Yep- I am definitely a wonky-nerd! I actually enjoy the 'word of the day' post that comes up on my dictionary.com app!
Yesterday, the highlighted word was 'esse'. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/esse?s=t
It means: being, existence
For some reason the word gave me pause. Such a short word, such a huge meaning.
When battling Lyme, we can often find ourselves wrestling with our being, our existence. Particularly on days where we feel we hardly exist, or are being.
We feel weak, isolated, abandoned, unproductive, de-valued, forgotten, misunderstood, alone, afraid... our list can go on and on...
But, from out beyond what we know of to be the universe, beyond what we know of time- God, the Creator of all things in the universe, and things beyond- reaches out to us. He calls to us by name. He sees you, He cares about you. He knows the number of hairs on your head.
For you, He sent His only begotten Son, to become the perfect sacrifice, in your stead, to make the forgiveness of your sins possible- so that one day, you will enter into eternal life with Him.
Today you may be feeling alone, deserted, even by God. But remember, Our Saviour Jesus Christ experience being deserted, as He was betrayed, and later left alone to die on that forsaken hillside, hanging on a cross. He knows your pain.
God reveals and lifts up according to His perfect time. Sometimes the waiting for that perfect time, for us, seems extremely insufferable- but He is at work on our behalf- in ways too marvelous and mysterious for us to comprehend right now.
Hang in there my beloved battle-weary buddy- To me, and even more so- to God- you esse!
1 Peter 5: 6-7 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Hair Today
My daughters and I have been looking at alternatives to cleaning products, and personal care items.
Recently, one of my daughters came across a method of using baking soda and apple cider vinegar instead of shampoos.
Since a lot of us have issues with our hair, plus allergies and sensitivities to both chemical and natural ingredients, I thought I'd post this idea. (Not to mention- this is an inexpensive alternative!)
Here is a site to look at... the pic she has posted looks like white vinegar, but really- apple cider vinegar is recommended. There are other sites too- so feel free to do your own searching around. I like to do that myself- then I can come up with the 'best of' from the different sites.
Scroll down the page a bit on this site too- as the author adds some more comments after receiving feedback/ideas from others.
http://www.insonnetskitchen.com/baking-soda-vinegar-hair-care-update/
I've been doing this method for a couple weeks almost exclusively. It takes a bit of getting used to- but I like the results! It is a lot less expensive- and is so good for the scalp/hair!
Also- it your hair is dry- try organic coconut oil- massage in, or only put on ends... BUT, after this- you will probably need a regular shampoo to wash/rinse it out well- The conditioning from the coconut oil is amazing!
How are you doing today? Are you having one of those 'forgotten days'- where you feel like no one knows you are there? While you wash your hair- remember, Our Heavenly Father never forgets you! He knows you better than anyone- in fact:
Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
And as you remember- thank Him for knowing you so intimately; and, do not fear- you are valuable to Him!
Blessings-
Recently, one of my daughters came across a method of using baking soda and apple cider vinegar instead of shampoos.
Since a lot of us have issues with our hair, plus allergies and sensitivities to both chemical and natural ingredients, I thought I'd post this idea. (Not to mention- this is an inexpensive alternative!)
Here is a site to look at... the pic she has posted looks like white vinegar, but really- apple cider vinegar is recommended. There are other sites too- so feel free to do your own searching around. I like to do that myself- then I can come up with the 'best of' from the different sites.
Scroll down the page a bit on this site too- as the author adds some more comments after receiving feedback/ideas from others.
http://www.insonnetskitchen.com/baking-soda-vinegar-hair-care-update/
I've been doing this method for a couple weeks almost exclusively. It takes a bit of getting used to- but I like the results! It is a lot less expensive- and is so good for the scalp/hair!
Also- it your hair is dry- try organic coconut oil- massage in, or only put on ends... BUT, after this- you will probably need a regular shampoo to wash/rinse it out well- The conditioning from the coconut oil is amazing!
How are you doing today? Are you having one of those 'forgotten days'- where you feel like no one knows you are there? While you wash your hair- remember, Our Heavenly Father never forgets you! He knows you better than anyone- in fact:
Matthew 10:30
But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Luke 12:7
Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.
