Sweeping in the New Year

With Lyme brain, you may have read the title as 'SLEEPING in the New Year'!  :)

I was thinking today of a custom that each of my parents grew up with-  that was at Midnight, to welcome the New Year, one of their parents would open the front door, while the other parent swept through the house with a broom...clear through to the back door, where the other parent now was, ready with it opened....all to sweep out the old year, and sweep in the new~ 

We did not continue the tradition- but I thought it sounded like a fun idea; especially when picturing my grandparents in livelier days doing this sweeping dance of sorts.

If you are a Lyme Fighter- I can imagine it's been quite the year for you.   Perhaps you are looking forward to moving on into the New Year...  Or, perhaps there is still so much uncertainty and challenges ahead that you are not so sure...

Today I was listening to a podcast by Ben Stuart, through Breakaway Ministries.  The podcast I listened to was from late November 2012.  Titled, Keep yourself from Idols.

Seems an unlikely subject to bring up on this blog site- and it may not seem overtly an uplifting message- but I think it is timely and poignant for us.

We have so many things we are dealing with when it comes to Lyme!  We want so much to be well!  Or at least better!  

Our days can revolve around our symptoms and our protocols/treatments...and our bed!

Our identity seems to be only that of "Lyme'.

It may sound odd, but by circumstance- being well, and being someone with Lyme can actually insidiously become idols in our lives. 

In the Bible- Paul warns us to guard against idols...he knew, and warns us, that we must constantly be on the alert for things in our lives that take over that place which belongs wholly to the LORD.  

(1 John 5:18-21)

You'll agree that being so ill with Lyme can allow us to be dulled and lulled in many ways- that includes spiritually.  There are so many ways we can begin to hunger for things in our lives, above our hunger for Him. 

This is an important principle for us- whether in sickness or in health.   Fighting Lyme doesn't make us immune to idolatry. 

Tim Keller gives this definition of idolatry- "Anything in your life that is so central that you can't have a meaningful life if you lose it."  

But, you say- HEY!  I'm sicker than a dog...I'm in bed most of the day....I feel like I'm dying... I have lost many things- including money, friends, even family through this-  and you are cautioning me about idol worship!

Yes.

Friend, it is a warning I've needed, and continue to need in my battle of Lyme. 

In this battle it is all the more difficult to keep the LORD central- and yet, it is the most vital thing I must do for my  (optimal) well-being, and meaning (purpose). 

Keeping Him central- even in the midst of the assaults from Lyme, the debris and battle wounds, the loss, the uncertainty--- I must keep Him central; I must not put my hope, my trust, my identity, my searching in anything but Him-

or life would lose its purpose, its meaning, even the potential to have the sense of well-being, even in on those days spent in and out of consciousness. 

I would encourage you to consider Paul's loving urgency to us this New Year.  Doing so will bring new Breath, new Life to you this New Year.

Blessed New Year!

http://breakawayministries.org/Resources/talks/Keep-Yourself-from-Idols

1 John 5:18-21

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁸ We know that no one who is ^[a]born of God sins; but He who was ^[b]born of God keeps him, and the evil one does not touch him. ¹⁹ We know that we are of God, and that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. ²⁰ And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
²¹ Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

Funnies

Tonight, I just thought I'd share this section from a site (http://lymehandbook.com/index/800-misc/810-you-have-to-laugh/) .   Which looks to have a lot of good information on issues related to Lyme. 

The part I want to share is the 'funnies' section!  We all have plenty of our own stories that we, and our families, have to laugh about, or cry about-  hopefully there is more to laugh about!  

Here are some funnies from the site:

The way I clean my house is with a sweeping glance.

If I’m smiling all the time it’s because I can’t comprehend a word you’re saying.

YOU KNOW YOU HAVE LYME WHEN:

People call at 7 pm. And ask, “Did I wake you?”

1. You can’t remember how to turn the shower off.
2. You get winded playing chess.
3. You look forward to a dull evening.
4. When all the pharmacists and lab workers in town know you on a first name basis.

• As a Lymie was driving down the freeway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him, “Herman, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on I-15. Please be careful.”"H---, ” said Herman, “It’s not just one car. It’s hundreds of them!”

:)  I especially like the second one about smiling.   Lots of times the person is speaking and all I can make out is something similar to a Charlie Brown cartoon when an adult is speaking!  "Wauh-wauh-whauh-whauh-whauh!"  And even if I did hear it- remembering what was said is a whole nother matter! 

Let me know what your best Lyme-funny moments have been~

May the LORD's presence bring you joy!

Grace and Peace

Today I was reading in 2Peter 1, I to pause at verse 2!

"Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord." 

A commentator noted that 'grace and peace are always mentioned in this order'. 

When we first know the grace of God, that saving grace- saved not according to any merit on our part, but purely by His grace as we place our faith in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross...

then we can know true peace. 

These, grace and peace, are multiplied unto us---  how?  Lord knows when we are battling Lyme, we surely need grace and peace multiplied! 

Grace and peace are 'multiplied through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord'.

Do you know Him? 

Are you getting to know Him?  The more you know Him, the more you will experience His grace and peace.

As you lay there battling Lyme- these days are not 'wasted', and need not be lonely...  As a Believer, the LORD is always with you... the Wonderful Counselor, Teacher-- He is with you now; eager to illumine more of His presence, His being to you.

Prayer is you first avenue in which to hear from Him, and for you to share with Him.  There is nothing hid from Him- and He delights in your coming to Him with your thoughts, concerns, dreams, needs....and even more delightful is to hear His still, quiet Word whispered to the depths of your soul...

He speaks to us through His Word.  On days that reading is beyond us- try an audio version of Scripture to listen to.  (www.Biblegateway.com  has audio versions to click on - I think available in the NASB)

If you are like me- you may be at that point of a lot of drifting in and out or wakefulness and sleep...with a lot of fogginess...  Nonetheless- keep it playing.  This is no ordinary book!  These are the inspired words of God-

The LORD will direct them to your ears, mind, heart, soul- your being.  

Get to know Him more and more deeply-

and may His Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.

Blessings-

Prayer for my friends in the battle~

Blessings to each of you- 

This may be a difficult Christmas for you. 

Things you wanted to do- had to be left undone.

People you wanted to see- unseen.

Things you'd wanted to do with special people in your life- not done, or so limited.

What you could do- was different than what you wanted to do...

But, Christmas came anyway.

Jesus came into this broken world-  to redeem us from the brokenness.


'LORD- thank You for the Perfect Gift of you Son Jesus.  Even though this Christmas is outwardly not what we'd expected- let not circumstances stain the essence of what there is to celebrate: Your willingness to come to us in humility, grace, mercy...love...

How great is Your love toward us.

This Christmas- I ask You to bless each of my Lyme-battle-buddies with a special touch from You...Tuck something of Your Mystery into this day that will gladden their hearts with knowing Your presence and love....something that they will have in their being long after the wrappings and gifts of this world have faded away... 

Let it be the see of joy that only comes through You; You are Hope, and with that knowledge, joy grows.

In Jesus' precious and holy name~  amen.'

Merry Christmas!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_f7jhk-IjDo   For Unto Us~ 

God in a Manger- excerpt

God in a manger-  Advent week four, day two-

God Becomes Human~  Dietrich Bonhoeffer

God becomes human, really human.

 While we endeavor to grow out of our humanity, to leave our human nature behind us, God because human, and we must recognize that God wants us also to become human- really human. 

Whereas we distinguish between the godly and the godless, the good and the evil, the noble and the common, God loves real human beings without distinction…God takes the side of real human beings and the real world against all their accusers…But it’s not enough to say that God takes care of human beings.

  This sentence rests on something infinitely deeper and more impenetrable, namely, that in the conception and birth of Jesus Christ, God took on humanity in bodily fashion.

  God raised his love for human beings above every reproach of falsehood and doubt and uncertainty by himself entering into the life of human beings a s as human being, by bodily taking upon himself and bearing the nature, essence, guilt, and suffering s of human beings. 

Out of love for human being, God becomes a human being.  He does not seek out the most perfect human being in order to unite with that person.   Rather, he takes on human nature as it is. 

 

This is about the birth of a child, not of the astonishing work of a strong man, not of the bold discovery of a wise man, not of the pious work of a saint.  It really is beyond all our understanding:  the birth of a child shall bring about the great change, shall bring to all mankind salvation and deliverance (“The Government upon the Shoulders of a Child” Christmas 1940)

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God.  All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.  What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.”  John 1:1-5

 

Merry Christmas~

(We are weak, but He is strong!- Yes, Jesus loves us!)

Songs for today-

Heard these songs this morning -  thought I'd share:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1bXG4WIesA   Never Alone, Matt Redman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM14VZVu0og  You Never Let Go, Matt Redman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmaBhMOXXHg  Steady My Heart, Kari Jobe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbSMfL5LuSo  You are for Me, Kari Jobe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzejd6r9DwE   Healer, Kari Jobe

My heart is for you to be encouraged today.

He is near. 
You are not alone.
You have value and purpose.

