Greetings!
I learned yesterday, that 'Greetings', in New Testament Greek, means "Joy to you"!
'Greetings' has been a favorite way of starting a correspondence for some time- and now I like it even more!
Currently, I am going to a Bible study with my daughter which is studying the New Testament of James- and it is led (via DVD) by Beth Moore. We've only started, and last night we camped out on the first verse.
James' name is actually an English translation of the name Jacob, which makes sense, as James/Jacob was a Jew by birth...his parents were famously- Mary and Joseph. (Yes, that makes James the elder half-brother of Jesus.) Although James didn't believe his half-brother to be Messiah until after Jesus' death and resurrection- he did come to believe in Jesus as Lord and the Messiah... making James a 'Christian Jew', with a remarkable perspective.
Now I am beginning the next section of study for the upcoming lesson, and we are looking at James 1:2-4 "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be prefect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Yep- James doesn't beat around the bush- he hits us right where many of us are living: with various trials! We could substitute any number of things in there as a trial: finances, health, relationships, dealing with doctors...just getting out of bed for an hour!
Just there in verse one- James says 'Greetings' - Joy to you!- and goes right into 'considerate all joy'....all joy! Even if today you feel crappy, the bills are mounting, no one seems to understand, you are lonely, you hurt, you are grieving....So many 'robbers' of joy stealing into your heart to try to make off with your treasure (perhaps more succinctly: a buried treasure)!
The treasure my Dear One- is the joy of knowing that you are His Beloved! That no matter what circumstances befall us- we are not truly alone; the LORD has promised to be faithful, and as He is present in us- then in Him we have peace, safety, love....joy! Nothing in fact that any 'robber' is able to take from us- unless we give those things over to the robbers of discontent, fear, doubt...
Our security must be rooted in knowing the Lord (Master) Jesus Christ (Messiah). That 'know-that-I-know-that-I-know' kinda knowing. Our default must be set on Him- not our emotions, not our circumstances- but on Him and His Word.
Today- whatever kind of day it is for you; whatever the moment; whatever the circumstance- I say with my heart to yours- GREETINGS! Joy to you! May the One Who Is Joy bless your heart/soul/mind in whatever travail you are experiencing-- as you give Him the sacrifice of your praise--may His Holy Spirit lift your's up, and fill you with His Joy~ may 'endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be prefect and complete, lacking in nothing'
-amen
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Mary's Lasagna
Hhhhhmmmm, Mary's lasagna!
Been overdoing the past couple weeks- in part to care for one of our daughters who came down with mono, strep, and on top of that had severe subluxation of her back/neck! Otherwise, there were extra doctor visits, meetings...and, the fall garden produce push.
I am thankful to be able at this point to participate in any of these activities- but I feel the 'teetering' each day of my body, and I don't have much margin built up in my immunity. My mind says- plow forward, but my body says rest; more importantly, my gut tells me STOP-REST! So, I am leaving the stack of things sit for now- and thought I'd spend a few moments with you~
Ok- back to Mary's lasagna (ha, with brain fog, you thought I'd forgotten what I started writing about, or did you forget? :) )
Over the course of the most intense months of treatments/reactions- Mary, from our Church Family, began to make our family a pan of lasagna. Which, by the way, my family has declared to be The Best Lasagna ever! She always includes a sweet treat along with the meal as well.
It has been a wonderful blessing to have had one of Mary's Lasagna show up in timely fashion; just-the-day when making a good meal would've been 'too much', or to have a pan of her lasagna tucked in the freezer to go to when I needed the cooking break.
Mary's Lasagna not only fed my family deliciously, but it also allowed me to save energy that I could now spend sitting with my family at the table, or resting , or getting at some other duty...
Anytime Mary would get a clean pan back- it wouldn't be long and one full of lasagna would lovingly return to us. This went on for months! Once I was up to regularly preparing meals to a decent degree- I told her thank you again, and asked for her recipe. She told me she'd rather not give me the recipe- because then I'd be compelled to make the lasagna, and she believed I wasn't that well yet :)
But, with my being able to do 'more' the lasagnas did slow- as I didn't have to pull them out of the freezer as often.
As I said, the past few week's challenges have been just a tad more than my reserve- Mary had heard about the challenges of late, and here came a dish of her lasagna- much to the great delight of us all! It didn't even get into the freezer- it went right to the table! Timing was perfect! What a blessing!
(For those of you wondering if I'm following my 'Lyme diet'- no, I can't eat lasagna. But I just make myself something to eat that is easy. Which is fine- because I'm not cooking a big meal- and can just sit with my family and enjoy being together.)
Mary still won't give me her recipe- but she is such a blessing! Not only that she shares her talents in lasagna with us, but most of all- even after all this time in treatment, she is still 'tuned in' to our situation...she is faithful. The biggest blessing~
Throughout this illness/treatment... I have camped out a lot in the Psalms. This past week I've been lingering in the 111-117 Psalms. Today I read in Psalm 116 "I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bend down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (vs1-2) and Psalm 115 vs 1 "Not to us O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness."
