Christians with Disabilities

Disabled...but Not defeated!!!

This Social Network is for those choosing to make lemonade out of life's lemons! Also for those who love and care for them.

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"A Blessing in the Storm...


Muscular Dystrophy messed up my life and made me whole"

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jazzed4life eSentialz Blog

Sherry Anne Lints

Sherry Anne Lints is a Chiropractor, Singer and Actress. Usually, this would be mean that she is an overachiever. But what makes her accomplishments even more amazing is the fact that she has achieved these things with hearing and speech impairments.

To become a Chiropractor is one thing. To become a singer is another. To sing when one has speech and hearing problems means that she has a faith that only God can give. Someone who has heard her says: "Sherry's God-given gift of song is a picture of vocal purity, but above all is how she uses her exceptional gift to minister to her audience personally through the words of every carefully chosen song." (Donna Green)

Below is a series of videos of her story and a video of her singing. If you would like more information on Sherry Anne and her ministry, go to http://www.sherryanne.com.

Scoopz #42



… Continue

What Does it Mean to Surrender?

by Holly Morin Hess

What does it really mean to surrender? What does that look like? Are we capable of really giving it all to God, because I know with my earthly capabilities, I tend to take "it" back from God so many times. I meet many parents with children who have been affected by autism and I wonder, do they go through the same struggles as I? As we cart our children from therapy to therapy, hoping that someday my child will have these basic skills as speech and more, that it will all be for the best? Is that what it looks like to surrender..I don't know. I sometimes feel so helpless as these decisions need to be made. And just when I think that I do have "it" figured out - a plan to help my child - God bends my knees and I learn that I have never been in control - not once.

To surrender, I have to accept that this life is not perfect, but the children God gave to me are glorious gifts, personally selected for me. He knew exactly what he was giving me, so who am I to question? God, help me to see life through my child's eyes and not my own. Forgive me. Help me with my unbelief as I give it all to you.

2009©Holly Morin Hess
nSightz #49

Holly is a photographer who specializes in photographing families of children with special needs. If you would like to communicate with, pray for or support Holly, or would like to know more about her photography, go to:

* http://www.lifesjoyfulexpressions.com


Undercover Blues

by Colleen Sullivan Clapper

When (my husband) Jim and I were first married, I quickly learned the difference between a night owl and an early bird… much to my dismay. I love staying up late but then I also love sleeping in if I can. So, nothing could have prepared me for Jim singing “Zippidity Do Da” and whistling upon waking up. I was waiting for birds to fly in our bedroom window and mice to start cleaning our apartment but instead… I would pull the covers over my head (even though admittedly I found it quite cute). Some mornings, though, are not so happy. There have been mornings that I didn’t want to get out of bed… let alone pray… and did not know how I could encourage others when I, myself, was discouraged.

There was the morning after being date raped that I felt so much unjustified guilt I wanted to hide underneath the covers. There were mornings after our daughter died when the pain was so strong I didn’t want to wake up and experience it. There are mornings, due to my disability, that the pain is intense and I am not sure how I am going to make it through the day. So how does one get out of bed when the trials seem so overwhelming?

I am not opposed to punching pillows, or throwing a pillow overhead and screaming! Just don’t let the enemy get the best of you! Someone said that when you are in difficult times, imagine the enemy laughing and then you don’t want to give into his little schemes. Here’s some other ways to motivate yourself to get out of bed.

One of the first things to do is to keep an eternal perspective. Remember that this life is temporary and we have the promise of eternity in heaven. “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” ~ (Revelation 21:4) I recently read a book by Randy Alcorn where he describes heaven as every day being like the first time you fall in love. How cool is that?

The second thing is not as easy; to be obedient even when you don’t feel like it. Ouch! C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Faith... is the art of holding on to things your reason once accepted, despite your changing moods.” Sometimes it’s critical to override our emotions so that we can take that first “step” out of bed.

The third act to assist in fighting the “undercover blues” is to stay in The Word and to worship… be filled up for Him and create a solid foundation so when times are difficult, you have a reservoir . I keep a CD player by my bed. I will either put in a worship CD or a CD with an inspirational message on it. I cannot tell you how many times this has helped. You can always too, play the song “Zippidity Do Da”!