May Our LORD give you a new song for your heart to sing today~ 

Blessings-

Light of the World

Isaiah 9:2

^{2 [a]}The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.

 

1 John 1:5

⁵ This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.

John 12:45-46

⁴⁵ He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. ⁴⁶ I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.

 

 

 

We were able to put up a Christmas tree.  I enjoy the soft glow of the Christmas lights!  There's something so wonderful about them.

 

When I was little, one of my favorite things to do was to curl up under the tree at night, and look up at the lights through the tree branches and decorations. 

 

It is always amazing to me that in darkness, it really only takes a little light to brighten things. 

 

Lyme brings many dark nights, and days seem to be in 'grey-scale'.... Bright lights can be torture to our eyes...

 

But, the Light of Christ reaches in any time, anywhere- He can bring comfort, as well as conviction.  Just the right value of light to suit the needs of the soul.

 

Jesus is Light.  He is Truth. 

 

He brought His light to us once long ago..when born into a cave and laid in a lowly manger.  The shepherds saw a great light, with a host of His angels telling them of His birth... Wise men later followed the light of a great star, leading them to His presence... 

 

Dear One, are you in a dark place this Christmas- in a dark cave of your own? 

 

Invite the Light of the Universe, Jesus, to come.  He will meet you where you are- and just as with the Shepherds, he will meet with you as you are...

 

Look into His Word, the Bible, to see His light even more clearly

 

He is great in His mercy to those who are afflicted.  He will bring Light into your dark circumstances and in it reveal His presence- and His guidance.  

 

May His light warm your soul this Christmas~

 

Blessings-

 

Songs for the Season...

The LORD has been teaching me about 'seasons'. 

I used to operate with a 'straight ahead' mentality... and was disappointed often.  I falsely believed that if I just did the right things, in the right way, headed my way- things would go fine.

Well, life happens- and the LORD reminds me that what matters is: His way.  And to live according to His way...not what my own mind has decided is 'right and good'...

Lyme can throw you off life's track in so many ways.   Certainly heading you down a road you did not want to find yourself on. 

Dependency is especially hard- as much of what we usually have done for ourselves, can be overwhelming.... days upon days can be filled with despairing as to whether or not we can ever get back to 'normal'...

I have been finding it eas-ier to approach the life challenges by keeping 'season' in my mindset. 

The area in which I live has four seasons.  I love the change of seasons- there is something to enjoy in each new season, and each new year of seasons.  And before I know it- one has passed into another. 

Lyme is for a season ... and even when it hangs on through many calendar seasons, in and of itself there are new seasons....and in each, a new lesson to learn about the LORD, about life, about the people around us...                                                  

This time of year reminds us to Wonder, as a child does, about this Great God of ours-  who in Mystery has come to know us, to be our Saviour, and High Priest who interceedes on our behalf. 

 

 

May through the challenges, pain, discouragement... Lyme may be bringing you this season...the Light of the World shine through it all and touch you heart/soul with His presence...bringin a new song, a new joy, a new wonder to you~        
                                                       

Blessings-

Here are some seasonal song links you may enjoy- (some not so traditional, some traditional) :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWg1tcHQp2A

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LNxDzhoey8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9GtPX6c_kg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iO7ySn-Swwc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6BiSiAeIH0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcJYW1oN6fw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-150Y6Hf8ds

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpC1uuDbiTs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4xbQDV9HtM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS3vpAWW2Zc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6_nJ11BgTE

                                             

 

Purpose

Today I found myself reading in 1Peter chapter 4, verses 1-11.

In verse 1-2, Peter emplores us 'Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, ...so as to live....but for the will of God."  

Our purpose today: to live for the will of God.   Circumstances aside. 

We get a further look at this in verses 7-11:

-be of sound judgement and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer

-be hospitable to one another without complaint

-employ the special gift God has given you; employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God

- in service, speak in Truth and under His authority

-serve by the strength God supplies

-SO THAT: in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Big purpose: to live for the will of God.

Big instructions: soundness, prayer, hospitable, service... 

Big equipment: God has given each of us a special gift, according to His manifold grace

Big God:  do these things according to the strength God supplies

Big outcome:  that in all things  Jesus Christ may be glorified

Big reason: because all glory and dominion belong to Jesus Christ, He is deserving

Amen.

Even when we are laid low with Lyme- we have a purpose for this time: to live out the will of God.

Dr. Tony Evans put it this way once:
"Faith is acting like God is telling the truth! ...
Acting like it is so,
even when it's not so,
 in order that it might be so,
simply because God said so."

