Following in Faith

Each Passing Day…

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Dakota – Black Lab mix (although we think he is closer to a pure bread), our gentle giant.
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Lexi – Pyranees Lab mix, our little muffin

Each day I awake to the delightful warmth of one cat cuddled at my side and two dogs at the bottom of the stairs waiting for me to come down to them for their morning petting.  The excitement of a treasured pets response to human interaction is unlike anything I’ve experienced.   One wags her tail so excitedly that it looks like a windmill going in circles.  Waiting at the bottom of the staircase with anticipation.

We’ve had two cats for awhile now, and with the addition of two dogs in the last year, I have to say life are has come full circle.  We used to say we were cat people and not dog people…haha well that certainly has changed.   The joy they bring to our lives is certainly nothing short of true bliss.

How did we get here?  I have to say that God’s roll in our lives is never ceasing of His love.  He guides, protects, and has plans for us that even we could not imagine.  To think that a year ago, my daughter and I were heading to FL for a girls week of fun in the sun, only to return with a 24 hour car ride home with a sweet little puppy from Alabama.  Helping one friend find a home for him and another friend find the love of their lives.  For Sydney and I, it was bittersweet.  We fell in love with that little guy so much so in 24 hours that we sobbed in handing him over.  That experience led us to realize that a dog was possibly the completion to our family unit.

The weeks went on and our daughter continued to look for the same breed that our little Alabama friend was until finally she found one that was going to be transported to the local rescue from Missouri in just a few short weeks.  Looking for a foster home first, then adoption the sweet face of that little munchkin melted our hearts.  We knew she had to be ours.  Ironically, one of our friends mom ran the rescue locally.  She was able to to secure our little Lexi so that we could foster her and “see how it went”.   Of course, it wasn’t long and we knew we had to adopt her.

The family unit, we thought, was complete.  That is until we went to Scotland and Lexi played with two other dogs for almost 2 weeks.  When we brought her home we quickly realized how much she needed another dogs interaction.  We decided to adopt a black lab brought up from Alabama who was found in a kill shelter and brought up to our state.  He is the most gentle giant we know.  He and Lexi have become brother and sister, Gary and I have become parents all over again (as they act like toddlers sometimes….) and the kids are loving having dogs.

Who would have thought…..I mean, you would think a simple trip to Disney would be exactly that, simple.  Yet for us, it was unknowingly the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.   A new chapter that brings us great joy daily.

All of this has had me thinking about life in general.  We think that we plan out our lives, detail for detail, thinking that we know what is around the next corner.  Yet, we are not actually in control.  We are subject to the greater good of a God who loves us and who cares for all of our needs.  A God who watched His own children fall into sin, only to love them enough to bring them back to himself by sacrificing.  Making a sacrifice of his own Son so that the sins of man will be forgiven.  How often do we consider what a loving God we have?  How often do we take for granted His mercy and grace in our lives when things do not go “as we planned”?   Sometimes, we need to reflect on His love, the outcome of our situations, and the blessings that we receive through His plan of redemption in our lives.

As I look at that trip to FL, I actually see the blessing of three lives that were saved due to the unexpectedness of that trip.  Little Gus, whom rode home with us, the farm dog that needed a home, Lexi a rescue whose mom abandoned she and her litter mates at birth, and Dakota, the good natured sweetest boy who was found at a kill shelter.  To be able to see those blessings, is also a blessing.  To have the eyes to see something out of the unplanned circumstances that we had not planned on happening.

God’s plan is always perfect in our lives.  We have nothing more to give other than praises and thanksgiving to a God who knows, sees, hears, and glorifies.

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Following in Faith

Tis The Season

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It’s Christmas time and the trees are decorated, the garland is up, the music plays daily and the movie marathon has begun.  It’s always such a beautiful time of year and I am so grateful and thankful that we have a home, family around, the weather is mild and the smiles are still on the faces of those dear to us.

This Christmas is going to be slightly different  for our family.  With change, comes sadness, and with sadness comes concern.   Concern over the unknown, concern over more loss of friendships that we’ve held dear, and the acknowledgement  that we live in a cruel world.

