It is hard to slow down and enjoy life, especially in the fast paced world we live in today. These days it’s all about the hustle and the desire to always be more and do more. No one is ever satisfied and culture teaches people to keep striving for more, and good is no longer good enough. In saying this I don’t mean that we shouldn’t do our best and have goals but so often we miss out on what God desires for us because we don’t slow down and listen to what He has to say.

The past two years have been completely life changing for me, especially the last year. I have always had health problems that come with Cerebral Palsy. However, up until now I could always overcome them and live a somewhat normal life. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case.  I went from living on my own, doing a job I love, traveling, and spending time with friends to depending on my parents for complete care and being bed bound. Most days I do not see outside my bedroom. 

To say it has been difficult is an understatement. I often joke that my 30s have not been good to me. I  have had to grieve the loss of my former life, and lose part of myself that will never be again. I’ve mourned and let go of dreams that will never be and if I dwell on it too much the Devil likes to creep in with his lies. 

The lesson that I take away from this season the most is worrying and fretting about what tomorrow will bring is useless. The most important priority should be to to appreciate the little things that was often overshadowed in seasons prior. Suffering brings to light what really matters and helps one find joy in the simple and mundane areas of life. We can spend so much time focusing on what the world says is good — our job or whatever we are focused on may not be bad in itself but if we can spend too much time obsessing about it and neglecting what is really matters, it can become all consuming. I have been guilty of this many times and have had a lot of come to Jesus meetings. However, in the end when I think about what I am putting before Godly priorities through a Biblical perspective, I realize God is right. It may not always appear this way in the beginning, but when we are obedient to the Lord in focusing on what is most needed, an enormous peace will come into your heart and life. 

We can fill our lives with continual work and material things but at the end of the day none of those are important. Are we filling our days with productivity that exudes Christ and others or self? Having a job is a necessary part of life but putting a career and desire for financial gain before time with God and your family can make it an idol. The same goes for any dream. Are you chasing a dream or a relationship that you know is not God honoring but you don’t want to let it go? While worldly pleasures seem good for now, they are not worth your energy. What is worth your energy is living for Christ amd asking Him what He wants you to do. Trust me, it may not be easy and you may not always understand, but if you surrender and ask Him to guide you, He will never let you down. None of us know how long we will be on this earth so we need to spend our days striving for the things of God and not man. Be encouraged today my friends and enjoy the little things God brings your way.

Life is to short to be living a life that weighs you down. Being sick and viewing life through this perspective has made me appreciate the extra time that I have with my parents and the ones I love. Every visit and conversation is such a gift for me now and being intentional about spending time with people is what I’m enjoying the most. Things that I used to love no longer seem important now, and while that saddens me God gives me strength to press on through each day that comes my way,

I first read the book “You are Going to be Okay” by Holly Gerth a couple of years ago, and just started reading it again. The message could not be more timely for me right now. We all have our struggles, and that is evident not just in my life but also in others. We can be reminded of how harsh life can be by just turning on the news where stories of devastation and destruction abound. 

When surrounded with difficulties, it can be easy to forget that our circumstances do not define us. Also, when we start thinking this way we begin to doubt, become depressed, and allow lies from the Devil to overwhelm us. It’s in these moments where we need to encourage one another with the truth of God’s word. When having conversations with friends who are experiencing suffering and hardship, they are not looking for fancy advice or a long lecture about how they should be feeling. No, if you are like me, sometimes all one needs is coffee with a friend, a listening ear, prayer, or a phrase as simple as “you are going to be okay.” When sharing my struggles with others, the thing that helps me most is a friend who listens and reminds me gently who I am in Christ. She may not have all the answers but It’s amazing how within a few minutes of sharing and being reminded of God’s great love for me no matter what comes my way, my heart and mind instantly calms. Unfortunately, in this life we will never be problem free, but Jesus loved us so much that He died for us so that we could have hope and a promise of Eternal life. This type of love covers a multitude of sin and worry. He died and rose again so that we could live life abundantly and free. 

In our suffering we are not alone. God is with us.  Below are some simple truths from God’s word. Read each of these and allow God’s peace to fill your heart. While it may seem life will never be the same again, or you don’t know how you will make it another day, take heart my friend. Reach out to Jesus and let him hold you. His love will carry you and never let you go.  