Even if your day is a 'horizontal' day- 'live for the will of God'

What does it look like for you today, to 'live for the will of God'?
What just came into your heart and mind- flesh aside, in your spirit? 

In whatever of these things, in all things- He will give you the strength to do them, with purpose- unto His glory, His will, your good. 

Blessings-

Post script-  Yesterday was 12-12-2012...  about 2pm my son and I realized that the world had 'ended' a couple hours ago.  We'd been too engrossed in a Chemistry class (home education) to take notice.  I guess we'll probably remember the whole thing Periodically then....   :)

One of my favorite Christmas songs- wonderful for the whole year-  'I Wonder as I Wander'
I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall
With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all
But high from God's heaven, a star's light did fall
And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing
A star in the sky or a bird on the wing
Or all of God's Angels in heaven to sing
He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King

I wonder as I wander out under the sky
How Jesus the Saviour did come for to die
For poor on'ry people like you and like I;
I wonder as I wander out under the sky

Some beautiful harp music- Christmas songs- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhZljYl1cOs&list=PLA0CA594B112402C2&index=2

The Gift of Lyme

Yes, Gift.

Not asked for.

Not welcome.

But a gift.

I would not have considered it a gift had I not known The One who had allowed me to recieve it; this One is Turstworthy, and only gives Good Gifts. 

The gifts may come wrapped in smelly packaging, dark surroundings, in hostile conditions, with hardly a notice beyond self or family...coming on the outside, much like the Most Precious Gift- Jesus.

It is a surprise package- not expected by most; unusual. 

Lyme was not a welcome gift in and of itself-  for it was only the wrapping; and once I began to tear away the wrapping and look more deeply- I have found a font of blessed gifts. 

The most precious-  the reality of knowing the Living God's presence...

and in that are the sacred aromas of- the One Who Never Leaves, the One Who Is Faithful, Peace, Hope, Refuge, Comfort...

and therein lies a rock- Sure Footing, Foundation...

glimmering nuggets of Truth, Wisdom, Discernment, Knowledge-

and glistening gems of Grace, Mercy, Lovingkindess, Patience...

even sustenance- the Bread of Life, the Word...

And, these only begin to describe the gifts wrapped in the stench of Lyme. 

It is nothing compared to Our Dear Saviour- Jesus; allowing Himself- God of All Creation, to step into Flesh- to be born in a dark, dank, smelly manger cave, long ago....to trod this earth, to experience humanity, to understand anything we might experience...to take upon Himself the sin-of-the-world..to be a sacrifice for us- and to rise as conqueror of sin... 

If He was willing to do all this for me- and He chooses to present me with gifts in wrappings of pain, fever, chills, aches, confusion, delirium, loneliness, misunderstanding, shortness of breath, fatigue,  depression...

then He will also embed precious gifts within the wrapping for our good, for our growth...for His glory. 

He is the One Who Sees, He is Trustworthy, He is the Redeemer---He is the Giver of Good Gifts-- 

May, today, you begin to unwrap the gifts He has for you hidden in the wrapping of Lyme.  Ask Him to reveal them to you...  Go ahead- take even a peek...and you will begin a marvelous new dimension to your healing. 



Matthew 7:11
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!
Luke 11:13
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

A Strange Advent

I was talking last week with a younger brother-in-the-Lord who was about to begin being treated for neuroLyme.  At the end of his email, he stated "What a strange Advent this will be."

It reminded me of a 'strange Advent', for me it was last year.  I was in the throes of treatment, very much incapacitated-  trying to fill the dishwasher would send me into a flood, not of dishwater, but tears!  The task of loading the dishwasher was so beyond me physically and mentally- I would begin crying....my teenage son then as gently as he could would say, "Mom, just go to bed..."  

The house was decorate, cookies baked....by my family.  It wasn't the same, it wasn't as much... But I will say that that Advent season produced in my an acuity like I'd never before experienced as to where I was placing my Expectant Hope at Christmas.   I was amazed.

There was less and less in which I could participate- not the shopping, the baking, the cooking, decorating, the gift shopping, wrapping, visiting, caroling, services at church.....at best I might get to observe, usually from the couch, or a propped position...  

It grieved me so not to be taking part in all the things that 'made it Christmas' to me- all the family traditions, personal traditions....Yes, all for Jesus-- so I'd thought.  

But Lyme was giving me a greater gift that Christmas.  Lyme was stripping away pretense after pretense that I'd built around Christmas...  Over and over I'd catch myself mumbling- 'but I'd hoped for....but I'd hoped to...'- usually with a pitiful tear, a grieving heart.... 