Also, write out encouraging scriptures on index cards and keep them by your bed or pick up your favorite devotional. It’s so much easier to want to escape and not worship, pray, or listen to a rousing message… but just taking that step can make such a difference. I have noticed too, how God will use such tools to convey a message I needed to hear at that time. It’s like a “love letter” from above.

Fourth, if you have a family member or friend who can pray for you… by all means call them! God created us to be in fellowship! Go to God first but also be aware that we can ask someone to be there for us. Too many times, we tend to walk this alone. We feel as Christians we have to be perfect. The truth be known, resumes don’t go to heaven! All Christians have weaknesses and if we were so perfect, we wouldn’t need God! There’s a quote that goes “Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the floor each morning the devil says … “Oh [great], She’s up!” Of course, this applies to men too and it can be your wheelchair instead that “runs” the enemy over!

Let’s be honest, sometimes you need a day in bed! It’s ok to take a break. You just don’t want to foster an attitude that keeps you ineffective. You will make it and “this too shall pass”! He will give you the grace that sustains.

Corrie ten Boom wrote, “I do not have a great faith but I have faith in a great God!” It isn’t by our strength alone. You may not feel it at the time but He does love you and more than you can imagine!

One more thing… we need to get out of bed and be disciples and share His love especially. We were made for “such a time as this”. Our trials are not just for us but also for the purpose of bearing fruit. We may not always want to get out of bed, let alone pray or worship but when we don’t… we may miss the very opportunity to experience His pure joy! His grace is sufficient and He will help you to get up in the morning. New every morning. …Great is HIS faithfulness! Do not miss the journey He has for you. It may not be easy but it will be fruitful! He will say “Well done!”

As Jim wrote in his note in our daughter Elizabeth’s journal after she died, “Our purpose is to journey through this life, working unto the Lord, praying without ceasing, rejoicing always, giving thanks and, most importantly, spreading the gospel.”

(This article is for those individuals who are experiencing the ravages of daily life, when we can get down emotionally and spiritually because our problems can overwhelm and seem to take control. If, however, you are experiencing a deeper mental depression that include suicidal thoughts, or are chemical in nature, seek help immediately.)

2009©Colleen Sullivan Clapper
nSightz #48



Panning for Treasure

by Pamela Alderman

Numbered among my greatest treasures in life are my four children. But the journey I have taken with them has been filled with trial by fire. At times, I have struggled to relinquish control. Had I not surrendered control this time, I would have missed out an additional treasure.

Victorious Surrender

Elizabeth Elliot's words penetrated my heart: “Entrust your womb to God and allow Him to plan your family.” I knew God had targeted my specific struggle: surrender. And the thought of it terrified me.

Following the traumatic birth of our second baby, I felt as if I had been dragged through the gravel—going into labor eight weeks prematurely, spending sixteen days with our newborn in the cardiac unit, and administering his heart medication daily for the next six years.

Common sense taunted: To avoid pain, don't risk another pregnancy. However, in my heart, a more insidious lie slid undetected into the shadows: God can't be trusted.

I erected an iron clad wall to hide my insecurities. If I risked another pregnancy, I had so much to lose.

But God gently nudged me to a new trust level. With His help, I chose to embrace His promise in the Bible that He would deliver me from all my fears. [1] The truth of God's word replaced the lies. Finally, I lifted the white flag and surrendered my fears to Him.

After my husband and I prayed, we decided to trust God for another child. We waited several years for the next pregnancy. But history repeated itself. And our third baby arrived seven weeks prematurely.

I relived my worst fear. Shortly after our third baby's birth, the medical trauma team gave me a brief glance at him in a portable incubator before boarding a helicopter. I couldn't even touch him.

Why did I face this battle again? Didn't I learn my lesson the first time? Self-pity invaded.

My midwife warned, “You will never carry another baby to full term.” Fear escalated. And the lies I believed reappeared.

Agonizing over the fresh memories of the last two crisis pregnancies, I understood the risks. Obedience costs something. Trembling, I asked God to help me give up control.

A couple of years later, I became pregnant with our fourth child. Although the pregnancy had a smooth start, the contractions started four months early. Again I had to face the fear monster.