It is such a comfort to know that the LORD hears my voice- in fact- He bends down to listen to me! My God cares! I may not always feel like He hears/cares...but He is at work nonetheless-
Before being diagnosed with Lyme- at one point, I almost died from being struck with the Norwalk virus and a precipitous Thyroid Storm- The hospital was so full of sick patients for the mini-pandemic- the staff was very busy. The next day after being admitted, I was feeling well enough to have had a lot of questions formulate in my mind- I wanted to ask the doctor about them, but hadn't had one visit me since the ER doctor admitted me well over 24hrs ago~
I waited. And waited... later that afternoon I asked my attendant again if I could talk to the doctor! Finally, much later- a doctor came in. I got to ask my questions- and found out that at this hospital, there was a doctor out at the 'nurses station' 24/7. He's been closely monitoring my situation/watching my telemetry.... I hadn't seen him, but he was there watching me, giving orders to those attending to me...
This struck me, it is a bit like when we call out to the LORD- we may not always get to 'see Him', or hear back from Him in ways we'd like, or as quickly as we'd like...but we can be sure that He hears us, He sees us, He is taking care of us, He sends His servants to minister us... He has the (very) big picture in view of what we truly need, and what those around us (truly) need- and how all these inter- mesh, even dimensionally....things well beyond my comprehension; I must rest in knowing He is God!
Verses like Psalm 115 vs 1 sum it up- Not to us O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for you unfailing love and faithfulness."
And sometimes He chooses to show His unfailing love and faithfulness to me by sending a baking dish full of lasagna, covered by aluminum foil, ready to heat, extended to us by one of His dear, smiling, kind servants- Mary.
Blessings-
cindy
Been overdoing the past couple weeks- in part to care for one of our daughters who came down with mono, strep, and on top of that had severe subluxation of her back/neck! Otherwise, there were extra doctor visits, meetings...and, the fall garden produce push.
I am thankful to be able at this point to participate in any of these activities- but I feel the 'teetering' each day of my body, and I don't have much margin built up in my immunity. My mind says- plow forward, but my body says rest; more importantly, my gut tells me STOP-REST! So, I am leaving the stack of things sit for now- and thought I'd spend a few moments with you~
Ok- back to Mary's lasagna (ha, with brain fog, you thought I'd forgotten what I started writing about, or did you forget? :) )
Over the course of the most intense months of treatments/reactions- Mary, from our Church Family, began to make our family a pan of lasagna. Which, by the way, my family has declared to be The Best Lasagna ever! She always includes a sweet treat along with the meal as well.
It has been a wonderful blessing to have had one of Mary's Lasagna show up in timely fashion; just-the-day when making a good meal would've been 'too much', or to have a pan of her lasagna tucked in the freezer to go to when I needed the cooking break.
Mary's Lasagna not only fed my family deliciously, but it also allowed me to save energy that I could now spend sitting with my family at the table, or resting , or getting at some other duty...
Anytime Mary would get a clean pan back- it wouldn't be long and one full of lasagna would lovingly return to us. This went on for months! Once I was up to regularly preparing meals to a decent degree- I told her thank you again, and asked for her recipe. She told me she'd rather not give me the recipe- because then I'd be compelled to make the lasagna, and she believed I wasn't that well yet :)
But, with my being able to do 'more' the lasagnas did slow- as I didn't have to pull them out of the freezer as often.
As I said, the past few week's challenges have been just a tad more than my reserve- Mary had heard about the challenges of late, and here came a dish of her lasagna- much to the great delight of us all! It didn't even get into the freezer- it went right to the table! Timing was perfect! What a blessing!
(For those of you wondering if I'm following my 'Lyme diet'- no, I can't eat lasagna. But I just make myself something to eat that is easy. Which is fine- because I'm not cooking a big meal- and can just sit with my family and enjoy being together.)
Mary still won't give me her recipe- but she is such a blessing! Not only that she shares her talents in lasagna with us, but most of all- even after all this time in treatment, she is still 'tuned in' to our situation...she is faithful. The biggest blessing~
Throughout this illness/treatment... I have camped out a lot in the Psalms. This past week I've been lingering in the 111-117 Psalms. Today I read in Psalm 116 "I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bend down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! (vs1-2) and Psalm 115 vs 1 "Not to us O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness."
