Christian Living Archives - Page 7 of 14

Articles, Christian Living, Disability, Family

🌷Health Update🌷

Happy Friday friends! I have been quiet on the blog front lately, and wanted to write an update.

I can’t believe spring is already around the corner. As I think of spring I pray for fresh ideas and new beginnings. With those, also come prayers for my health. The past few weeks have been especially hard dealing with lots of pain and nausea from these bladder infections. I have pretty much been completely home and bed bound. However, the lord has been extremely gracious on the heard days reminding me of different reasons to have joy. One Bible verse that keeps coming to my mind recently is Nehemiah 8:10. It states,

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Nehemiah, and as I have been reading through it recently, I have been reminded of what a Godly example Nehemiah is to my current circumstances. Nehemiah was faced with much adversity, but with the help of the Lord, he did not let that stop him from being obedient to the Lord’s calling. Nehemiah faced a great deal of sadness, but he immediately took his worries and cares to the Father crying out for his help and deliverance. Even though times were tough, God gave Nehemiah the strength he needed to press on, and proved that joy is not dependent upon circumstances. I am grateful for the nuggets of wisdom God has given me while studying this book, and one of those is prayer.

Just like Nehemiah, I am facing a season of adversity. While in my flesh I may feel like complaining to those around me and having a pity party, the first place I should take every thought and problem in my life is directly to the throne of the Almighty. Even though at times it is tempting, there is no need to discuss and cry out to everyone else instead of the Lord. He asks that we come to Him first and foremost for everything that we need. Nehemiah practiced this in his day to day life, and God never let a Him down. Jesus delights in us and desires to be the lover of our souls. He wants us to pray and depend on Him for our every need. Communion with God, and the power of prayer allows the impossible to be possible. That being said, I am asking each of you to be prayer warriors on my behalf.

On Monday, February 27, I have an appointment with a urology specialist in Winston Salem at Wake Forest Baptist with a physician named Dr. Badlani. I have no idea what to expect with this visit. However, I am hopeful that it would be helpful, and praying that it is not another dead end. Would you cover me in prayer throughout this weekend and all day on Monday? My appointment is Monday at 11:30am, and I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for me that day. Some specific prayer requests would be:

– That this appointment would not be another dead end, and that Dr. Badlani would be knowledgeable regarding my situation.

-Pray for Dr. Badlani to give us advice on what to expect in the future regarding these infections and treatment plans. Pray that he looks at the big picture of the past two years, and listens to what we have to say. We realize that he is not going to be able to provide the perfect solution, and that there is no easy fix to my problems. However, we want him to be willing to try to help and come alongside my other physicians when necessary.

-Pray that he recognizes how sick I have been and that God gives him the wisdom and knowledge to know the next steps he needs to take to provide me with relief.

-Pray for our travel to and from Winston Salem. While it is not too far away, the trip is going to be difficult for me because I’m so weak. We are driving down on Sunday and staying at a hotel that evening so I don’t have to make the trip all in one day. Pray that my pain would be minimal and that I am able to rest comfortably in the hotel. Pray for my mom as well as she will be driving and caring for me, and that God gives her the strength and energy she needs.

Thanks so much for praying dear friends. Your prayers mean more to me than you will ever know.
Also, Thank you for your continued notes of encouragement. Please know that they bring so much cheer to my days. Even if I’m not always able to respond right away, I read each one, and they always come at just the right time.

I will definitely update you on how the appointment goes. I may not post an update on Monday because it is going to be a crazy day. However, even though you won’t hear from me then, I will definitely post as soon as I can. I am planning to start an audio blog soon to share updates with you as well as devotions and what God is teaching me. Be on the lookout for that.

Thanks for standing with me during this season. I love and am so thankful for all of you.

Christian Living, Devotionals, Disability

The Joy of Jesus – Weekend Devotional

Joy. Lately I’ve been praying for joy and peace. Lots of it. This past week has been rough health-wise. However, over the last few days I have been reminded yet again that joy is always ours for the taking. Life does not have to be perfect to be joyful, and health does not have to be good. In fact, joy is more precious when born out of difficulties.

