Encouraging words

When We Are Weary

Sat, 9 Jul 2011 23:47:42 -0500

I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your word. Psalm 119:26-28

I’ll admit it. I don’t understand God. That’s not saying I don’t want to. I do. Yet there are times I have to admit as well, that I don’t put as much effort into finding that understanding as the Psalmist did.

I look at these words and think of the strong bond he had with God. He talked. God listened. He asked for understanding of God’s teachings. He knew he had to meditate on those words, as well as on the other wonders of God.

He confides of his sorrow to God and asks for help.

I look in the mirror and think how often my prayers are requests for things in this life. I pray for better heath and healing for those I know that are ill. I pray for comfort for those who are hurting. I don’t think those are bad things at all.

Yet, I don’t have the same confidence that the Psalmist had. I’d say I wish I did – problem is, I know what to do about it – yet often don’t do it.

I read a devotional. I listen to a sermon. I pray with others. All things I am glad I can still do. Yet the one thing I know I don’t do enough of is listen to God. I’m not spending time in His Word. The time I know it must have taken the Psalmist to get to know God the way He did. He asked to be taught. He prayed for understanding. He meditated on the many wonders of God. He knew, in his sorrow – that his help was found in Scripture.

I wonder why I don’t put those things into practice? What holds me back? I admit to playing computer games and finding other things to do when I’m bored. How convicting it is to realize the lower priority I have put on God’s Word.

It’s humbling when God shines a light in the dark and icky parts of our heart. We might be feeling pretty good about who we are – and where we are – and God gently prods us and says, “There’s more, child. There’s more.”

Today, I pray that I will put His Word in its proper place in my life. I want to be like the Psalmist. I pray for that same confidence.

Yes, I am weary with sorrow. I’m guessing that many of you who read this are weary too.

I pray I will find the strength I need in His Word.

I pray you do, too.

Who Are You Today?

Thu, 7 Jul 2011 23:00:47 -0500

Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Christ said to his disciples, “Who do you say I am?” This statement got me to thinking in a different direction. Who do people say I am? Better still - who do I say I am?

What is my chosen identity? Do I identify with my illnesses? My problems? I am chronically ill? I am divorced? I am the mother of a child who was killed? I am tired? I am out of a job? I am ... I am .. I am... I don’t know about you but just thinking all those things brings me down.

I think it no small thing that Jehovah God called Himself the “Great I Am.”

What parts of you do you identify with? What parts do you cling to - whether knowingly or not?

A devotional I read once posed the question thusly: “What have you embraced?”

Am I embracing my challenges? Am I claiming that they are “me”? What about events in my life? While they shape who I am, do I let them define me?

Or do I cast these thoughts down - do I align my thinking with that of my Lord?

I am the child of a King.

I am His.

I am loved eternally.

I am destined for eternal glory with Him.

I am part of His church - the called out ones.

Maybe Popeye had it right ... “I yam what I yam.”

Who will you choose to be today?

Looking for the Gift

Wed, 6 Jul 2011 10:35:53 -0500

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
Gratitude seems to be a theme that keeps popping up for me over and over. The 1,000 Gifts book about logging your gratitude. And now "The SImple Woman's Daybook," logging in and grounding yourself with what is around you. It is as if God is saying, "Slow down. Look around you. Pay attention to the world you are in right now. Look at what I have given to you."
It is oh-so-easy for me to get wrapped up in my losses. Sometimes I am almost consumed by them. Yet, right now, I can sit and look out my living room window from the recliner that I must now sleep in, and see beautiful batches of brilliant sunlight played agaisnt shadows in the lush greenery behind our house. It's lovely. It's summer. It's a gift.
My recliner was a "gift." When the doctors said it was no longer good for me to be lying flat and sleeping in a bed I wasn't sure what we'd do. Then we remembered that, before he died, my father had gotten an electric lift recliner. It was sitting in storage. All we had to do was go get it.
It got me to wondering. How many gifts does God have "in storage" and all we need do is go before His throne to receive them. What if we simply aren't looking in the right spot? I am encouraged today to remember that our God is a giving God. And, whether we like it or not, when things are taken away from us, it is most often for our own good - one way or another. Am I saying our illnesses are good? Not really. (But in many ways mine has been good for me. It's changed me internally as well as externally.) But God can use anything and everything to move us closer to Him. And the gifts? Well, they are in storage just waiting for us to claim them as ours.
Did God give me the gift of healing? Not yet. I'm not sure if He will. Did he give me the gift of a pain free life? No. But He has given me the gift of sight. I can look out my window and see the wonder and beauty of it all. And you know what? If I wasn't sitting in this recliner right now - I'd probably have never, ever noticed something that brings joy and peace to my soul.
Father God, Thank you for working in our lives, even when it is in ways we do not understand. I pray you will give each reader the gift of "sight" today. The ability to see the good, the beauty, and the wonder that is around them. Open their eyes to the many things that are still "gifts" from you. Amen and amen.
What about you?
When you look around your life, what gifts has God given you that you might have missed without your illness(es)? Are you aware of God continuing to work in your life even now? What do you believe about God being able to work all things for good in your life?

