Come On In, Whose Voice, and Piece Of My Mind

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many years, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory, read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

---

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Come On In

''If you knew Jesus was coming to visit you at your house tonight, would you run to the door to welcome him with open arms, or would you (we) need to rush around to hide some things. What do you have in your home that you (we) would be ashamed for him to find?''

This was a post from my cousin, Gina, on her facebook page and I thought it was a good point to ponder.  Everything we have and own belong to God but would He want to claim it?  Music and movie collections, are they an encouragement to the soul?  Is your home an example of earthly hoarding or an example of humble giving?
It's okay to surround yourself with things you enjoy and make you happy but there are limits to one's greed and self indulgence.  We must give our first fruits to God, not the leftovers.  'In my house, we will serve the Lord.'  It's not just a saying but should be a way of life.

---

Saturday, March 10, 2012

WhosE Voice?

We went last night to Verizon arena to see the ventriliquist, Jeff Dunham.  It was a great, funny show, although uncensored- unlike on television.  My favorite puppet is Walter, a grumpy old man who tells it like it is regardless of what others think. Jeff has six main puppets with all different personalities. It was a good night of laughter.

The idea of puppets makes me think about our own voices.  God didn't create us to be puppets so He gave us freewill.  Yet, He is our master. Is your voice being controlled by the Master?  It says in the Bible, we are not defiled by what goes into our mouths but by what comes out of it.  If we each had a mouth filter, how much dirt would yours catch?

Here's a quote I found that makes alot of sense...  'When words reach the tip of your tongue, hold back half of them.'

---

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Piece of my Mind

Okay so from this caption, we now know what lies ahead for my future.  Giving someone 'peace of mind' is a far cry from giving someone a 'piece of your mind.'  ha

I recently ordered myself a new coffee mug with Maxine on it.  It says 'Everyone is entitled to my opinion.'  lol  I can honestly say I'm an opinionated person but I hope that I am open-minded enough to not totally reject a rebuke without at least giving it some thought.  ''The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water, and breeds reptiles of the mind.''

Pieces of my mind are certainly more apt to fly out of my mouth when under pressure.  You can't relate to this? Yea right.  Sometimes the pieces can fly right back at you and smack you in the forehead.  One time at the airport, the ticket counter person seemed to be going slower than slow.  I slammed my fist down on the counter and said 'YOU ARE GOING TO MAKE US MISS OUR FLIGHT.'  He calmly said, 'ma'am you're flight has been delayed.'  'Oh, okay, good' was all I could humbly say.

We must have a firm foundation of our beliefs that are unwavering but our opinions can often be quickly given without thought or merit.  Sometimes people don't want to know what we think but if they do, they will ask.

A Choice, Decisions, and The Battle of Discouragement

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many years, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory, read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

---

FROM ANGIE’S ARCHIVES

Monday, July 27, 2015

A Choice

It is a choice we all make in our lives, in both fleeting moments and as a lifestyle.  What have you decided on?  Vengeance is mine, says The Lord.  Our sin nature in the flesh wants to retaliate when we feel wronged but the Holy Spirit should guide us in our words and actions.
We should use our bodies to be a light to the world and not to reveal more darkness.  Gentleness is a fruit of the spirit that is in strong demand and short supply in our world today.  

---

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Decisions

Are you a good decision maker?  Some decisions need to be thought over with ample time but other decisions need to be made with a quick response.  Often people want to pass the buck and have others decide for them.  I think this can develop into a bad habit.  Some of the most important questions in life are only left for you to decide.

One day I was on my way home after work.  There is about a two mile stretch of interstate between work and my exit to go home. I was headed east-bound when I noticed a tractor-trailer tire was bouncing towards me from the west-bound lanes.  I don't know where it came from but I knew I had to think fast.  I could slow down and maybe it would pass in front of me? But I couldn't go in reverse if need be.  Or I could speed up and pass it before it got to me?  If I speed up and we meet, it'll be quick and over.  I had about 5 seconds to decide how this story would end.  The tire was now in the median.  You would think it would fall over but no, it didn't.  I floored it, as you might expect if you know me very well.  The tire passed behind me somewhere and no other cars got hit either.

The fatal tire will hit each of us someday and we most likely won't see it coming.  Your time is now to make decisions about your life and your eternal destiny.  Don't wait too long!

---

Monday, November 9, 2020

The Battle of Discouragement

Psalm 42:1-8

As the deer pants for streams of water,
    so my soul pants for you, my God.
 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
    When can I go and meet with God?
 My tears have been my food
    day and night,
while people say to me all day long,
    “Where is your God?”
 These things I remember
    as I pour out my soul:
how I used to go to the house of God
    under the protection of the Mighty One[d]
with shouts of joy and praise
    among the festive throng.

 Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Savior and my God.

 My soul is downcast within me;
    therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
    the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
 Deep calls to deep
    in the roar of your waterfalls;
all your waves and breakers
    have swept over me.

 By day the Lord directs his love,
    at night his song is with me—
    a prayer to the God of my life.

Oh if you know me personally, then you know that I have been discouraged in 2020.  Actually, I don't know of anyone who hasn't been discouraged in some way this year.  Discouragement can come from anywhere, but it may be from your health, your job, your friends, the election, the media, the way you're treated, COVID-19, or just the current circumstance that life has you in.  In our times of discouragement, let us remember that God loves us and desires to lead us to a place of a renewed vision of Himself!

"Disappointments will come and go, but discouragement is a response, and we can respond in other ways.  If we understand that God allows disappointments, we can find meaning in trouble.  Confess...'The Father is with me in the pain; He’s in control of my life and has allowed this for a reason; He is a good God, who will not let this disappointment be in vain.'  Discouragement may sound harmless enough, but don’t underestimate its power. By keeping watch, you can avoid its deadly trap" [intouch.org]

“Keep Calm and Carry On.” This message first appeared in Great Britain as World War II began in 1939. British officials printed it on posters designed to offset panic and discouragement during the war.  I have a t-shirt that my friend, Karla, made for me that says, "Keep Calm and Blog On".  She knows that I blog about what's on my heart and I find encouragement through it.