Encouragement for your Heart –

• Because of the Lord’s great love, our circumstances don’t have to consume us (Lamentations 3:22-23).
• Nothing can separate you from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38-39).
• We have this hope as an anchor for our souls — firm and secure (Hebrews 6:19).
• God is our refuge and strength and is a help to us in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1).
• No matter what we do or what our circumstances are God’s love will never fail us. No purpose of His can be stopped (Job 42:2).
• God promises peace to our hearts beyond our understanding (Philippians 4).
• In this world we will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

So take heart dear friends and allow these truths to dwell in your hearts and mind! I promise things really will be okay. Remember that the Lord’s mercies are new every morning.

Hi friends. Two years ago I was introduced to a book titled “Choose Joy” by Sara Frankl. Sara suffered from a disease that later left her homebound as I am now. I both read and listen to her story over and over with tears streaming down my face because literally every word she writes I can relate to. Even though she is with Jesus now and we never had the opportunity to meet, I feel we are soul sisters and kindred spirits. For those friends of mine who want to know exactly what I’m dealing with when  I’m too sick to explain, this beautiful book will give you the perfect explanation. Sara’s words are like pages from my own personal journey.

If I’m being honest, the past few days for me has been brutal. Severe pain, nausea, and migraines abound. However, the Lord gives me nuggets of encouragement through His Word and from Sara’s book. I’m so thankful the Lord sent this story my way. He knew my heart needed it. I’ve been feeling like my brain is in a fog from my sickness and medication so instead of trying to write what I feel I decided to share a bit of what I’m dealing with through an excerpt from Sara’s book. While this might not be proper blog etiquette in sharing a chapter from a book, I feel it’s okay just this once and I’m sure Sara would not mind. However, I urge you to go buy her book. You will be so inspired by her journey.

The words below are from Choose Joy by Sara Frankl. Buy your copy here.

“If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.” 

 Yep, I’m quoting Dolly Parton. I love that quote so much you’ll probably hear me say it more than once, because that little sentence pretty much sums up my day-to-day life. In my body there is a constant rainstorm raging—a storm of debilitating disease, At thirty-five years of age I have found myself homebound and having to give up every freedom and ability I used to treasure and enjoy. I can count on my hands the number of times I stepped foot outside of my house in the past year, and all but one of those times were for doctor appointments. There isn’t one function that my body can perform without medication and my ability to do

 something as simple as type this post changes on a dime. I have no career, no husband and kids, no financial security, and no potential to change any of those things. And I’ve never been more at peace in my entire life. I’ve discovered that when everything is taken away, when nothing is left but the core of who you are, that’s when you have to make a choice. I can either hide inside and let the fear of getting struck by lightning paralyze me, or I can stand out in the rain to be washed free of everything but the comfort of a God Who would never let me fall. I choose every day to be washed free.

It’s not easy, but it is simple. I put up with so much rain every day, but the rainbows

 I am given are fantastic. I have food, shelter, clothing. I have friends who love me, not despite all of my limitations, but with them. I write every day on my blog—and people show up! This blog has been a connection to the outside world that I didn’t realize was missing until it fell into my lap. I have an obnoxiously cute, spoiled, and ornery pup who keeps me company 24/7 and brings joy to my otherwise quiet days. 

I am so blessed, people. But the reason I am happy is that I choose to look at my blessings more than my burdens. The burdens are persistent; the pain is relentless. I walk with crutches and it takes me longer to get up out of a chair than it takes my friends to get up and walk the length of my condo and back. But I know that if God didn’t have a purpose for my illness He would have taken it away from me by now. So I take it humbly and pray that if He has a purpose for me, I am paying attention so I don’t miss the opportunity to serve.

I’m okay with not knowing why this is happening to me because I know He knows why. It’s not about me; it’s about what He can do with me. My job is simply to pay attention and enjoy the rainbows.

The devastation that is occurring in Houston breaks my heart. So much destruction and the damage is not over. I have been glued to the television coverage and the scenes from the hurricane keep playing through my mind. Folks who have spent their whole life in a place only to find they have to start all over again. It’s hard to know where to start in the recovery process because how does one proceed when they have nothing left.

