Tag Archives: Rheumatoid Arthritis

Blessings, Christian Living, Faith, Family

Try Something New Tuesday – Fourteen Days Later and Blessings Abound

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“Blessings are upon the head of the just: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭10:6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Happy Tuesday!  It’s a great time to try something new.  It’s day fourteen of being without electricity, phone and Internet at home.  At work Internet and phone service comes and goes.  It requires clever tactics to ge the job done and it takes a little extra time.  Everyone is stressed, but we all put a song in our heart and a smile on our face.  Forgiveness is especially important right now.  I’m very thankful for our generator.  It’s not very big, so we have to rotate use of water and power of different types of devices.  That’s still an improvement over what people many have.  I’m also very thankful for our grill.  My husband is a master chef and makes us feel like kings and queens.  Plus we have entertainment provided by Landon and Dominic.

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My daughter brought it to my attention that she was seeing social media posts about some people being more blessed than others.  She read an article on how sometimes bad occurrences are blessings.  This morning  as I was drying my hair in the dark, my hands were hurting so badly that I could hardly turn the round brush.  My Rheumatoid Arthritis has led to more painful and swollen joints lately.  Could this be a blessing?  I think it could.  Sometimes we are better able to help people when they know that we have challenges and are human too.  Isn’t that great!

So, today if you are experiencing problems, consider it blessings.  God bless you.

 

 

 

Blessings, Celebrating, Christian Living, Faith, Faith healing, Family, Gratitude

Forgiveness Thursday – God Leads Us When We Least Expect It

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I’m hurt and in pain; Give me space for healing, and mountain air.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭69:29‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Happy Thursday.  Remember to forgive others and yourself.

A few weeks ago, I was speaking before a local civic organization and a very nice lady spoke out about how our City, in this case meaning me, should do more to hold on to new businesses just starting out.  I explained that I have featured the new businesses on our city’s website, and before I could continue she cut in and said “who reads a website, you need to send flyers home with the children at the schools”.  While this is a good idea that I have not disregarded, with summer upon us God led me in a different direction.

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After selling my boss on my God inspired idea, which is in addition to my other duties, I called the newspaper and asked if I could interview new business owners and submit articles for publication.  It was almost too easy to get the official yes.  So, three weeks ago, my first three articles appeared.  Since then, I have had six more articles published.  This week the competing newspaper requested I send my articles to them as well.  I was excited that they would be interested.  Along the way, I realized how much I enjoy this new assignment added to my already long list of duties.  I’ve been staying later than usual and enjoying listening to the stories and helping the business owners.

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Over the past six months the enemy has been using Rheumatoid Arthritis to beat me up.  While I know I am healed by Jesus’ stripes, I am still tackling the physical and emotional symptoms.  My biologic treatment that was working in the past doesn’t work anymore.  It lowers my white count too low.  So, I’ve tried a couple of different treatments.  The one I’m taking now requires a daily injection, and it is the last available treatment option.  Most of the time people can’t see my symptoms, but lately it has been obvious.  My eyes look like they are bleeding and I’m not able to physically do what others are doing.  It’s so embarrassing, and I want to keep up physically.   The more good I do, the more I feel like the enemy attacks me.  However, the more I’m busy helping other people, the less I notice.

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I share this for my readers who are tackling physical and emotional pain.  Don’t give up.  We all have a lot of work to do.  So, don’t let anything stop you from your calling.  Every person can and does make a difference.

Have a great day!  God  bless you.

 

Blessings, Christian, Christian Living, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Uncategorized

Liebster Award – 3rd and 4th Nominations

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Liebster Award

A huge thank you to Eclipsed Words and InspiresN for thinking of me while giving this award. I am truly honored.  Both sites are positive and beautiful.  Eclipsed Words is more about beautiful thoughts and words, while InspiresN is more about beautiful photography and food.  If you haven’t visited these sites, I encourage you to do so today.

THE RULES

  1.  Answer the 11 questions given to you.
  2. Share 11 facts about yourself.
  3. Nominate between 5 to 11 other bloggers.
  4. Ask your nominees 11 questions.