As for myself, the battle of discouragement used to be an easy one for me but now it is not.  I've probably relied to much on myself in the past but now I see that reliance on the Lord is my only hope and path.  I have been in the hallway of waiting so much lately for a new aide and for other things I won't reveal here.  I know God is faithful.  I, also, know that I am impatient.  I will use this blog personally to encourage myself and try to be as patient, as possible.  God has conquered my doubts 100% of the times before, so I will trust Him again and again and continue to pray.

6 Ways to battle discouragement are:  to count your blessings, consider what you take for granted, practice whatever encourages you, give of yourself to others, remind yourself that others are praying for what you have, and read encouraging Scripture.

Understand that discouragement...[intouch.org]:

Is something we choose. While it’s a natural response to difficult circumstances, we have the power to choose a different response. No one else is responsible for our discouragement.

Is universal. At times, everybody will face periods of disappointment and discouragement because we live in a flawed world filled with flawed people.

Can recur. Sometimes we think we’ve settled an issue, which later resurfaces when we least expect it. Or we may have old emotional wounds triggered by something a person says or does.

Can be temporary or lifelong. Refusing to face discouragement head-on can open the door for it to influence our decisions, actions, and relationships as long as we live.

Is conquerable. With the Father’s help, we can get through seasons of discouragement. He wants His children to have a rich and fulfilled life. If we trust in His promises and His character, our feelings of discouragement will slowly be replaced by hope.

Even if you still feel discouraged, remember above all else, God is in control.

Your Choice, I Hate To Be Humbled, and Just Do

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many years, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory, read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

---

From Angie’s Archives

Saturday, December 28, 2013

Your Choice

The mindset of a person is very revealing.  In just a few words, you can tell what a person's perspective on life is...negative or positive.  What is yours and which do you like to surround yourself with?

'Your life is a message to the world, make sure it's inspiring.'  We all complain at times, but don't make it a chronic issue in your life.  I believe in the caption's message whole-heartily.  Where our focus lies is where our energy is spent.  Are you wasting or investing your energy and time?

Misery is optional.  You must see your trials as temporary and move both your mind and yourself to better things.

Trust in God's goodness and enjoy the journey.

---

Sunday, December 29, 2013

I Hate to Be Humbled

I like to 'appear' put together and at my best when around others, even when I'm not up to par.  As they say, 'Fake it till ya make it.'  Well sometimes, you get caught off guard unexpectedly.

Today as we drove into church, I didn't recognize the car in front of us.  As we were getting ready to unload, a woman was walking toward us and the church.  Even after 25 years, I knew that was my friend from high school, Tabetha.  I wanted to greet her, as well as hide.  I had my mask on and it was not how I wanted her to recognize and see me after all these years.  Of course, Tabetha knew me and was as sweet as ever.  It was great to visit with her, after I left my pride outside in the van.  It was a humbling experience, but there was greater joy to see my friend from long ago.

Life is a process of changes and it keeps us humble.  I am the same girl who drove endless miles cruising Levy in my red Prelude that waved and honked at friends, like Tabetha, every weekend.  Now I am with a few more miles with wear and tear to show for it.  True friends, like Tabetha, accept you for who you really are, despite the changes we have all been dealt.

---

Monday, December 30, 2013

Just Do

I think this is a good caption to think about as 2014 approaches.  People often set goals for the new year and that's as far as they get......give or take a week or two.  If only we were as good as our intentions. Good intentions are worthless without actions behind them.

Your actions speak for themselves.  People will tire of your claims to be better at 'whatever', if there is nothing to show for it.

Have you heard the phrase, 'The road to hell is paved with good intentions.'   The false idea that 'if you are just good enough' that you will get to heaven leads so many in the opposite direction.  People might claim to put God first after everything settles down and gets in order but that only happens when God is your first priority.  ''Ego says, once everything falls into place, I'll find peace. Spirit says, find peace, and everything falls into place.''

What is holding you back from being the person God created you to be?  Procrastination, laziness, self-doubt? Make a plan and follow through....just do it.

Driving, Adaptable, and Preservance Pays Off

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many years, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory, read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

---

FROM ANGIE’S ARCHIVES

Friday, August 5, 2011

Driving

I have been driving something I think since the age of 2.  Beginning with a tricycle, Big Wheels, bicycle, go-cart, three wheeler, riding mower, car, and scooter. Driving has been a big part of my life. Dirt donuts were my claim to fame on the go-cart. We lived across from a playground that had a low spot that collected dirt. You go around the playground about 3 times picking up speed then slam the brakes in the dirt, spinning the go-cart in a whirlwind of dust. oh what fun. Now to the three-wheeler that can enable you to fly, ha. Seriously, Burns Park used to have sand dunes to ride on and you can catch air if you go fast enough. We have a picture of me in the air on the three-wheeler. I also did my share of mowing on our 2.5 acres and at my grandparent’s place in the country, not so bad minus the ticks and rocks, lol. Finally, a car at last. Cruising Levy was the thing to do back in high school. Yes, driving a mile in a circular path for hours..ha. I drove most of the time and I may be partly to blame for McCain Blvd being a 30mph no-tolerance zone now. Speed limit to me means speed minimum...doing 35 in a 45 zone is just not right. Over the years, my guardian angels have been fast on their feet and thankfully protected my speedy self.

Due to my progressive weakness, I gave up driving on my own in 2003. Driving is a major sign of independence and freedom but you can't be selfish. You must know your limits and consider that other’s lives are at stake. This will be a reality someday for most of us. Don't make a hard choice more difficult by being selfish, the consequences could be deadly.

Hoping to be a speed angel in heaven one day..............Angie

---

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Adaptable

Do you consider yourself adaptable? Do you find a way to make things work or do you give up? I've had to adapt throughout my life, not being able to do things like I once could. We must try our best but we must also not be too proud to ask for and receive help from others.