As I ponder these changes coming toward us at a rapid pace, I continue to focus on the reality that God’s grace is not about prediction, not about having all of the answers nor is it about abundance.  God’s grace is about the unconditional love of a shepherd over a flock that doesn’t deserve to have Him.  It’s about trusting in the unknown explicitly,  knowing only one thing…there is someone who cares enough to make sure to plan out every detail  so that we do not have to worry about anything.  It’s about trusting in blind faith that carries our burdens for us.

For some, giving up control over the things they truly cannot control is difficult.  There is an innate sense of obligation that is understandably part of human nature.    How do we overcome disappointment?  How do we overcome loss?  How do we move beyond and trust in the Lord completely while giving up the human nature side of our inner being?  Dear friend, it is not easy.  It is not natural and it is not the reality for many.  It takes a great deal of prayer to overcome that of which we have within us that is not of a Godly nature.   Searching within ourselves, understanding who we are, where we have been and where we are going, actively seeking truth in the gospel to understand ourselves is just part of the process.  Sometimes, we do not like who we see, and yet, there is a great deal of growth from being able to admit we are not who we want to be.

In years of past, for me personally, I have seen that there were a great many holidays spent trying to control how everyone saw our home, trying to be inclusive to everyone, trying to make sure that we did the best for everyone else…except for our immediate family.   Notice how this sounds.  It was all about a visual outward appearance.  I thought I was doing what was right in the eyes of everyone else except the one of which we honor during this season.   Taking a step back, I reflect on my own insecurities in wanting to be accepted and to be unconditionally loved.  I had forgotten the whole point of that precious gift that Christmas represents.  I can honestly say that although I still struggle with some of those feelings, I have in the last year especially understood that I am as I was created to be, by the unconditional love of a Father who blessed me with life.  No one this earth will ever love me or care for me as much as He who gave life, only to take that life so that others may be cleansed and be given life.  It’s not about the outward appearance.  It’s about an internal struggle given up to become someone new.  Someone who can enjoy loved ones that are held dear and make them a priority while also offering up thanksgiving to a God who has provided so much.

A year ago, I could never have seen what was yet to come.  I have learned to love in different ways while slowly learning to give up that which I am unable to control.  One of those things is the incredible love for two beautiful fur babies that have become part of our family.  Two sweets pups who were rescued from the horrors of shelters, abandonment and loss.  In some ways, I can relate to these two, and to love them unconditionally has been a wonderful growing experience for myself and for my family.   They have helped me to personally accept the lack of control I have in this life, remember that love comes in different packages and that when we let go of that control that dwells within us, we can learn to embrace  the joy of life and the one who blessed us with it.  Nothing in life comes easy, and nothing in life should give us such worry that we cannot look beyond to see the blessings we truly have.  Life itself is a blessing.

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Our two fur babies who have captured our hearts.
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Welcomed into the local Humane Animal Welfare Society from a kill shelter in Alabama. He is beautiful both in his appearance and in his personality. He is little lover that cannot get enough and therefore he gives much.
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It all started with her capturing our heart from a local shelter where she was brought up from Missouri after her litter mates and she were abandoned by their mother at 2 days old. We fostered her from 6 weeks until her adoption and she has been our sweet loving example of the preciousness of unconditional love.

As we celebrate the season of giving and thanksgiving, it is my prayer that we can all be reminded of the gift that was presented to us many years ago.  A gift that would carry the burdens of the flock to an eternal peace.  The gift of a savior who came to spare those in despair from lives of uncertainty, separation, and death.  Be well sweet ones and embrace that of which has come your way, without worry, and without concern, identifying that which holds you back.  Giving thanksgiving to the Lord who has opened your eyes to knowing that He has unconditional love for all who trust in Him with their whole being.

Merry Christmas to you and your families!

 

 

 

Why?