Over the next few months everyone, including my mother, chipped in to help. However, after much prayer, Nate arrived full term and healthy. A miracle!

But within days, Nate's breathing seemed labored. When I brought him into the doctor, the doctor said that Nate had contracted RSV, a thick mucous that inhibited breathing. He instructed me to go home, get some clothes, and bring Nate to intensive care. In the doctor's office, I erupted into tears.

How much could one mother endure? After making it through the difficult pregnancy, I thought I had crossed home plate safe. For a brief moment, I felt like quitting the Christian life. Was God unfair?

I went home weeping. While I grabbed a few clothes and threw them into a suitcase, the hospital called wondering about my delay. They reminded me of the urgency. After hanging up the phone, I sat on the floor, pleading, “God, I can't do this again.” Didn't God understand?

Desperate, I called my husband. After listening to his encouragement, I prayed, “Jesus, I surrender control to You.” And I drove our son to the hospital.

At the hospital, Nate spent the night under an oxygen tent. And on a nearby cot, I fell off into a deep sleep, exhausted.

The next day, I received incredible news. Nate had responded quickly, and we were released. I only had to endure one night—not weeks. Deep joy bubbled up and gratitude overflowed.

After facing the same battle a third time, I finally realized something: Surrender unlocked the door. Common sense seemed to caution: surrender and lose. But I began learning that faith said just the opposite: surrender and gain.

Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t God, who gave us Christ, also give us everything else? [2]

© 2010 Pamela Alderman-All Rights Reserved
nSightz #47

Bible References:
[1] Psalm 34:4
 [2] Romans 8:32 (NLT)

Pamela Alderman is a Contributing Writer for jazzed4life eSentialz. She is also a wonderful watercolor artist. If you would like to read more of her stories, see more of her art, communicate, pray for or support Pamela, go to:

* http://www.watercolorbypamela.com

Heart

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Matthew 22:37; Romans 15:6)

At first glance, Colleen Sullivan Clapper appears to be a beautiful, self-assured woman. Yet, though it is true that she is all of that, the cover of a book can only show a glimpse of the story inside.

Colleen’s story is one of tenacity, audacity and veracity, all wrapped together in a package of courage and strength; of grace in adversity’s face. Her life has been filled with what has been one challenge after another; yet, she is upbeat, choosing to see the contents of her life as full instead of empty. For it is, as broken vessels, that the Lord can flow more freely through the cracks and breaks, and whatever it takes, using our lives to fill others with his loving kindness. This is what Colleen chooses to do.

In the morning when I rise, Give me Jesus

It’s called Real and Raw Ministries, a ministry she began in 2009. The name is bold, and this is what she says about it: “Jesus sat with prostitutes, reached out to lepers and associated with tax collectors. He was REAL with people. His love was and is a RAW view of how the father loves each of us, no matter who we are. He loved ‘the least of these’ and that is the model for Real and Raw Ministries.”

Colleen ministers through many different venues, including speaking engagements, worship and prayer retreats, training seminars, and church services. Her Next Generation Training involves the discipleship of youth - introducing them to their God given gifts and showing them how to use these gifts within their community.

This is her passion, her life’s work; and it has evolved out of her own life’s pain. Born with Scimitar Syndrome, a rare congenital heart defect, Colleen’s heart is in a different location. Those who know Colleen well, however, would probably say that Colleen’s heart is exactly where it needs to be.

When I am alone, Give me Jesus

Colleen knows what it means to feel alone when experiencing great pain.

In 1991, Colleen and her husband Jim lost their first child. Elizabeth Christine Clapper was born at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, November 19, 1990. The name ‘Elizabeth’ means ‘gracious gift from God.’

She was born with DiGeorge Syndrome, a rare immune system disorder, which involves various congenital complications, including a rare combination of severe heart and lung malformations.

The joy of new birth was quickly doused by the fear of uncertainty. During the first hours of her life, instead of holding her in their arms, they listened as the specialists explained things like Tetralogy of Fallot and Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome, and watched, helplessly, as their first child lay in the PICU, covered in monitors and wires, the sound of buzzing machines filling the air.