The best example of adaptability in my life was when I was learning to drive. My mom took me out to Camp Robinson to practice. I drove for a while with no problems. Then I went into an empty parking lot to practice parking. Ok, so park in that space..no, that’s not a good one. Ok, so how about that one...no, it’s no good either. I was trying to stay calm yet freaking out inside. I couldn't put on the brake. Ok, just pick any spot. Too many circles around the lot makes one suspicious. My time was up, I had to confess 'I can't hit the brake.'  WHAT? She hit the brake and we went home. My dad figured out that the gas pedal was lower than the brake. So you had to lift your leg and slide it over to apply the brakes. What would you do, not drive or adapt? We adapted by raising the gas pedal to be even with the brake. I didn't get to drive alone for a while until we were sure I was safe. It’s funny in hindsight, lol.

As we get older, we will all face things that are more difficult to do. If you don't believe me, ask anyone with arthritis. Learn to adapt, don't give in to the circumstance.

---

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Perserverance pays off

I don't remember the exact date but it was about this time in August of 1994, 17 years ago wow, that I graduated from Northern Illinois University. [Finishing college is a story of perseverance in itself but that’s not my focus today] I was now ready to find a job and start my career. I sent out numerous resumes and went on both do-able and far-fetched interviews. I went to one interview, and when I got there the building wasn't accessible. The interview was held in my van. Another interview was for a quality control tech in a chicken factory at 30 degrees. I interviewed twice with St. John Hospital to work in the tuberculosis lab. My job search also included attending a daily job training center to help me find a job. My search lasted two years, a long two years.

Finally one day I got a call from a pickle company saying I'd been hired. To make a long story short, I couldn’t do that job [climb into a vat] but thru them found out the temporary agency I signed up with wasn’t sending out my resumes. I immediately went over there to 'chew some hide'. They knew they were caught discriminating and told me about a job they just got in that day at a lab. I got this job and it was the best job suited for me. I worked there 5yrs and loved it.

So this shows God's timing is perfect and what He has in store for us is worth waiting for. We must be diligent in pursuing our goals, rarely does a goal get achieved from the couch. Follow thru even though it looks pointless, the experience may teach you something. Finally, just keep after it, perseverance pays off. 

Music, Strength, and Hair

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many years, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory, read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

---

FROM ANGIE’S ARCHIVES

Saturday, July 30, 2011

it is well with my soul

Last year while I was in the hospital, four friends, the Clarks and the Perssons, came to visit me. While they were there they all sang 'It Is Well with My Soul' acapella. Beautiful doesn’t even begin to describe it. The peace in the room during those moments was so great, it was almost touchable.

I love this song. The love of God is like an ocean, you can see the beginning but not the end. Peace to know that He is controlling everything for your good is comforting. All of your sin, not just part of it, is nailed to the cross.

PTL!

Whatever happens today, it is well with my soul.

---

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Strength

Strength is not always revealed in a dramatic display; at times, it’s demonstrated in determined endurance.

When trials hit us, we often find we are not as strong as we thought. If we are physically injured, we want a quick fix so it'll be over soon.

It takes patience, determination, and strength from the Lord to get through any trial.

We are helpless on our own. I probably talk too much about my hospital stay last year but I have never felt so weak and helpless. God was my sustainer. He answered numerous prayers on my behalf and I am grateful. It’s been 10 months now and He continues to teach me dependence on Him. 

‘Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm'

Exodus 15:2

New International Version (NIV)
 2 “The LORD is my strength and my defense[a];
   he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
   my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

---

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Hair

How important is your hair to you?

Can you imagine yourself without it?

I am quite vain in this department. I've always had thick hair and never imagined a day without it. Well no one ever told me that getting sick can result in hair loss. Your body stops doing unnecessary things, like growing hair, to concentrate on keeping you alive.

So after my sickness, my hair fell out from Jan thru March. April 7th, I remember distinctly, is the day it quit coming out.

Woohoo.

It was a humbling experience. I think of all the cancer patients who lose it all.

We must remember God looks at our hearts, not our appearance so we too must make that our focus.

I watched a show on kids with progeria, a disease that makes a 6yr old body like that of a 60yr old. These kids want but are never able to have hair. Its one of their biggest desires but they dont focus on that. They live their short lives to the fullest and give 110 percent in all they do. They inspire me with their gusto.

May we all focus on our hearts rather than appearance and give 110 percent in all we do.

Where Do I Begin?

Each week, we will be sharing blogs from Angie’s archives. She was a prolific writer and wrote for many, many year, including publishing many books of her blogs. We are blessed to be able to continue to cherish her memory and read her thoughts, learn from her wisdom, and gather encouragement from her writings. We hope it will bless you also.

And what better place to start than at the beginning?

---

From Angie’s Archives

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

where do i begin?

i really don't know where this blog will lead me. the blog is named from my diary days as a child. i would often write whatever happened that day and end it with 'and that's that.'

---

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

if you believe it, you can do it

i am a big believer in confidence in yourself. i don't know if you're born with it, taught it, or its a learned response. i know i've achieved goals in my life despite my disabilities because of believing i'm as capable as the next guy. i've had others say 'you can't' or 'you won't'. that just pushes me to prove otherwise. so be your own best motivator, cheerleader and driver. others can encourage but its up to you ultimately.

---

Thursday, July 28, 2011

wonder

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:14-15, NIV).

A friend of mine usually comes to visit on Thursdays with her son and newborn daughter. Their friendship is priceless. This verse comes to mind as I've seen the newborn come to be. She is wonderfully made so perfectly by God. Its amazing. I'm anxious to see what He has in store for all the days ordained for her.

A favorite song of mine is Wonder by natalie merchant. I relate to it in alot of ways. I have confounded doctors from different cities. Raised with love, faith and patience. We are each 'a wonder of God's own creation.'

---

Angie's Testimony

Angelia K. Riffle Bridger, (52), went to her eternal home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 4, 2023. Angie is survived by her parents, Bobbie and Wayne Riffle, several aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends, and her beloved pets- Tux and Jack.