Daily Dose

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My daily dose of reality is that now that I am feeling better I am working.  Working more than I have in years.  From starting my own travel agency to growing Wisconsin Lyme Network, all while continuing to treat my Lyme and keep the house up.  Gee whiz, it’s an exhaustive process let me tell you.

Last weekend I attended a medical conference on Lyme disease and it was amazing.  I learned more than I think I needed to know. The good the bad and the ugly of the disease that plagues so many.  I makes me want to get involved more and more.  Especially now that our children are for the most part on their own.  ( still living here yet they do their own thing….)

I wanted to share two of my last posts from both my business as well as the WLN.  I will do this periodically as both are dear to my heart.

http://familyfocustravelbysherry.com/2018/11/07/why-use-a-travel-agent/

From Facebook:

Many of you know that Lyme is dear to my heart as our family has been directly affected by this debilitating disease. I am an advocate in finding ways to help others afflicted

5 years ago I was so sick that I couldn’t get to the end of the driveway without the use of a wheelchair, I slept 18-20 hrs a day, the pain I experienced was so bad that no one could touch me, I could recognize faces yet could not remember names, I could not remember how to get to destinations I had driven to for 6 years so I gave up driving (aren’t you all in WI glad I did?), I could not speak in complete sentences, my bloodwork mimicked Lupus and MS, and to say the least I was a complete mess.

Lyme disease is the top vector borne illness currently and it can no longer be ignored. I am working, or I should say volunteering, as President of the Wisconsin Lyme Network, where we are giving a voice to those who are too sick to do so. We are educating and bringing awareness through speaking engagements, farmers market stands, attendance at medical conferences, social media, walks and more. We are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that operates on donations. I am asking all of you to consider your 2018 charitable donation to be directed in this way.

Not aware of Lyme disease? Here are a few highlights:

Children, especially 6-10 year old boys are most commonly affected; they are the ones rolling around in the grass, in the woods and climbing trees. Lyme is not however, discriminating and affects ALL ages

Facial Nerve Palsy is one of the most common manifestations of Bb; the bacteria we call Lyme

Vertigo is a significant symptom

There are an estimated >400,000 new cases in the U.S. EACH year; Breast Cancer has an estimated 242,476 (as of 2015 CDC website)

Lyme is transferred NOT JUST BY deer ticks; any insect has the potential to carry the bacteria we know of as Lyme; Mosquitos, fleas, lice, spiders, any tick, etc. They have tested them folks, this is not a joke. Personally, I know of three cases in one year alone just from mosquitos in one state. They spoke of this at the ILADS medical conference….

In WI, surveillance of Bb has been going on since 1980. This is not a new disease.

EVERY state has reported cases with the exception of Hawaii. Those cases in Hawaii are believed to have been contracted outside of the state.

This is just a short list of symptoms and documentation. The symptoms are great, the bacteria’s are very real, this is not going away and we need to be educated.

Won’t you help us? Thank you in advance dear friends.

Did you know? WLN is a 501(c)3 nonprofit? All of us working with WLN are volunteers who do not benefit from any of the funds that we raise.
How do we raise the funds? At this time we are taking donations through several avenues. Our website allows people to make donations through paypal and a receipt of the donation will be sent directly.
Amazon Smiles. We are set up to receive donations as well and you should receive a receipt.
Facebook also has a donation site that one may choose to make contributions.
We have been receiving donations from each of these and this is what has helped us fund our updated new website, our logo, supplies for our farmers market display, sending one doctor and two Lyme advocates to this past ILADS conference.

What does the future look like for WLN?
Our future in 2019 looks like this:
A Lyme Mini Conference and a Lyme Walk, and sending 2+ doctors for training who have not already been Lyme trained.
How can you help?
If you need to make a last minute donation for that write off, please consider the Wisconsin Lyme Network as a place to donate.


Thank you for your support in reading my blogs and keeping me in your thoughts everyone.  I know I am absent from this blog quite often yet I am working on it.  :).  

 

Vegan

It’s Been Awhile

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Hello fellow bloggers and friends.  I am still here.  :). I looked back and realized it’s been quite awhile since I last posted.  Not sure how that has happened, yet I guess, since I feel so good, life just keeps on rolling by and so do the days.