Also, as someone living with a disability, my heart goes out to those with disabilities being rescued. For some, not getting medical supplies in a timely manner is life-threatening in addition to the danger from the flooding. I use tons of medical supplies per day, and have never been without what I’ve needed. So often we take for granted that others may not be as fortunate, especially In situations such as Harvey. The disabled are often overlooked because they can’t help themselves and the workers don’t know how to help or understand what they need. Thankfully, organizations such as Portlight are working with rescue teams to make sure the disabled have what they need. In addition to medical issues, basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter dominate the area. While many are reaching out to help, there is so much more to be done.

It is hard to know why God allows such tragedies. There are no words to describe the amounts of suffering that is being experienced, and to look in the face of such need it is hard to see how good could come from this. However, as I was watching tv the Lord reminded me that in those dark places and in the flood, He is there. He weeps with each person offering comfort and does not take delight in their suffering. We live in a fallen world where unfortunately bad things happen, but the Lord promises to give His people the strength to carry on. When one has literally nothing left and no one to turn to, Jesus is right there ready to love and lead the way. As I’ve pondered over these truths, I realize that some might read this and roll their eyes because it’s easier said than done especially seeing the enormous amounts of destruction.

What the people of Houston need now more than ever is people to come alongside them and provide for their needs –a warm meal, clothes, a place to sleep, healthcare, a shoulder to cry on, and someone who will listen to them as they grieve for what will never be again.

Rescues are still taking place and today I watched someone being pulled out of the water by a helicopter and multiple rescues using boats and other resources. Seeing these actions take place is humbling, sad, and hard to watch. Although, I have been very impressed by how the workers are doing all they can to help rescue these folks, and most of them are people they do not know.

Also, Police officers and other workers have been working for days not stopping because they fiercely love their community. Another humbling fact is that many workers have lost everything themselves, but are choosing to put other people’s safety before their own. The love of Christ is being displayed through every person risking their lives to to save another — in every rescue, through the volunteers, and in the donations from around the country. It is encouraging to witness every heroic act of kindness.

These days there is much division in our country over politics, race, and religion. That being said, at the end of the day we all need each other. As folks have united over the last few days these issues no longer seem as important. The most important focus is rescuing and helping our fellow Americans who are in need and trying to survive. When a boat comes along and rescues a family, political or social backgrounds do not matter. They are not dwelling on if the people helping are conservative or liberal, but are thankful that someone came to save them. They are thankful not to be forgotten and that someone showed up in their time of need.

Circumstances like these help give perspective on life, and the way people have come together to love and serve their neighbor will be remembered forever.

One story that has touched me is that of Police officer Steve Perez. He was a police officer in Houston for 34 years, and left his home on Sunday morning to do his job. His wife did not want him to go but he said that there was “work to be done.” Sadly, he drowned in his car and found days later. Officer Perez loved the Lord and was committed to sharing His love with others. His wife said that he would not have wanted to die in any other way. He loved his job and the city of Houston. His priorities were to serve and protect them, and what a way to enter into Eternity. He lived life doing what he loved with no regrets. and his servants heart is an example we all should follow.

Regardless of our circumstances we are to love God and love others – considering others before ourselves. Over the next few days think about how you can support Houston. Whether that be going there and volunteering, donating money, or sending supplies, every little bit helps.

Pray for Houston as they begin to move forward recovering and rebuilding from this. Pray that God provides abundant resources and that the entire city be surrounded with love and encouragement.

My prayer for the Houston community comes from Psalm 91 which says, “If you say, The Lord is my refuge, and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands.I am so thankful that no disaster is too great for God and that we can always take refuge in Him.
Ways to Donate –
Portlight Disaster Strategies – This is a non-profit organization that specifically aids and give help to people with disabilities. They are currently working with other workers during Hurricane Harvey to help rescue people with disabilities and provide the medical equipment they need.

https://www.portlight.org/hurricane-harvey-announcement.html

Samaritans Purse
https://www.samaritanspurse.org

Salvation Army
https://satruck.org