Though Angie was physically limited by a neuro-muscular disease all of her life, she was not limited in her great love for the Lord, friends and family, and animals. Angie graduated from Northern Illinois University with a degree in Microbiology and then worked for 5 years for the Missouri Department of Agriculture.

Anyone who knew Angie loved her and knew she loved the Lord. She was a generous person who liked to bring happiness to others; the world was a better place because of her.

This is her testimony:

From the beginning, I was raised in the church. As a child, I faced the weakness of this body that my soul was in. I found comfort in what I was being taught in the children’s church and other youth activities. I learned who Jesus was..my Creator, my Redeemer, my Savior for my sin debt. At the age of 9, I gave my life to the Lord and was baptized. I wanted to feel secure in knowing where I’d spend eternity if my life were to end and to have my own relationship with Christ.

At the age of 9, I had not really faced many temptations of the world, but I knew I was a sinner in need of grace to save me. As I grew older, I did have the Spirit of peace within me as I dealt with life’s trials of surgeries, being different than my friends and just life as a young girl in a wicked world. I found strength through prayer. My downfall was the belief in myself, as much as the Spirit within me.

Even when I was away from church, the desire to seek more of God remained in me. I know God has been working on my sanctification in many ways and opportunities. One example, a church student union at college allowed my scooter in their building. After making friends there, I ended up in a Bible study.

My life wasn’t a ‘total’ surrender to His will until the age of 30. I’m guilty of wanting what the world offered and ignoring the cost of it. God allowed me to have all that I wanted from the world…a marriage, a home, a career…but I failed to put Him first and above all things…therefore I reaped the consequences. I’m thankful for this discipline.

My life was at a crossroad of choice...will I hang onto my will or trust in His guiding? My world was stripped away and what I thought was my end…was actually my new beginning. I thank God for doing whatever it took..and yes it hurt a lot…to get my dependence centered on Him alone. I thank God that since age 9, I’ve never felt truly alone. I thank God that as much as I've failed Him and chosen the world, that He hasn’t given up on me and continues His good work in me. I thank God that I am forgiven because of His sacrifice. I thank God that I don’t fear death because of His resurrection and promises that He has prepared a place for me with Him.

-Angelia

Living in the Desert

Right now, I'm living in a season of adversity, and it's like I'm living out in the desert.  I feel alone at times, but truthfully I'm never really alone.  God is always with me and I've never been alone once in my life.  I may not can see him now, but He has always had a bigger picture for my life.  Not only that, but He has a bigger plan set in place to redeem me. I may face trials that shake me to my core, but I will never be separated from Him—not if I keep my eyes fixed firmly on Jesus.

If you ask anyone who's dealt with their fair share of valleys in their life with chaos and heartbreak, then they'll probably tell you that while it was a difficult chapter, they saw God moving in their hearts and in their character more than ever.  I can say that's true for the two years it took for me to find a job after college graduation.  I sent out countless resumes and went on interview after interview but I didn't give up on God's plan for me or on myself.  He came through with the perfect job for me that was right for those 5 years of my life.

So, now God's plan for me involves 'waiting'.  Anyone who knows me knows that waiting is not my strong suit.  I'm impatient, to say it mildly.  When we go through a long, hard season where we feel like God is distant, we don't know what His big-picture plan is. We simply have to trust and move forward the best we can. God knows what He was doing back then, so why don't I trust in His plan for me now?  Because, I have to be still and know that He is God, not I.

"It's often those moments of obscurity and doubt that we come face to face with God Himself."

"If we've learned anything about God, is that He makes beauty out of our brokenness."

"When God makes a promise, He never forgets."

After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." But Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?” And Abram said, “You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir.” ~ Genesis 15:1-3.

When the word of the Lord came to him: “This man will not be your heir, but a son who is your own flesh and blood will be your heir.” He took him outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. ~ Genesis 15:4-6

When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking fire-pot with a blazing torch appeared and passed between the pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram and said, “To your descendants I give this land, from the Wadiof Egypt to the great river, the Euphrates—the land of the Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites, Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites, Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites and Jebusites.”
~ Genesis 15:17-19

"If we remember the story of Abraham and Sarah, this is the perfect example of a couple navigating the "desert" of life. They had previously been promised by God that they would be fruitful and blessed. After years and years of infertility, Abraham and Sarah must have been wrestling with all those tough emotions. Guilt, doubt, despair, anger, loneliness. Still, they continued to hold on to hope and wait on the Lord."

What a great story of waiting and a promise fulfilled. When my time 'in the desert' is over, I will come out stronger and He will have blessed me beyond my imagination. I just have to cling to my faith, my hope and my trust in Him. Whether I'm on a mountain or in a valley, God is worthy of my praise in every season of this life. God always knows what He is doing and God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good.

---

Broken

I begin this blog with the acknowledgement that I've reached the end of myself.  There is a blessing from Jesus that comes from that, which is Him meeting me there in my brokenness.  The first beattitude that Jesus talks about on The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew 5:3,  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  He redefines what happiness truly means.  We can chase after our desires but real happiness comes in pleasing Jesus.  Right now I feel bummed because I'm not getting to do what I want without an aide to help me, but when I finish this blog on my own then I will be truly happy that I did something pleasing for the Lord.

Psalm 14:18, "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit."

We need to be beautifully broken before the Lord.  When we are, He will draw us nearer to Him and put us back together as He sees fit.  We first have to trust Him with our brokenness, then we can be restored thru Him to be what He wants us to be and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart."

How many people confuse 'the desires of their heart' with what God really means, is in the verse is 'a relationship with Jesus Christ"?  "That verse does not say “God will give you the desires of your heart because you delight in Him”. Instead, the verse commands us to “Delight yourself in the Lord” and then He will fulfill your desires because He is the only One who can satisfy your heart." [gracecalling.com]

How many of us would like an easy life?  Jesus promised that we would suffer in our trials, but that He would also give us peace in them.  John 16:33, "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

In all of our found brokenness, God's love for us never decreases.  He will never forsake His children.  Even tho we may struggle through our trials, would we not give up our desires, if it's not Jesus' will?