The joy that comes in the morning after a long weary night is one of the best gifts Jesus gives.

In the darkest of days when joy seems impossible all we have to do is ask, and the Lord will meet us where we are. Our problems may not be resolved, but before long our heart doesn’t seem as heavy and our outlook not as bleak. This is all because of a Savior who loves us with an everlasting love and delights in bringing joy to our circumstances. Friend, I don’t know what you are facing today but my prayer is that you will enter into the joy of the Lord. It truly is the best place to be.

Articles, Christian Living

Happy 2017 – Bloom Where You are Planted

Happy New Years Day! It is 2017!

The last year (well let’s make that two years) have been extremely hard for me. As many of you know I have had continued health problems that have resulted in me being homebound. My word for 2016 was restore. Even though physical and healing restoration has not occurred, God has restored me spiritually. The past few months have been spent pouring over the Scriptures and in prayer, which has been the balm my wandering soul needed. I am Type A by nature so the circumstances of the past two years have driven me crazy. I always like to have a plan — something to anticipate — to hope for, and I have not had that in the way I would prefer. I have no plan for the year. My health has robbed me of what I feel is the “normal” way to spend my days. What I mean is that I don’t have the hope of going back to a job anytime soon, or the hope of continuing my education, a husband, and the list could go on and on. However, the Lord has so sweetly reminded me that I can and always will be able to hope in Him.

He is my hope, my husband, my strength, and the lover of my soul. He is and always will be enough.

While 2017 may not be starting out in the way I hoped it would one year ago, it is starting out exactly as the Lord wills it, and that makes today a joyous one. Instead of worrying about when I am getting better, or when/if I will be able to work again — I am going to take my life and plans one moment, and day at a time.

I choose to spend my days delighting in the Lord and committing my ways to Him, and whatever God allows on each particular day that will be enough.

One request I’ve made to the Lord multiple times is for me to be healed so I can do ministry for Him. Although, in asking this I’ve missed the ministry He has for me here. While being homebound may limit my location, it does not limit me from glorifying and serving the Lord. The Lord has given me a beautiful love story with Him, and a love for words to share it. I used to think the ideal way to serve Jesus was for me to jet off to Africa and spend my days serving folks there. However, while ministry there is certainly needed, my ministry here is just as important because this is God’s will for me. Lately the phrase “bloom where you are planted” keeps coming to mind, and that is what I intend to do in 2017. Also, the other day in my quiet time I came across Nehemiah 4:14. I’ve read the verse many times, but I needed it this weekas I have been thinking about the year ahead. It states, “Don’t be afraid of the enemy!  Remember the Lord, who is great  and glorious! ” No matter what comes my way, I have no need to fear because the Lord who is great and glorious will protect me. All Jesus desires for me to do is delight and trust in Him, and He will take care of the rest.

I look forward to growing deeper in my relationship with Jesus in 2017, and for all He is going to teach me. I also look forward to seeing how He uses my writing and ministry for His good and glory.

I want to close with the Bible passages that have become my banner and theme verses for the year. I hope and you will join me on the journey to commit and delight in Him as well!

“Trust in the Lord and do good, dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act.” ~Psalm 37:3-5

“Don’t be afraid of the enemy!  Remember the Lord, who is great  and glorious! ”~ Nehemiah 4:14

Articles, Christian Living, Family, Holidays, Music

Circle of Love

” Circle of love, halo of light. When Jesus was born on that Christmas night, and oh what a night, that holy night was, when Bethlehem glowed with a circle of love.”

If you know me, you know that I love Christmas movies, and for the last two years NBC has aired two movies written and produced by Dolly Parton. Both movies were inspired by true stories from Dolly’s childhood. The first one was called “Coat of Many Colors” based on the song that shared the same name. The second one is “Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love.” Dolly’s family was poor and didn’t have many earthly possessions but they were close to one another, and shared the love of Christ. These movies act as reminders for us today regarding what is most important. We would all benefit by learning a few lessons from Dolly and her family.