In the last several months, we have had to change our diets again due to high inflammation levels.  So two of the four of us are vegan.  I thought I would share some of our journey and begin to explore the possibility of sharing some recipes that we have found to be delightful in this challenging stage of food nutrition.

As you know, I have Lyme disease.  Well, it appears that I gave it also to my children when I was pregnant with them.  That being said, they are also being treated.  The Bartonella seems to be a huge part of the problem, along with mold toxicity that we acquired from our last house.  So, with our high inflammation levels, two of us seem to find a vegan diet more conducive to our healing.  We are doing so much better, without pain and lower inflammation levels.  In fact, for myself, for the first time in over 12 years I am losing weight.  Since I am unable to exercise due to adrenal fatigue, losing weight has been an issue for me.  So I think that this milestone alone is something to celebrate.

A vegan diet is not necessarily difficult, it does however, require planning if you want to be satisfied without boredom.  Let’s just admit it,  vegetables can get boring if that’s all you eat.  Creativity needs to be influenced by cultural resources available.  Sometimes that can be difficult in the midwest, where we grow primarily corn, wheat, and soy.  Retraining the mind to look outside of the box and locate options that are resourced in, that are healthy, not processed and nutritious takes time.

The other issue we have faced is the criticism of some who do not understand a vegan diet.  Our society has been taught over the years that we need to have animal protein, and specific amounts of it.  We don’t question this, we only accept it as fact and make sure that animal protein is a part of the daily diet.  I have been thinking about this concept and wonder why?  The more and more I seek out the differences, I see that plant proteins and amino acids are so much better for people than animal proteins.  Animal proteins are higher in fat, higher in cholesterol and over higher in calories.

Throughout this early journey and having to explain not just to others but also reasoning out in my own mind the benefits of a vegan diet, the argument that seemed to have the most effect on me was the amino acid issue.  Let me explain, there are 4 amino acids missing from a plant based diet that an animal diet does satisfy.  These amino acids are lysine, tryptophan, methionine, and phenylalanine.    Let’s look at those individual amino acids and see what they do:

–Lysine, is primarily used by the body for tissue growth and repair, is the building block for other proteins that help to fight diseases.  “Lysine is one of the building blocks of protein that plays an important role in the production of enzymes and hormones, as well as the formation of bones and muscles.” (Dr. Mercola)

–Tryptophan is important for the development of organs, balances nitrogen in adults and growing children, and also creates niacin which in turn converts to serotonin. (Healthline)  There is so much more to this which we will discuss in another post.

–Methionine plays a significant roll in  growth of new blood vessels, creation of cartilage, is an antioxidant,  is required for growth and tissue repair and cell function. (Pubchem, Webmd, Dr. Axe)

–Phenalylanine plays a key role in the biosynthesis of other amino acids and is important in the structure and function of many proteins and enzymes. (Pubchem)

What is not well known however, is that these 4 amino acids absolutely CAN be found in in vegetarian sources of foods that a vegan eats nearly daily.   For example:

-Lysine is found in Tempeh, black turtle beans, quinoa, lentils, and pumpkin seeds.

-Tryptophan is found in pumpkin, potatoes, cauliflower, walnuts, cucumbers and mushrooms.

-Methionine is found in seaweed, spinach, broccoli, asparagus and various green leaves of several of our root vegetables.

-Phenalylanine is found in almonds, avocados,  lima beans, nuts, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, whole grains, soybeans, pecans, chickpeas, and lentils.

Shocking right?  I know.  I tell people that we get enough protein, yet most do not understand that eating animal protein is not required to live a healthy life.   Did you know that beef has 6.4 grams of protein per 100 calories while broccoli has 11.1 grams per 100 and spinach has 12.4 grams.  Who would have known?  A vegan diet can be rich in all the nutrients and amino acids and proteins that are needed for our bodies.  I began thinking also about biblical times, where meats were eaten yet were not eaten daily.  A diet rich in vegetables and grains was the primary source of their diets with a celebration of animal proteins on occasion.