John 1:24, "Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

When we willingly submit our lives to Christ, then we glorify Him with our testimonies and bear fruit in this broken world.  Even if our life isn’t what we hoped for, God will not abandon us or leave us in tribulation. Isaiah 29:11 states, “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

As for myself, I built my life on dreams and desires of my own. Now that all of that has left me, I've concentrated my life more on what God wants from me.  This will be my 1356th blog since 2011.  These are more important to God, than any number of tests I took in school or lab tests I ran at work.  These blogs have also drawn me nearer to Christ , than anything I've ever done.  My blog collection has truly been a source of happiness for me.

Remember, in all of our pain and sufferings, it is Christ who calls us and in Him are our desires truly satisfied.

---

Grace

''Grace, grace, God's grace... grace that is greater than all my sin.''  

Are we grace givers or fault finders?  We are not called to be like other Christians, but to be like Christ.  His way is the only way.

We are all sinners.  The dirt and gold co-exist, but how deep do we dig and what are we looking for in others?  Relationships are built on mutual respect and love for one another, despite the differences we all have.

Because I am so dependent on others, I often have to let go of 'my way' of thinking or otherwise I'd be a fault finder to someone else's way of doing something.  Jesus is the only one who has lived this life perfectly.  He is our role model, and no one else.  We must humble ourselves because the moment you think you've got it all together, is the moment you just lost it.

Trust

Do you know what God's most frequently used warning in the Bible is?  'Fear not.'  Worry is misplaced fear put into action.  Why do we do it?  It is hard to let go of what we can't control.  Matthew 6:27, ''Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?''  Worry not only eats at us but takes away our strength and peace.  

''There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.''-- Mahatma Gandhi

Our fears should be calmed knowing that God works with our best interest always in mind.  He will also finish the good work He began in us.  'I've no cause to worry or to fear.'  Sometimes we know of things destined for the future and we have to choose how to anticipate it.  We can worry until it happens, waste peaceful days and then see God work it out despite your lack of trust in Him.  Or we can lay our burden before Him in prayer, trust in His grace and accept what we never had control over to begin with.

'Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is big enough, powerful enough, or loving enough to take care of what's happening in our lives.'

T - Take one day at a time.
R - Remember all things work together for the good of those who love God.
U - Under no circumstances should you worry.
S - Start every day with prayer & thanksgiving.
T - The Lord will never forsake you. 

Broken

I begin this blog with the acknowledgement that I've reached the end of myself.  There is a blessing from Jesus that comes from that, which is Him meeting me there in my brokenness.  The first beattitude that Jesus talks about on The Sermon on the Mount is in Matthew 5:3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  He redefines what happiness truly means.  We can chase after our desires but real happiness comes in pleasing Jesus.  Right now I feel bummed because I'm not getting to do what I want without an aide to help me, but when I finish this blog on my own then I will be truly happy that I did something pleasing for the Lord.

Psalm 14:18, "The Lord is near the brokenhearted; He saves those crushed in spirit."

We need to be beautifully broken before the Lord.  When we are, He will draw us nearer to Him and put us back together as He sees fit.  We first have to trust Him with our brokenness, then we can be restored thru Him to be what He wants us to be and do what is pleasing in His sight.

Psalm 37:4, "Delight yourself in the Lord; And He will give you the desires of your heart."

How many people confuse 'the desires of their heart' with what God really means, is in the verse is “a relationship with Jesus Christ"?  "That verse does not say “God will give you the desires of your heart because you delight in Him”. Instead, the verse commands us to “Delight yourself in the Lord” and then He will fulfill your desires because He is the only One who can satisfy your heart." [gracecalling.com]

How many of us would like an easy life?  Jesus promised that we would suffer in our trials, but that He would also give us peace in them.  John 16:33,  "These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

In all of our found brokenness, God's love for us never decreases.  He will never forsake His children.  Even tho we may struggle through our trials, would we not give up our desires, if it's not Jesus' will?

John 1:24,  "Truly, truly I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit."

When we willingly submit our lives to Christ, then we glorify Him with our testimonies and bear fruit in this broken world.  Even if our life isn’t what we hoped for, God will not abandon us or leave us in tribulation. Isaiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

As for myself, I built my life on dreams and desires of my own. Now that all of that has left me, I've concentrated my life more on what God wants from me.  This will be my 1356th blog since 2011.  These are more important to God, than any number of tests I took in school or lab tests I ran at work.  These blogs have also drawn me nearer to Christ , than anything I've ever done.  My blog collection has truly been a source of happiness for me.

Remember, in all of our pain and sufferings, it is Christ who calls us and in Him are our desires truly satisfied.

---

Our Silent Example

 Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed our report?
And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
2 For He grew up before Him like a tender shoot,
And like a root out of dry ground;
He has no stately form or majesty
That we would look at Him,
Nor an appearance that we would take pleasure in Him.
3 He was despised and abandoned by men,
A man of great pain and familiar with sickness;
And like one from whom people hide their faces,
He was despised, and we had no regard for Him.

4 However, it was our sicknesses that He Himself bore,
And our pains that He carried;
Yet we ourselves assumed that He had been afflicted,
Struck down by God, and humiliated.
5 But He was pierced for our offenses,
He was crushed for our wrongdoings;
The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him,
And by His wounds we are healed.
6 All of us, like sheep, have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the wrongdoing of us all
To fall on Him.

7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter,
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth.
8 By oppression and judgment He was taken away;
And as for His generation, who considered
That He was cut off from the land of the living
For the wrongdoing of my people, to whom the blow was due?
9 And His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death,
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.

10 But the Lord desired
To crush Him, causing Him grief;
If He renders Himself as a guilt offering,
He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days,
And the good pleasure of the Lord will prosper in His hand.
11 As a result of the anguish of His soul,
He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One,
My Servant, will justify the many,
For He will bear their wrongdoings.
12 Therefore, I will allot Him a portion with the great,
And He will divide the plunder with the strong,
Because He poured out His life unto death,
And was counted with wrongdoers;
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many,
And interceded for the wrongdoers.

