To all my friends and fellow bloggers, I wish you all a season filled with happiness, joy, peace, and fun. A merry heart is the best medicine. Go out and do something fun, have a good laugh and be merry!!
Proverbs 15:13
A merry heart makes a cheerful countenance,
But by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.
Proverbs 15:15
All the days of the afflicted are evil,
But he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast.
Proverbs 17:22
A merry heart does good, like medicine,
But a broken spirit dries the bones.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
The Heavens remain the same
I have taken more drugs in the past year than in my entire life. Unfortunately the side effects of some of this drugs can lead to other things. In addition to ongoing monitoring of all my organs, I'm also being tested for other types of diseases which may be drug induced. Despite the changes in my body and in my health, nothing has changed in the Heavenlies. God is still God. His word and His promises remain yea and amen.
Isaiah 55
Isaiah 55
8"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Be encouraged! God is still God
Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD.
9For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
10For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
11So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
12For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Be encouraged! God is still God
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The power of God
It is always good to have a supportive family and network of friends. Support, positive thoughts, and actions have helped me cope with illness and the change of lifestyle that comes with it. However, over reliance on some people can leave them drained. I have experienced outbursts from people because of the support they provided me over the past two years. These outbursts made me cry. But the Lord reminded me that He is there for me all the time.
It is a miracle that I am still alive, it is for God's purpose that He saved me. To my dear friends and bloggers going through similar situations, I just want to encourage you, to let you know that though the arm of flesh may fail you, the power of God will not. Be strong, stay strong.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8
It is a miracle that I am still alive, it is for God's purpose that He saved me. To my dear friends and bloggers going through similar situations, I just want to encourage you, to let you know that though the arm of flesh may fail you, the power of God will not. Be strong, stay strong.
2 Chronicles 32:7-8
7 “Be strong and courageous; do not be afraid nor dismayed before the king of Assyria, nor before all the multitude that is with him; for there are more with us than with him.
8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
8 With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the LORD our God, to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Life's little blessing
What a joy to feel better and stronger! I now enjoy each day as it is given and I am truly grateful knowing how bad things can be and also knowing that there are still people out there suffering. My heartfelt prayers for you all.
Isaiah 43
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
And gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’
Bring My sons from afar,
And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
Fear not, be strong, have faith, hope and believe for good and positive outcomes. May God give you the strength you need for your journey.
Sending you peace and all the blessings of this Christmas season.
Isaiah 43
1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“ Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
4 Since you were precious in My sight,
You have been honored,
And I have loved you;
Therefore I will give men for you,
And people for your life.
5 Fear not, for I am with you;
I will bring your descendants from the east,
And gather you from the west;
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’
And to the south, ‘Do not keep them back!’
Bring My sons from afar,
And My daughters from the ends of the earth—
Fear not, be strong, have faith, hope and believe for good and positive outcomes. May God give you the strength you need for your journey.
Sending you peace and all the blessings of this Christmas season.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Dealing with energy crisis
Having no energy to do basic things is not fun! At my low points I barely had energy to move. I was very weak I needed help to do basic things. To me that is energy crisis. Well, some of you understand what I mean. Sadly the nature of autoimmune illness, especially with muscle weakness, is often like that.
I have decided the best way to deal with energy crisis is to have respite. When my body is tired the best cure is rest. A good book and sleep for how ever long the crisis last. I guess I am lucky that I don't have little children. Everyone in my house have learned to look after themselves. My children have been forced to grow up. This has its ups and downs. But when life throw you lemon, you have to make lemonade :)
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
I have decided the best way to deal with energy crisis is to have respite. When my body is tired the best cure is rest. A good book and sleep for how ever long the crisis last. I guess I am lucky that I don't have little children. Everyone in my house have learned to look after themselves. My children have been forced to grow up. This has its ups and downs. But when life throw you lemon, you have to make lemonade :)
2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.
That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Awake all night
Functioning during the day without enough sleep is not as difficult as laying in bed awake all night trying to get some sleep. There are always things to do around the house but really I'd prefer to sleep at night. So doing chores is not an option.
I was talking to a dear lady friend, Marion. Marion is 88 years old with four children, 16 grand children, 32 great grand children, and five great great grand children. She is a very interesting woman. I asked her how she remembers all their names. She told me she lays in bed at night, praying for each one of them by name. It beats counting sheep. So I decided to pray for people on nights when I can't sleep. I pray, starting with family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, and then for people on the news, until I eventually fall asleep. When I get up in the morning I feel energized and ready for the day. What a productive way to use time that I would otherwise have wasted!
Psalm 127: 1 - 2
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
I was talking to a dear lady friend, Marion. Marion is 88 years old with four children, 16 grand children, 32 great grand children, and five great great grand children. She is a very interesting woman. I asked her how she remembers all their names. She told me she lays in bed at night, praying for each one of them by name. It beats counting sheep. So I decided to pray for people on nights when I can't sleep. I pray, starting with family members, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, and then for people on the news, until I eventually fall asleep. When I get up in the morning I feel energized and ready for the day. What a productive way to use time that I would otherwise have wasted!
Psalm 127: 1 - 2
Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.
It is vain for you to rise up early,
To sit up late,
To eat the bread of sorrows;
For so He gives His beloved sleep.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Another something to cheer you up
'Agnus Dei' by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0
Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Holy
Holy are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy
Holy are you Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBmFwBSGb0
Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia
Holy
Holy are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy
Holy are you Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen
Something cheerful for a miserable day
'Above all' by Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV6oM0
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
(CHORUS)
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7Sn5rV6oM0
Above all powers
Above all kings
Above all nature
And all created things
Above all wisdom
And all the ways of man
You were here
Before the world began
Above all kingdoms
Above all thrones
Above all wonders
The world has ever known
Above all wealth
And treasures of the earth
There's no way to measure
What You're worth
(CHORUS)
Crucified
Laid behind a stone
You lived to die
Rejected and alone
Like a rose
Trampled on the ground
You took the fall
And thought of me
Above all
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Reducing hair loss
1 Corinthians 11:15
But that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.