In her short life, Elizabeth endured multiple open-heart surgeries, blood transfusions and other medical procedures. In her book, The Raindrops on the Windshield Sound like Popcorn, Colleen writes about Elizabeth’s last moments of life:

“It (had) become obvious that despite the heroic efforts of the doctors and nurses, Elizabeth wasn’t going to make it. It was just a matter of time. Time is a funny thing. Sometimes it races by so fast that you wonder where it has gone. Time is supposed to heal all wounds, but when you are waiting for your baby to go to heaven, the pain can be so overwhelming that your only defense is numbness…

The doctors and nurses who had become second family to us surrounded us as I rocked Elizabeth in a chair. Jim stood right behind me and read the Bible to her. The doctor and nurse slowly took out the breathing tube and IVs as I cradled her. This was the first time in four months that I had held her with no wires or tubes. I saw her little tongue moving—an image that to this day both calms and haunts me.

The moments ticked by, and death hung in the air. The monitor flat-lined, the tone went steady, and Elizabeth slowly slipped away. The pain I felt was so intense, and yet there was a peace, too. I knew that she was going to see His face. I knew that for her there would be no more tears and no more pain, and for that I was relieved. She was going to be cradled in the same loving arms of My Father, who also held me during this time.

And just like that, her spirit was gone. Elizabeth had been promoted to heaven.” [1] It was April 1, 1991. Elizabeth Christine Clapper had lived on this earth for 133 days, leaving a lasting and profound impression on those who knew her.

When I come to die, Give me Jesus

Colleen, herself, has daily experienced the prospects of death.

Because of Scimitar Syndrome, Colleen’s heart is on the wrong side. She has an inverted pulmonary vein, which means that the oxygenated blood re-circulates back into the heart instead of going to the rest of her body.

In addition to her heart, Colleen's lungs are deformed and they function at 40% capacity. Through the years, she has gone into respiratory distress so many time that she has lost count. Her visits to the emergency room have been so numerous that the doctors and nurses have become her friends.

Recently, it was discovered that the joints at the base of her skull and an artery close to her brain stem are also deformed and contribute to constant pressure on the brain stem. As a result of this abnormality, she has seizures that temporarily act like Parkinson’s disease and she shakes uncontrollably.

She has mini-strokes that have been known to leave her with the inability to walk or talk. In addition, she has drop seizures (or Atonic Seizures); the left side of her body becomes paralyzed and she drops to the ground.

She daily lives with the reality of death, and, though she is a realist and has her funeral planned for its inevitability, she chooses to dwell on the gift of life that God gives her each and every day.

She was not supposed to live past the age of 30. She has seen numerous specialists and they have all said that they have never seen anything like this before. She is a living anomaly, a walking miracle.

So, is it any wonder that Colleen believes that the Lord has kept her here on this earth for a purpose?

You can have all this world, give me Jesus.

These are only some of the many hurdles that she and her family have had to overcome through the years. Among other things, there have been more family health issues and even a tragic accident involving her two grandmothers, mother and aunt. Her grandmother Heron died shortly after the crash.

How can one say that they are truly blessed when their life sometimes seems a mess? How can one feel a sense of gain when they have experienced incredible pain?

“In this world where most people have stopped looking for miracles, I have always found hope through the miracle of rainbows,” she writes. “For me, they are not just the things of fairy tales or pots of gold, but very real, physical reminders of God’s presence in my life…

I have experienced the death of a child, a life-threatening illness, a fatal family accident, and hundreds of thousands of dollars of medical debt. If you had told me ahead of time that such trials were coming my way, I would have told you I could not have made it through them all….Yet, through it all, His grace has been more than sufficient.

It takes both sun and rain to make a rainbow. To take it a step further, it is the Son, Jesus Christ, being the light through the hard times that creates a spectrum, (a rainbow) of hope, love, joy, peace, faith and blessing in our lives. The colors have been brilliant, and I have been truly blessed.” [2]

So she chooses to be REAL, sharing the dirt and grime that is her life in hopes that others can know His amazing grace. She chooses to be RAW, showing her scars for all to see, that they might see His face.

And, through it all, she does her part, with an abounding love and a steadfast heart.