I'm starting this blog with Isaiah 53, also known as 'The Suffering Servant'.  It is the Old Testament's account of Isaiah's prophecy of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow. In the following other verses I list below, we see also how Jesus was willing and without complaint in following His Father's will.  No other could die for our sins, and rise again for our justification.

Mark 15:4-5, "But Pilate questioned Him again, saying, “Do You offer nothing in answer? See how many charges they are bringing against You!”  But Jesus said nothing further in answer, so Pilate was amazed."

Matthew 27:14, "And still He did not answer him in regard to even a single charge, so the governor was greatly amazed."

Luke 23:9, "And he questioned Him at some length; but He offered him no answer at all."

The point of this blog is that we should follow Jesus' example in not complaining when trials become part of the Lord's will for us.  Why do we question 'Why me?'  Why not us?   Jesus was a willing sacrifice and paid our sin debt, while He knew no sin of his own.

Ecclesiastes tells us that there is time to speak and a time to keep silent. , When is there a fitting time? When is it better to speak? And when is it better to stay quiet? This is practical wisdom.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7, "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every matter under heaven—; A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak".

The silence of Jesus reminds us that silent suffering was necessary for Jesus. We are taught that sometimes being quiet takes more strength than talking. Isaiah 53:10, "Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand."

Silence allows us to refocus and redirect our thoughts on what is truly important, which is to think about the things God desires us to think about.

John 10:27-29 - "My sheep listen to My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me; and I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of My hand.  My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand."

We follow Jesus' example by knowing; Jesus did not plead His own case, Jesus wad patient under affliction, and Jesus was oppressed, yet did not open His mouth.  Haven't we all felt all of these 3 ways and a need to tell our side?  There is power in silence and a comfort in knowing God is on your side.

As for myself, this is a new challenge for me.  Silence is not my strength.  When I am hurt, mistreated, or felt wronged, then I want to speak up and let the other party know how I feel.  Jesus is letting me know, that its not always necessary.  Silence can bring on a time of reflection, not only for myself but for the other side as well.  It's hard to be slow to speak and quick to listen, but it is possible.  With my mask, it's kind of been forced upon me to wait for someone else to take the mask off before I can talk.  Sometimes I'm just chomping at the bit.  The term 'Silence is golden' is really determined by who is having to be silent.  Personally, I need my quiet time with myself and with the Lord.

---

Just For Now

Romans 8:18, "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Today's blog is going to be a little different.  I'm going to talk about one of my current challenges with my disease, CMT, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.  I'm not going back to the beginning of my diagnosis with it in this blog, but just talk about my swallowing struggles at this time.  I'm not looking for sympathy, sorrow, or a pity party but just a sense of understanding of what it's like.

Dysphagia is the term for difficulty with swallowing.  Mine began with just eliminating foods that caused me to choke easily with.  It progressed to having to lay down off the end of the bed and cough upside down to help me get food up that was causing me to choke.  A lot of my pneumonia cases were due to aspiration during the time I worked.  After retiring at some point, I was prescribed a cough assist machine that has literally been a life saver and cut my pneumonia cases way down.  Later, I got a feeding tube to help me take medicines and help increase my caloric intake.

Because my disease is progressive, I now no longer eat by mouth.  I am having my doctor check on a  medicine, riluzole, that helps ALS patients with swallowing.  The medicine provides a little hope, but that's not where my true hope lies.  James 4:7 says. "Submit to God."  There is comfort in knowing that God is working all things for my good, because I love Him.

From Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life,” the heart of worship is surrender.  I want to lead and live a life surrendered to God.  I want to say, 'If my illness of CMT,  and all of its detrimental problems that go with it, are needed to fulfill your purpose in my life and bring you glory, then don't take it away.'  I quit praying a long time ago for God to send a cure for CMT for me, instead I've prayed for God to give me strength and endurance for whatever I have to go through with CMT.  

The Bible tells of the certain benefits of a life that's truly surrendered to God.  First, I have experienced peace.  I have found this true in wearing my braces and my face mask.  I didn't really find it hard to accept in wearing either of them, they were just needed blessings.  Second, I  have found freedom.  While living under God's commands, I have found a freedom from sin's prison walls.  Thirdly, I've experienced God's power in my life.  I truly believe that I've found favor with God and He has provided me with the best doctors at just the right times.

I can tell you that life without the pleasure of eating by mouth is not easy.  I notice people talking about food, restaurants and how good different foods taste more and more.  I still go to the grocery store and buy food for others and it's more temptation aisles, rather than grocery aisles to me anymore.  I know that all of my struggles are only temporary and I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. "Praise God from whom all blessings flow."   We must remember that whatever we go through, that it is temporary and this world is not our home.  We are just passing through and life is just our practice ground. 

I can relate to Paul's message in Philippians 4:10-13, "But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.  Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.  I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Romans 8:35-39, "Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?  Just as it is written,

“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 

But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Ten Insights on Sovereignty and Suffering  [desiringgod.com]

1. Embracing the sovereignty of God brings strength and hope.

2. Don’t presume to know better than God how to run the world. It is pride.

3. God has a good purpose in all the hard things that happen to his people.

4. Death and suffering press in on us the perspective of eternity.

5. God’s distribution of suffering is not equal, and one hard thing may prepare for another.

6. God’s love takes care of us right now in our suffering, not just later.

7.  Calamity calls for quick practical love 

8. Quiet confidence in God’s power and goodness through suffering creates occasions for witness.

9.  Trusting in God’s sovereign care in all circumstances frees you from greed and releases love for others.

10. Without God, the world is hopeless.

---

Making God Smile

What is a smile?  A smile is simply, a frown turned upside down.  Smiling is such an easy way to make yourself and others feel good.  Don't we all want to make God smile and feel good about us?  Pleasing God is the most effective way to make God smile.  When we trust, obey, honor, follow and serve God; God is pleased with us.

What does psychology have to say about smiling? Whether your smile is genuine or not, it can act on your body and mind in a variety of positive ways, offering benefits for your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you. 