I was reading a couple of blogs from people going through similar health situations and suffering from hair loss. I have been there and felt it may be useful if I shared some of my loss prevention tips.
I started noticing my hair breaking and thinning but assumed it was dry and I probably just have split ends. This had been going on for several months until my hairdresser told me that my hair was falling out from the roots and I don't have split ends. To my horror, I had some bald patches. I was not sure if the hair loss was due to the illness or medications. However, I learned later that hair loss is a side effect from one of my medications.
First I cut my hair to a more manageable length to reduce the weight and stress or pull at the roots. This did not stop the hair loss, but I spent less time cleaning hair off the floor, sink, etc. One of my nurses told me about a hair dresser who does not believe in shampoo but uses organic products with less chemicals. I looked at the homemade product used by the hairdresser, but it was too far to ship to where I live. So I decided to just use hot oil treatment and conditioner regularly instead of shampoo. My hair loves olive oil products, so I apply cooking olive oil to my scalp and then a generous amount of leave-in conditioner. I leave it covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much time I have. I then rinse it thoroughly under a very hot shower. After the rinse, I give it a gentle pat with a towel and then use a warm setting on a hand dryer without brushing too hard. When it is dry enough, I style as usual.
This has worked for my hair and the breaking or falling out has reduced significantly. My new growth now has a different texture which I'm still trying to get used to. But starting with luscious hair then going through this, has made me truly appreciate my hair.
Matthew 10:
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
But that if a woman has long hair, it is her glory? For long hair is given to her as a covering.
I was reading a couple of blogs from people going through similar health situations and suffering from hair loss. I have been there and felt it may be useful if I shared some of my loss prevention tips.
I started noticing my hair breaking and thinning but assumed it was dry and I probably just have split ends. This had been going on for several months until my hairdresser told me that my hair was falling out from the roots and I don't have split ends. To my horror, I had some bald patches. I was not sure if the hair loss was due to the illness or medications. However, I learned later that hair loss is a side effect from one of my medications.
First I cut my hair to a more manageable length to reduce the weight and stress or pull at the roots. This did not stop the hair loss, but I spent less time cleaning hair off the floor, sink, etc. One of my nurses told me about a hair dresser who does not believe in shampoo but uses organic products with less chemicals. I looked at the homemade product used by the hairdresser, but it was too far to ship to where I live. So I decided to just use hot oil treatment and conditioner regularly instead of shampoo. My hair loves olive oil products, so I apply cooking olive oil to my scalp and then a generous amount of leave-in conditioner. I leave it covered with a shower cap for 30 minutes to an hour depending on how much time I have. I then rinse it thoroughly under a very hot shower. After the rinse, I give it a gentle pat with a towel and then use a warm setting on a hand dryer without brushing too hard. When it is dry enough, I style as usual.
This has worked for my hair and the breaking or falling out has reduced significantly. My new growth now has a different texture which I'm still trying to get used to. But starting with luscious hair then going through this, has made me truly appreciate my hair.
Matthew 10:
28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Dedication
Psalm 30. A song for the dedication of the temple of David.
1 I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
7 LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8 To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.”
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever.
1 I will exalt you, LORD, for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
4 Sing the praises of the LORD, you his faithful people;
praise his holy name.
5 For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
6 When I felt secure, I said, “I will never be shaken.”
7 LORD, when you favored me, you made my royal mountain stand firm;
but when you hid your face, I was dismayed.
8 To you, LORD, I called; to the Lord I cried for mercy:
9 “What is gained if I am silenced, if I go down to the pit?
Will the dust praise you? Will it proclaim your faithfulness?
10 Hear, LORD, and be merciful to me; LORD, be my help.”
11 You turned my wailing into dancing;
you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,
12 that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Only by Grace
I visited a friend who is undergoing radiation for brain tumour. I was deeply moved by her situation, but reminded that it is only by God's grace that I am here today. My heartfelt prayer to all those suffering from incurable diseases is: that they will find God's grace and help in time of need.
Ephesians 2: 6 - 10
And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith— and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Moving on
It is only by the grace of God that I am here today and alive to tell my own story. Three months on, the Lord has restored to me good health. My energy level is up and I am starting to get active again. I am now trying to rebuild my life. Thankfully, I have the Lord on my side and together we will be rebuilding.
Thank you all who have been supporting me through all these. I pray for all of you still going through sickness and diseases, that the Lord will heal you and restore back your health. I pray that the Lord will give you peace.
Isaiah 54:
10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
11 Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with lapis lazuli.
12 I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your children will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be their peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny will be far from you;
you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;
it will not come near you.
15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;
whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
16 See, it is I who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,
declares the LORD.
Thank you all who have been supporting me through all these. I pray for all of you still going through sickness and diseases, that the Lord will heal you and restore back your health. I pray that the Lord will give you peace.
Isaiah 54:
10 Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,
says the LORD, who has compassion on you.
11 Afflicted city, lashed by storms and not comforted,
I will rebuild you with stones of turquoise,
your foundations with lapis lazuli.
12 I will make your battlements of rubies,
your gates of sparkling jewels,
and all your walls of precious stones.
13 All your children will be taught by the LORD,
and great will be their peace.
14 In righteousness you will be established:
Tyranny will be far from you;
you will have nothing to fear.
Terror will be far removed;
it will not come near you.
15 If anyone does attack you, it will not be my doing;
whoever attacks you will surrender to you.
16 See, it is I who created the blacksmith
who fans the coals into flame
and forges a weapon fit for its work.
And it is I who have created the destroyer to wreak havoc;
17 no weapon forged against you will prevail,
and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.