It is such a comfort to know that the LORD hears my voice- in fact- He bends down to listen to me! My God cares! I may not always feel like He hears/cares...but He is at work nonetheless-
Before being diagnosed with Lyme- at one point, I almost died from being struck with the Norwalk virus and a precipitous Thyroid Storm- The hospital was so full of sick patients for the mini-pandemic- the staff was very busy. The next day after being admitted, I was feeling well enough to have had a lot of questions formulate in my mind- I wanted to ask the doctor about them, but hadn't had one visit me since the ER doctor admitted me well over 24hrs ago~
I waited. And waited... later that afternoon I asked my attendant again if I could talk to the doctor! Finally, much later- a doctor came in. I got to ask my questions- and found out that at this hospital, there was a doctor out at the 'nurses station' 24/7. He's been closely monitoring my situation/watching my telemetry.... I hadn't seen him, but he was there watching me, giving orders to those attending to me...
This struck me, it is a bit like when we call out to the LORD- we may not always get to 'see Him', or hear back from Him in ways we'd like, or as quickly as we'd like...but we can be sure that He hears us, He sees us, He is taking care of us, He sends His servants to minister us... He has the (very) big picture in view of what we truly need, and what those around us (truly) need- and how all these inter- mesh, even dimensionally....things well beyond my comprehension; I must rest in knowing He is God!
Verses like Psalm 115 vs 1 sum it up- Not to us O LORD, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for you unfailing love and faithfulness."
And sometimes He chooses to show His unfailing love and faithfulness to me by sending a baking dish full of lasagna, covered by aluminum foil, ready to heat, extended to us by one of His dear, smiling, kind servants- Mary.
Blessings-
cindy
Friday, August 31, 2012
Freedom through Dependence
Rife under the 'Blue Moon' today- Guess I don't get to do that again until 2015?! :)
Good chance of getting an extra punch from treatment though- or a triple whammy; full moon + one new frequency + changed up order of those I am already doing. Yep- got my herx-helping tools ready, and the family warned! :)
So, I was praying through the Rife treatment, and then had the blessing of sitting out on the front porch to do my devotions. Nice breeze, sunshine, blue sky, green grass (we are fortunate to have had a little rain here), watching the animals, listening to the nature singing.. Thankful to have the moment to breath in the life around me...while the Breath of Life spoke to my heart, mind and soul~
The LORD continues to impress into me, my dependence on Him. This is not new- but in His lovingkindness, He continues to bring me into an ever deepenly awareness of my need for Him, my dependence on Him- for everything!
I was contemplating how this wars with my independent-driven flesh. I am not talking about the type of indepence that is of great value socially in our country- this is indeed important to our society fabric, and spurs many good things.
The flesh kind of independence is actually driven by Pride. Oh yes, Pride likes to always be in the driver's seat, with control over all the 'controls' and direction.....I first need to recognize Pride, remove Pride...and invite the LORD to be in the driver's seat! A cool thing is that, I don't even have to sweep off the seat or get the whole thing cleaned up before He'll settle gently into the spot!
He is so gracious and full of mercy- He is lovingkindness. And the more I know these aspects of His being- the more easy it is for me to set Pride out, and invite/allow the LORD in.
Even though there can be some struggling on my part in the process- once the LORD is fully allowed His place in the Driver's seat of my life- I am free!. I am no longer hanging onto to the handle with my fingernails digging in...less and less I am reminding Him of the obstacles, percieved perils, the direction...
More and more I am able to sit with my Roadmap and Manual (all in one volume called the Bible), and enjoy the direction He has chosen for me. Soaking in where He brings me, meeting new people, opportunities- most of which I'd missed if I'd chosen my way.
He appoints the stops for me and gives me instructions at each. We talk with each other as we go along- He ever the Teacher, me ever the learner. This is not helpless-dependency- this is empowering!
May today find you delighting in being in the passenger seat, with the Master Driver. At the moment, you may be on a very rough, even treacherous roadway-- even more reason to be thankful the One Driving is the One who has been on this road before...He knows the way...Depend on Him, Hope in Him, listen to what He has to share with you..... find freedom in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Blessings-
cynthia
Good chance of getting an extra punch from treatment though- or a triple whammy; full moon + one new frequency + changed up order of those I am already doing. Yep- got my herx-helping tools ready, and the family warned! :)
So, I was praying through the Rife treatment, and then had the blessing of sitting out on the front porch to do my devotions. Nice breeze, sunshine, blue sky, green grass (we are fortunate to have had a little rain here), watching the animals, listening to the nature singing.. Thankful to have the moment to breath in the life around me...while the Breath of Life spoke to my heart, mind and soul~
The LORD continues to impress into me, my dependence on Him. This is not new- but in His lovingkindness, He continues to bring me into an ever deepenly awareness of my need for Him, my dependence on Him- for everything!
I was contemplating how this wars with my independent-driven flesh. I am not talking about the type of indepence that is of great value socially in our country- this is indeed important to our society fabric, and spurs many good things.
The flesh kind of independence is actually driven by Pride. Oh yes, Pride likes to always be in the driver's seat, with control over all the 'controls' and direction.....I first need to recognize Pride, remove Pride...and invite the LORD to be in the driver's seat! A cool thing is that, I don't even have to sweep off the seat or get the whole thing cleaned up before He'll settle gently into the spot!
