pain. I really need help. I hope and pray that he can fix my back, make it like new again.
Dear friends, please pray for me. That God would be with me. That He will bless all my doctors, guide them as they make their decisions and treatment plans. That He will touch and heal my body. That as always, he will use this for his good.
Thank you so much
I love you all and am praying for you too!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Definitely praying for you, dear sammy!
May God lead all your Medical providers with supernatural wisdom.
Praying for your complete healing in all ways, and especially for healing from pain.
Love you too, sammy. I wish I was there to help you and pray with you. Thanks for your prayers too.
Posted by soccermama (Member # 35101) on :
Sammy: My heart goes out to you. Father, In the name of Jesus, I ask for complete restoration and healing.
Send your miraculous power through her body, through her mind, and her spirit.
Visit her as she slumbers. Reveal Yourself to her in such a dramatic, real way that invigorates every cell of her body.
Do what only You can do!!!!
Well, my llmd wanted me to see a surgeon about my gallbladder. She thinks the abdominal pain may be associated.
I went to see the surgeon on Friday. Despite all the tests coming back normal, he wants to do the surgery because I have been dealing with pain and nausea since June of last year.
Surgery is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. I am having a tissue sample sent to Igenix for testing.
Praying that this decision will leave me in less pain and end my nausea issues.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Will pray for both of you!!!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Praying for you too, soccermama!!
Praying for a successful surgery for you, an easy recovery and an end to the pain and nausea.
May you experience peace tonight.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Guess what, gang? Gage's uncle just died of a sudden heart attack. Age 50. It's his dad's brother. I think he had fairly young children. His wife is 42.
What do people do without Jesus? I would not be able to cope, myself.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Oh, Lymetoo, that's such a tragedy!
I will pray for the family.
I agree, I don't know how anyone gets through anything without faith in God.
He is my Rock. Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
Thank you for your prayers friends. They are much needed and appreciated. My appt did not go well today. Not at all.
The neurosurgeon said that with the "7 vertebral body compression fractures" (yes, you caught that, I did fracture another one...) surgery would be too risky because I could potentially develop a bone infection due to my primary immune deficiency.
I got the distinct feeling that he simply did not want to be liable for treating me because I was a complex patient with the immune deficiency and the multiple compression fractures.
I asked if he would have treated me differently if I did not have the immune deficiency and he hesitated for several seconds then said "well... no...". That long hesitation was a big "yes" to me.
He said that my DEXA scan results were -3. So I do have osteoporosis. Which again I was told is unusual at my age.
I broke down and cried in his office because I have been waiting so long for this appt, waiting to hear his treatment plan.
When I learned that there was no treatment plan, my hopes were crushed. I told him that I can't handle the pain. It is truly unbearable. It's excruciating. I asked, what am I supposed to do? How long will this pain last?
He told me that I should restrict my movement and stick with bed rest. He gave me a prescription for a back brace to wear when I have to be up. Said that will take the pressure off my back and support it. Said the pain will gradually get better but it may never go away, I will "get used to it".
I just continued to cry. I tried to ask a few more questions. Enough to see that he was clearly uncompassionate, totally unempathetic. I cried all the way out of the office. I couldn't help it.
You probably would too if you were in this much pain and had been waiting for almost 2 months for someone to take your pain seriously and treat you!
This doctor that I saw is a part of a very well known and highly respected neuro group.
I'm stuck in a nightmare and I really need a miracle.
Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
soccermama, I've been praying for you too. I hope that your surgery went well and that you are at home resting now. I'll be praying that you heal quickly and completely, with no complications.
Hugs everyone.
Thank you for being here Posted by fflutterby (Member # 28081) on :
Praying for sammy and soccermama and all of you in need. May God bless you with the miracle you need. May God strengthen your bodies and heal your pain pain.
Also praying for Gages family. Boy they are being sifted like wheat. that poor family.
When we are being `sifted', there are several things we need to realize. Satan will ask for us by name. There is only so far that he can go, because God sets boundaries that he cannot cross. And we need to really know that God is in control of the situation. Peter, after his sifting, was a changed man, and the things that he did is detailed in the book of Acts. After `our' sifting, we can become bitter or we can become better. We can learn and grow from being sifted, or we can become discouraged and `give up.' I pray that we are the ones that learn and grow and are even more fruitful for the cause of Christ.
Hugs and Love,
Flutter
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
I pray soccermom is doing well today!
sammy.... My heart breaks for you!! Severe pain is so hard to deal with on so many levels. It changes everything.