This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,
and this is their vindication from me,
declares the LORD.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Two months later
But now the LORD my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence. 1 Kings 5:4
The good news is that two months after plasmapheresis, my blood test showed everything as normal again and my medications have been reduced. I am feeling much better and improving physically daily. This is such joy.
The good news is that two months after plasmapheresis, my blood test showed everything as normal again and my medications have been reduced. I am feeling much better and improving physically daily. This is such joy.
A dear friend of mine, Gigi, was relived from her suffering and sadly passed away a week ago. She battled with colon cancer for a few years but has now gone to join the angels. She was such a special person and would be remembered lovingly by many. It was better for her to depart and to be with the Lord just as Paul said in the Bible (Philippians 1:23). My deepest sympathy goes out to her family. She will be missed.
Psalm 124, A song of David
1 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,”
Let Israel now say—
2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;
5 Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”
6 Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Let Israel now say—
2 “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,
When men rose up against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
When their wrath was kindled against us;
4 Then the waters would have overwhelmed us,
The stream would have gone over our soul;
5 Then the swollen waters
Would have gone over our soul.”
6 Blessed be the LORD,
Who has not given us as prey to their teeth.
7 Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers;
The snare is broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.
Saturday, July 2, 2011
Fearing no evil
Six weeks after leaving the hospital, I am so much better. Restoration has been progressive with new accomplishments each day. I was able to walk leisurely for two hours, shopping, without needing to sit every two minutes. I can now walk up and down stairs with ease without being short of breath. I have no inflammation, no pain, no rash, and I am coping with the sun better. I am also slowly reducing my medications. What a journey. However, there is always that lingering fear of "going through it all again".
To overcome this fear, I have to remind myself daily that:
"Never again will I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For the Lord is with me,
His rod and His staff, they comfort me" Adapted from Psalm 23:4
To my network of friends and family, thank you for your support. You make me who I am. To all of you going through sickness or disease, I pray that your healing and recovery will be speedy.
To overcome this fear, I have to remind myself daily that:
"Never again will I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
For the Lord is with me,
His rod and His staff, they comfort me" Adapted from Psalm 23:4
To my network of friends and family, thank you for your support. You make me who I am. To all of you going through sickness or disease, I pray that your healing and recovery will be speedy.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
A tapestry of the journey
Part 1: In the beginning
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. Psalm 23: 1 -3
Part 2: The dark days
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Part 3: The healing
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 54:14
Part 4: Restoration
Restore us, LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 19
Let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
they will see God’s face and shout for joy;
he will restore them to full well-being. Job 33:25-26
Part 5: And
Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Psalm 23:6
The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
He leads me beside quiet waters,
He refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake. Psalm 23: 1 -3
Part 2: The dark days
Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. Psalm 23:4
Part 3: The healing
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows. Psalm 23:5
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard. Isaiah 54:14
Part 4: Restoration
Restore us, LORD God Almighty;
make your face shine on us,
that we may be saved. Psalm 80: 19
Let their flesh be renewed like a child’s;
let them be restored as in the days of their youth’—
then that person can pray to God and find favor with him,
they will see God’s face and shout for joy;
he will restore them to full well-being. Job 33:25-26
Part 5: And
Surely your goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever. Psalm 23:6
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
A joyful attitude
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6
To experience the kindness and love of God demonstrated through people is amazing. The things people did and are still doing for me and my family literally melted my heart. In the past I have wondered about the causes or sources of my illness, but in the grand scheme of things, causes and sources are not relevant. However, I have since decided that the whole experience is not about the illness but the journey through it. Having a joyful attitude even when the going is tough and having the ability to fully experience and appreciate God's blessings without remorse is very important. I am continually grateful for all what I have and have been given, and also for all the positive experiences despite the circumstances. This has helped me remain joyful and is constantly giving me the ability to experience more and more of God's mercy.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Psalm 89:14-16
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
In Your name they rejoice all day long,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
To experience the kindness and love of God demonstrated through people is amazing. The things people did and are still doing for me and my family literally melted my heart. In the past I have wondered about the causes or sources of my illness, but in the grand scheme of things, causes and sources are not relevant. However, I have since decided that the whole experience is not about the illness but the journey through it. Having a joyful attitude even when the going is tough and having the ability to fully experience and appreciate God's blessings without remorse is very important. I am continually grateful for all what I have and have been given, and also for all the positive experiences despite the circumstances. This has helped me remain joyful and is constantly giving me the ability to experience more and more of God's mercy.
Acts 20:24
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Psalm 89:14-16
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
In Your name they rejoice all day long,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Sustainable Healing
Then your light shall break forth like the morning,
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Isaiah 54:14
Coming out of hospital with a diagnosis of Lupus cross over dermatomyositis/polymyositis meant a whole lot of medications. In addition to these, there are also weekly physiotherapy visits. The medications only keep the chemical balance in the body but some can introduce new side effects. Some side effects can be temporary while others can be permanent. In the short term, medications and therapies are good because they keep the body functioning. They give the body strength by creating an illusion of healing. This strength is important and much needed by the spirit and the mind. It allows the body time to get back to a state where true healing can start to take place. Healing and health does NOT stop there! The body can only be in a true state of health with healing, when one can safely stay healthy if all medications and therapies are taken away and the body is still in a state of chemical balance. This is what I call 'sustainable healing'.
I have to put my copyright on the term 'sustainable healing and health'. It is a term I haven't heard from anywhere but my revelation of what I need. Sustainable healing is healing and health for the body from the inside out. It is a state where the body heals itself and stays healthy not relying on external therapies or medications. It is a state where the body balances its own chemistry. Sustainable healing is what Jesus gives.
Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Your healing shall spring forth speedily,
And your righteousness shall go before you;
The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.