He is so gracious and full of mercy- He is lovingkindness. And the more I know these aspects of His being- the more easy it is for me to set Pride out, and invite/allow the LORD in.
Even though there can be some struggling on my part in the process- once the LORD is fully allowed His place in the Driver's seat of my life- I am free!. I am no longer hanging onto to the handle with my fingernails digging in...less and less I am reminding Him of the obstacles, percieved perils, the direction...
More and more I am able to sit with my Roadmap and Manual (all in one volume called the Bible), and enjoy the direction He has chosen for me. Soaking in where He brings me, meeting new people, opportunities- most of which I'd missed if I'd chosen my way.
He appoints the stops for me and gives me instructions at each. We talk with each other as we go along- He ever the Teacher, me ever the learner. This is not helpless-dependency- this is empowering!
May today find you delighting in being in the passenger seat, with the Master Driver. At the moment, you may be on a very rough, even treacherous roadway-- even more reason to be thankful the One Driving is the One who has been on this road before...He knows the way...Depend on Him, Hope in Him, listen to what He has to share with you..... find freedom in Him.
Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take."
Blessings-
cynthia
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Fear & Pleasure
Perhaps there was a time when you were young, and well enough to have ridden a roller-coaster, gone downhill skiing/snow boarding...or went sledding down a steep hill....
As a child- I remember doing some of those kinds of activities and having that rare sensation when pure-fear and pure-pleasure combine into terrific-terror. The exhilaration was a cathartic and gave way to euphoria, and then pleasurable relief and rest!
Dealing with Lyme brings plenty of fear along on the ride- but pleasure? Not only are there real fears- but those of us with this stuff in our brain, can experience heightened levels of fear.
The Lyme-fighters I've met are strong people; not naturally prone to being fearful. But Lyme brings sometimes overwhelming fear~
I am learning to acknowledge the fear- and then choose to look at my situation more like an adventure- one of those wild rides down 'the big hill' back home on my wooden-metal railed-sled. Why should I let Lyme steal the thrill of adventure?
There's another fear of which I am discovering in this adventure... With this particular fear comes: delight, success, generosity, compassion, overcoming, influence...peace, and safety. These are just a few of the fruits of fearing the LORD.
I was reading in Psalm 112 today, and was taken in by descriptions of those who fear the LORD~These are attributes that are God-given, and are untouchable by Lyme. They bring pleasure out of 'fear'- pleasure that transcends darkness, brings confidence in the face of foes... Listen to this:
(from www.biblegateway.com I highlighted just a few verses-)
May this fear- fear of the LORD- be my overriding fear. As the waves of fear come- may my LORD lift me to the place of worship in my heart/soul/mind..and as I bow low before Him there, in complete and utter fear/respect- for my God is a Great, Awesome, Mighty, All- Powerful God- and worthy of my praise...Yes, this fear is really the only one with which I need concern myself; how is my relationship with this Great God....
... there it is- I'm back on that sled, experiencing the thrill of intense fear & pleasure-with an even greatersense of intensity, as I fellowship with my God.
~cynthia
As a child- I remember doing some of those kinds of activities and having that rare sensation when pure-fear and pure-pleasure combine into terrific-terror. The exhilaration was a cathartic and gave way to euphoria, and then pleasurable relief and rest!
Dealing with Lyme brings plenty of fear along on the ride- but pleasure? Not only are there real fears- but those of us with this stuff in our brain, can experience heightened levels of fear.
The Lyme-fighters I've met are strong people; not naturally prone to being fearful. But Lyme brings sometimes overwhelming fear~
I am learning to acknowledge the fear- and then choose to look at my situation more like an adventure- one of those wild rides down 'the big hill' back home on my wooden-metal railed-sled. Why should I let Lyme steal the thrill of adventure?
There's another fear of which I am discovering in this adventure... With this particular fear comes: delight, success, generosity, compassion, overcoming, influence...peace, and safety. These are just a few of the fruits of fearing the LORD.
I was reading in Psalm 112 today, and was taken in by descriptions of those who fear the LORD~These are attributes that are God-given, and are untouchable by Lyme. They bring pleasure out of 'fear'- pleasure that transcends darkness, brings confidence in the face of foes... Listen to this:
(from www.biblegateway.com I highlighted just a few verses-)
Psalm 112
New Living Translation (NLT)
Psalm 112[a]
1 Praise the Lord!
How joyful are those who fear the Lord
and delight in obeying his commands.2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
and delight in obeying his commands.2 Their children will be successful everywhere;
an entire generation of godly people will be blessed.
3 They themselves will be wealthy,
and their good deeds will last forever.
4 Light shines in the darkness for the godly.
They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.
5 Good comes to those who lend money generously
and conduct their business fairly.
6 Such people will not be overcome by evil.
Those who are righteous will be long remembered.
7 They do not fear bad news;
they confidently trust the Lord to care for them.