I will continue to lift you up in prayer.. that you can find something that will help. I left you a message on the other thread.
flutter.. that is a great explanation of "sifting".. thanks for that!
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Praying for you, sammy.
I also replied on your other thread.
Huge, gentle hugs!!!!
flutter,
I also enjoyed the sifting explanation...thanks!
Posted by payne (Member # 26248) on :
From the Vine- Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good afternoon God Thought family, It's been too long since I last chat with. I continue with my prayers for all of you.
I have a write I would enjoy sharing with all of you, but will take a long bit for me to post this share, being that I am not fast at typing. So hang in there and I will be back. I might en have coffee sips along the way ......
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
That was a great read, payne! Thanks for the link.
It provided much food for thought during this Holy Week.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Hi MDW,
I look forward to reading your write...you never fail to capture my interest! Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in South Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went. He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator had plunged in and was swimming toward him.
His father, working in the yard, saw it all happen. In fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. Just as he reached his father's grip to pull him to safety, the alligator grabbed his legs. That bgan an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was strong; the father was much too passionte to let go.
The boys brother heard the screams, got the family rifle, took care of the alligator. Remakably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. Upon realease from the hospital, a newspaper reporter intervieved the boy, and asked if he could see the alligator scars on his legs. The boy replied by pulling up his shirtsleeves and saying, "I'd rather show you my arms. It's these scars that remind me that my dad was never going to let me go."
You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. Not from an alligator, of course, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly, but some wounds, my friends, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you. He did not and will not ever let you go.
A friend shared that devotional as a pick-me-up and reminder of God's care as I've been going through trials and Lyme Disease...to remind me of God's love for me...even in life's most difficult times...a reminder of the scars of God's love even as I am scarred by life in this world.
As you may imagine, that image has been a helpful reminder of God's hold on me during the struggles of Lyme Disease...and I'll think of it again, no doubt, as other struggles come my way. It even makes since as I reflect on readings in my Bible...and connect it to the disciple's struggle of faith in the days after the Resurrection.
I think the eleven disciples are in a situation not too different from the boy in that story...caught between two powerful forces... doubt and fear on one hand...and God's redeeming work on the other hand.
Their doubts. Those doubts must have been written on their faces, for that's the first thing off Jesus' lips, "Why do doubts arise in your hearts?" Notice the doubt is not just Thomas's face. Thomas: "Doubting Thomas." In Luke, it's the whole lot of them. All if them swimming in those post-crucifixion waters...frightened by Jesus' death and then by the news that he had risen. They had not seen him yet. Could they believe it? What were they to think? Would someone be there to pull them out of their doubts and fears?
Along comes the risen Lord...reaching out to them...and from the first...holding them tight. Showing them proof to fight off their doubts. He was there, knowing there was no power in them...nor in any human being...to save themselves... from doubt or fear or death. Before the crucifixion, they were second hand witnesses as Jesus reached out and healed others or cast out demons. But now...they were the ones to save.
I find in Luke's story an interesting word change...from the word doubt to disbelieving. Disbelieving...like flabbergasted. Those words appear after the disciples have looked at Jesus' hands and feet. Luke writes: "While in their joy, they were still disbelieving and still wondering." Those words seem to me a shade closer to belief...not " I doubt that," but more like, "Can you believe this?" Belief was growing, hope was growing. They could feel God's redeeming work holding onto them...embracing them.
More belief took hold of them as Jesus ate fish in their presence...and then, then...with enough belief working, he could open their minds to understand the scriptures. I see as a sort of reboot...like we do with computers. You know, the computer freezes...too much is going on or programs are getting crossed. Or even better, after an automatic upgrade of Windows or Norton.
This whole event is a disciple-reboot. They had been told the good news...programmed by Jesus' teaching. They had received downloads of grace as people were healed or as Lazarus was raised. All that made some sense a kind of sense before the crucifixion, but it now had to make sense in a new way...in light of the resurrection. They were discovering just that.
I say "discovery" because they are not simply taught, not just told "Okay class, this is how it is." No, there in the waters of doubt the truth unfolded in front of them as Jesus showed his scars the reptilian Pharisees but also, more prominently and thankfully, he showed his redeemed body...a sign that evil did not and will not defeat love.......
To be continued....Are you reading my long chat? I have a short bit left to write...whew!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
So in their reboot, the disciples discovered the true meaning of what Jesus had said... that he would die and rise in three days (5 times He say). They discovered more as he opened their minds to understand the scripture in light of God'd newest and boldest work.
They also discovered something about themselves...that they had more strength than they realized. More faith than before. The proof. All done in Jesus' name. They discovered they had support from the holy Spirit. They discovered that they had new lives...new work to do. That God wasn't nearly done with them yet.