Is this why we are feeling better and our bodies are resetting themselves so that we can heal and thrive?  I do not fully know the answer to that, however, I know that with all the information I have available to me from my labs to my genetic makeup (through 23&me and it’s raw data) I am feeling pretty good and so is my family.  Do I have to work a little harder on meal preps?  Sure, yet it’s worth it.

Last nights dinner was delicious, planned 2 days ago, and was a hit with all.  I took Tempeh and marinated it in a lemon vinagarette mixed with some garlic and chili sauce for two days, then used  GF Panko to cook in Coconut oil so that it crisped up nicely looking like a fish or chicken fillet.  I topped it with an almond mozzarella cheese and marinara sauce.  On the side we had green beans that were drizzled with almond oil and slivered almonds, and 5 very small baby potatoes with a little bit of a coconut/almond vegan butter.  This is only one meal from our day.  The others meals incorporated avocados, cucumbers and black beans.  Not to mention the fruit.  Being vegan is not boring when you have good natural foods to satisfy.  Knowing they are full of the nutrients we need, makes it all so delightful.

As I move into this next phase of blogging, I hope you will find it informative.  Join me in this journey won’t you?

Following in Faith

Peace

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There is much to be said about the word Peace.  The dictionary gives the following definition for peace:  freedom from disturbance; quiet and tranquility.  Or, freedom from or the cessation of war or violence.  There is a third however that is not written in the dictionary, and that is the kind of peace that only Christ can bestow upon his beloved.  This peace is tranquil and quiet, yet it is also something else that I have yet to find the word for.  It’s the kind of quiet that goes beyond just the noise around us.  It’s a calming of the body, calming of the mind and calming of the soul.

Having peace in situations that are difficult, can be difficult in and of themselves, however, through prayer and scripture we see that peace is attainable when one has that relationship with our Lord and Savior.  He gives that peace of knowledge that all will be well and all will be dealt with.  That He and He alone can settle the most vile of offenses, most obnoxious behavior, and the results of such in observers.

As I have looked around the last year, it seems that the world has gone crazy.  There is so much violence, there is so much heartache and people are just well….not behaving appropriately.  It is very discouraging and could be very depressing.  Knowing the Lord has helped me to focus more on Him and not so much on that which the world would like to throw at us and at me.  Having some perspective and knowing that I cannot control people, their behavior or the world in which I live has given me peace.  Why?  Because it is a burden that is lifted when I read scripture and when I pray.  A burden of feeling like I have to hold people accountable to their sin, or that I need to help the weak by taking on their troubles.   God has a plan for each of us.  He knows that which we are able to handle and that which will make us stronger in our faith and relationship with Him.  He makes us stronger in the valley’s so that we can look up and see his glory at the top of the mountain.  Waiting on Him to give us that peace is what I think is the most difficult.  Sometimes, we feel that if there is not peace at that moment then we have to do something.  Sometimes, we just need to sit back and watch, wait and listen.  Allow God to be all that He is and let Him take over that which we are not capable.

Friends, I ask you to pray with me this day on the burdens that are around us.  Pray that we can do what we can without feeling the burden of making “everything all right”.  We are here to assist with what we can, love those who seek our love and learn to accept the peace from our everlasting Father.

Following in Faith

The Whole Armor of God

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Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)

The Whole Armor of God
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

Following in Faith

The Unleavening

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What is the leaven in our lives?  What holds us back from seeing the glory of the Lord and the blessings we have?  What keeps us from moving forward?  What is it that makes us stop and be fearful?  Can we do better?  Can we change our perspective from fear, anger, hatred and bitterness to security, love and thankfulness?

Thinking of these questions and doing some soul searching is not a negative, it’s a positive.  Many times over I ponder these questions in my own life.  I like to think of it as an accountability test.  By evaluating that in my life that causes me to stumble, I am able to move forward with hard work, one step at a time.  Searching the true notions of the mind and the desires of the heart I can reach a different perspective than that which tries to rule over me.   I am flawed through sin.  I know it, I recognize it, I act upon it to try and change it.  I am not perfect, yet I am conscious of the failure within self,  driven by the power of this earth.