8 They are confident and fearless
and can face their foes triumphantly.9 They share freely and give generously to those in need.
Their good deeds will be remembered forever.
They will have influence and honor.
10 The wicked will see this and be infuriated.
They will grind their teeth in anger;
they will slink away, their hopes thwarted.
Footnotes:
- Psalm 112:1 This psalm is a Hebrew acrostic poem; after the introductory note of praise, each line begins with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
May this fear- fear of the LORD- be my overriding fear. As the waves of fear come- may my LORD lift me to the place of worship in my heart/soul/mind..and as I bow low before Him there, in complete and utter fear/respect- for my God is a Great, Awesome, Mighty, All- Powerful God- and worthy of my praise...Yes, this fear is really the only one with which I need concern myself; how is my relationship with this Great God....
... there it is- I'm back on that sled, experiencing the thrill of intense fear & pleasure-with an even greatersense of intensity, as I fellowship with my God.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Lessons in Rife~ "Bug Bustin"
Well, I was going to continue with starts from the beginning- but this was running through my head yesterday to share today :)
Along with my other protoccols, I do use an EMEM5 Rife Machine. For those unfamiliar with Rife machines- I'd encourage you to research them in regards to using them to combat Lyme (as well as other diseases, like Candida; use for pain...). But this is not the blog to get into all that.
Suffice to say that my non-expert explanation of how it works is that it emitts targeted frequencies- and like the opera singer hitting just the right note (frequency wave) and the glass breaks- so when certain frequencies (from a special 'light bulb') are used to target Lyme organisms- they blast the buggers and they bust apart. (Yup- hope you appreciate all that technical jardon I used!)
So- yesterday was my treatment day. I currently takes me about 45 min to run through my series of frequencies...And I try to work on things while I'm doing the treatment- usually something pleasant, like writing notes of encouragement to someone, learning to draw, look at a magazine, do my devotions and prayer... Yesterday was devotions and prayer~
I have been sitting and soaking in Ephesians 1:2-14. I happened to have been reading it in the NLT, and was enjoying its phrasing~ Here it is~ (copy/paste from www.biblegateway.com)
Along with my other protoccols, I do use an EMEM5 Rife Machine. For those unfamiliar with Rife machines- I'd encourage you to research them in regards to using them to combat Lyme (as well as other diseases, like Candida; use for pain...). But this is not the blog to get into all that.
Suffice to say that my non-expert explanation of how it works is that it emitts targeted frequencies- and like the opera singer hitting just the right note (frequency wave) and the glass breaks- so when certain frequencies (from a special 'light bulb') are used to target Lyme organisms- they blast the buggers and they bust apart. (Yup- hope you appreciate all that technical jardon I used!)
So- yesterday was my treatment day. I currently takes me about 45 min to run through my series of frequencies...And I try to work on things while I'm doing the treatment- usually something pleasant, like writing notes of encouragement to someone, learning to draw, look at a magazine, do my devotions and prayer... Yesterday was devotions and prayer~
I have been sitting and soaking in Ephesians 1:2-14. I happened to have been reading it in the NLT, and was enjoying its phrasing~ Here it is~ (copy/paste from www.biblegateway.com)
Ephesians 1:2-14
New Living Translation (NLT)
2 May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own[c] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Ok- So much in here! Perhaps you can see why I've had to just sit&soak!
But here's what 'struck' me~
I was struck by how doing my Rife treatments is like when I study God's Word- The Rife sends out those light frequencies to 'bug-bust' (as I call it)... and the LORD uses His Light-> Jesus, the Word to strike at sin in my heart/soul.
For both I have to allow this to happen: turn on Rife, seek frequencies that are on target to destroy bugs; come before God in prayer, seek out His Word (Bible verses) through which God can target areas of my life in which He wants to get rid of sin, regenerate, heal, provide refuge...
He is dynamic!
Then I looked at this-
Spiritual Blessings
3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. 4 Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. 5 God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. 6 So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son.[a] 7 He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. 8 He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding.
9 God has now revealed to us his mysterious plan regarding Christ, a plan to fulfill his own good pleasure. 10 And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. 11 Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God,[b] for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. 13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own[c] by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Ok- So much in here! Perhaps you can see why I've had to just sit&soak!
But here's what 'struck' me~
I was struck by how doing my Rife treatments is like when I study God's Word- The Rife sends out those light frequencies to 'bug-bust' (as I call it)... and the LORD uses His Light-> Jesus, the Word to strike at sin in my heart/soul.
For both I have to allow this to happen: turn on Rife, seek frequencies that are on target to destroy bugs; come before God in prayer, seek out His Word (Bible verses) through which God can target areas of my life in which He wants to get rid of sin, regenerate, heal, provide refuge...
He is dynamic!
Then I looked at this-
Ephesians 1:19-20
New Living Translation (NLT)
19 I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power 20 that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.