And as you remember- thank Him for knowing you so intimately; and, do not fear- you are valuable to Him!
Blessings-
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Fragile
Fragile.
A word that describes a lot of how I feel on a regular basis in my Lyme battle.
Fragile in that the days are so up and down, with uncertainty as to how anything may affect me physically, mentally, socially, spiritually- Doesn't seem to take much to cause me to get off what balance I have gotten.
In a bigger picture, having come close to death a few times in the past few years- one's fragility of life is all the more palpable.
This morning I was reading in 2Peter, chapter One. Ah, here is Peter, nicknamed 'The Rock', lovingly professing to fellow Believers about life.
In verses 13-15, we find why he is so passionate in his communication, "13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind."
Peter, The Rock, understands his fragility. In fact, he becomes a martyr for Christ- also being crucified. ( Some believe Peter chose to be hung up-side-down, to honor His Lord, who died on a cross right-side-up).
And what was it that Peter so badly wanted his fellow brethren to know? (highlight added by me)
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us [d]by His own glory and [e]excellence.
4 [f]For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [g]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
Sometimes when we are feeling fragile, especially when we compare ourselves socially, we believe we are useless. But, be encouraged Dear One- even on a bed of affliction- we can practice the qualities described in verses 5-7... with the assurance of verse 8 that as the qualities are ours, and increase (by practicing them, and trusting in the LORD's provision for them in our life)- we are left neither useless nor unfruitful.
May you be encouraged today by Peter's parting words to us. He well understood his fragility- but he chose to use his time by looking to the LORD, and encouraging his fellow believers to practice, through God's grace, peace and divine power- moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love.
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord~
A word that describes a lot of how I feel on a regular basis in my Lyme battle.
Fragile in that the days are so up and down, with uncertainty as to how anything may affect me physically, mentally, socially, spiritually- Doesn't seem to take much to cause me to get off what balance I have gotten.
In a bigger picture, having come close to death a few times in the past few years- one's fragility of life is all the more palpable.
This morning I was reading in 2Peter, chapter One. Ah, here is Peter, nicknamed 'The Rock', lovingly professing to fellow Believers about life.
In verses 13-15, we find why he is so passionate in his communication, "13 I consider it right, as long as I am in this earthly dwelling, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 knowing that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent, as also our Lord Jesus Christ has made clear to me. 15 And I will also be diligent that at any time after my departure you will be able to call these things to mind."
Peter, The Rock, understands his fragility. In fact, he becomes a martyr for Christ- also being crucified. ( Some believe Peter chose to be hung up-side-down, to honor His Lord, who died on a cross right-side-up).
And what was it that Peter so badly wanted his fellow brethren to know? (highlight added by me)
1 [a]Simon Peter, a bond-servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,
To those who have received a faith of the same [b]kind as ours, [c]by the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us [d]by His own glory and [e]excellence.
4 [f]For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral [g]excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
10 Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; 11 for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.
12 Therefore, I will always be ready to remind you of these things, even though you already know them, and have been established in the truth which is present with you.
Sometimes when we are feeling fragile, especially when we compare ourselves socially, we believe we are useless. But, be encouraged Dear One- even on a bed of affliction- we can practice the qualities described in verses 5-7... with the assurance of verse 8 that as the qualities are ours, and increase (by practicing them, and trusting in the LORD's provision for them in our life)- we are left neither useless nor unfruitful.
May you be encouraged today by Peter's parting words to us. He well understood his fragility- but he chose to use his time by looking to the LORD, and encouraging his fellow believers to practice, through God's grace, peace and divine power- moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love.
2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord~
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Compassion in 3-D
Here is an article I recently wrote, attempting to put into words experiences and thoughts about compassion. It is longer than what I usually post. How would you describe compassion? What/how have people best demonstrated compassion to you?
“Compassion in 3-D”
Being a nurse through the years, I’ve had many opportunities
to extend what I’ve understood to be compassion to those in need. Living with a chronic illness has taught me a
few more lessons about compassion.