MY 11 QUESTIONS FROM  ECLIPSED WORDS

  1.  What are your favourite smells?  I love the smell of spring and summer rain.
  2. What do you do when you’re stressed? More often than not I eat, although I’m working on that.  I also like to pray and read a psalm.
  3. What is your favourite season and why?  Autumn.  I like the coolness, and beauty, but I find it is a good time for reflection.
  4. Is there anything you regret from your childhood?  I regret being a victim to some events, but it has made me who I am today.  I pray God will use my pain and suffering to help others.
  5. Early bird or night owl?  Early Bird
  6. What is your biggest time-wasting habit?  Daydreaming.
  7. What’s one thing you want to master?  I would like to write and have several books published.
  8. What have you never tried but want to?  I would like to go zip lining in Hawaii.
  9. What’s your biggest fear?  The safety of my children, followed by snakes.  After I studied the Book of Job, I starting giving up my fears and I’ve come a long way.  I don’t want anything to get between me and the anointing.
  10. Describe the most precious thing in your room/home.  My husband.  He is the most caring, understanding person on earth.  He isn’t afraid to correct me and is available for whatever journey I take.
  11. What do you want the old you to look back on and remember fondly?  The good times.

MY 11 QUESTIONS FROM INSPIRESN

  1.  Which is your most favorite post on your blog ?  I don’t have a favorite.  I love reading everyone’s posts, and I write with hopes of encouraging others.
  2. What is a hobby that you always wanted to learn but never got a chance ?  Jewelry Making
  3. What is one of the best books you have read and would recommend ?  The Bible.  Battlefield of the Mind, Joyce Meyers.  As a Driven Leaf, Milton Steinberg.  FYI, I’m not Jewish but read As a Driven Leaf at FSU back in the mid to late 1990s.  It didn’t change my beliefs, but gave me a better understanding of Jewish tradition, life and suffering.
  4. Your most memorable moment ?  Meeting my husband.  We met on a blind date in a ceramic shop a little over thirty-one years ago.  I can see it clearly.

ELEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME

  1.  My new kitten Dominic, who is now six months old, wakes me up by biting me.  He’s always hungry. I have scratches and bite marks up and down my arms.  
  2. I love playing Batman with my grandson.  
  3. Sometimes God speaks to me through music.  🎶🎵🎶🎵
  4. I am an introvert, who has social anxiety, and God has called me into the ministry.  I have battled public speaking all my adult life and have had to give speech after speech.  It’s a little funny, but the more I go in the direction God shows me, the less anxiety I have.
  5. I despise housekeeping, but can’t stand a dirty or cluttered home.
  6. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and have some mobility issues.  However, I have found that the more I do God’s work, the better my condition becomes.
  7. I love learning.
  8. I like to help others, but I don’t like to get drawn into drama.
  9. I love teaching Sunday School and I have an amazing class.
  10. I plan to finish my PhD in Theology in 2018.

MY QUESTIONS FOR THE NOMINEES 

  1.  How did you get started blogging?
  2. Where do you find your inspiration?
  3. Have you learned any important lessons along the way?
  4. What is one thing you can share with others about blogging?
  5. Have you found blogging to be profitable?  If so, what’s the secret?
  6. How long did it take for you to develop your own unique style?
  7. Who would you like to read your blog that isn’t reading it now?
  8. How much time do you spend on your blog every week?
  9. How long have you been blogging?
  10. Where do you see your blog in the future?
  11.  What one word describes you?

My Nominees 

  1.  C.C. Brown
  2.   Inside Cup
  3. Teas and Tales
  4.  Sight Seeing at Home
  5.   Life Saving Prayers
  6. My Bible Reading,Listening and Living
  7.   Godly Chic Diaries
  8. J. David Peever, Live 4 Him
  9.   Rose’s Recovery Thoughts
  10.   http://www.leeposkey.wordpress.com
  11. New Creation Ministry

Congratulations and God bless you!

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Rest in His Prescence and Love

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This is my rest forever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭132:14‬

It’s a restful Saturday here in Florida.  I’m studying my Bible with Dominic, Freckles and Singer by my side and a warm cup of coffee.  I have a watchful eye on the storm as I recover from the adventures of the week.