A commentator, JV McGee, put it this way (using KJV text): "Let me amplify this:What is the exceeding (intense) greatness of His power (dunameous-dynamic power) to usward who believe, according to the working (energeian- the energizing) of the strength of His might."
This is the kind of power* that can ''raise the dead"! I am in certain need of that Ressurrection Power through Jesus Christ! He is my Redeemer/Healer....and that is irregardless of whether I am in a state of 'health' or 'disease'! (Can I get an Amen?)
*Important caution: always seek the Person (the LORD) not the power; but it is good to recognize His power and give Him praise!
Yup- I am a big believer in detox baths these days-- to help the herxes! Might I say that I find a good 'sit&soak' in the Word is valuable as well! Got some water, got some salt....Got God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit..Great company on this journey! Being able to fellowship with Him- "is what He wanted to and it gave great pleasure.
So we praise God for the glorious grace he poured out on us who belong to his dear Son..." Oh yes- plenty to soak in!
Next time you may be doing your Rife/light treatment- let it remind you to allow the Light of God illumine, and get out those bugs-of-sin that may need treatment- then soak in His Word and Presence, allowing Him to minister to you-
Ah- healing inside and out! Wonderful!
Blessings In Him~
A commentator, JV McGee, put it this way (using KJV text): "Let me amplify this:What is the exceeding (intense) greatness of His power (dunameous-dynamic power) to usward who believe, according to the working (energeian- the energizing) of the strength of His might."
This is the kind of power* that can ''raise the dead"! I am in certain need of that Ressurrection Power through Jesus Christ! He is my Redeemer/Healer....and that is irregardless of whether I am in a state of 'health' or 'disease'! (Can I get an Amen?)
*Important caution: always seek the Person (the LORD) not the power; but it is good to recognize His power and give Him praise!
Yup- I am a big believer in detox baths these days-- to help the herxes! Might I say that I find a good 'sit&soak' in the Word is valuable as well! Got some water, got some salt....Got God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ, His Holy Spirit..Great company on this journey! Being able to fellowship with Him- "is what He wanted to and it gave great pleasure.
So we praise God for the glorious grace he poured out on us who belong to his dear Son..." Oh yes- plenty to soak in!
Next time you may be doing your Rife/light treatment- let it remind you to allow the Light of God illumine, and get out those bugs-of-sin that may need treatment- then soak in His Word and Presence, allowing Him to minister to you-
Ah- healing inside and out! Wonderful!
Blessings In Him~
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Where do I start~
Remember the days when we could go into a candy store or bakery, and try to decide which item we most wanted? (Today it may be which protein ;) )
Well- that's how I feel right now.
The LORD, in His goodness, has revealed so many precious things to me particularly in this past year of treatments. Oh that His goodness could leap off this page and into your heart right now~ even in the midst of these dreadful days dealing with Lyme, His goodness exists.
Not only does it exist- but as we carefully pull back the dark curtain of circumstance, and look into His Word, the Light of His Goodness is there... and with it comes the warmth of comfort and clarity.
I think I will start back at some the beginning points... Months into treatment, I began to communicate with church/family through a Caring Bridge site (a great tool).
When I share these- they will be 'raw'... I will leave them that way, those of you who've been in this journey will probably idenfy with things I share~
Another gracious reminder, we are never alone
nor far from the LORD. I am thankful my
God is the God Who Hears, and Who answers…even those who are tucked away in a
cave.
I don't have to spend my days the cave at this point- but I treasure the Truths the LORD has shown me there...
Are you feeling like you are in a cave these days? Take heart- you are not out of God's sight nor His care- He will meet with you. Cry out to Him and know that He is the One Who Hears Your Cry.
Blessings--
cynthia
Well- that's how I feel right now.
The LORD, in His goodness, has revealed so many precious things to me particularly in this past year of treatments. Oh that His goodness could leap off this page and into your heart right now~ even in the midst of these dreadful days dealing with Lyme, His goodness exists.
Not only does it exist- but as we carefully pull back the dark curtain of circumstance, and look into His Word, the Light of His Goodness is there... and with it comes the warmth of comfort and clarity.
I think I will start back at some the beginning points... Months into treatment, I began to communicate with church/family through a Caring Bridge site (a great tool).
When I share these- they will be 'raw'... I will leave them that way, those of you who've been in this journey will probably idenfy with things I share~
Another week floating by…finally regaining some ground from
the latest ‘herx’; and having revamped a new prescription (thanks to a friendly
neighborhood pharmacist). Since I had a
herx-reaction to the new protocol I began last week- looks like I will continue
in a ‘holding’ pattern a bit, until those reactions are done…then, there is a
new protocol up and ready for me to start.
As one of the sites I noted in an earlier post mentions- the
herx-like-reactions basically feel like taking all the symptoms you’ve had from
the infection- have them all at the same time, and ratchet them all up. Basically- pretty yuck. But, always such a relief when they begin to
subside and one can believe that again, more of those buggers in there were
inactivated!