The real nitty-gritty, rubber-meets-the-road, wrestling with
‘what is compassion’ has come through
my most recent battle with Late Stage Neuroborreliosis + 5 Co-Infections. Being counted amoung the afflicted has given
me a plethora of opportunities to experience true compassion from others- as
well as a goodly degree of platitudes, scoffing, thoughtlessness, to just plain
avoidance…
As a Believer (one who professes to have placed my trust in
Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord) I have all the more intentionally been
searching Scripture, and Jesus’ model of compassion; to learn more deeply about
what true compassion is- and how I may, through Him, better demonstrate it to others.
Please understand, what I am expressing here, is really me
sharing my thoughts with ‘the choir’, fellow Believers. Not all of what I have to say is very warm
and cozy to the Church. But, I do think
it an important topic for the Church to consider. (And yes- the whole Church, the Body- not
just the paid staff- for we are all called to be commissioners of Christ’s
compassion.)
Recently, I was chatting with a Believing friend of mine who
is also afflicted with Lyme; we were discussing more spiritual lessons we are
learning along this journey of affliction.
He mentioned how a couple of people he knows will regularly,
and with good intentions, feel compelled to verbally spill out particular Bible
verses to him. Now- these are good
verses, after all, God never inspired a bad verse, not even one.
But, however well- meaning this couple is- these verses, and
the way they are delivered, come across more as a platitude; and they bring
double messages such as: ‘if you
only had more faith; you just need to buck- up; you need to pray more; maybe
it’s because of sin in your life; here is a Bible verse and a hug, (because really- it just makes me feel better)’.
I cringe at how ungracious it sounds for me to be writing
this- but I am being brutally honest, from the insiders look. (I cringe as well, for all the times I know I have been ‘that person’.)
Inside, as we trust in God’s mercy and grace for a godly
response, our internal, carnal response is crying out: ‘You have NO clue!
You have absolutely NO idea
how many times, days, months, years; I have wrestled with those very verses… I
have sat on them, wept over them, chewed on them- swallowed them piece by piece
with my parched throat… I have wrestled day and night with God over them-
crying out to Him, weeping, seeking—asking for the reality and truth of that
Word to permeate me, draw me closer to Him; for It to be my life-line, my life,
my Hope…’
We afflicted muster a slight, wittingly warm smile, and say
“Thank-you.”; while underneath, we can be sorrowed that the person apparently
doesn’t understand the depths of that Word like we’ve come to learn of It, and
yet- also wishing for that person to never
be in a place such as we are in order to learn It.
These Words, verses- they are gold nuggets refined in
flames, precious; they are not to be tossed out injudiciously as one might do
with cheap trinkets to those along a roadside.
Especially to those in such great need of a true Word of encouragement,
a kind touch, a listening ear…
Of course- as afflicted we are all at different stages and
seasons. But many, once having sat in
suffering for some time- come to learn truisms such as- God is Safety, Hope, Provider,
Redeemer… That it really all does boil
down to Only Him. These things are not
just a pretty refrain in some Sunday morning song- but rather indeed where we
find perfect peace.
I’m sure I’ve only gotten to understand these truths to
shades that plenty of others have learned more deeply than I, but- I understand
them more in depth now than ever in my life thus far… (Currently, I am learning to recognize these as
truisms, to stand on them, and to live my life more in congruence with these
convictions...)
So how do we differentiate then, for simplicity sake-
platitudes, from biblical compassion?
First, let’s define platitude- compliments of Dictionary.com: a flat, dull, or trite remark, especially uttered
as if it were fresh or profound. (noun)
And, compassion- via Dictionary.com:
a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by
misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering (noun)
Being nouns, platitude and compassion have much in
common. In both cases, the one who
expresses a platitude or compassion- sees a situation worthy of a
response. Compassion takes that
observation a bit further in that the observer has stepped a bit closer into
the situation to read that the other person is indeed afflicted, or stricken-
and there is a more heart-felt desire to respond.