...then the gift that Lyme brought began to shine through all the losses- and became my greatest gain-- Indeed, Christmas was about Jesus, His coming--- not only that, but the celebration that He Came!  It was in Him, and Him alone that I was to place my hope!  For the first time in my life as a Believer, the greatest reality of His presence during this time of year became clear... 

Yes, I've watched many a Hallmark movie about the 'real meaning of Christmas'- which is usually 'love'-  but for me, this experience- was something deeper.  

Yes, Love had Come Down--- In fact the reality of His presence was ever becoming more dear and real....but now I was beginning to grasp the reality of   Him BEING that in whom I could confidently place all my expectations, my hopes.... 

In fact: He IS all Hope and the Only One In Whom We Can Place our Expectations.  He is Peace, He is Joy, He is Hope....

Last year for me was indeed one of those 'Strange Advents'- but it turned out to be one of the richest and dearest, as the LORD met with me and showed me He is Everything, and worthy of expectation and hope!

What are you waiting for this Advent season? 

What are you hoping for this Christmastime?

May you find Our King, Our Saviour, born into lowly estate- laid in a cave/barn manger...

the One Came to Dwell Amoung us- to know our humanity- and yet still be fully God...

This One who knew no sin- yet endured on our behalf- to understand what you are going through--

and in obedience, with joy set before Him, one day died on that cross to bear our sin, and make a way for us unto salvation through our trust in what He did for us----

What Child Is this?  What kind of King?

May this Advent time find you with great expectations- rightly placed in Our Lord- Jesus.  No matter what life circumstance you may be in....you will then experience a very merry Christmas-

(For a short time you can get a free download of "God Is In The Manger", by Dietrich Bonhoeffer-  Advent Notes he wrote during his own Strange Advent .  http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=20a00fb2dedc6a697ed98e3f8&id=d6eb605ac0  )

Blessings-

Vicissitude

Perhaps you already know what vicissitude means- but I  just learned in at Sunday School yesterday!  It means - 'to change or variation occurring in the course of something; interchange or alternation,  as of states or things.;  successive, alternating, or changing phases or conditions, ups and downs;  regular change or succession of one state of thing to another; change mutation, mutability'

I don't know about you- but I think the word has many applications to Lyme and those dealing with Lyme! 

With Lyme, the symptoms are vicissitudinal;
the route in finding helpful health practicioners is vicissitudinal;
our protocols have a certain amount of vicissitude;
during treatment, there is a lot of vicissitude;
we have to keep ahead of the buggers because they are by nature vicissitudinal;
which causes us to have a very vicissitudinality life!

THANKFULLY-  our LORD is NOT vicissitudinal!   He is Unchanging;
He is the same yesterday, today and in the coming days;
He was, and  is, and is to come;
He never fails;
He never leaves;
He is the author (beginning) and the perfector (finisher) of our faith!

Our lesson yesterday was taken from another sermon by Dr. Tony Evans (Comforting the Afflicted- Discovering the Strength of Faith)   The main verses were in Hebrews 12:1-3 and  Hebrew 10:23-25 (NASB

Brothers and Sisters, when we are battling Lyme- we are weighed- down (can I get an 'amen'?) 

Scripture reminds us that we have a Saviour- one who is acquainted with suffering and grief- who dwelt in the flesh amoung us- who endured hostility, pain, isolation, shame, the weight of the sin of the world, dying on a cross....  He endured this because He was fixed on the joy set before Him-

knowing He was to then sit at the right hand of the throne of God-- having done this 'so that you will not grow weary and lose heart'! 

In our suffering- we must fix our eyes on Jesus: study how, in His humanity- He lived on earth by faith, how He related to His Father, and how He was set/fixed on the joy set before Him. 

We should not fix our eyes on: our self, wrong things, things that are wrong with ourselves...  these things will be ironed out of our souls the more we fix our eyes on Jesus. 

We must be careful not to encumbrance ourselves with these things; extra baggage will slow us down, limit us.... (even things that are not necessarily 'sinful' can slow us down from our maximum spiritual growth potential). 

What is slowing you down today?

Is it pain, isolation, frustration/anger, dissapointment, being misunderstood, unbelief, weariness....

Dear One- let us fix our eyes on, and see- this One Who Is the Author and Perfector of our Faith... He is UNCHANGING, there is NO vicissitude in Him.  

Peter fixed his eyes on Jesus and boldly stepped out onto the stormy sea-water...even when he took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink- Jesus stretched out His hand to Him and lifted him up...Jesus did not condemn him in his unbelief as much as to infer that there was so much more Peter missed out on because he overwhelmed himself with his circumstance instead of Jesus' presence. 