I Surrender All

Tue, 5 Jul 2011 12:34:13 -0500

Somehow, suddenly I know it’s time. It’s past time really. It has been a long time in coming, but I’ve been <thumped> long enough. (Thank you, Lynne for the link.) I recognize it for what it is. I bow my head.

Lord – Prayerfully, what would you have me do? My chronic illness blog. The chronic illness site. Homeschooling. Think feel do. The kids. The house. Exercise. So many things.

I guess I’ve not truly given it all over to you. I still – after so many, many years – strike out on my own and never ask you what you want me to do. I don’t consult with You. How foolish. I know better.

Lord, I bring all of these things under your guidance – for lack of a better word – though I know there is one.

Work
Steve
Rozie
Sebastian
Everything, Lord.

I hand it all over to you and let go of the need to control the outcome. I need your guidance. I want your guidance. I want to walk confidently. I give you ... me.

It doesn’t feel like enough.

But it’s all I have.

Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. (Matt. 6:8).
My God shall supply all your needs, according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:19)
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in Him; and He shall bring it to pass. (Psalms 37:5)
Fret not thyself, it tendeth only to evil doing. (Psalms 37:8)
And ALL of < James 1>.

F.E.A.R.

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 11:11:33 -0500

I believe that fear is something common to each one of us who faces any kind of chronic challenge. We each find different things that help us..

For example, I have some Christian affirmation C.D.s I listen to. My goal is to listen to one in the morning and one at night. Joshua 1:8 encourages us to meditate on God’s word day and night. I’m learning to begin my day with God – and end it with Him. (Interestingly enough, Joshua 1:9 follows with “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.")

On one of the C.D’s, the narrator gives this definition for fear: False Evidence Appearing Real. I think back to the many times I have been afraid – only to end up finding out that often the thing I feared was an illusion.

When you are following after God, seeking His will, I do believe we have nothing to fear. However, what if we are willfully walking outside of His will? There may be consequences to face that are rightfully feared. Not all fears are false.

I’d be afraid to be traveling this journey of challenges on my own. It is the reliance on God that allows me to “fear not.”

You see, fears “partner” is faith. We choose one or the other. If we trust that God will be with us, if we have rely on Him, we have no need to fear. The Israelites sent spies into the land of Canaan – and most came back afraid. Yet, God had told them He would handle it. They chose fear instead of faith. Only two, Joshua and Caleb believed they could conquer the challenges ahead with God’s help.

Living with chronic challenges is somewhat like entering a new, terrifying land. We may see giants ahead of us that seem undefeatable. Yet, as we face each one. we can be assured He has gone before us. In fact, you cannot “follow” someone who has not gone before you. God encloses us behind and before – and keeps His hand on us. (Psalm 139:5)

When we truly realize this – then we can indeed – fear not.

Father God, Thank you that you know us inside and out. You know our thoughts and feelings, and that we do come to fearful places on our lives. Thank you that we can rest assured that you are continually providing for us, and go before us into the unknown. Amen and amen.

Saving the Best for Last

Sat, 2 Jul 2011 21:53:19 -0500

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

I sit alone in the darkened kitchen. We are celebrating the Fourth of July. Most everyone is outside readying for the fireworks. I … well, I sit inside watching from a second story window.

I can’t get outside to join the others. So – here I am alone waiting for the display to start.

I think of gatherings in years gone by. Days when I could be outside, watching the flickering lights as the flood the sky.

Shimmering lights soar into the sky, brightening it for a brief moment. Somehow, it accentuates the darkness around me.

I begin to wish for days gone by.

The children let out cries of delight. I can hear them through the closed window.

I think of all I experienced and never knew I would one day lose.

I know when I reach these moments I must reach out to God. That is the only thing that can keep me from spiraling down to the depths of depression and self-pity. I think of Scripture as I watch another sparkle of dancing lights light up the sky.

Then it dawns on me. Yes, I may be missing the brilliance of this season. Yes, I may be alone. But one day …. One day … I grab my computer to search out the verses

There they are … I write them at the top of this page.

Yes. That will be the greatest display of all – and that is one I won’t be sitting on the sidelines for.