(She) will have no fear of bad news; (her) heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. (Psalm 112:7)

[1] Colleen Sullivan Clapper, The Raindrops on the Windshield Sound like Popcorn (Enumclaw, WA: Winepress Publishing, 2009) p. 28-29

[2] Colleen Sullivan Clapper, The Raindrops on the Windshield Sound like Popcorn (Enumclaw, WA: Winepress Publishing, 2009) Introduction

2009©Kent Robson
eSentialz #17

Colleen is a Contributing Writer for jazzed4life eSentialz, as well as the founder of Real and Raw Ministries. If you would like to communicate with, pray for or support Colleen, go to:

* http://www.colleenclapper.com



 

It was an awesome Kickoff!

We are so looking forward to connecting together and building each other up! Thanks to everyone who participated in our Official Launch. We KNOW that this is only the beginning of a really great thing - a really really great God thing! Blessings~ Lori and Kent

We're looking for the best photo that symbolizes LOVE. Join the PHOTO CONTEST group and just click on "Add comment" to submit your photo (you can submit more than 1 photo). The winner will be announced Valentines day! We'll post the winning photo here & on our Facebook page.

Welcome to CHRISTIANS WITH DISABILITIES!

Friendship, Encouragement, Compassion, Comfort, Understanding, Joy ~ That's what you'll find here. We can never replace relationships with Christians who understand our journey. Everyone will have different experiences and God will use every single one of those experiences to connect us all together.

God never intended for any of His children to laugh or cry alone. We are confident this network will be a place filled with insight, questions, and discussions helping us to respond to suffering in a way that deepens our relationship with God, our compassion for others, and our sense and value in this world. We are truly NEVER ALONE. So take the initiative, and sign up! After you join, customize your own page, then just jump right in! Share pictures or videos... post a blog... join a group or start one (for Help-hover your mouse over the "Forum" tab. Click on the "How to..." sub tab).
*** You may find that somebody here understands you, but you may also find yourself giving words of encouragement and comfort to someone else!

The purpose of Member Spotlightz is to shine a light on one of our CWD members. All of us have stories to share. Your story can inspire others. We will attempt to share one of your amazing stories every month." Just go to the "Members Tab" and then to the "Members Spotlight" sub tab to see who's featured this month!

Who is your HERO?
~ Heroez are Short Tributez regarding someone who has had a profound impact on your life, written by friends of Christians with Disabilities and jazzed4life eSentialz. If you have Heroez in your life, send a picture and a tribute that is no more than 500 words and we will post it on this site. We will post it also on the jazzed4life eSentialz site. Just join the Heroez Group...

"Christians with Disabilities" is a part of the Jazzed4life Network. For more information on Jazzed4life, go to the Jazzed4Life tab at the top.
~ CWD on Facebook

Blog Posts

Rich Dixon

Busted!

Bouncing Back takes a look at patience based in faith and hope.



Posted by Rich Dixon on February 9, 2010 at 9:46am

Chrissy Siggee

Why?

Why?




… Continue

Posted by Chrissy Siggee on February 9, 2010 at 9:30am

Rich Dixon

Enough Play?

Do you play often enough? Word-of-the-week at Bouncing Back.



Posted by Rich Dixon on February 8, 2010 at 8:48am

Pamela Alderman

Love Won


… Continue

Posted by Pamela Alderman on February 7, 2010 at 4:00pm

Chrissy Siggee

Hope

Psalm 31:24

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the LORD.



Colossians 1:5

For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; which has come to you.



Do you ever feel like giving up? Do your circumstances weigh you down? Being a Christian doesn’t mean life is neither going to be easy, nor does it mean that nothing will go wrong. We all live in the same world as we di… Continue

Posted by Chrissy Siggee on February 7, 2010 at 12:29am

Chrissy Siggee

Courage

Psalm 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.



Philippians 4:12

I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.



Some days I feel overwhelmed by the busyness of life itself. Sometimes it's physical pain or tiredness. Being aware of the pain that family and dear friends are going… Continue

Posted by Chrissy Siggee on February 7, 2010 at 12:28am

Photos

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Forum

Lori Laws

Do You Have Spasticity? 7 Replies

I have severe spasticity.  I have a Baclofen pump surgically implanted since Aug 2005.  I am just curious how you deal with your spasticity, and are you taking oral meds?  Or if you have a Baclofen P…

Started by Lori Laws. Last reply by Lori Laws 1 day ago.