Taking compassion even further, let’s look at it
biblically. One aspect of biblical
compassion I see, is it takes the word compassion out of the realm of noun, and
brings it not only to a verb form, but adds dimension to it. ‘Compassion in 3-D’, so to speak.
In biblical compassion, not only is the stricken-one seen,
and the desire there to alleviate the suffering, but the overriding desire is not to ‘alleviate the observer’s own
suffering/awkwardness/pain of being confronted by one who is suffering’; instead, the observer’s desire is purely seeking to alleviate the
suffering/pain of the afflicted person with
whom they are interacting.
Not ‘kiss-kiss’ compassion; where a response is made to the
stricken really only acknowledging the situation,
and again-to usually make the ‘compassionate’ person feel better.
A key component to ‘Compassion in 3-D’, is that it involves
time: truly engaging the other, it can be uncomfortable/risky; it asks
questions to better understand, listens… asks what needs there are…, takes time
to pray in the moment- In some cases, compassion is when the observer plainly
admits when they can’t even begin to imagine what that person is going through-
but they acknowledge it must be incredibly difficult. Compassion offers to find resources (such as
another whose walked this same path); simply reaches out to hold the afflicted
person’s hand; gives a gentle hug; sends a thoughtful note; is willing to just
be there…
At a very low point, I humbled myself to see a counselor to
try to help sort out things.
Understanding being vulnerable was important to the process, I opened up
honestly about my struggles. Mainly, I
was seeking someone who would be willing just to climb down to this low valley-
and in my weakened state, take my hand, and just walk me through this in a
practical way. The response from the
counselor was something like: doing so
would be ‘an unhealthy thing for a counselor to do’- it was their job to ‘throw
a rope down’ to the person for them to grab hold of, and be helped up.
This was stunning to me. The logic of it I understood, but
in my deep valley- I saw that counselor as one of the few people who might be
willing to step in alongside me to help me navigate the way. It was very crushing to me. But, over the days following that ‘counsel’,
I sat in the Word, and before the LORD; again crying out to Him about my
despair- and how desperately I wanted just ‘that one person’ to understand how
things were for me, how I was feeling…someone to take my hand and be willing to
walk through this… And, my God, who is full of great mercy and
compassion, whispered to me- I AM here.
He has, and does still- bend low to meet with us, even in
the deepest depths of despair. He is our Compassionate Counselor. He
takes our hand-… He meets with us in our wounded, darkened state when we cry
out to Him. He meets with us in deep
valleys, muddy pig stys, raging seas…
No particular, formula prayer is needed, just a simple, ‘I
need You Jesus!’
Our Very Big God, is willing to come down to meet with us in
our time of need, no matter how messy it is, however dirty our hand, He will
take hold of it. When we call out to
Him- according to His great mercy and grace- He hears, He answers. Being our High Priest who has dwelt in human
flesh; experienced pain, abandonment, poverty, rejection…He has been through
it; He gets-it!
At times we think we cannot wait any longer for Him to
answer- and then, He reveals Himself.
Sometimes through the Word, sometimes in a whisper during prayer,
sometimes He sends one of His saints- at just the right moment…. His is
mysterious after all, and He works mysteriously on our behalf.
It boils down simply that it is not as much about trust, but
rather it is about the Object of our Trust.
If I say I believe the LORD, and all His attributes, will I choose to
live my life in accordance with that belief?
We His saints, when willing, and directed by His Holy Spirit,
are invited to participate in His commission of compassion to those afflicted
amoung us.
What a ministry- to be an ambassador of Hope!
Believe me when I say- I am in no position to judge
someone’s intentions when it comes to compassion. That alone is God’s work. Still, I’ve lived through enough to have
experienced times of being offered true compassion, and platitudes- and, as
I’ve said, been the one to deliver both.
In writing this, my main objective is to simply raise the
topic of compassion before you, in order for you to perhaps become more in tune
with the afflicted/stricken around you.
To see past that person’s affliction; to see someone who is of high value to God. And perhaps, you may also find there an
opportunity for you to extend His compassion- to offer Hope.