In the first one, Dolly’s mom made her a coat using old patchwork material. She treasured it and thought it was wonderful but her peers made fun of her. The experience upset and embarrassed her at first, but as she matured she was proud, and wore it each day acting as if it was the latest fashion. That coat was more than a coat, it represented the sacrifice and love of a mother. Throughout the movie, the Partons endured much suffering but the best gift to the family was Dolly’s Father accepting the gift of Salvation. This was a true miracle, and an answer to prayer.

The second movie focused around Christmas again, and the family seemed closer to the Lord and each other more than ever before. However, money was tight and getting Christmas presents for each other was a real sacrifice. Dolly and her siblings decided to come together, earn money, and help buy their mother the wedding band she wanted. They were even willing to give up their own gifts so they could do this. This was such a reminder of selflessness and loving one another. Most children (or even adults) would not do what the Parton family did, especially with such a joyful spirit.

These movies shared truths of what is most important, but in the society we live in today those standards and values are no longer respected. The most impressive fact during each movie was the emphasis the writers put on Jesus Christ, and everyone’s need for Salvation. Dolly shined the light of Jesus and didn’t tone down the Gospel message even once. This is a rarity, especially for a network such as NBC. The movie dwelled on a simpler time and shared with us the priorities of loving Jesus, family, and others. The movies also portrayed great humility and selflessness. Those principles can never be taken away no matter how rich or poor someone is. By living with these attitudes peace and joy will fill your hearts.

Careers, money, or extravagant things won’t last forever, but loving Jesus, family, and others with a humble heart and mind will never fade.

We live in a world of hustle and carry the mindset that portrays “it’s all about me,” and the entertainment industry feeds this attitude. However, that makes for a miserable and chaotic life.

As you go through December spend some time loving Jesus and adopt His heart for others. Ask God to give you wisdom on how to best love and encourage those around you. Live in and accept God’s love because that is the best gift of all.

Visit here for more information and to watch the movie online, and be sure to watch with your family.

Advent, Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Devotionals

Longing For Christ – Hope

I have been waiting for this season for months. It is my favorite time of year. No matter what is going on in life, I am always extra hopeful during this season.

Today marks the beginning of Advent and I look forward to celebrating and focusing my area of study on the anticipation and birth of Christ. Advent means “coming,” as in “Christ is coming.” It represents the expectation, anticipation, and preparation of the birth of Jesus. Jesus was born as fully God and fully man, and even as the King of the world, He was born in a lowly manger to identify with us. He came for us so that we may have the hope of Eternal life, and to live and reign in our hearts.

His coming fulfills the Old Testament prophecies such as the one fromJeremiah 33:14-16. It states, “The days are coming, ’declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. This is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.’”

Lately as I have dwelled upon the hope of Christ, I immediately think of the words from the famous Christmas hymn, “Oh Holy Night.” “A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices.” This year has been a weary one so it does my soul good to read and study about this blessed hope. I long for Christ and need His hope today more than ever before. I’ve always been a very hopeful person but that hope has been challenged as my world has been turned upside down from health problems the past couple of years.

I am Type A by nature and have always had a plan or something to hope for in the future. However, that has changed — that is, changed in the way the world so often views hope. For example, I no longer have the hope of a job to return to, the hope of continuing education, or the hope of a marriage, and the list could go on and on. Even though none of these earthly hopes are present in a my life, I have the Heavenly Hope that comes from Jesus. He is enough. He is my healer, provider, husband, sustainer, and the lover of my soul.

Jesus is my greatest hope and that will never change no matter what comes my way. He is the only hope I need, and turns my darkness into light and brings comfort to my weary soul.

I am so grateful for this gift of hope, and I pray that you will cling to it no matter what circumstances you find yourself in today. Thanks for joining me on this Advent journey and be sure to read the blog next week as I write about peace.

To find all the post in this series viset here.

Articles, Christian Living, Holidays, Reading

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!

Happy Black Friday! I hope you all enjoyed Thanksgiving yesterday. I did, and of course ate way too much. I cannot resist my mom’s pumpkin cake. It is delicious! I plan to spend the remainder of the holiday weekend relaxing and doing a whole lot of nothing – ha!