Chrissy Siggee

study and pain

Hi, My friends from other sites may know that I recommenced Bible College this year to complete a Bachelor of Theology and proceed through the exploration of ordination.  The ministry side/ hands on…

Started by Chrissy Siggee Feb 6.

Melissa Melvin

Prayer requests 3 Replies

As Christians affected by disabilities I am sure prayer is something that we all have taken some comfort in. I find that there is nothing more comforting that knowing someone is praying for me when t…

Tagged: Community, Prayer

Started by Melissa Melvin. Last reply by Lori Laws Jan 26.

Anna Maire

Has anyone ever offended you with these questions? 3 Replies

From "You look so good--are you really disabled?" to "How do you go to the bathroom?" Or just my favorite( not really) the constant repeated apology. "I'm so sorry" "I'm so sorry" as if they did thi…

Started by Anna Maire. Last reply by Lori Laws Jan 20.

Chris M Tatevosian

Let's interact and comment on my posts 1 Reply

Let's interact and comment on my posts... that's what I hope we will do. It should be a great way to interact and get to now each other. Sound good? Here goes, smile..... Help for couples, families…

Tagged: interrupted, chris, Tatevosian, life, caregiver

Started by Chris M Tatevosian. Last reply by Lori Laws Jan 19.

Lori Laws

Have any funny/cute photos?

Taz and Macy wish you a Merry Christmas!

Started by Lori Laws Dec. 8, 2009.

kent robson

Fear & Depression

A previous blog post called Garment of Praise talked about the difficulty of fear and depression. How has the Lord and His word assisted in your efforts to overcome fear and depression?

Tagged: depression, fear

Started by kent robson Nov. 7, 2009.

Lori Laws

What are your thoughts on this? 2 Replies

"Our capacity for knowing God is enlarged when we are brought to Him into circumstances that cause us to exercise our faith. So when difficulties block our path, may we thank God that He is taking ti…

Started by Lori Laws. Last reply by Lori Laws Nov. 4, 2009.

 
 

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T. SANJAY But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57
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Why? Why is life like the ebbing tide? The ebb of tides is never-ending…Devastation can come in one huge wave Or glide you gently into the shore. ”Why is life like the shining sun?” Its radiance never ceases to glow… Harsh heat often sets the…
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I agree Anna Marie! "outside forces" make it so difficult! My extended Family is wonderful. Even the Children, all of them. However, Children are Children so they are going to find ways to try and get out of things and get moody, etc. I just am not…
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What has your child (ren) taught you?
So what has your child (ren) taught you? My daughter, who has a rare skin disorder called Ichtiosis has taught me how to be gracious when others are not so gracious. I have never seen others insensitivity to her condition bother her. She is a very s…
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Many of you spend your life ever expecting it to improve. You spend precious hope looking forward to a better life in this world. Beloved, your life here is not meant to improve. It is meant to be replaced. Your hope for a better life lies in your coming to know me. Believe not the world’s lies and false promises. You will be led to trust that things will certainly be better tomorrow, or perhaps after I am married all will be as I dreamed it would be, or when I receive my raise I will be able to make ends meet, and so on it goes. Believe not these lies child – it is Satan’s ploy to keep you lulled into a false security. This often creates great remorse when your blindness and deafness are healed. Only I have the precious gift you seek, beloved. The peace you yearn for flows out from me. The love you long for is My love. The friendship to last forever is only found with me beloved. Weep not for the things that seem to elude you. Know that you are stamped as mine. Your needs, your longings are not worldly. You are meant to be spiritual, to imitate me. Study my life, child, My way. I had little. You are not meant for worldly riches but for spiritual overflowing. Did I take leisurely holidays? No beloved, I was caught up in spiritual matters even as you should be. Did I live in a spacious home surrounded with bodily ease and comfort? I had no bed on which to lay my head. Would that you could view your worldly foolishness with My eyes, child. Tis the antics of a “white mouse” circus. Out of your boredom with your selfish lives, out of jealousy of neighbor, you eat too much, drink too much and play too hard. Each experience is meant to top the last. Round and round you run, doing the same things over and over, only changing your playmates. Come beloved, see Me waiting for you, hear as I call your name. Know that you are Mine. I paid with my life for you. You are meant for a life of the cross, ever dying to all that would destroy you spiritually. Your cross lies in rejecting selfishness, saying no to hate, no to rebellion, no to disunity, no to extravagance. Come into My way, acknowledge Me that I may get on with my work within you. I know the emptiness, the foolishness of your life without me, but until you realize the hopelessness of it, we cannot get on with my plans for you. I call you to come to Me. Trust no man, trust not in money, these are dust and can disappear in the twinkling of an eye. I and my promises are true and will stand forever!