Matthew 14:28-32

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁸ Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” ²⁹ And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. ³⁰ But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and *said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³² When they got into the boat, the wind stopped.

Today- in our own stormy, vicissitudinal, day-  may you reach out and find the gentle, but firm, grasp of Jesus.  The One who understands your affliction today...who loves you...who is Lord Over All--- He is Unchanging- His Lovingkindness endures forever--  

Look to Him today-  fix your mind, heart, and soul on Him....the wind will stop, the waves will calm, the storm will fade...

Keep holding onto His mighty right hand.  In Him is your strength today.

That will not change!

blessings-

Hebrews 12:1-3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

12 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ^{2 [a]}fixing our eyes on Jesus, the ^[b]author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

³ For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary ^[c]and lose heart.

 

Isaiah 33:2

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

² O Lord, be gracious to us; we have waited for You.
Be ^[a]their ^[b]strength every morning,
Our salvation also in the time of distress

 

Isaiah 33:6

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

⁶ And He will be the ^[a]stability of your times,
A wealth of salvation, wisdom and knowledge;
The fear of the Lord is his treasure.

 

Isaiah 26:3

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³ “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace,
Because he trusts in You.

 

Isaiah 40:26

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁶ Lift up your eyes on high
And see who has created these stars,
The One who leads forth their host by number,
He calls them all by name;
Because of the greatness of His might and the ^[a]strength of His power,
Not one of them is missing.

 

Isaiah 40:28-29

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

²⁸ Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
²⁹ He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.

 

Isaiah 40:31

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

³¹ Yet those who ^[a]wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will ^[b]mount up with ^[c]wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary.

 

Isaiah 41:10

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

¹⁰ ‘Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look
I will strengthen you, surely I will help you,
Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

 

 

fudge-on-a-litle-fudge

Okay- IF I am going to fudge a little on my restrictive diet- it's gotta be satisfying, and still have some merit of goodness!

Well, I came across this site for Slow Cooker Fudge; and being I'd never made fudge before, and I like easy-  I took a look at it....I was thinking, "Hey, even if I can't eat Christmas treats anymore- I can still make some for the family to enjoy!" 

Here's the link: http://skinnyms.com/slow-cooker-fudge/

I was pleased to discover it was a half-way-healthy fudge recipe!

I tweeked it some more, and it turned out great!   (and even less sugar content!)

Here's my version:

2c Dark Chocolate Chips (1TBSP=70cal, 6g sugar, 45 fat calories)
1/2 c Coconut Milk , canned (I used one without preservatives- by Native Forest, Original Coconut Milke, unsweetened; 1/2c= 200cal, 2g sugar, 20g total fat)
1/4c Stevia (could add a little more if want it sweeter)
Dash of Sea Salt

adding later- 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Cook according to the original recipe. 

So- I limit myself to only have a tiny piece- but it is so rich and good!   It tastes a lot like a hot-fudge ice cream topping.  I think it is all the more rich tasting because I have so very little of anything sweet these days! 

Of course, if you decide to indulge in this tastey treat- do so with great caution, and reserve- and be sure  that you eat it in combination with having had a good helping of a quality protein source  to help keep your blood sugar level more stable.  

It is a TREAT after all!  

Keep strong this Holyday season!   It is all the more difficult with so many sweet  and bread treats abounding!  But, be your creative self- or ask one of your creative friends , to come up with some nummy alternatives! 

Let's look at it not as staring into more  "No-nos"- but instead look with wide-eyed excitement and curiousity as to discovering new recipes to enjoy....

Afterall, this holyday season isn't about the cookies- it is about Christ!  :)   And He is the One Who Truly Satisfies anyway! 

blessings-

Rise

Today, my devotions brought me to Micah, chapters 6&7.  

In the 6th chapter, the LORD asks- "My people, what have I done to you, And how have I wearied you?  Answer Me..."  He goes on to account the many other times He has brought them out of slavery...  already the people have become dissatisfied, and have forgotten the mighty works of the LORD.  (3)

I think it more likely that we weary Him.  Our pain and discomfort overwhelm our minds and cause us to see the LORD's goodness at a great distance, at best, but more often than not we forget He has saved us...