Isaiah 54:14
Coming out of hospital with a diagnosis of Lupus cross over dermatomyositis/polymyositis meant a whole lot of medications. In addition to these, there are also weekly physiotherapy visits. The medications only keep the chemical balance in the body but some can introduce new side effects. Some side effects can be temporary while others can be permanent. In the short term, medications and therapies are good because they keep the body functioning. They give the body strength by creating an illusion of healing. This strength is important and much needed by the spirit and the mind. It allows the body time to get back to a state where true healing can start to take place. Healing and health does NOT stop there! The body can only be in a true state of health with healing, when one can safely stay healthy if all medications and therapies are taken away and the body is still in a state of chemical balance. This is what I call 'sustainable healing'.
I have to put my copyright on the term 'sustainable healing and health'. It is a term I haven't heard from anywhere but my revelation of what I need. Sustainable healing is healing and health for the body from the inside out. It is a state where the body heals itself and stays healthy not relying on external therapies or medications. It is a state where the body balances its own chemistry. Sustainable healing is what Jesus gives.
Jeremiah 33:6
Behold, I will bring it health and healing; I will heal them and reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth.
Malachi 4:2
But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.
Acts 10:38
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Back again
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” John 11:4
I spent the last 5 and a half weeks in hospital when my lungs collapsed followed by a hemorrhage. I met a lot of people while in hospital, from patients, to nurses, doctors, and other families. There were so many sick people in the hospital. Some families had to make difficult decisions. My heart cried to the Lord for these people despite my own situation. However, my timing at the hospital was God ordained as my case was presented at a Rheumatologists' conference in Vancouver. The consensus at the conference was that I should be given a Plasma Pheresis treatment which had never been done before on anybody in my condition. This treatment would typically cost $100,000s. My husband and I agreed to the treatment as the benefits outweighed the risks hence my extended stay in hospital. The treatment went well and I feel physically and mentally better. It is anticipated that my lungs would fully recover in 6 to 8 months.
The time spent in hospital was very trying for family and friends. Many people were afraid I might die because of how bad my lungs were. However, the promise is that this sickness is not unto death. This promise does not mean the road would be easy. There were times when I was literally in the valley of the shadow of death and there were times when all I saw was a host of Heavenly saints dressed as choirs singing praises and glory to the King. The entire experience was very mixed. It was a path that I had to tread. Thankfully, God will not allow us to be tried beyond what we can cope with and He promises to deliver us from all our afflictions.
I am grateful for those who were praying for me and my recovery. I am also grateful for the healthcare system and everything it had to offer me, from physicians, to nurses, to treatment, to drugs. I am grateful for all those who helped my children with acts of kindness and love when I was not there. I am also grateful for those who planted my gardens and continued to help my family while I recover from home. By faith, I continue to take hold of the life Christ died so I could have.
Psalm 34: 18 - 20
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Colossian 3:2-4
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
I spent the last 5 and a half weeks in hospital when my lungs collapsed followed by a hemorrhage. I met a lot of people while in hospital, from patients, to nurses, doctors, and other families. There were so many sick people in the hospital. Some families had to make difficult decisions. My heart cried to the Lord for these people despite my own situation. However, my timing at the hospital was God ordained as my case was presented at a Rheumatologists' conference in Vancouver. The consensus at the conference was that I should be given a Plasma Pheresis treatment which had never been done before on anybody in my condition. This treatment would typically cost $100,000s. My husband and I agreed to the treatment as the benefits outweighed the risks hence my extended stay in hospital. The treatment went well and I feel physically and mentally better. It is anticipated that my lungs would fully recover in 6 to 8 months.
The time spent in hospital was very trying for family and friends. Many people were afraid I might die because of how bad my lungs were. However, the promise is that this sickness is not unto death. This promise does not mean the road would be easy. There were times when I was literally in the valley of the shadow of death and there were times when all I saw was a host of Heavenly saints dressed as choirs singing praises and glory to the King. The entire experience was very mixed. It was a path that I had to tread. Thankfully, God will not allow us to be tried beyond what we can cope with and He promises to deliver us from all our afflictions.
I am grateful for those who were praying for me and my recovery. I am also grateful for the healthcare system and everything it had to offer me, from physicians, to nurses, to treatment, to drugs. I am grateful for all those who helped my children with acts of kindness and love when I was not there. I am also grateful for those who planted my gardens and continued to help my family while I recover from home. By faith, I continue to take hold of the life Christ died so I could have.
Psalm 34: 18 - 20
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
He guards all his bones;
Not one of them is broken.
1 Timothy 6:12
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Colossian 3:2-4
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Solo Gracia
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12: 6, 7
I'm continually grateful to God for His grace. The strength and joy I experience everyday is only by His grace. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Luke 12: 22 - 31
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."
I'm continually grateful to God for His grace. The strength and joy I experience everyday is only by His grace. Thank you all for your prayers and support.
Luke 12: 22 - 31
Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds! Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?
Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?
And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Afflictions and deliverance
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).
Finally found a Lungs Specialist whose goal is to increase my lung capacity and diffusion rate. I'm glad I did not agree to the open lung biopsy as demanded by the Respirologist. It was not necessary after all. I am still praying and believing God for a miracle, that my lungs be restored to wholeness, and that the scar tissues on them be healed and be reversed. I am also praying that the Holy Spirit will make intercession on my behalf as He does for all saints according to the will of God.
Psalm 34:18 - 20
Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
God is still God and He is in the business of delivering His people.
Remain in Him!
Finally found a Lungs Specialist whose goal is to increase my lung capacity and diffusion rate. I'm glad I did not agree to the open lung biopsy as demanded by the Respirologist. It was not necessary after all. I am still praying and believing God for a miracle, that my lungs be restored to wholeness, and that the scar tissues on them be healed and be reversed. I am also praying that the Holy Spirit will make intercession on my behalf as He does for all saints according to the will of God.