I’m addicted to Hallmark movies so a marathon of those is on the agenda. In addition to that, Robin Jones Gunn just released a brand new book in her new series Christy and Todd – The Baby Years. The first book in the series is titled “Sandy Toes,” and I can’t wait to spend my weekend reading it. I grew up reading “The Christy Miller Series” by Robin and they aided in my relationship with Christ as a teenager. Even though her books are fiction I am always encouraged spiritually by her writing, and I know this new one will be no exception. She has fiction for all ages so her books would be the perfect Christmas gift for the readers in your life.

Most importantly, I wanted to share with you that I will be writing an Advent series again this year, and it will begin on Sunday. The series is called “Longing For Christ,” and I look forward to writing and sharing about the hope of our Savior during this season. While this weekend is busy for most as you are traveling and spending time with family, be sure to spend some time with Jesus thanking Him for all He has done.

Glorifying Him above all else should be the most important part of our days and Holiday season so spend some time delighting in Him.

Also, thanks again for all of your prayers for my health. Thanksgiving exhausted me, but it was still wonderful and the Lord sustained me. It seems the bladder infection is returning. I had another culture done on Wednesday and will know the results of that next week. I am so thankful for all of my prayer warriors. Your prayers and encouragement keep me going!

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! This might be my most favorite day of the year (aside from tomorrow).

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved the day before Thanksgiving because that is when my mom starts cooking and preparing for the ginormous Thanksgiving feast that we will enjoy on Thursday.

When I was in college I could not wait to be home for Thanksgiving break. This was always a special time and I always loved waking on both Wednesday and Thursday morning to the smell of Thanksgiving in the house. My college days are long gone, but the traditions are much the same. For the past few years I always spend this day with mom as she is preparing everything. I enjoy her food as we talk and prepare together. And of course we have holiday movies (Thank you, Hallmark) playing in the background. Although this year we may be enjoying a Gilmore Girls Marathon. Don’t judge, you know you do it too.

Even though I’m home and settled in for the holiday, I know today is busy and stressful for many of you. Whether you are frantically trying to clean, cook, and prepare your house for guests, or trying to finish up work, fighting the traffic and airport crowds — today is known to be one of the busiest days of the year. However, in the midst of all the busyness that comes with the holiday I hope that you can take some time to be still, dwell, and give thanks to Jesus for what He has done for you this year.

Over the past few days I have shared different things I am grateful for. To close the series, I am most thankful for my relationship with Jesus. When you experience suffering, things that once seemed important diminish and priorities are no longer as complicated. That is definitely the case for me.

Corrie Ten Boom said it best – “You don’t realize Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you have.” The last year of my life has been spent being homebound as I continue to deal with health problems. Although, it has not been all bad, and that is because of Jesus. It seems that all was stripped away but unlike everything else in this life –Jesus has never forsaken me, or let me down.

Jesus will always remain the same and will never change and that gives me the hope to press on. The death of Jesus on the cross and His resurrection is the best gift I’ve ever received, and I am most thankful for His Salvation. Because of his salvation I can get through anything that comes my way and so can you with His help. Allow yourself to receive His love and grace over this holiday season. Nothing else compares to it

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Family, Holidays

In Everything Give Thanks – Family

To continue my Thanksgiving Series today’s post will focus on my family.

I may be biased, but I have the best family in the world! God has blessed me with a wonderful group of people and I am thankful more than ever before, for the people that make up my tribe! Thankfully, most of my family lives nearby which makes it easier to talk and spend time with them.

I can honestly say that my parents are my best friends. I am thankful to the Lord every day that He chose them to be mine. They have been there through all the joyful times, and the hard times. Two years ago when my health problems worsened they helped me move back in with them and have taken care of me since. Through every pain, emotion, and many sleepless nights — they have been there, and never complained one time. Each day they represent Jesus to me, and I will never be able to thank them enough for how they have blessed me over the past 31 years. They are my heroes!