5 Acts of Worship That Make God Smile [Purpose Driven Life, R. Warren]

1. God wants us to love him supremely.

God loves us more than anyone else ever will.  The greatest commandment comes from when a Pharisee lawyer asked Jesus a question in Matthew 22:36-38, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment."  So, when we love God with all of our being, He surely smiles on us.

2. God wants us to completely trust in Him.

Psalms 147:11,  "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love."  God smiles when our faith is in Him.  Hebrews 11:6  "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."  Noah's trust in God went above and beyond a normal sense of trust in building the ark; trust without knowing of what rain was b/c God irrigated the earth from the ground up before the Flood, trust because he lived hundreds of miles from an ocean and had no way to transport the ark, and trust in gathering and caring for all the animals that went on the ark.

3. God wants full obedience from us.

John 14:15,  "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."  God wants complete obedience, not partial or delayed obedience.  God wants us to follow all of the Bible, not pick and choose the verses we like.

4. God wants continual praise and thanks given from us.

Hebrews 13:15, "Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."  Like all of us, God likes adoration and appreciation for all He has done, is doing, and will do for us.

5. God wants us to use our abilities.

2 Corinthians 5:9, "Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."  God enjoys all aspects of us, except sin.  He created us for His will and purposes.

"God has given his church this great dignity now, and in the days to come: We are the smile of God to one another, that we might know, and the world might see, that even in our suffering and pain, “it is good to be near God.” [desiringgod.org]

 Psalm 73:28,  "But for me it is good to be near God;  I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." 

As for myself, sometimes I just have to do as the old cliche says and 'grin and bear it' or smile through the pain.  Yes, I want God to say to me with a smile at the end of my life's race, "Good job, my faithful servant!"  I think some people expect me to be all smiles all the time and life just isn't like that.  Heaven is the place of no more sorrow, not Earth.  

“Smiling doesn’t always mean you’re happy. The most beautiful Smile is the one that struggles through Tears.” [unknown]  

I hear at some funerals, "Oh, they never complained or fussed about anything.” Well I know that won't be said of me.  I know I don't smile as much as I used to, but that doesn't mean I don't have much to smile about because I do.  I think God is smiling more about me now, because I know He is first in my life now and my choices reflect Him more and more.

---

Wisdom In The New Year

Proverbs 8:11, “For wisdom is better than jewels;  And all desirable things cannot compare with her."

Is having or seeking 'wisdom', a part of your New Year's resolutions?  Wisdom is the ability to discern or judge what is true or right.  You can have knowledge--information gained, without wisdom.  Knowledge can be knowing about something, whereas wisdom is knowing it's proper usage.

Wisdom is a gift from God.  James 1:5,  "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."  "God blesses us with wisdom in order for us to glorify Him and use the knowledge we have of Him." [gotquestions.org]

We learn of  'the fear of the Lord being the beginning of knowledge' in the book of Proverbs and that 'fools despise wisdom and instruction'.  "To fear the Lord is to start on the path to knowledge, and God can then begin to provide us with wisdom through Christ, who the Bible says is wisdom itself.  It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption”  [gotquestions.org]   1 Corinthians 1:30, "And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption."

"Wisdom is the fitting application of knowledge. Knowledge memorizes the Ten Commandments; wisdom obeys them. Knowledge learns of God; wisdom loves Him."

Wisdom changes the course of your life, from the world's destructive path to Jesus' freedom giving path.  Psalms 16:11  "You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever."

6 Characteristics of a Wisdom Driven Life

1. Joy-- the gladness you have from knowing God has given you meaning and purpose in your life.

2. Confidence-- the strength you have from knowing God is with you and by your side at all times.

3. Worth-- the value you have by knowing God's love for you is everlasting and unconditional, as your Lord and Savior.

4. Peace-- the serenity that comes from knowing God is working all things out for your good, as a believer in Jesus Christ.

5. Maturity-- based on the Lord's transformational work of forgiveness, renewal, and growth.

6. Blessing-- God pours out all of his grace and goodness into your life.

---

Waiting On The Lord

Aren't we all waiting on some prayer request from our Lord?  We often hear, wait and see how God will move and answer your petitions to Him.  Even while you wait, take heart.  God is trustworthy, never slumbers, and has your best interest in mind.  Just because you can't see His work happening, doesn't mean He isn't actively at work on your behalf.  Trust Him in your journey.

We have been waiting a lot the past few years.  We've waited in quarantine due to covid, waited to return back to regular job offices, waited to visit family and friends due to illness exposures, waited for kid's to return to school, and waited for our own personal requests that we long for. 

What does 'waiting on the Lord' really mean?  The word “wait” is translated from the Hebrew word “qavah”  and it means, according to Strong’s Concordance:  To hope in, look for, expect, eagerly look for, lie in wait for.  Waiting doesn't mean a do-nothing attitude.  We must be pro-active during our wait with prayer, reading the Word, and listening for His voice of guidance.   This action is an exercise of faith with an eager expectancy and anticipation. We must be patient in our wait and not give up in our asking of the same request.  1 Thesselonians 5:16-18, "Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

According to the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia found on Blue Letter Bible: "The most important and frequent use of the word “wait” is to define the attitude of a soul God-ward. It describes eager anticipation and yearning for the revelation of truth and love as it is in the Father.”

Sometimes,  we wait with fear or worry because we have our own idea of how we want something to work out, not necessarily trusting in the Lord’s plan for how it should work out. We have envisioned our ideal outcome and we fear God won’t line up with our will.  We won't worry or fear the outcome, if we trust and know God is always working for our good because we believe in Him.

In our wait, we should make sure that our will aligns with God's will.  By studying His Word,  direction for our steps can be provided and we can know both His will and the heart of God .  Isaiah 55:8-9, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Benefits of Waiting on our Lord

1.  We avoid having to go through further pain-- Sometimes God makes us wait for the storm to pass, so we can travel safely ahead later. 