Psalm 34:18 - 20
Many are the afflictions of the righteous:
but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.
The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
The righteous person may have many troubles,
but the LORD delivers him from them all;
He protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken.
God is still God and He is in the business of delivering His people.
Remain in Him!
Thursday, March 17, 2011
A tribute to Toks
Dear Toks,
It was a honor to have known you and to have enjoyed some of the blessings you spread while with us. Your passing away from the body, while sad for us both friends and family, means you are now present with the Lord.
When you sang "I can only imagine" a few years ago, it made me reflect not knowing that you were soon to experience that day. I hope the experience was more glorious than you ever imagined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_OB7d-B1Vw
Rest in peace Toks. You will continue to live in our memories.
RIP beloved friend,
Signed Hebrew woman.
It was a honor to have known you and to have enjoyed some of the blessings you spread while with us. Your passing away from the body, while sad for us both friends and family, means you are now present with the Lord.
When you sang "I can only imagine" a few years ago, it made me reflect not knowing that you were soon to experience that day. I hope the experience was more glorious than you ever imagined.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_OB7d-B1Vw
Rest in peace Toks. You will continue to live in our memories.
RIP beloved friend,
Signed Hebrew woman.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
The Hebrew women
The midwives answered Pharaoh, “Hebrew women are not like Egyptian women; they are vigorous and give birth before the midwives arrive.” Exodus 1:19
God's miracle is sometimes hard for people in the medical field to comprehend. With a 50% lung capacity and a 30% diffusion rate, my respirologist stated that they overestimated the severity of my condition because I should not be able to do all the things I can do. He, of course, would still like a lung biopsy. Just like the Hebrew women in the days of Exodus, God has made me vigorous and He gives me strength from day to day without the intervention of the respirologist.
Psalm 34:18-20 (King James Version)
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions (troubles) of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
God's miracle is sometimes hard for people in the medical field to comprehend. With a 50% lung capacity and a 30% diffusion rate, my respirologist stated that they overestimated the severity of my condition because I should not be able to do all the things I can do. He, of course, would still like a lung biopsy. Just like the Hebrew women in the days of Exodus, God has made me vigorous and He gives me strength from day to day without the intervention of the respirologist.
Psalm 34:18-20 (King James Version)
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions (troubles) of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all. He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Restoration
Isaiah 49:8-9
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I believe I have found favor with God and He is restoring my body back to wholeness. I had my lung function test yesterday and my capacity has gone up to 50%. I am still believing God for 100% capacity. My joints and muscles are much stronger, less inflamed and they ache less. The Lord, in His mercy, is doing His restoration work on me!
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
This is what the LORD says: “In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help you; I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people, to restore the land and to reassign its desolate inheritances, to say to the captives, ‘Come out,’ and to those in darkness, ‘Be free!’.
Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. I believe I have found favor with God and He is restoring my body back to wholeness. I had my lung function test yesterday and my capacity has gone up to 50%. I am still believing God for 100% capacity. My joints and muscles are much stronger, less inflamed and they ache less. The Lord, in His mercy, is doing His restoration work on me!
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
The Mercy of God
Did you know that mercy is an attribute of God?
2 Chronicles 6:19
Yet, LORD my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.
Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 57:1
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 123:2
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.
Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
1 Peter 2:10
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Jude 1:21
keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
I pray that the mercy of God will continue to be with us and give us peace, Amen.
2 Chronicles 6:19
Yet, LORD my God, give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.
Psalm 4:1
Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer.
Psalm 57:1
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.
Psalm 123:2
As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.
Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
1 Peter 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead
1 Peter 2:10
Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love.
Jude 1:21
keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
I pray that the mercy of God will continue to be with us and give us peace, Amen.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me!
Thinking more about the potter and the clay, it struck me that we need God's mercy. The two examples below are prayers for mercy.
Matthew 20:29-34
As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 15:22-28
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Show us your compassion. Heal us. Amen.
Matthew 20:29-34
As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked. “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.” Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.
Matthew 15:22-28
A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is demon-possessed and suffering terribly.” Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, “Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.” The woman came and knelt before him. “Lord, help me!” she said. He replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Then Jesus said to her, “Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.” And her daughter was healed at that moment.
Lord Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on us. Show us your compassion. Heal us. Amen.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Dear Lord, why me?
But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? (Romans 9:20-21).
I had to ask "Dear Lord, why me?" This, of course, is a very human thing to do! The answer came as clear as day. The Lord is the potter, we are the clay.
Jeremiah 18:1-6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Lord do unto us according to Your will. Amen
I had to ask "Dear Lord, why me?" This, of course, is a very human thing to do! The answer came as clear as day. The Lord is the potter, we are the clay.
Jeremiah 18:1-6
This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the LORD: “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the LORD came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the LORD. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.
Lord do unto us according to Your will. Amen
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Biofeedback and a new diet
"And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5: 23 - 24
My biofeedback adventure reminds me of the story of Naaman with leprosy. The lady at my Dentist office suggested I should go for a biofeedback session just like the maid in Naaman's story suggested he should go and see the prophet in Samaria.
Without giving too much information away to the Biofeedback consultant, she diagnosed scleroderma and came up with a long list of things my body is now sensitive to. This long list include animal protein and all processed foods. The long and short of this is I was to go on a vegan diet! She also re-aligned my magnetic fields and brought them back close to equilibrium. I don't fully understand what that is - help anyone!
Going back to my diet. I decided to check it out biblically. The closest I could come up with is Daniel. After 10 days of trying the vegan diet, I lost a lot of body fluid, my joints were less inflamed, and I was and still am physically stronger. I will stick to this diet for as long as I need to.
Daniel 1: 3 - 20
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
My biofeedback adventure reminds me of the story of Naaman with leprosy. The lady at my Dentist office suggested I should go for a biofeedback session just like the maid in Naaman's story suggested he should go and see the prophet in Samaria.