I invite you to take time to conduct your own Bible/Word
study about compassion. You might begin
by studying the ministry of the person of Jesus Christ as he ministered to
others. Here is a short list of aspects
to Him and His ministry that I found in my short story in just the book of
Matthew:
Jesus:
-
He spent time alone with the Father, in prayer,
in meditation…
-
He was committed to community fellowship (with
others, and as Triune God)
-
He extended mercy, gentleness, honor, grace,
compassion
-
He did not demand others to recognize His
authority
-
He understood who He was, whom He was; He had
healthy boundaries/self-differentiation
-
His goals were to glorify the Father, and edify
others
-
He provided for people’s physical needs, social
and mental health needs…many times as gateways to ministering to their
spiritual need
-
If admonishment was needed for the person’s
health- was done in love
-
He approached many first by asking them
questions
-
He was authentic
-
He is good
-
His concern was not foremost for our comfort,
but for our knowing Him-and growing in our knowledge of Him
-
He allowed people to ‘sit in the mud’ sometimes,
until they were responsive to Him
-
He willingly crossed social-economic barriers
-
He was humble
Again- this is the short
list of aspects I found in His ministry of compassion.
Is the LORD speaking to you about compassion? Talk to Him about it, pray/meditate/study…
He will show you opportunities to share His compassion with others. He will guide you- His Holy Spirit will give
you insights, His Word, His direction of action…
Bless you in your journey of compassion~
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Psalm for Days that Suck
Okay- I don't use the word 'suck' a lot. For me, it is a bit too far into vulagarity for my personal taste. Most of you know that the word is used these days to describe something that is 'objectionable'- like having a bad day.
Truly, there are some days that just suck; especially if you are a Lymie, there can be a lot of days like that!
Today I read Psalm 117 titled 'A Psalm of Praise'. Maybe for you it seems strange for me to call it a 'Psalm for Days that Suck'- but over these years of battle, I've come to the realization that those kinds of days are the perfect days in which to give praise.
Just as we see from the Psalmist in Psalm 73, as he begins with lament- there is a point at which the 'day turns around' (vs 17) - it is when he enters the King's sanctuary, and turns his lament into praise.
Want to turn your day around? You can start with a sacrifice of praise. (Ps 27:6; Hebrews 13:15)
When it's a bad day, we have little energy- Psalm 117 is a good passage to which we can turn. It is only 2 verses long:
Psalme 117
1 Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all people!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD is everlasing.
Praise the LORD!
Laud means to 'highly praise', particulary in public. Maybe your 'public' today is to be a person of praise in view of your family. Not a phony praise- but heartfelt and true praise.
But, you may ask- 'what in the world do I have to give praise about!?' Well Dear One- perhaps not a lot right now 'in this world'- but we have much to praise in the LORD- for Who He IS, for What He has done, what He is doing.... Meditate on these things- and there is much to praise Him for~
My prayer for you today- is that today will become a day of praise for you- that it may turn from a day that sucks, to a day filled with His Sonshine. Perhaps all the Lyme symptoms won't change today- but your burden will lighten- as you will be giving the LORD and open inviation to meet with you.
Blessings-
Truly, there are some days that just suck; especially if you are a Lymie, there can be a lot of days like that!
Today I read Psalm 117 titled 'A Psalm of Praise'. Maybe for you it seems strange for me to call it a 'Psalm for Days that Suck'- but over these years of battle, I've come to the realization that those kinds of days are the perfect days in which to give praise.
Just as we see from the Psalmist in Psalm 73, as he begins with lament- there is a point at which the 'day turns around' (vs 17) - it is when he enters the King's sanctuary, and turns his lament into praise.
Want to turn your day around? You can start with a sacrifice of praise. (Ps 27:6; Hebrews 13:15)
When it's a bad day, we have little energy- Psalm 117 is a good passage to which we can turn. It is only 2 verses long:
Psalme 117
1 Praise the LORD, all nations;
Laud Him, all people!
2 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
And the truth of the LORD is everlasing.
Praise the LORD!
Laud means to 'highly praise', particulary in public. Maybe your 'public' today is to be a person of praise in view of your family. Not a phony praise- but heartfelt and true praise.