In addition to my parents, my extended family have been amazing as well. You know you are. Thanks for all the prayers, calls, visits, flowers, treats, and encouragement that you’ve sent my way lately. I love you all.

Special thanks to my sweet Gran who over the past couple of months have visited me every Tuesday and Thursday and spoils me by cooking lunch for me on those days! Love you, Gran, and so thankful for the time we spend together. Also, thanks to my aunt Ellen and my favorite four year old Lexi who visits me every Saturday. My hang out time with my “Mini BFF” brightens my week.

To all of my family, and friends who are like family – I love you more than words can say. Thanks for loving me so well. As Philippians 1:3 states, “I thank my God every time I remember you!”

Take a moment today to thank God for the family He has given you and tell them how grateful you are for them.

Articles, Blog Series, Christian Living, Holidays

In Everything Give Thanks – Words of Wisdom From Amy Carmichael

In acceptance lieth peace. ~Amy Carmichael

To continue my Thanksgiving series, I am also thankful for the many things God uses daily to uplift my soul, and recently He has used the wisdom of Amy Carmichael to draw me closer to Himself. The quote listed above is one of my favorites from Amy, and one that God has brought to my attention many times as of late.

Accepting circumstances is pivotal to being thankful with any situation. For example, if I continue to live in the lands of “what ifs” or “What I hope will be,” it makes me not appreciate the now. I firmly believe that God can use any circumstance (no matter how dismal it may seem) for His good and glory! Therefore, we need to accept where God has us and embrace his peace to fully live the way He intends.

I will forever be grateful for the life of Amy Carmichael, and so blessed that God has used her story to encourage me during this season of difficulty. Aside from Scripture, the most encouraging and uplifting books to read are biographies from the heroes of the faith.

Amy is definitely one of my heroes. She devoted her life to ministry in India and was no stranger to physical pain. In fact she spent more than twenty years of her life homebound and bedridden due to a fall that later resulted in many other health problems. Despite her limitations, she did not live bound by her circumstances. She exuded the joy of Christ and encouraged many all over the world with her letters and writings. She was completely at peace with her life and situation even though it was not always easy, and this attitude came from accepting where God had her. I do want to clarify that by acceptance I don’t mean give up or quit trying. However, there are times when the best thing we can do for Jesus, ourselves, and the future is accepting the season we are in.

I want to challenge you (as well as myself) to accept where you are today and surrender all to the Lord. Whether you are in a tough season or a joyful one accept God’s peace today and even if it’s hard focus on what is good and allow yourself to live in the freedom that comes along with complete acceptance and surrender. What seems to be the worse of situations could later be one of your biggest blessings and joys. Do not spend the holidays weighed down with worry, doubt, and discontentment. Nothing good comes from doing those things. Trust me, I know. Instead fill your mind with the Word daily, read encouraging books, or turn on some praise music. Love Jesus and accept the life and peace He so desires to give you! There is nothing better than that!

To read other posts from this series visit here.

Articles, Christian Living, Daily Inspirations, Disability, Family, Friendship, Holidays

Thank You

Hi friends,

It has been a while since I have posted but I wanted to write a quick update regarding my health. The past few weeks have been extremely difficult. I have dealt with another bladder infection which is a very stubborn bacteria. I finished a round of iv antibiotic treatment one week ago, and unfortunately I think the infection is already returning. I will have another test tomorrow to confirm that and will hopefullly start another round of treatments. Please pray that the bacteria will show up clearly, that I will be put on the right antibiotic ASAP, and that we are given wisdom and the right resources moving forward regarding treatment options. The infection is still lingering, and I’m hoping to get started on medication again soon. Also, pray for me over Thanksgiving that I am able to enjoy time with family without being in pain, and that I keep the right attitude in the midst of hard.

Thank you all so much for the continued prayers and sweet notes you send my way. Even though I am not always able to respond I do read them all, and I am greatly encouraged by them. I am so thankful for each one of you and thank God for you daily!

Be sure to check the blog again tomorrow as I will start a series called “In Everything Give Thanks.” I look forward to sharing more with you. 🙂

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