2. We can experience the fullness of His blessings-- Sometimes waiting involves getting what He intends best for us.

3. It increases our faith-- When we see the results of our patience in waiting on God, then our faith grows.  As our faith grows, so does our relationship wth Him.

4. It's a witness to others-- Others are always watching to see how God is working in your life.   How we wait, respond, and react to Him and His works serves as a testimony of quieting our flesh and seeing how God will move in our lives.

As for myself, I honestly don't pray ceaselessly about certain things, but just resign those things as God's will for me.  It's not that I don't think He's big enough to change those things, like my CMT, but I believe He designed me with it and has purpose in it.  So, I wait for the day that I'm truly free from it and all it's misery.  Until then, I will rejoice about all the other things God has blessed me with.

---

Everyone?

I've started rereading the book, "Suffer Strong", because living with a disability in this physical world calls for encouragement.  We are all disabled in some way, seen or unseen.  We can't do this life on our own, we need each other and most of all, we need Jesus.

The Bible was written and given for all peoples of this world.  The only condition to the reference of 'everyone' is that they believe in Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.  For example in Acts 10:43 "Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.”

Who is 'everyone' to you?  Does it only include those who look like you, dress like you, or act like you?  'Everyone' is every other human on this planet.  Exclusions to 'everyone' are man-made discriminations and are from an ugly heart. 

Often as part of the disabled community, we aren't always included in the 'everyone' part of society. We may get overlooked, because someone feels too awkward to say 'Hi' or to even give a friendly nod.  We may have to go through the back door of a restaurant to get to our table, because there's not another accessible way to enter.  We may get a child's menu at a restaurant, because assumptions take over about size, stature and ability.  We often have to prove ourselves to others; as physically able, mentally fit and not an idiot.

As for myself, I've gone thru different stages of disability throughout my life.  I am the same person at any stage of life  and I have confidence in that, but the discriminating people of my world see me differently.  To them I say, "Shame on you!"  They are not better than me, but are in a different place in life--for now.  I struggled for years pushing myself in my leg braces, but now I am in some ways wheelchair-bound but mostly I am wheelchair-free.  I go more places than most people, because my wheelchair allows me to go further than I could ever walk.  Jesus has promised that disability is only a temporary part of this life. 2 Corinthians 4:7-10"  But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;  always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. " 

Yes, there are difficult times for all of us, seen as disabled or not, but how we respond to those times is the most important character trait of all.

I challenge you to consider who fits into the  'everyone' in your life.

---

My Comfort

Yesterday in my daily reading, I came across a verse that spoke to my heart.  Psalms 119:50  "My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life."

David's comfort here is the word of God.  Also the word 'comfort' is found in Job 6:10   "At least I can take comfort in this: Despite the pain, I have not denied the words of the Holy One."  We can find encouragement, solace and comfort from Scripture in all our circumstances in life.  The Holy Spirit not only speaks to us as believers, but guides us on our journey.   "What the Word has already done is to faith a pledge of what it shall yet do."

From Matthew Henry's commentary, “Here is David's experience of benefit by the word. 1. As a means of his sanctification: "Thy word has quickened me. It made me alive when I was dead in sin; it has many a time made me lively when I was dead in duty; it has quickened me to that which is good when I was backward and averse to it, and it has quickened me in that which is good when I was cold and indifferent." 2. Therefore as a means of his consolation when he was in affliction and needed something to support him: "Because thy word has quickened my at other times, it has comforted me then." The word of God has much in it that speaks comfort in affliction; but those only may apply it to themselves who have experienced in some measure the quickening power of the word. If through grace it make us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions, under all events."

"In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. All who have made religion the first thing, will own that they have been unspeakable gainers by it."  [kingjamesbibleonline.com]

As for myself, I do draw more and more from God's Word as I grow progressively weaker.  It makes me view the world in a different light and perspective.  To long to be absent from this body and to be with the Lord is my new prayer and wish to come.  The Holy Spirit helps me hang on, knowing God's timing is perfect for me.  The Bible gives much to look forward to and to let go of, as the affliction gets harder and harder to bear.  Phillipians 3:7-14  "Whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in[a] Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.  I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,  and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.  Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,  I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." 

Revelation 21:3-4  "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

---

Envy

Social media and just everyday life can lead us down the path of comparison. It's an easy, yet dangerous, road to take. We want more, instead of being grateful for what we have. It is rebellion against what God deems for our unique life. You cannot live the life God created for someone else and your efforts to do so will lead to frustration, fatigue and failure. "Envy is a destructive attitude that God outlawed in The Ten Commandments with 'Do not covet.'"

Four harmful effects of envy.....[from A Purpose Driven Life]
---Envy denies your uniqueness
---Envy divides your attention
---Envy misuses your time and energy
---Envy leads you to other sins

Instead of comparing ourselves with others, we must learn to be happy in the joys and successes of others. If you think life should be fair and equal for all, then you're doubting God's goodness to you. 'Envy is the enemy of contentment.'

You might ask where this post all derived from. Well I am subject to the sin of envy too and these days stuck at home makes it more prevalent. I am prone to the envy of my abilities of my past and the tasks of others on facebook. That is when I have to stop and be grateful for all I do have and take into account the new abilities I have now. No, I don't want the power to go off to force me into counting my blessings. I have much and others are praying now for the things I take for granted.

''The next time you start to rant about God’s unfairness to you, remind yourself of these facts:
1. Everything I have is an undeserved gift from God. I wouldn’t even exist if it weren’t for God’s grace. The next breath of air I take is a gift of God.
2. I don’t know what God knows and I can’t see what God sees, so I should trust him.
3. Life on earth is unfair because of sin, not because of God. Our rebellion against God has broken everything on the planet. This isn’t heaven, where everything works perfectly. Nothing works perfectly here.
4. God sent Jesus to save us from the judgment day when he will balance the books, right all wrongs, and administer justice.
5. It was not fair for Jesus to die in my place for my sins. But he did.'' James 3:16 '' For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.''

Warren, Rick (2012-10-23). The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For? (Purpose Driven Life, The) (p. 421). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.