Without giving too much information away to the Biofeedback consultant, she diagnosed scleroderma and came up with a long list of things my body is now sensitive to. This long list include animal protein and all processed foods. The long and short of this is I was to go on a vegan diet! She also re-aligned my magnetic fields and brought them back close to equilibrium. I don't fully understand what that is - help anyone!
Going back to my diet. I decided to check it out biblically. The closest I could come up with is Daniel. After 10 days of trying the vegan diet, I lost a lot of body fluid, my joints were less inflamed, and I was and still am physically stronger. I will stick to this diet for as long as I need to.
Daniel 1: 3 - 20
Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— young men without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace. He was to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians. The king assigned them a daily amount of food and wine from the king’s table. They were to be trained for three years, and after that they were to enter the king’s service. Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. Now God had caused the official to show favor and compassion to Daniel, but the official told Daniel, “I am afraid of my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men your age? The king would then have my head because of you.”
Daniel then said to the guard whom the chief official had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, “Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food, and treat your servants in accordance with what you see.” So he agreed to this and tested them for ten days.
At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.
At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.
Mother Teresa's United Nations Prayer
Mother Teresa composed this prayer for the United Nations International Year of the Family
"Heavenly Father, you have given us a model of life in the Holy Family of Nazareth. Help us, O loving Father to make our family another Nazareth where love, peace and joy reign. May it be deeply contemplative, intensely Eucharistic and vibrant with joy. Help us to stay together in joy and sorrow through family prayer.
Teach us to see Jesus in the members of our family especially in their distressing disguise. May the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus make our hearts meek and humble like His and help us to carry out our family duties in a holy way. May we love one another as God loves each one of us more and more each day, and forgive each other's faults as You forgive our sins.
Help us, O loving Father to take whatever You give and to give whatever You take with a big smile. Immaculate Heart of Mary, cause of our joy, pray for us. St. Joseph, pray for us. Holy Guardian Angels be always with us, guide and protect us. Amen."
Thank you Marianne for sharing this prayer.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
A prayer for you
Prayer from a very dear friend of mine:
May God remember you like Noah.
Favour you like Moses.
Honour you like Mary.
Fight for you like the Israelites.
Prosper you like Isaac.
Promote you like Joseph.
Intervene for you like Esther.
Protect you like Daniel.
Use you like Paul.
Heal you like Naaman.
Answer you like Elijah.
Anoint you like David and keep you safe like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
In Jesus' Name
I pray this for all of you as well.
May God remember you like Noah.
Favour you like Moses.
Honour you like Mary.
Fight for you like the Israelites.
Prosper you like Isaac.
Promote you like Joseph.
Intervene for you like Esther.
Protect you like Daniel.
Use you like Paul.
Heal you like Naaman.
Answer you like Elijah.
Anoint you like David and keep you safe like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.
In Jesus' Name
I pray this for all of you as well.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Spirit, Soul, and Body
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).
Understanding that one's illness is in the body not one's spirit or soul is very important. Making that distinction gives me strength from day to day. I remind myself that I am a spirit, I live in a body, and I have a soul. With my spirit, I can draw from God, with my soul I can find knowledge and apply wisdom to my situation. This has been very helpful for me in keeping depression out and staying focused! I draw daily strength by reminding myself that my spirit and soul are healthy and my body will become healthy again. My spirit and soul are working together to help my body come back to health.
Matthew 10:28-31
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Understanding that one's illness is in the body not one's spirit or soul is very important. Making that distinction gives me strength from day to day. I remind myself that I am a spirit, I live in a body, and I have a soul. With my spirit, I can draw from God, with my soul I can find knowledge and apply wisdom to my situation. This has been very helpful for me in keeping depression out and staying focused! I draw daily strength by reminding myself that my spirit and soul are healthy and my body will become healthy again. My spirit and soul are working together to help my body come back to health.
Matthew 10:28-31
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Daily confession
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith (Galatians 3:13-14).
I pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit and receive his gifts into my life. I receive the gift of faith and the gifts of healing.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
By faith I have been redeemed from: muscle inflammation causing swelling and stiffness. I have been redeemed from high blood pressure and persistent nose bleeds. I have been redeemed from rashes, hemorrhage, skin calcification. I have been redeemed from cough and shortness of breath. I have been redeemed from inflamed lung cells and ground glass opacity. I have been redeemed from general fatigue, malaise, fever and night sweats. I have been redeemed from muscle twitching and muscle spasms.
Women received their dead raised to life again (Hebrews 11:35).
By faith, I receive my lungs back to life again, I receive my liver and muscles back in health; I receive health in my body. I receive restoration of my immune system. My immune system comes back to normal again.
The sun will not harm me by day nor the moon by night. My hope is in you Lord, you will renew my strength. I will soar on wings like eagles, I will run and not grow weary, and I will walk and not be faint. Because the breathe of the Holy Spirit gives me life. By faith I receive life and health in my body. Amen.
I pray for the presence of the Holy Spirit and receive his gifts into my life. I receive the gift of faith and the gifts of healing.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
By faith I have been redeemed from: muscle inflammation causing swelling and stiffness. I have been redeemed from high blood pressure and persistent nose bleeds. I have been redeemed from rashes, hemorrhage, skin calcification. I have been redeemed from cough and shortness of breath. I have been redeemed from inflamed lung cells and ground glass opacity. I have been redeemed from general fatigue, malaise, fever and night sweats. I have been redeemed from muscle twitching and muscle spasms.
Women received their dead raised to life again (Hebrews 11:35).
By faith, I receive my lungs back to life again, I receive my liver and muscles back in health; I receive health in my body. I receive restoration of my immune system. My immune system comes back to normal again.