But, you may ask- 'what in the world do I have to give praise about!?' Well Dear One- perhaps not a lot right now 'in this world'- but we have much to praise in the LORD- for Who He IS, for What He has done, what He is doing.... Meditate on these things- and there is much to praise Him for~
My prayer for you today- is that today will become a day of praise for you- that it may turn from a day that sucks, to a day filled with His Sonshine. Perhaps all the Lyme symptoms won't change today- but your burden will lighten- as you will be giving the LORD and open inviation to meet with you.
Blessings-
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Easy Chicken Dinner
Going through some recipes today as I prepare to give a presentation on Lyme tomorrow.
Here is a recipe I found and adapted:
Blessed Hope to you today!
Psalm 116
I love the Lord, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
Here is a recipe I found and adapted:
Nummy Baked Chicken:
greased
9x13 glass pan
4-5
whole chicken breasts, skinned- place in pan
Mix:
2 TBSP Dijon-style mustard + 2TBSP melted butter (or coconut oil)+ 1TBSP dried
tarragon. Brush mix onto chix breasts.
Bake
at 350degrees til meat no longer pink inside (about an hour)
Variation
of ‘Basic Baked Chicken’ recipe from book Nourishing
Traditions by Sally Fallon
Keep me in prayer as I present to others about Lyme- that others might be spared this wretched disease, or if afflicted- that they may be encouraged! Blessed Hope to you today!
Psalm 116
I love the Lord, because He hears
My voice and my supplications.
2 Because He has inclined His ear to me,
Therefore I shall call upon Him as long as I live.
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Lyme Foodie Idea
Last evening I was thinking about sharing again about eating as a Lyme Fighter.
Most of us have challenges to eating. I have multiple allergies (some life threatening), intolerances- and slow motility due to neurologic-gastric short circuiting from Lyme.
On top of those things- my family hasn't really wanted to embrace my eating habits (can't blame them)!
Thankfully, I am at a point where I can regularly prepare meals now (unlike a couple years ago where trying to read a simple recipe would've been a disaster, ending in a mess, and with me going back to bed in tears)!
Usually, when I'm preparing meals for my family- I need to prepare my own food seperately.
If there is a meat item, I manage to pull out my meat to cook it without any additions to it, cept for maybe some spices I know I can tolerate. When possible, I pull out enough for at least two servings- so that the next day, I have cooked meat ready to go.
Also, I try to keep some rice cooked up, and available in the refrigerator for me to throw into a personal dinner. Our local organic foods store has a wonderful variety of rice from which to choose- and this helps a lot, especially when rice is about all I can have! One of my most favorite rices is Wild Rice- which has a bonus of extra protein and more flavor!
Depending on the vegetable I'm cooking up for the family- I'll try to reserve some of that as well...
Then, for quick savory meal- I have meat, rice, a veggie ready to throw into a small saucepan in which I've melted some Coconut Oil....heat thoroughly! This is especially good when I am putting energy into a larger meal for my family- and allows me to quickly and easily have my own side meal.
I use different spices to switch things up a bit, especially on day two of possibly same ingredients :) (Nice to have Braggs' Aminos on hand)
Perhaps you are like me- NO MORE BREAD. This has been very difficult for me. But, I now enjoy chewing on a piece, then spitting it out...just to have a taste.... and, of course, deeply taking in the aroma- It's been long enough now for me that these are quite satisfying- especially when hours later I still feel good and not having the gi symptoms I would've had if I'd eaten it!
There is still One Bread of which we can take in freely- and will leave us satisfied, but not bloated! :)
Yes, the Bread of Life~
John 6:33
Most of us have challenges to eating. I have multiple allergies (some life threatening), intolerances- and slow motility due to neurologic-gastric short circuiting from Lyme.
On top of those things- my family hasn't really wanted to embrace my eating habits (can't blame them)!
Thankfully, I am at a point where I can regularly prepare meals now (unlike a couple years ago where trying to read a simple recipe would've been a disaster, ending in a mess, and with me going back to bed in tears)!
Usually, when I'm preparing meals for my family- I need to prepare my own food seperately.