What do we discover? What do we modern disciples hear? What do we discover about God's hold on us? What do we discover about being re-booted by God through grace?
For one, I hope that every time in nature, church, in quiet time...are a simular type of discovery for you. To see the risen Christ....somehow, someway. To feel the embrace of God...that right now, you are being loved. He is holding on to you with tremendous passion....particularly if you are in the middle of one of life's stuggles. That passionate hold of His is what defines you...and not old scars from the world, nor the traces of pain from the past.
As you discover all that, I hope that you not only know His embrace, but that you proclaim it. God's grace supplies, a re-booting that gives strength and new vision, a re-booting that turns doubt and fear into hope...and then joy.
I hope that you, like the disciples, or like the boy in the story, see that God is not done with you yet. I hope that you discover chances to proclaim His goodness, his loving embrace, and His saving power...and in doing so, help others in their struggles, their doubts... so we all can proclaim our ALLELUIAS!!! AMEN!!!!!
Healing prayers for all my God Thought family...I have missed you. This may not be your story today, but these words have been placed in my heart....for me...might us.
[ 04-02-2012, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: MDW005 ]
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
God Thought family, I have much time on my hands. My family is in Florida enjoying fishing, swimming in the most beautiful blue ocean, the salty breeze blowing in their hair, and the sun shinning on their faces.
I too, have this...A warm light bulb glowing, epson salt, blow dryer on cool mode, and a blue tablet dropped in my tub for color. And, I have relaxation with only one towel to pick up.
So this being said, I read a story about J.C. Penny. I will share with you. Please do excuse typos, as my fingers wear from typing and drag along the key board...as you have noticed in my previous writes above ( makes them special that way). This is not my write, but a share....
God is the source of our hope, strength, and peace. He has a way of making Himself real to us in the most personal ways and at the most needed times.
In 1929, a legendary retailer J.C. Penny became severly ill. Hospitalized in Battle creek, Michigan, his conditioned worsened. Hope slipped away. One evening he decided to write farewell notes to his family. He doubted he would make it through the night, and he wanted them to know of his love for them.
To his surprise, Penny made it through the night. the next morning he managed to climb out of bed and make his way down to the chapel where devotions were held each morning. As he made his way down the hallway, he recognized the hymn "God Will Take Care of you." He quietly crept into the service. Though his heart and body were exhausted and spent, something incredible happened.
Describing the moment, Penny said, "I felt as if I had been instantly lifted out of the darkness of a dungeon into a warm, brilliant sunlight. I felt as if I had been transported from hell to paradice."
Penny described feeling the power of God as he had never felt before. In His love, God was there in a real and tangible way to help him.
Like J.C. Penny, many of us find ourselves, at one time or another, overwhelmed and losing hope. We may wonder where God is in the middle of our situation. But like Penny, we may discover that God is closer and more involved than we ever imagined. Not only did Penny awake with the strength to make it to the chapel, but the words of the hymn the congregation sang were personally meaningful to him. They spoke right into his situation. And in the midst of the chapel service, God met J.C. Penny in a profound way.
No matter what situation we find ourselves in, God has a way of meeting us there. He may use songs, prayers, a sermon, an encouraging word from a friend, or something even more surprising to speak right into our situation at the place of our greatest need. When it comes to caring for you, God makes it personal.
Faith is like radar that sees through the fog the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.
Think I will pour a glass of cool refreshing water...with a twist of lemon for taste, now. Good eve. Chat another day.
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Payne...I just read The Tree of Mystery. Wow, how Angie persuade my heart to continue reading her beautiful write. Angie stated that The Gospel of John was her favorite. Mine too. I have read it so many times in the last month...It was the very first Book I read in the Bible, when I had asked where do I begin reading, daisy say, "John is a great place to begin." She was so right. I watched the movie the other night....The Gospel of John.
Thank you so much for sharing this devotional of Angie's. Oh yes, prepare my heart this night and the next and the next and..
ps.... Gosh I be a jabber jaw this day, sorry.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
MDW,
I very much enjoyed the alligator story, the JC Penney story and all your thoughts about God's love and embrace.
I was blessed by your writes, thank you for taking all that time to share!
You can jabber, jabber, jabber anytime, ok??
During this Holy Week, we have so much to be thankful for.
God's unending grace, His suffering and sacrifice for you and me, His promise of eternal life made possible by his death and resurrection....
Jesus has a merciful heart....Thank you, Jesus!
Our scars, wounds, and sins are healed.