Do you ever push, push and push some more to make it through the week?  I certainly do.  It’s great that we can push to meet deadlines when we need to.  However, when we don’t find rest from the physical, mental and emotional challenges we face, everyone and everything suffers.  The good news is God gives us rest, and when we rest in his presence, we can renew our focus on life.

Today, take time to rest your body and mind.  God bless you.

 

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Spread the Word Friday – Count Your Blessings

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When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.   Psalm 94:18-19

It’s Friday!  God has been helping you all week.  What will you do for him to improve the world?  The smallest of gestures can make a huge difference!  My friend Jeanne buys the office breakfast, and then pays for the customer’s breakfast behind her in the drive-thru line every other Friday.  She says it’s about $14 for everything.  Isn’t that awesome!  Imagine their surprise.  What’s even better is some of those folks probably pass the gesture on.

Have you ever just closed your eyes for a few moments and thought about everything that went right all week?  It’s easy to get hung up on the negative, and that is a hard habit to break.  I asked my Sunday School class last Sunday to think back to their childhood, teen years, and young adult life.  Then, I asked them to tell me how they felt.  Everyone had positive thoughts.  It was refreshing!  My own thoughts of my youth are often negative, and when I’m asked to look back, I don’t remember too many good times.  I think this is reflective of my environment and negativity that I learned at an early age.  I decided to break this pattern about a year ago, and I think I’ve made great strides.  Occasionally, the old me peeks in, but not as much.  It has really helped me to count my blessings at least once a week, or better yet, daily.  I have found that I usually have 2-6 bad things and hundreds of wonderful things to count.

Today, I challenge you to count your blessings and do something special for at least one person!  I can’t wait to hear your stories.  God  bless you!

Blessings, Cats, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Maine Coon kitten, Thankful, Uncategorized

Lazy Saturday Thankfulness

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But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.    2 Corinthians 4:9

Good morning!  This morning I’m cuddling with my dogs and new kitten, Dominic.  It’s such a great feeling.  Pets are so loving and forgiving.  Dominic is growing fast, and he is constantly getting into trouble. Yesterday, he rolled our house with bath tissue.  I’ve learned that as he gets older he is becoming more loving. The photos below were taken the day we picked up Dominic.  He was 4 1/2 months old.

This photo was taken by the lady who sold Dominic to us. He was 4 1/2 months old.
Dominic is 4 1/2 months old here. This was taken the day we picked him up.

Next week, Dominic will be 6 months old. Take a minute to enjoy the slide show. All the photos were taken this week, but you can still tell how much he has grown.

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The love of our pets is special, but it is a temporary love because no matter how much we love them, one day they will leave us.  The same is true of people.  I’m so thankful God loves all of us unconditionally and will never leave us!  Isn’t that awesome!  All we have to do is embrace that love with unconditional faith.  When you think of what the world demands of us, it is a simple task.  He is there to comfort us when we are sad.  He is there to celebrate with us when something great happens.  He is with us all the time, so we are never alone.  We never have to go through anything by ourselves.

Spend some time with the one who is always there today.  God bless you.

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Forgiveness Thursday – Count Your Blessings

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Set your mind on things above.  Colossians 3:2

Happy Thursday.  This morning I’m resting in bed a little under the weather.  It’s nothing serious.  I’m having a Rheumatoid Arthritis flare probably from overdoing, and I need to rest.  I’ll be kicking high tomorrow,  but today I’ll count my blessings from my home.

Have you ever really thought about what it means to be forgiven?  Have you thought of what it would mean if you were not forgiven?  Take a minute and consider everything in your life you have done that was wrong.  I can’t even remember, let alone count, all the things I’ve done.