If there is a meat item, I manage to pull out my meat to cook it without any additions to it, cept for maybe some spices I know I can tolerate. When possible, I pull out enough for at least two servings- so that the next day, I have cooked meat ready to go.
Also, I try to keep some rice cooked up, and available in the refrigerator for me to throw into a personal dinner. Our local organic foods store has a wonderful variety of rice from which to choose- and this helps a lot, especially when rice is about all I can have! One of my most favorite rices is Wild Rice- which has a bonus of extra protein and more flavor!
Depending on the vegetable I'm cooking up for the family- I'll try to reserve some of that as well...
Then, for quick savory meal- I have meat, rice, a veggie ready to throw into a small saucepan in which I've melted some Coconut Oil....heat thoroughly! This is especially good when I am putting energy into a larger meal for my family- and allows me to quickly and easily have my own side meal.
I use different spices to switch things up a bit, especially on day two of possibly same ingredients :) (Nice to have Braggs' Aminos on hand)
Perhaps you are like me- NO MORE BREAD. This has been very difficult for me. But, I now enjoy chewing on a piece, then spitting it out...just to have a taste.... and, of course, deeply taking in the aroma- It's been long enough now for me that these are quite satisfying- especially when hours later I still feel good and not having the gi symptoms I would've had if I'd eaten it!
There is still One Bread of which we can take in freely- and will leave us satisfied, but not bloated! :)
Yes, the Bread of Life~
John 6:33
For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.”
John 6:35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.
John 6:48
I am the bread of life.
John 6:51
I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.”
If you haven't had your serving of Bread today- I encourage you to go to Scripture and have your fill :) Enjoy the aroma. Be satisfied.
Blessings-
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Friend
Battling Lyme can bring about some lonely times. Actually, a lot of loneliness.
Today I was reading a devotional and was reminded of John 15: 13-15, Jesus is speaking: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Ther is so much in these few passages:
1) He calls us His friend
2) He willing laid down His life for us- to give us life
3) He makes Mystery known to us
Dear One- are you having a lonely day? May you first run to your Best Friend- the One Who Never Forsakens you- Sit before His throne, meditate on His Word, express praise and thanksgiving to Him for laying down His life for you, and for giving you life...
Cry out to Him of your desire to have a visit from someone- that He would send to you a visitor, an encourager, one of His Saints...
'LORD- I lift up my Lyme battle buddy here today- Make Yourself known in a tangible way that will reach through their loneliness...take their cloak of grey and give them a cloak of praise, and with that cloak of praise, the warmth of Your presence...and the lingering fragrance of Your presence~ Thank you that You invite us to be Your friend- we are humbled, and give You praise with thanksgiving- in Jesus' name~ amen.'
Blessings-
Today I was reading a devotional and was reminded of John 15: 13-15, Jesus is speaking: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you."
Ther is so much in these few passages:
1) He calls us His friend
2) He willing laid down His life for us- to give us life
3) He makes Mystery known to us
Dear One- are you having a lonely day? May you first run to your Best Friend- the One Who Never Forsakens you- Sit before His throne, meditate on His Word, express praise and thanksgiving to Him for laying down His life for you, and for giving you life...
Cry out to Him of your desire to have a visit from someone- that He would send to you a visitor, an encourager, one of His Saints...
'LORD- I lift up my Lyme battle buddy here today- Make Yourself known in a tangible way that will reach through their loneliness...take their cloak of grey and give them a cloak of praise, and with that cloak of praise, the warmth of Your presence...and the lingering fragrance of Your presence~ Thank you that You invite us to be Your friend- we are humbled, and give You praise with thanksgiving- in Jesus' name~ amen.'
Blessings-
Friday, July 5, 2013
Word of the Day: Vivification
I came across this wonderful word in a recent Spurgeon devotional- vivification.
Course, I had to look it up- from dictionary.com:
Course, I had to look it up- from dictionary.com:
verb (used with object), viv·i·fied, viv·i·fy·ing.
1.
to give life to; animate; quicken.
2.
to enliven; brighten; sharpen.