The sun will not harm me by day nor the moon by night. My hope is in you Lord, you will renew my strength. I will soar on wings like eagles, I will run and not grow weary, and I will walk and not be faint. Because the breathe of the Holy Spirit gives me life. By faith I receive life and health in my body. Amen.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Daily living
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
Daily living can be a challenge. Going from a hiker, hiking up to the top of mountains, skiing, and cycling to being unable to walk on a flat surface for 2 minutes is tough. Walking up stairs is difficult and I can't even get out of a bath tub on some days. But the Lord gives me strength from day to day. He renews my strength and gives me the ability to overcome daily challenges.
Daily living can be a challenge. Going from a hiker, hiking up to the top of mountains, skiing, and cycling to being unable to walk on a flat surface for 2 minutes is tough. Walking up stairs is difficult and I can't even get out of a bath tub on some days. But the Lord gives me strength from day to day. He renews my strength and gives me the ability to overcome daily challenges.
Psalm 27
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord. Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up. Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.Thursday, January 20, 2011
Emotional wellness
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).
Staying positive is a challenge when one is surrounded by a constant badgering of unpleasant news. Blood test after blood test, CT-scans, ultra sounds, biopsies, and the list goes on. Month after month, the results are worse sometimes not improving. It takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains, those negative news are like mountains. Lord, please give me a constant supply of faith the size of mustard seeds to move my mountains!
Good news is as cold water to a thirsty soul! A tiny ray of hope, today my echo-cardiogram results showed that my heart is doing fine despite the tornado going on inside. I'm glad the light in that tunnel was not another train.
Respirologists want to do an open lung biopsy to get a sizable chunk of tissue for more testing but I am not keen on it. It will provide information, but will not lead to healing. Just like the woman in the Bible with the issue of blood, I need the touch of Jesus. Paul the Apostle told Timothy to hold fast the form of sound words which Paul has spoken in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13). I am holding fast and not letting go!
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Staying positive is a challenge when one is surrounded by a constant badgering of unpleasant news. Blood test after blood test, CT-scans, ultra sounds, biopsies, and the list goes on. Month after month, the results are worse sometimes not improving. It takes faith the size of a mustard seed to move mountains, those negative news are like mountains. Lord, please give me a constant supply of faith the size of mustard seeds to move my mountains!
Good news is as cold water to a thirsty soul! A tiny ray of hope, today my echo-cardiogram results showed that my heart is doing fine despite the tornado going on inside. I'm glad the light in that tunnel was not another train.
Respirologists want to do an open lung biopsy to get a sizable chunk of tissue for more testing but I am not keen on it. It will provide information, but will not lead to healing. Just like the woman in the Bible with the issue of blood, I need the touch of Jesus. Paul the Apostle told Timothy to hold fast the form of sound words which Paul has spoken in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 1:13). I am holding fast and not letting go!
2 Kings 6:15-17
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” the servant asked. “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, LORD, so that he may see.” Then the LORD opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Interstitial Lung Disease
The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life (Job 33:4).
We all need to breathe to live. Being diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is not fun! Back in June 2010, chest X-ray results showed that there was stuff in my lungs which were not coming out when I coughed. CT-scan revealed what is medically termed 'ground glass opacity' which is what you would expect in the lungs of someone working in a mine or exposed to asbestos. I was neither. So where did it come from? My lung capacity was down by 75%. I was in Montreal in July and the Pulmonologist was advising me not to go on an airplane. Why? I needed to get back home and had no choice. My oxygen saturation was dropping below 70% and she was not sure I could breathe on an airplane. Well, I made it back home to BC with no incident. My oxygen saturation has improved slightly but on a bad day, it is very low. Low oxygen means there is not enough to feed the muscles which leads to muscle weakening and eventually deterioration. The body is a very complex machine, how we take for granted the way the whole thing works. Well, it's hard work keeping the muscles alive and staying alive as well! Daily exercise without exertion is a struggle. It is difficult to climb stairs or walk any distance. From being a mountain climbing hiker to being breathless at moving around the house is still unimaginable. The prognosis for ILD is bad, I need a miracle to get out of this one!
Ezekiel 37:1 - 14
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
We all need to breathe to live. Being diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is not fun! Back in June 2010, chest X-ray results showed that there was stuff in my lungs which were not coming out when I coughed. CT-scan revealed what is medically termed 'ground glass opacity' which is what you would expect in the lungs of someone working in a mine or exposed to asbestos. I was neither. So where did it come from? My lung capacity was down by 75%. I was in Montreal in July and the Pulmonologist was advising me not to go on an airplane. Why? I needed to get back home and had no choice. My oxygen saturation was dropping below 70% and she was not sure I could breathe on an airplane. Well, I made it back home to BC with no incident. My oxygen saturation has improved slightly but on a bad day, it is very low. Low oxygen means there is not enough to feed the muscles which leads to muscle weakening and eventually deterioration. The body is a very complex machine, how we take for granted the way the whole thing works. Well, it's hard work keeping the muscles alive and staying alive as well! Daily exercise without exertion is a struggle. It is difficult to climb stairs or walk any distance. From being a mountain climbing hiker to being breathless at moving around the house is still unimaginable. The prognosis for ILD is bad, I need a miracle to get out of this one!
Ezekiel 37:1 - 14
The hand of the LORD was upon me, and carried me out in the spirit of the LORD, and set me down in the midst of the valley which was full of bones, And caused me to pass by them round about: and, behold, there were very many in the open valley; and, lo, they were very dry. And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord GOD, thou knowest. Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD. Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the LORD. So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live. So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army. Then he said unto me, Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost: we are cut off for our parts. Therefore prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, O my people, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. And ye shall know that I am the LORD, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the LORD have spoken it, and performed it, saith the LORD.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Medications...
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psalm 23:4).