Acknowledging that there is yeast in my life and that it  is thick enough to hold me back,  allows me to seek out the truth behind what drives me.   Sometimes, I find that anger and bitterness are the ingredients in which the yeast grows and has progressed to a point that needs clean up.  I equate it to making bread.  If ever you have worked with yeast you know what I’m talking about.  If not, let me explain.  When you take a mixing bowl of warm water, add a little bit of honey and then add in a tablespoon of yeast you get the pleasure of watching it foam.  The yeast begins to grow in the water, yet when you add it to flour and baking powder it takes off and is what makes baked goods rise.  If you use too much, a loaf of bread can ooze right out of the pan before it is baked.  The warmth of baking allows the yeast to rise even more before it stops.  My great grandmother used to say that the yeast in bread is still active for a full day after baking.  (I thank my mom for remembering that and sharing that story all these years.)  Yeast is not in one small part of the loaf, it grows throughout, making the entire loaf rise.  They call it the  leavening of the bread.

I imagine Satan kneading that sin throughout.  Just like kneading the bread to make sure that the yeast is spread throughout the impending loaf, Satan does the same thing.   He tries to make sure that every aspect of life is covered in sin, allowing it grow within so that one is unable to see through the over growth.  So now what?  How does one remove the yeast?

1Corinthians 5:7-13
7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

First off, recognition.   Secondly,  repentance.  Thirdly, change.  Only through the Lord Jesus Christ can this happen. There is no one else that can do this.  Unfortunately, being the humans that we are, we are led by either the ruler of this world or by the creator of all things.  If we are chosen by God, we are led by Him, if not we are led by the ruler of this world, Satan.  More recently, I have been given privilege to see just how awful the yeast of deceit is.  Through hatred, bitterness and anger two occasions have had me realizing that I myself am also experiencing the beginning stages of that which holds me back from the blessing of knowing the fullness of the Lord Jesus Christ.  First step, recognition.

Second, repentance.  I have been praying that the Lord show me my sinfulness, the nature of my own self, and the lies that Satan is trying to make me believe.  I have been asking for forgiveness and for restoration of my soul and for the Lord to take away that which Satan is trying to grow within my being.

Third, change.  This is by far the hardest part.  To flatten the leavening process, to clean it out of my life and to make sure that I remember my life is unleavened through the death of Jesus Christ.  To change means to do things of which make the human psyche nervous, uncomfortable, and seemingly  fearful.  However, with the power of prayer and the strength of the Lord, peace, calmness and perseverance are active within the search for a life unleavened.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7                                                                                            6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

Sin has no stronghold on my life.  Yes I am still a sinner.  Yes I still have a sinful nature, however, it is not a stronghold that can overcome the good in which the Lord has within me.  I am renewed, I am restored and I am strong with him as the one who kneads me.  There is not room for the yeast that Satan tries to throw into the mix.

There is no room for hatred, bitterness and anger.  There is however, more room for truth.  Truth in who I am to be with the Lord leading.  If I trust in the desires of the heart and notions of mind more than that which He  instills in me, than I am wasted away with rot from the yeast that continues to grow.  So, although difficult, perseverance to change is the key to the restoration of my soul.  That of which I do not take lightly.

Reader, I hope that you will benefit from my own learning experience and that you will evaluate the yeast in your life.  Cleansing out that which holds you back from a thankful heart, a steadiness ready to take on the sin within, and a mind that tries to remind of that which is of no use moving forward.  Guard yourself from the sprinkling of the yeast.  Do not let the ingredients blend together and through prayer keep yourself unleavened.

 

Following in Faith

Eternal Life

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John 3 (ESV)

You Must Be Born Again

Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.  7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.”

9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you  do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man.  14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

Eternal life.  Can it be imagined? With the difficulties on this earth it seems at times unhealthy to consider eternal life.   Who wants to continue living with such sorrows and desperate situations.  Who would want to live an eternity?