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"Not everyone who calls out to me, 'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven"

Standing before Jesus, will His words be “He/She's one of Mine” or “I never knew you?” By saying He never knew you, He’s saying “We had no relationship – in other words – Your heart has never been changed.” I am going to attempt to write a few posts on what I believe is the most serious thing that could ever concern you and I… Are you an authentic Christ Follower? Last summer I wrote a little about this, Having False Security in Salvation, but this time I am going to focus on what Jesus says about it. The Bible clearly shows us two marks of a true disciple. Today we are going to look at the first mark according to Jesus’ words…


“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.” Matthew 10: 32


Jesus plainly states that anyone who publicly confesses faith in Him and declares allegiance to Him, will be acknowledged by Him to the Father in heaven. That is, by their verbal confession to others, regardless of the cost of that confession. Jesus is talking about a lifestyle… True disciples can’t help talking about Christ. They are not ashamed or embarrassed, because the mouth speaks whatever is in the heart. They will speak up even when vicious wolves attack. The moment we trust Him, He gives us the legal right to His righteousness. Our confession is just the evidence.


There are many who claim to know Jesus, but their lifestyle doesn’t at all reflect it. Do your co-workers know you follow Christ? Do your family and friends know without a doubt that you are a Christian? I’ve heard people say, “Never talk about religion or politics.” Someone once told me that “Religion is personal.” That breaks my heart and I just think to myself… “If you only knew - There isn’t a religious bone in a true disciples’ body!” But despite how I try to proclaim truth, I get shut down! If you refuse to let others know about Christ, I can’t think of anything more tragic than what Jesus says in the latter part of the above verse… “But everyone who denies me here on earth, I will also deny before my Father in heaven.”


And then there are some who tell you how much they love Christ, but when it comes to obedience… there’s zero! Here’s more Biblical Evidence…


“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” 1 John 2: 3-6


Some very strong words from John! Allow me to touch on one more incredibly important area. I said it before, and I’ll say it again…Think for yourself. Don’t allow yourself to be deceived! Don’t base your salvation on what others may say. Don’t assume you are saved because you said a prayer and the pastor said you are now born again! Or maybe your mother told you that you accepted Christ while you were a little boy/girl. Maybe you got baptized when you were 12, but now you’re 40! Is there a marked difference in you? Was there a true conversion?


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In the Shadow of His Hand...


My dad has been dead almost a year now. I am not someone who you would say has a green thumb – I’ve been known to even kill cactus. When my dad died, a friend sent me the most beautiful basket with three types of plants in it. A Prayer plant is one of them, but I couldn’t tell you what the other two are. Over this past year the plant had flourished, and even grew to double the size it originally was! I was very, very happy with this plant. Christmas came, and I moved the plant from where I keep it all year to make room for decorations. Without really thinking it through, I moved the plant to the top of our Entertainment Center.


It just so happens that on top of the Entertainment Center is where the sun sets its focus, and all day unmercifully beats down upon it. Oh, I forgot to mention that the Dining Room is where I had always kept the plant – it never got direct sunlight. The first week of January came, and I took down the Christmas decorations. I went to grab the plant to put it back in its spot, and I was shocked to see that my once beautiful plant was now dry and withered, almost dead! I promise - there is a point to me telling you this story…


“In the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.” Isaiah49:2


That was the scripture verse today in my devotional. It reminded me of this plant. There are some of us who, when we are placed “in the shadow of God’s hand”… not in the spotlight... we flourish! Maybe you’re in a season of your life where the sunlight has departed, maybe it’s a shadowed sickroom or some shadowed house of grief. If you are in the shadow of God’s hand – He’s leading you, and there are lessons that can only be learned where He leads. We can’t assume that He has pushed us aside. Let’s look at that scripture again, “… he made me into a polished arrow and concealed me in his quiver.” Now think of a warrior. A ’quiver’ is the warriors long narrow case full of arrows he has on his back. God says He’s keeping you in His quiver; He’s keeping you nearby till the moment comes when He can send you quickly and confidently on some mission that will bring Him glory.