Nonetheless, His lovingkindness has not changed...and as He calls His people into rememberance of His having ransomed them, bringing them up out of bondage.."So that you might know the righteous acts of the LORD". (5)

The verses  insightfully goes on to remind us that the LORD's pleasure is not in the physical sacrifices His people make- but that (8) "He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of  you But to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Wow- even wracked with Lyme-   we can bring Him pleasure- in seeking Him and responding to our world (albiet a 'small world') justly, loving kindness- and with humility before God.  (vs 9 "...and it is sound wisdom to fear Your name'  

At the core of humility is a healthy, good 'fear of the LORD'- which is to show a very deep respect for Him, who He is...  Lyme can bring a lot of fear into our lives, but  'fearing the LORD', is the only good fear we should be about entertaining.

Micah goes on lamenting- he is feeling quite alone.  He can find no one, cept perhaps his wife, in  whom he can place a trust.  Many of us feel this way as well- we are so misunderstood in this illness; by doctors, friends, family....save but maybe  a spouse.

Now, I realize Micah is speaking in a time of the Hebrews' history... his prophecy is most likely concerning Samaria  and Jerusalem.... but I think there are principles that can we can apply to how we are feeling, and how our world is....
  
Again-  Micah is feeling quite alone, even this great prophet of faith is feeling alone.
 
He greives for his own state, and for those around him.  There is evil afoot all around him, and the people around him have given in to evil ways...

"But", Micah writes in verses 7&8,"as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation, My God will hear me.  Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy.  Though I fall I will rise;  Though I dwell in darkness, the LORD is a light for me."

 
Lyme can certainly darken our world....figuratively and literally!  In my battle with the many infections of Lyme-  I take the battle on in that I am fighting foes which seek to overtake me.  I think in this, I identify with the battle themes of the Old Testament- and seek to glean wisdom and encouragement from  the Prophets and godly Kings...  

When in my own battle, the darkness presses in-  I will draw close to my Light, the LORD... I will look to Him for my strength and salvation...There may be times I fall, but I will keep seeking the LORD to raise me- in whatever manner He will, in whatever way may bring Him glory. 

I am forever full of gratitude for His lovingkindness.  My faith is built on a confident trust in Him- and that no matter what my circumstances appear to be to my mortal eyes, He is at work, according to His goodness, and for my good.  He is trustworthy. 

The very definition of faith is that I believe in the LORD, regardless of my  afflictions, my circumstances, my weaknessess....  I  am choosing to put my trust in my God, who is Truth, who is Kind, who is Loving, who is King, who is Mighty....who is Jehovah- the One who Saves!  

Blessings-

Road Signs

Phew! I made it! 

Last night I had the privilege of giving a lesson to three groups of children at our church.  You only have 10-20 minutes to give you lesson to each group, children's ages in groups range from 1-2 grade, 3-4 grade, 5-6grade.

I haven't been able to do this in years, and went all out on my self-management skills to get there and do it! 

With my poor memory- I'd put in days of preparation, and put my trust in God to help me remember and speak out the lesson with clarity.  (yep- lookin for  a miracle!)

In my preparation- I was learning the lesson as well; which is a huge benefit as a teacher, you get to learn a lot!

I am hoping the children learned something last evening...I know I learned something.  And, I hope you do too.   While going through this lesson, I kept thinking what a needed lesson/reminder this was for me on my faith journey, especially with Lyme affecting my life to the degree it has, and does. 

For the sake of energy- I am basically going to copy/paste the lesson into this post...please understand a) it was for elementary aged children   b) these are the raw notes, but delivery varied for each aged/gender group... 

Before Thanksgiving break-  Mrs. G shared a bit about someone who lived thousands of years ago, and about whom the Bible tells us~

Abraham!   Remember- Mrs. G was telling you about Abraham’s long journey  to a place he’d never been before!

Raise your hand if you’ve ever been on a LONG journey- (somewher you'd not been before..)

You had to TRUST the person driving to know the way!

 Along most roads- there are road signs to help us keep safe and give us directions so we know we are headed the RIGHT way!

Now- have you ever been riding with someone who realized they were going a wrong way and they had to TURN BACK to look for the RIGHT road signs to go the RIGHT way?

 There were times in Abraham's journey where he started to get off God's road for him and began to go his own way..... he had to turn himself around and get back on the RIGHT way.   And each time, He has learned more about God telling him the TRUTH and that God is TRUSTWORTHY. 

 The longer Abraham followed along God’s path- the stronger his FAITH became because he found that what God would tell him was TRUE and TRUSTWORTHY.

Whenever Abraham was TRUSTING God by FAITH, and then doing what God wanted him to do, or not do- (being OBEDIENT)  God was pleased with Abraham-

 Their relationship with each other was ‘RIGHT’-   In fact, God called Abraham righteous (full of rightness) because Abraham TRUSTED, and then OBEYED God. 