Well, with the Lord Jesus Christ we have in Him the desire to want more.  More than this life on earth.  There is a desire to live a life serving a most holy God.  The eternity Christ is talking about is not like that which we observe today, it’s quite the opposite.

Revelation 21 (ESV)

The New Heaven and the New Earth

21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place  of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people,  and God himself will be with them as their God.  4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”…….

Revelation 22 (ESV)

The River of Life

22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever……

We get a glimpse of what is yet to come in Revelation.  Just a tad bit of info to wet the soul of his saints, to cling to his Word, wanting more, wanting that eternal life with Him.  Very different than that which we have today.  Something more.  Something not yet seen.

Dear friends, it pains me to know that so many do not yet call upon His name.   Please know that there is so much more.  So much more to this world.  Knowing God and seeing his providential care over your life gathers strength to get through the sorrows and the difficulties.  Without Him beside us, we wither away into a depressive state of wandering.  Wandering through the thicket of a forest which encapsulates it’s visitor, not allowing for an exit.  Only through He that gives life does one find a way out.  Only through time studying His word does one find hope.

It is with great prayer that this finds you well with your soul. If not, I pray that you may be inspired to learn more about the almighty who gave you life and who offers so much more.

Following in Faith

To See

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Luke 18:35-43
35 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging.
36 When he heard the crowd going by, he asked what was happening.
37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
38 He called out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
39Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
40 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him,
41 “What do you want me to do for you?”“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.
42 Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight; your faith has healed you.”
43Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.
How many call out to the Lord and ask to see?  Not as many as there should be.  So many walk around in blindness to the glory of the Lord.  Oh, to see….
Dear follower, it is with great hope that you find the strength and will to call out to the Lord with a voice to be heard, asking to see.   To see the abundance in life everlasting with a sovereign God.  To see the glory of His hand that wraps around his saints with an unconditional love everlasting.
Through hope we find peace.  Through love we find grace.  Through trust we find the almighty standing by, ready to catch us when we fall.  Call out to Him today, he is waiting to hear you.
Following in Faith

Finding Hope in the midst of Fear and Despair

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It seems that the world is falling apart.  People are rioting in the streets due to the freedom of an election, there is death for the lost, friends that are ill, persecution of the saints and it’s getting colder with winter on it’s way.  I know that last part isn’t a reflection of the world falling apart, yet it reflects the desperation of my prayers.  For warmth and for my hope to become attainable!   Warmth in the kindness people could show one another, warmth in healing, warmth in the sun and warmth in the gentle arms of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Hope  in the protection of His wing when the wind blows fierce enough to try to knock me or those whom I love over.

Finding hope in a lost world can be a daunting task.  Looking around, there is so much more to be in despair about.  Hope seems to be something one has to convince himself/herself of,  not knowing if  hope is that which is to be attained.   Hope in healing, hope in kindness, hope in warmth, hope in love and hope in freedom.  Is it to be?  How can one be sure that  hope is going to become  reality?  Truth of the matter is one cannot be sure of a great deal.   For many, uncertainty becomes an unknown reality of which doesn’t deserve the time or effort of hope.   Hope seems too far in the reaching in a world which thrives in strife.   Sometimes it seems that by getting  hopes up, one will only have a dashed spirit when the outcome is not what was hoped for.  Completely understandable since disappointment is the human natural reaction to a  crushing blow .   Yet, for a Christian, this thought process seems unacceptable or improbable.   Is it really?  Unacceptable?  Improbable?  That sounds a bit irrational!   After all, human nature and the human spirit do not differentiate between that of a Christian and non Christian.   Right?