Only He can do that. Jesus, I Trust in You!!!!
Have a wonderful Holy Week, dear friends.
Posted by payne (Member # 26248) on :
MDW... Bless you for finding the strenght to write this for our souls to drink, Thank You Lord for MDW putting GOD'S Love on this sight for all to share... John is a good start. blue food coloring for color, hmmm, NOT
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Good morning God Thought family.
If I jabber too much, just read what dekrator say...I can jabber, jabber anytime...good thing it is silent chat..you might would need ear plugs for yourself and duct tape for me.
Dekrator...thank you for reading my long chat. It is so wonderful that Jesus has a kind, loving heart.
Payne...Very sweet what you say. I do have strength these days. I have been on a new protocol for a month now. It has given me much energy...to the point I over do some days. I have less pain, but with some days, I fall back a few steps. All and all, I have more and more healthy good days. I thank my Jesus as He continues to heal me. Praise the Lord.
Well my family comes home this eve from Florida and I am looking forward to seeing and spending time with my boys. I miss the green bear...My youngest man shares with me nightly. The bear sings, "Jesus Loves Me." I know He loves me, but I sure miss the special time with my child, and the tucking in time.
Good day family. Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
MDW,
It's nice to have some quiet time to rest and reflect, but it's also great to have your loved ones near.
Hug the boys and give that green bear a hug too!
Enjoy your family as they return home!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
Thanks for all you wrote, MDW!! I'm glad someone can type all that! I have lots to say and no one to type for me!!
Have a beautiful week, everyone! Posted by sammy (Member # 13952) on :
MDW, thank you for sharing with us.
Your ability to write and express your thoughts as you do is a true gift. It is a blessing. It is not "jabbering".
Thank you for taking the time and the effort to come here and share your "writes" with us.
God always uses something that someone here has shared (songs, verses, stories,...) to speak to my heart. So thank you God thought friends, for everything!
I'll share a quick update, don't want to be selfish. I'm still waiting on insurance approval for the Kyphoplasty procedure. The doctor that I saw last thursday wants to try to repair 2 of my most damaged vertebrae. He can only repair 2 at a time with this procedure and is hoping that will be enough to provide stability to the rest of the fractured vertebrae and to help reduce pain. Thank you so much for your continued prayers!
Posted by MDW005 (Member # 22706) on :
Sammy,
How are you being selfish? I think not. You know, I watched my mum suffer so much with pain. Her vertebrae, several of them, continued to deteriorate...her ribs cracked, and pelvic bone. Mum had to wear this funky back brace that kept sliding up on her...very frustrating...but it sure help with some pain and the prevention of another bone breaking. she was like Dr. House on tv...popping Vicodine like they were tic-tacs. Well, she had the back surgery. What a beautiful difference it made.
I do not know how your pain must feel to you, but I can understand through tending with my mother, the tornment you must be enduring. I am so very sorry. Yes, dear sammy, I will continue praying for you. Gentle hug to you.
Posted by Dekrator48 (Member # 18239) on :
Still praying for you, sammy!!
Wishing everyone a blessed Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday!!
Hugs to all!!!
Posted by daisyrlb (Member # 15686) on :
Good Evening God Thought Friends,
It is so good to come here and see you all here and read your posts....be encouraged to pray for you, be encouraged to rejoice with you and laugh with you, and be encouraged to cry with you.
Sammy, sorry for your deep suffering. I'm very disappointed in your doctor being so uncaring. There is no excuse for that. May God make a way where there seems to be no way. May you be encouraged by God's loving care and presence.
Payne, I was blessed by your recent share by Angie.
MDW, thanks for sharing your thought provoking writes. Always a joy to read. Always inspiring.
Lymetoo, thanks for the updates. God does answer prayer.
Dekrator, as always...you faithfully post and encourage us.
Flutter and everyone...thanks for your prayers.
Blessings to all.
Sorry I have not been around much. I'll start a new God Thought thread and share an update. Much is going on with GWB and me.
![[bow]](graemlins/bow.gif)
![[group hug]](graemlins/grouphug.gif)
![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
Actually, when daisy shares scriptures, it gets my brain thinking and how it could relate to things in my life. I like homework. Then when my heart won't shoosh, I go to my Bible and led to scriptures with the help of Concordance and the Lord guiding me.![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
....![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Now, we are many musketeer's joined. All for One and One for all.![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[woohoo]](graemlins/woohoo.gif)
![[bonk]](graemlins/bonk.gif)
![[kiss]](graemlins/kissing.gif)
![[Frown]](frown.gif)
![[shake]](graemlins/shake.gif)