So we need to remember how we are always in easy reach of His hand, and think about this… We are also being jealously protected! I hope that encourages you!


If all of life were sunshine,

Our face would long to gain

And feel once more upon it

the cooling splash of rain. ~ Henry Jackson Van Dyke

Pool of Bethesda....

You've been sick for thirty-eight years. Your physical condition has become a way of life. You've adapted to the way things are. You're living a "new kind of normal." One day someone comes to you and asks, "Would you like to get well?” You think to yourself, "Duh?" Well the Bible tells of this exact story...


“Inside the city, near the Sheep Gate, was the Pool of Bethesda, with five covered porches. Crowds of sick people—blind, lame, or paralyzed—lay on the porches. One of the men lying there had been sick for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew he had been ill for a long time, he asked him, “Would you like to get well?”

“I can’t, sir,” the sick man said, “for I have no one to put me into the pool when the water bubbles up. Someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!” Instantly, the man was healed! He rolled up his sleeping mat and began walking!” John 5: 2-9


After so long of being sick, this man had no hope of ever being healed… No hope. Period. For good reason—no one EVER helped him! There are many of us who kind of feel the same way… our situation feels hopeless. But I’m here to say that no matter how trapped we may feel, God can always use it to minister to our deepest need, which is spiritual. Now coming from someone who has been struck down in the prime of my life with a disability, sometimes that’s hard to hear. I mean yes, God met me in my deepest need, and I can’t wait to be with Jesus in Paradise; but the human side of me screams that I need my body to work properly while I’m here on earth!

But I know that I know, I can never lose hope. God has work that only I can do in spite of Muscular Dystrophy. Many of us have the privilege of ministering effectively to hurting people because with Jesus, we’ve triumphed over our hurts.

Miracles happen. Hope is hard to kill.


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It's Only a Delay... the Best is Yet to Come!

“Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8: 37


Don’t we so easily become impatient with God’s delays? We want our Christian walk to mirror the things of God, right? Then why is it that God walks so slowly most of the time? I mean, I’m a person that wants everything done yesterday… and you probably are too! I think it’s in our nature to not want to wait on God. We want fruit, and we want it now! It doesn’t matter that it’s not ripe yet; we’ll pick it while it’s green!

But after we pick that not-so-ripe fruit and find it doesn’t taste good, we wonder what we did wrong. Am I right? I think the majority of us have good intentions and are sincerely trying to do what we think is the best possible thing in the given circumstance. We simply cannot wait for the answer to our prayers because sometimes the answer may take years… yes, years! But also sometimes we can try to fight God. We can fight against something He has placed in our life, something He has ordained—it’s usually some kind barrier or hardship.


Listen to me… Stop striving! God is using whatever trial that’s going on in your life to prepare you for something so much bigger than you and I. He is using whatever it is to remove the things you have inside of you that are preventing you from accomplishing the great work He has planned for you to do since the beginning of time! Oh yes my friend, there is a calling on your life and God will see to it that you discover what that call is and He will open doors in order for you to fulfill it! All you have to do is let Him have his way.

I recently read a blog post titled, “Surrender,” by one of my new friends at the CWD network, and here is the comment I left…


Surrender. That word is pretty simple to say, but definitely not easy to do.. But once you do call out and surrender to God , you discover your will and God's will line up with each other. And THAT is precisely when things change, and it becomes worth living again!


”Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12: 2

I don’t know about you, but it was a life-changing moment for me when I first read this one verse of scripture. I know people who constantly declare, “I want God’s will done in my life.” That’s great, but nothing ever changes for them! God says He will make us into a new person-or transform our minds, but then the condition comes along… We must immerse ourselves with the Word of God, and keep immersing ourselves. Once we do that, God says WE WILL KNOW WHAT OUR PURPOSE IS!!!

God‘s Word is true! I speak from experience!


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