Wrong!  The definition of human nature tells us it’s the nature of humans; especially : the fundamental dispositions and traits of humans  (Websters).  Yet, for a Christian, there is something else to consider.  The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, hence the reaction of the human spirit.  The human spirit that experiences a knowledge in which human nature cannot compete with.  It’s the truth and knowledge that there is something much greater than ourselves at work.  Something revealed by the grace of the Lord which  is more powerful than that of human nature.  For a Christian, this knowledge is the understanding and acceptance that the will of man and the will of God are not always in sync.  That God always has a plan, that His will is perfect and that His timing is exactly that…His!  Knowing that although we are living in a world of continual unholy drama, we have trust and faith in that which we cannot control.  During illness, a Christian has hope that healing will come.  If healing is not to come, a Christian has the hope of eternal salvation that is yet to come.  If persecuted, a Christian knows that God’s plan is perfect and there is hope in knowing that all things work for His Glory!   In watching the destruction of the fallen world, a Christian has the knowledge that this is not the end, only the beginning.

(I need to pause here with a sidebar…I stopped at this point to take care of some family needs.  While I was waiting at an appointment I was unable to find my phone, which I usually take a look at during such times, so I picked up the book I had also brought.  It was my book that was to be finished by tonights book study with a friend.  As I was reading, I was once again struck with praise to the Lord for His care over my spiritual life.  Here I was, writing my blog prior to leaving the house and then I was reading the chapter that fit so well with the above.  I did not know this was going to be the case when I started writing, God knew.  He knew I would not need my phone as much as I needed to read that next chapter before continuing on.   Praises of Thanksgiving!)

Does this mean that we as Christians just have hope and go along in our daily lives not worrying about anything or doing anything about concerns that creep up?  Not at all.  What we do however,  through the grace of the Holy Spirit, is become driven to find resolve in the Word and through prayer.  We don’t sit by and say “there’s so much more, God has this covered, I just need to sit by and watch”.  Christians actively seek out and try to stay focused.  It’s not an easy thing for many.

12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:12-13)

I mentioned how my reading of my book study was so compelling as an argument for what I’m trying to say here, that I just have to share the following notes from the book.  (Book: The Hole in Our Holiness by Kevin DeYoung; my notes and some of the quotes below are in italics.)

A question in the book asks, “how does the spirit work in us to make us to make us holy?”  Through various paragraphs my notes are such:

Prayer for Spiritual Strength

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being,   (Ephesians 3:14-16 ESV)

Wisdom from the Spirit

6 Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. 7 But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But, as it is written,
“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
nor the heart of man imagined,
what God has prepared for those who love him”—
10 these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 11 For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 13 And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
14 The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 16 “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.  ( 1 Cor. 2:6-16)

The Spirit is power and light!  

We can try to say all the right things to ourselves about how it will work out, yet are we going further to directly and actively seek the gospel truth in order to obtain the hope needed in persecution, illness, and fear?  

“But in the pursuit of holiness we need to look at  more than the past acts of redemption.  We have to look forward and trust in future grace.”

Because of the future promises of blessings, our passion for hope is fueled by the power and light of the Holy spirit.  

In closing, I may look crazy, sound like I’m not a realist (which happens quite often) , yet I am hopeful for a future blessing amongst the chaos that goes on around me.  I am not always happy, I am not always positive, yet I strive to do my best in such times of despair to seek the council of the Lord and to trust in the wisdom that He chooses to impart my way.  Am I always naturally secure in my hope?  In all honesty no.  However, that being said, my hope does not come through my own power of will, but through that of the Holy Spirit which gives me the strength to be secure.  To locate the hope of the future blessings that He has yet to reveal.  I pray that any and all adversities that I experience will be used for the greater good of sharing the gospel truth with those who may be in need.  In closing, the book mentioned a quote from Martyn Lloyd -Jones which I want to share:

The New Testament calls upon us to take action; it does not tell us that the work of sanctification is going to be done for us…We are in the ‘good fight of faith’, and we have to do the fighting.  But, thank God, we are enabled to do it; for the moment we believed and are justified by faith, and are born again of the Spirit of God, we have the ability.  So the New Testament method of sanctification is to remind us of that; and having reminded us of it, it says, ‘Now then, go and do it’.   (Marty Lloyd-Jones, Romans: Exposition of Chapter 6: The new Man)

Be well dear reader and go forth seeking hope for that which is yet to come.

Proverbs 31:10-31