Since these things, having been so extensively pervasive,
have wreaked havoc with my CNS and chemically messed with my ‘stress dealing
organs’ (like my adrenals, thyroid…).
Needless to say, many rides are taken on the ‘Mind&Emotions Bender
Roller Coaster’! Ha- like the other day,
as a family we were watching a ball game on TV while there was visiting going
on amoungst us; at one point one person of the group was telling me something-
and I had to ask “What?” about three times, plus the speaker had to finally
speak s-l-o-w-l-y to me, until I finally got it!
The only way I can describe this, is that
when this happens it is like I am watching one of those old movies where the
person’s lips and the sound don’t match, and it’s hard to actually put together
what is being heard! (It’s more funny
when it’s happening in a movie!) The hope is, that as the organisms are
knocked down (and hopefully out!), much of this will aright itself, meanwhile,
taking some medicinal support is a big help- although a little tricky to
navigate. Lyme is one of those
‘humbling’ illnesses, for sure!
One of the many treatment protocols in my arsenal to beat
the Lyme co-infections afflicting me- is a resonant light machine. I am privileged to have one made available to
me in my home- which is especially a huge blessing as to follow the protocols
required for these infections means that over the course of a day, I may be
getting that day’s required treatment for a total of 6 hours (split in
sessions, which are divided up with ‘waiting periods’ in between them
throughout the day).
It happens that in our home, the best place for me to
receive this treatment is downstairs, in our basement- in an area which is
usually my husband’s study; but which can also double as a guest area, and
storm shelter when summer storms arise.
We lovingly refer to it as ‘the cave’.
Over the course of the past couple months- I have spent a
lot of time in ‘the cave’, as well as in the Psalms. I came across a wonderful correlation the
other day (while yes, I was having one of those ‘cooped up in a cave too long’
days..); and I decided to do a little Word study on ‘caves’.
The first thing I noticed, in my handy-dandy concordance:
‘caves- shelter’. I had to smile! Yes, indeed- this space had become a new kind
of shelter- from disease, and a place to be quiet before God.
As I perused the various verses in which the word cave or
caves appear- I was struck by what a role these geologic forms have played. (Right now, there may even be someone
recollecting a Jr. High Sunday School class which was studying 1 Samuel… and
yes, I see you smiling about that one verse!)
Besides taking an important role in people’s lives; they were mainly
used for shelter and/or hiding, however, God was (and is) always very well
aware of the whereabouts of everyone- even when they were/are in a cave- for
any reason!
I found two of the Psalms written by David, most likely
while he was in a cave: Psalm 57, and 142.
Interestingly, Psalm 57 was read to me by a deal brother-in-Christ as an
encouragement (as it had been read to him during a time of trial)…. It begins,
and ends:
“Be gracious to
me, O God, be gracious to me,
For my soul takes refuge in You;
And in the shadow
of your wings I will take refuge
Until destruction passes by…”
….
“For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens
And Your truth to the clouds.
Be exalted above the heavens, O God;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.”
Psalm 142 I had been sitting in a few weeks ago-
appreciating that on those days of ‘complaining’, my Loving God does not turn
His ear from me- instead, He is the One Who Hears my Cry… Portions of it are:
“I cry aloud with my voice to the LORD;
I make supplication with my voice to the LORD.
I declare my trouble before Him…..
…I cried out to You, O LORD;
I said, You are my refuge,
My portion in the land of the living….
…Bring my soul out of prison,
So that I may give thanks to Your name;
The righteous will surround me,
For You will deal bountifully with me.”
I don't have to spend my days the cave at this point- but I treasure the Truths the LORD has shown me there...
Are you feeling like you are in a cave these days? Take heart- you are not out of God's sight nor His care- He will meet with you. Cry out to Him and know that He is the One Who Hears Your Cry.
Blessings--
cynthia
Lyme?!
I'd been sick for so long.
None of the doctors/specialists were listening to me.
Most would say, "Nothing is wrong" and perhaps offer an antidepressant Rx.
People would tell me, "You look fine."
I felt like I was dying.
"Something is wrong with my brain...and my heart...and my endocrine system...and my digestive tract... I hurt..."
Finally, a doctor suggested I might have Lyme Disease. My husband and I thought not, but were so glad about how thorough this doctor was- and that he believed me. "Go ahead and run the tests", we said... That began my journey into Lyme.
The diagnosis, mostly made with the Art of Medicine, and punctuated by the Science of Medicine, was: Late-Stage Neuroborreliosis + Co-Infections (5). The buggers were entrenched systemically, and were many.
Little did I know that when my physician told me "It'll get worse before it gets better- trust me", that he was understating what I'd experience in the days ahead.
At first the dizziness from the combo abx was pretty severe, but livable. The the first Herxheimer-like ( Herx) hit- I felt so rotten, but got through it... Trust the doctor...