Not sure about you- but I could use some brightening in my days.
This very thing is the work of the Holy Spirit, given to us upon our confession of trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord.
If you are a Believer- The Brightner of your day, He who can enliven you, give you life... He is already present with you. Go to Him. Seek Him in His Word (too foggy to read- check out www.biblegateway.com and listen to Scripture through their audio option). Seek Him through meditation on His Word, and in prayer.
Even if you don't 'feel like He's there'- He is. Enter His gates with thanksgiving, Give Him praise-Some days are harder to praise Him than others, He knows that; that is why it is called 'sacrifice of praise' from time to time.
Even if you can only think of one thing to praise Him for (like salvation!), praise Him over and over again for it... call out His names, His attributes, praise Him for who He is-- like "Holy, Holy, Holy"
Your circumstances may not change- but your perspective/perception will begin to change. This change is from the inside...you will be enlivened, brightened, quickened.
John 20:31
but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.
Romans 6:4
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.
2 Corinthians 3:6
who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Blessings~
PS- here are a couple boquets for you to enjoy, I thought of you as I picked them. They are peonies, their scent is similar to roses.
Sometimes I post pictures on Instagram- in hopes to bring a day brightner picture to my Lyme battle buddies- If you have Instagram- check out #lymesurvivorthriver
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Summertime Haymaker's Punch with a Lyme Twist
Well, actually- the old fashioned term is switchel, or switchy, or swizzle, or ginger-water.
It has a fun background- you can read more about it's history and variations at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchel
In my search for something refreshing, and a bit fun- in my highly limited world of eating and drinking- I looked over a number of switchel recipes and came up with my own adaption.
For a sweetner I use Stevia, as it is a recommended sweetner for most Lyme Fighters- but you could figure out your own substitute (maybe even molasses)....
Here it is:
Cynthia's Switchel
8 cups cold water
8 tsp of Stevia powder (may have to play with this depending on the brand of Stevia you use; I use Stevia in the Raw)
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's Brand)
1 teaspoon of ginger powder (or for a bigger kick: get fresh ginger root, peel, and chop 1TBSP to 1/4 cup of fresh ginger root)
Place all ingredients in a covered glass container- keep refrigerated.
OOooolala! It is so good! Pretty soon friends will ask to have what you're havin' instead of you wishing you had what they have!
Meanwhile- for the best refreshment of all, regularly dip from the well of Living Water- the Word of God.
Blessings~
John 4: 7-30
7 There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
11 She *said to Him, “[b]Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?”
13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
15 The woman *said to Him, “[c]Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He *said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.”
17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”
19 The woman *said to Him, “[d]Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is [e]spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
25 The woman *said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?”
28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and *said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not [f]the Christ, is it?”
30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.
It has a fun background- you can read more about it's history and variations at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switchel
In my search for something refreshing, and a bit fun- in my highly limited world of eating and drinking- I looked over a number of switchel recipes and came up with my own adaption.
For a sweetner I use Stevia, as it is a recommended sweetner for most Lyme Fighters- but you could figure out your own substitute (maybe even molasses)....
Here it is:
Cynthia's Switchel
8 cups cold water
8 tsp of Stevia powder (may have to play with this depending on the brand of Stevia you use; I use Stevia in the Raw)
1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's Brand)
1 teaspoon of ginger powder (or for a bigger kick: get fresh ginger root, peel, and chop 1TBSP to 1/4 cup of fresh ginger root)
Place all ingredients in a covered glass container- keep refrigerated.
OOooolala! It is so good! Pretty soon friends will ask to have what you're havin' instead of you wishing you had what they have!
Meanwhile- for the best refreshment of all, regularly dip from the well of Living Water- the Word of God.
Blessings~
John 4: 7-30
7 There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.
9 Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)
10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
11 She *said to Him, “[b]Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?”
13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
15 The woman *said to Him, “[c]Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” 16 He *said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.”
17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.”
19 The woman *said to Him, “[d]Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is [e]spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
25 The woman *said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.” 26 Jesus *said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?”
28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and *said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not [f]the Christ, is it?”
30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.
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