Father God, thank You that we as believers are promised to witness the most glorious site of all on the day you return for those who love you. Amen

It's Still a Wonder-filled World

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 20:49:09 -0500

I recounted to you my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. Let me understand the teaching of your precepts; then I will meditate on your wonders. My soul is weary with sorrow strengthen me according to your word.
Psalm 119:26-28

It’s hard to stay positive when you live a life of chronic challenges. It’s easy to think there is nothing positive to find at all.
I so appreciate the Psalmists words “My soul is weary with sorrow.” It reminds me of the saying that one is not simply tired - but bone tired. Yes, sometimes it does indeed feel my soul itself is weary of the “keeping on.”
Yet, somehow I manage to muddle through. I find so much strength in Scripture. How interesting it is to me that this verse talks about God strengthening us according to His word - and His world.
It also tells us to meditate on His wonders. It can be so difficult to miss the wonders of God as we walk this difficult path. It seems the more difficult it gets, the more I appreciate the small wonders: A butterfly flying past my window. Waking up feeling pain-free. Seeing the joy on my grandson’s face as he learns to read.
These are things I would have not even noticed in my former life. Sometimes I think we depend on doctors and medicines to make us “all better.” (I’m not saying they are not important!) But I wonder if sometimes we overlook the other things we can do.
We can look back and remember the good in our life. We can think about the wonders of this world. And we can go to His word for strength. I find that many times, people who belittle the idea of finding our hope and strength in God’s word - are those who have read little of it.
Even with our chronic challenges, we can still live in a wonder-filled world - if we only look, if we only read.
It’s there for the taking, dear readers!
Will you look to Him today?

A Note to My Readers

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:33:01 -0500

With Apple making it more difficult for my to post my blog through their MobileMe program, I’ve decided to change my web host and hence, my blog address. This is going to be a tedious task as I transfer over to the new blog site, and the transfer will happen a bit at a time. At some point in the future, this site will close down and I’ll be posting only from the new site.
For now, I’m posting my new posts to both sites. If you’d like to take a look at the new site and/or subscribe by email or RSS feed you can do so at any time. I’ll be sending out reminders about the move to the new Encouraging Words site ~Today’s Encouraging Word Online~ and hope to see you all there!

Roller Coaster Rides

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:35:28 -0500

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? Psalm 121:1 (NIV)

Facing physical challenges on a daily basis has been likened to living on a roller coaster. Some people like roller coasters – I never have. There are days when I feel “almost” good. I can appreciate the good things. Heck, I even appreciate when I can do laundry now. Who knew I’d be glad to be able to walk around and dust! (My mom would never have expected that!) Then …. the bottom falls out. I may know why it does – overdoing it, or having a cold or some other now easily-caught infection. It might be from emotional overload. We are raising g’kids and homeschooing them. My husband is in remission from a blood cancer – but the year and a half leading up to that news has been harrowing. Sometimes, the bottom just falls out for no particular reason.

The days when the bottom falls out are tough. An electric blanket, hot tea, and pain pills are my best friends. No. That is not true. While an electric blanket, hot tea, and pain pills help, my best friend is my God.

I can run to Him in tears. I can crawl to Him in pain. I can sit quietly next to Him, in my mind, and thank Him for the small joys.

I long for a level road. But as I have written before – if there were no valleys, there would be no mountain peaks. And although I may not appreciate roller coasters, I do love the mountain peaks.

The most well known chapter in the Bible is the 23rd Psalm. “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for Thou art with me.”

If there were no valleys, we could not claim that promise. When we are down in those valleys, when the bottom drops out, when the roller coaster takes its downward turn – we are promised we will walk THROUGH that valley with Him at our side. What more do we need?

I guess roller coasters aren’t all that bad. The peaks are amazing – and in the valleys, well, He promises to be there, too.

Forsaken?

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 00:37:25 -0500

My kinsmen have gone away; my friends have forgotten me. Job 19:14

We often hear about the trials of Job. He endured tragic losses, pain, suffering, isolation, and the misunderstanding of others. I read those words and thought, “Wow, it happened to him, too.”

I don’t know exactly what it is about loss and suffering that drives other people away. Are they afraid it’s contagious? Does it fill them with fear that these same things could happen to them? Do they just not care?

I know how painful it is to feel that one can be so easily forgotten. Even friends we thought were “forever” friends – may leave us behind.

There is more than one type of pain with many of our illnesses. Many times, the emotional pain can be as bad as, if not worse than, the physical pain.

Feeling useless is my biggest bugaboo. When I am the most discouraged, it seems to be that I am feeling like my life has no meaning and my days are useless. It happens more often than I really want to admit to.

Watching people leave you behind can be a devastating feeling. There is such a sense of helplessness involved. I think that is when God is pointing us in new directions.

There are still new friends to be made. New ways to find meaning. New ways to feel useful. They may not be what we thought we’d be doing – or even what we want to be doing – but if God is leading us, then we are going in the right direction.

We can choose to “stay stuck” looking at the losses – or we can look to the future and begin to reach out to others who are in pain. Sometimes just listening to someone helps them beyond measure. And it helps us as well. A phone call – a card – finding new friends online – are all – as the T.V. commercial touts – priceless.

Father God, help us not to get stuck in our losses, but to come to a place where we can look beyond them and see what new things are ahead of us. Saying “goodbye” is never easy. Help us to look forward to the next “hello.”