Prescribed drugs that is working for me:
- Predisone (varying dose, plan is to get off completely)
- Celebrex (100 to 200mg depending on level of inflammation)
- Ramipril (for high blood pressure)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
Supplements I found useful:
- Centrum Fort
- MSM capsule (without glucosamine because of my fluctuating blood pressure)
- MSM cream for rash and inflamed joints
- Flax Omega-3
- Turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties plus its great to cook with)
Going from a person who does not have any need for medications or supplements to taking all the above is like an assault on the body. It feels like polluting my body. Thank God for the word! It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth (Matthew 15:11).
Oh, and what comes out of the mouth, it is a struggle to speak some days. A big "Thank you" to all those people who are praying for me. On those day, it is your prayers that keep me going. I appreciate you all.
Other therapies that are working for me:
- Acupuncture for pain relieve and muscle stiffness, including auto immune points
- Craniosacral massage for tissue and nerve wellness
- Respiratory training to increase lung capacity and oxygen to the muscles
- An hour at the gym every other day to maintain muscle strength
- An hour in the spa (hot tub) and steam room followed by a dip in cold water pool
Having good knowledge of my body has been a saving grace. It emphasizes the first part of Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". I am glad I am still in tune with my body. this has been helping to quickly stop any drug or therapy that is not working as drug reactions can be fatal. The physicians prescribe what they believe to be best but one has to remember they are not God and are only working with what they know.
Other medications which I reacted badly to:
- Methotrexate (steroid sparing drug)
- Etidronate disodium (to prevent osteoporosis)
I am looking forward to the day when I can once again proclaim the power of Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Prescribed drugs that is working for me:
- Predisone (varying dose, plan is to get off completely)
- Celebrex (100 to 200mg depending on level of inflammation)
- Ramipril (for high blood pressure)
- Folic acid
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Calcium
- Vitamin D
Supplements I found useful:
- Centrum Fort
- MSM capsule (without glucosamine because of my fluctuating blood pressure)
- MSM cream for rash and inflamed joints
- Flax Omega-3
- Turmeric (for its anti-inflammatory properties plus its great to cook with)
Going from a person who does not have any need for medications or supplements to taking all the above is like an assault on the body. It feels like polluting my body. Thank God for the word! It is not what goes into the mouth of a man that makes him unclean and defiled, but what comes out of the mouth (Matthew 15:11).
Oh, and what comes out of the mouth, it is a struggle to speak some days. A big "Thank you" to all those people who are praying for me. On those day, it is your prayers that keep me going. I appreciate you all.
Other therapies that are working for me:
- Acupuncture for pain relieve and muscle stiffness, including auto immune points
- Craniosacral massage for tissue and nerve wellness
- Respiratory training to increase lung capacity and oxygen to the muscles
- An hour at the gym every other day to maintain muscle strength
- An hour in the spa (hot tub) and steam room followed by a dip in cold water pool
Having good knowledge of my body has been a saving grace. It emphasizes the first part of Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". I am glad I am still in tune with my body. this has been helping to quickly stop any drug or therapy that is not working as drug reactions can be fatal. The physicians prescribe what they believe to be best but one has to remember they are not God and are only working with what they know.
Other medications which I reacted badly to:
- Methotrexate (steroid sparing drug)
- Etidronate disodium (to prevent osteoporosis)
I am looking forward to the day when I can once again proclaim the power of Luke 10:19 "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you."
Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
In the valley of the Shadow of Death.
I was never ill, never caught a cold, and I lived a relatively healthy and busy life, but then that all changed! It all started at the end of March 2010 with being tired. It was a long winter so nothing that serious maybe I was just getting run down and was catching a cold, but then I never got a cold.
In April 2010 I had sharp pains on my lower back, perhaps I was dehydrated and needed more fluid, but then I lost feeling in my right leg, I had a trapped nerve. A few visits to the Chiropractor but the pain kept moving to other parts of my body.
In May 2010, it was itchy red eyes. A trip to the optician who confirmed swollen tissues, cold eye drops would fix it. Following on from this was the ongoing fever with chills, cough, pain everywhere, patchy rash with itchiness, shortness of breath and a cough that won't go away.
A visit to the GP in June 2010 which resulted in a series of blood tests, two courses of antibiotics, MRI, chest X-rays, and referral to specialists. Results showed lung disease with ground glass opacity, nodules in my liver, inflamed muscles and joints, and elevated cpk. Hospitalized for 3 days in July with lots test and consultation with specialists. Possibilities - sarcoidosis, lupus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis. This is the valley of shadow of death (psalm 23).
It is comforting to know that there are people praying for me because there are days I can't pray for myself or even do anything for myself. It's also comforting to know that when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is with me even though it's so dark and lonely and I can't see a thing!
How did I get here? Where is the way out of this valley?
Psalm 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
In April 2010 I had sharp pains on my lower back, perhaps I was dehydrated and needed more fluid, but then I lost feeling in my right leg, I had a trapped nerve. A few visits to the Chiropractor but the pain kept moving to other parts of my body.
In May 2010, it was itchy red eyes. A trip to the optician who confirmed swollen tissues, cold eye drops would fix it. Following on from this was the ongoing fever with chills, cough, pain everywhere, patchy rash with itchiness, shortness of breath and a cough that won't go away.
A visit to the GP in June 2010 which resulted in a series of blood tests, two courses of antibiotics, MRI, chest X-rays, and referral to specialists. Results showed lung disease with ground glass opacity, nodules in my liver, inflamed muscles and joints, and elevated cpk. Hospitalized for 3 days in July with lots test and consultation with specialists. Possibilities - sarcoidosis, lupus, polymyositis, dermatomyositis. This is the valley of shadow of death (psalm 23).
It is comforting to know that there are people praying for me because there are days I can't pray for myself or even do anything for myself. It's also comforting to know that when I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the Lord is with me even though it's so dark and lonely and I can't see a thing!
How did I get here? Where is the way out of this valley?
Psalm 121
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
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