It is always so good to know someone we can TRUST- it is easy then to do things they want us to do, in fact we even want to do things to make them happy, and for us to have a good (right) relationship with them.

And God is ALWAYS full of TRUTH- He is ALWAYS TRUSTWORTHY!

 We join Abraham when he is very old (like 100!)- and Sarah is 90 years old!   And still they have not had their own baby together- even though God told them long ago they would not only have a baby, but that their descendents ( baby’s babies, babies..) would be like the numbers of stars in the sky!  (Genesis 15:5-6God took Abraham “outside and said, “Now look toward the heavens, and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.”)

Both Abraham and Sarah were very excited, after waiting SO MANY years- to find out that Sarah was expecting a child.   BTW- That child’s name was Isaac!  Abraham has more adventures and experiences with Isaac- but that’s for another Council time…

 Tonight- I want you to learn some important things that Abraham realized and did that were like Road Signs along his journer- that helped Abraham be RIGHT with God, and helped him to stay on God’s chosen pathway in his life-journey.

You’ve already heard some of them- now let’s look at them- then you can practice them with a partner! 

 First road sign is TRUTH  (it is very important to know that what God has told us is always TRUE, He cannot lie!  God is truth!)

The second sign is TRUSTWORTHY-  because God never lies- we can always TRUST Him…which is being TRUSTWORTHY!

Knowing God is TRUSTWORTHY we can believe in Him to do what He says, gives us a CONFIDENT TRUST in God even if we don’t see it right away- which is FAITH.

Because of our FAITH  is in God being TRUSTWORTHY- we want to show God our FAITH and love by OBEYING Him- because we TRUST Him.

And this makes God happy with us, and us with Him—our relationship is good and RIGHT.  And, we will be on the RIGHT path in life too!  

 And, if we ever get off track- we can just do what Abraham did- he turned himself around (repentance)- and got back on track by following the road signs-

We need to remember:  (DO WITH HAND MOTIONS!)

God is TRUTH (rigth hand up as if taking an oath)

And so He is TRUSTWORTHY    (handshake with your buddy)

Which gives us a CONFIDENT TRUST in Him (two thumbs-up with a smile)

Which is FAITH that God will do as He says- even if we can’t see it right away. (hands pressed together as in 'praying hands')   Note-  as important as FAITH is- the even bigger issue is in whom, or what, are you placing your faith-- many people have a very deep and sincere faith, but their faith is not unto salvation-- for faith that is a saving faith- it is the object of our faith which matters most....and that is that we place our faith in the Only One worthy of it- the LORD God, through His Son Jesus Christ. 

 So- we want to OBEY Him (salute)-  we don't have to obey- but we want to obey this God  who loves us so much, and wants good for us, and in whom we can TRUST, because He is TRUTH, and TRUSTWORTHY!

 

Our CONFIDENT TRUST/FAITH in God- makes us RIGHT with God. (hand-bump, high five...)

 

The LORD is TRUTH…

 and so He is TRUSTWORTHY …

which gives me a CONFIDENT TRUST in Him….

which builds up my FAITH …

so I want to OBEY! …

This make me RIGHT with God!

Hebrews 11:11-12 says"

New Living Translation (NLT)

11 It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child, though she was barren and was too old. She believed[a] that God would keep his promise. 12 And so a whole nation came from this one man who was as good as dead—a nation with so many people that, like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore, there is no way to count them."  (BTW- We read in the first chapter of Matthew that about 42 generations later, off a descendant of Abraham's, named Joseph....he marries a young woman named Mary...we'll hear a lot about this couple in December..)Romans 4: 4-8 says "

4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:

7 “Oh, what joy for those

    whose disobedience is forgiven,

    whose sins are put out of sight.

8 Yes, what joy for those

    whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

and verses 20-25 say " 20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

Those of us with Lyme all find ourselves on a LONG journey....we've not been down this road before..we are trusting the LORD to not only direct us, but to lead us in learning what He has to show us along the way...

Lyme is regularly pulling me toward the ditch, off the right pathway... I must regularly remind myself...He is Truth, Trustworthy- my Confident Trust/Faith is in Him...willing me to Obey, and giving joy and comfort to my soul that by Faith in His Son Jesus Christ, I am Right with Him...  I especially need to review these principles on those very foggy days!  And, it is good to have others who walk alongside me, and are willing to gently remind me- encourage me, to keep on His pathway in this journey-

May you be encouraged in your Faith Journey in Him today-  As a Believer, you are not walking this journey alone- He will never leave you, stay close to Him.  And as you walk through this with Him- may your own faith/confidence in the LORD increase with great measure~

Blessings-

a fellow sojourner