It is when I actually realized what a blessing it is for my life that Jesus died for my sins, that I understood why I should forgive others.  He took on all the sins of the past, then present, and the future.  I don’t know about you, but I can hardly wrap my mind around it.  It is for this reason that I forgive those who have wronged me.  Then, add in the fact that we are all God’s children.  He loves all of us and he knows all about us.  That means he understands the reasoning, you may not know, behind the actions of others, and others may not know about your actions.  For example, someone who abuses others, probably learned from experience, and might be having a difficult time breaking the cycle . . . And/Or they might have a physical or psychological disorder.  That doesn’t mean you should stay in an abusive relationship.  It simply means that we may not understand others, because we haven’t walked in their shoes.  As Laura Story says “what if the trials of this life, are your mercies in disguise?”

Today, I encourage you to forgive others as you are forgiven.  God bless you.

 

 

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Faith, Family, Forgiveness, God, happiness, Thankful, Uncategorized

Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – What’s Your Purpose

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And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.  Hebrews 11:6 

Happy Wednesday!  Every week I discuss using your gifts to change the world.  Have you ever felt like you just didn’t know what your gifts were?  Do you feel like you don’t know where to begin to make change?  Do you feel small in the grand scheme of the universe? I feel this way too sometimes.

I’ve been reading a book called Dream Thieves:  Overcoming Obstacles to Fulfill Your Destiny (Rennes, 2012).  Renner points out that sometimes while we are trying to discover our purpose, people, time, Satan and other things try to block us.  I believe that to be true. I also believe that sometimes we pray and God sends us a message on which way to go, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t change the direction later.  In life, we have to crawl before we can run.  When we pray and listen to God, he will help us know where to start.  As we grow as Christians he sometimes asks us to move into a new area.  This can be a little frightening because growth is stressful, but if you take a chance you will find your life changes drastically for the better over time.

Have a great Wednesday.  God bless you as you discover your God-given purpose.

Continue reading Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – What’s Your Purpose →

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Expecting, Faith, Family, Fear, God, happiness, Uncategorized

Forgiveness Thursday – Don’t Be Led Astray

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Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.  Colossians 3:15

Happy Thursday!  In my town today, children of all ages return to school after what seemed like a quick summer break.  I know it was always short when I was young.  So, be careful this time of year, if you are driving.

Is there anything you cannot be forgiven for? Have you ever asked yourself this question?  The answer is YES!  We must accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Any variation is unacceptable.  I have found that many of my more educated friends tend to try to reason their own answers instead of trusting in what the Bible says.  These folks read different books and listen to ideas, and come up with their own combination of ideas.  This is what we learn to do in college.  However, sometimes we need to step outside of our minds and our own reality, and trust what we don’t understand.  Have faith!  Look at what God has done in your life!  Then, study the Bible and historical context that it was written in.  Have you ever considered how many people have died to keep God’s Word protected or what extreme measures have been taken over time to preserve the Bible?  Be careful about believing every book you read.  Somethings can be explained with science, and somethings our minds are not ready to accept.  Sometimes we see or feel something that we can’t explain.  That is when we need to have faith!

Have a blessed day.

 

Blessings, Challenge, Christian, Expecting, Faith, Family, Fear, God, happiness, Uncategorized

Use Your Gifts to Change the World Wednesday – Faith It Till You Make It!

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He who started a good work in you will carry it to completion.    Phil. 1:6

Guess what day it is?  It’s a good day to use your gifts to change the world.

Have you ever wanted to do something, but felt held back by your current circumstances?  Do you ever get frustrated because you are not physically able to do all that you want to do?  Are your finances keeping you from making a difference in the world?  Are relationship problems bogging you down and keeping you from doing what God has called you to do? Is your job too demanding to allow you to use your gifts to change the world?   Psalm 46:10 reminds us to slow down, be still and know God is with us.  When our faith is strong, it can move mountains (Matthew 17:20).  If our faith can move mountains, surely it can help with our finances, relationships, jobs and health.  But, what can we do if we are still struggling?  If you feel like God is calling you to do his work but you are encountering roadblocks along the way, pray and faith it until you make it!  When we let the presence of Christ rule in our hearts and fill our insides with beauty, we will not feel fear and anxiety, and his glory will shine through us.  You will also find that “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus”  (Phil 4:19).

Join me today in using our gifts to make the world a better place!  God bless you.