The next Herx hit about two-weeks into treatment (tx)- this one was severe enough that my husband drove me to the ER. I not only felt like I'd been hit by a Mack-truck-- but the pressure on my chest, difficulty breathing...the panic feeling/fear...I was thankful when it all calmed down..and that was when I dug-in and learned more Lyme, and about these "herxes"...I was in for many more...
I was basically homebound for about the first 5 months- just too weak and sick to go out...and when I did go out, it wasn't for long, and not alone.
On top of all my other protoccols- I was also using a Rife protoccol which ran 6-8 hrs/day, 5days a week-- by the herxing, it was helping...but I was getting so weak too...
I celebrated getting off the combo abx after about 7 months! But to this day- I remain vigilant on my other treatments/protoccol. (Using a different Rife machine now- once/week and frequency runs at this time total about 45min).
The reason I decided to begin this Blog wasn't so much about offering advice about Lyme and Lyme treatments- as it is about sharing with you my spiritual journey through all this. Many times it is the Truths I have learned/am learning that give me hope/purpose/strength/peace... and those are the most valuable-
For no matter whether ill or healthy- those Truths are valuable...
They have kept me going~ and let's face it, no matter where you may be at in your journey fighting Lyme, we need courage...we need en-couragement... for it is a long process, with many twists-n-turns, ups-n-downs- and all-arounds..
We not only battle Lyme- but all that comes with it: financial burdens, loneliness, fear, depression, anxiety; the weight of sorting out information- finding Lyme Literate Medical Professionals, sorting out treatment, managing treatment; not to mention dealing with all the affects on us physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, socially....our families...
I invite you to walk the journey with me- hopefully you will find encouragement along the way, and perhaps you may want to share a point of encouragement here with me and others. This can become a safe place to come to hear some Good News- and God knows how desperately we need that~
For now- that is my basic introduction. In Blogs to come, I will begin to share Truths that I pray will become a blessing to you~
Blessings-
cynthia
None of the doctors/specialists were listening to me.
Most would say, "Nothing is wrong" and perhaps offer an antidepressant Rx.
People would tell me, "You look fine."
I felt like I was dying.
"Something is wrong with my brain...and my heart...and my endocrine system...and my digestive tract... I hurt..."
Finally, a doctor suggested I might have Lyme Disease. My husband and I thought not, but were so glad about how thorough this doctor was- and that he believed me. "Go ahead and run the tests", we said... That began my journey into Lyme.
The diagnosis, mostly made with the Art of Medicine, and punctuated by the Science of Medicine, was: Late-Stage Neuroborreliosis + Co-Infections (5). The buggers were entrenched systemically, and were many.
Little did I know that when my physician told me "It'll get worse before it gets better- trust me", that he was understating what I'd experience in the days ahead.
At first the dizziness from the combo abx was pretty severe, but livable. The the first Herxheimer-like ( Herx) hit- I felt so rotten, but got through it... Trust the doctor...
The next Herx hit about two-weeks into treatment (tx)- this one was severe enough that my husband drove me to the ER. I not only felt like I'd been hit by a Mack-truck-- but the pressure on my chest, difficulty breathing...the panic feeling/fear...I was thankful when it all calmed down..and that was when I dug-in and learned more Lyme, and about these "herxes"...I was in for many more...
I was basically homebound for about the first 5 months- just too weak and sick to go out...and when I did go out, it wasn't for long, and not alone.
On top of all my other protoccols- I was also using a Rife protoccol which ran 6-8 hrs/day, 5days a week-- by the herxing, it was helping...but I was getting so weak too...
I celebrated getting off the combo abx after about 7 months! But to this day- I remain vigilant on my other treatments/protoccol. (Using a different Rife machine now- once/week and frequency runs at this time total about 45min).
The reason I decided to begin this Blog wasn't so much about offering advice about Lyme and Lyme treatments- as it is about sharing with you my spiritual journey through all this. Many times it is the Truths I have learned/am learning that give me hope/purpose/strength/peace... and those are the most valuable-
For no matter whether ill or healthy- those Truths are valuable...
They have kept me going~ and let's face it, no matter where you may be at in your journey fighting Lyme, we need courage...we need en-couragement... for it is a long process, with many twists-n-turns, ups-n-downs- and all-arounds..
We not only battle Lyme- but all that comes with it: financial burdens, loneliness, fear, depression, anxiety; the weight of sorting out information- finding Lyme Literate Medical Professionals, sorting out treatment, managing treatment; not to mention dealing with all the affects on us physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, socially....our families...
I invite you to walk the journey with me- hopefully you will find encouragement along the way, and perhaps you may want to share a point of encouragement here with me and others. This can become a safe place to come to hear some Good News- and God knows how desperately we need that~
For now- that is my basic introduction. In Blogs to come, I will begin to share Truths that I pray will become a blessing to you~
Blessings-
cynthia
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)