When things start piling up...

Hello faithful readers. I do pray that my blogs have been encouraging to you all.  That is my heart. 
I think we all have times in our lives when we feel "the mound " is getting higher and higher.  We often think if one more thing is added on to the pile it will erupt like a volcano.  But somehow we find that extra strength to keep going, keep breaking through that pile. And before we know it we look back and the huge mound looks like a mere ant hill. 
We all have those times.  I'm having one this week. I'm having some complications at the port site with a blood clot.  And then we have the beginnings of another mound. Or so it seems.  
We all have a different perspective when we look at something.  I have always tried to keep a positive perspective.  There is always something we can focus on that is good and uplifting.  With that said, I am certainly not perfect. And think about it, I've had many years to work through these issues and practice being positive. 
Seriously folks, we all have those "down" times. But it is what we do with them that matters. We can sit alone and sulk in our own misery.  Or better yet, we can have fellowship with someone who can lift us up and encourage us.  We all have the same choices.  One of the best helps I have is going to a favorite scripture.  I have a few, it depends on the situation.  God's Word will never disappoint us.  Even if it is just a few words, read it over and over.  Pray that scripture over you and your circumstance.  You may be surprised at how comforting that is.  
So whatever mound is in front of you, however big that pile may seem, it still cannot stand up against the Word of God. God's Word is filled with the hope, faith, and trust we need.  And I know if you ask Him, He will supply. 
Be encouraged friends, our hardships or difficulties do not define who we are, God defines who we are.  And that includes being victorious. 

DISAPPOINTMENTS

How many disappointments do we go through in a lifetime? Oh my, that is a loaded question.  I would say many, probably too many to count.  Think about when Jesus asked the disciples to stay watch and pray with Him in the garden that night of His arrest.  Do you think He was disappointed when He went back to where the disciples were and He found them asleep? And then how many times have we disappointed Jesus?  

We all face disappointments.  The key factor here is we can move on and learn from those experiences.  Jesus is the first one to forgive us.  We certainly can forgive those that may disappoint us.  When you think about it, so often we have "exaggerated " the circumstances.  

Whether it be something we did, or something someone else did, or disappointments in your life, maybe health, or your job, all of these things we can overcome and conquer with the help of Jesus.  We can be, and we are overcomers with Jesus' help. It doesn't matter what the circumstance is, our Lord Jesus went to the cross, died, rose in 3 days for us. He went to battle for you and me, He fought every battle, and He won the war, for us, for our freedom.  

So when you face disappointments in your life, let it go, give it to Jesus.  There is no reason for you to carry that heavy burden by yourself. That heavy load can affect you peace of mind, your physical well being, and your spiritual well being. 

As I battle this leukemia, fight to keep my ability to walk, and fight through the pain I endure everyday, I can have that peace in my heart knowing Jesus has taken those burdens from me.  I am not fighting these things alone. 

That thought alone fills me with the hope, peace, and faith I need everyday.  

Be encouraged readers, you too can have that same peace and comfort from Jesus.  He waits with arms opened wide for you to give it over to Him. 

We are all OVERCOMERS!  

Just thinking...

    Hello readers.  I've been pondering some thoughts for a few days, however, they have been sort of scattered.  Meaning they didn't seem to follow the same path. That is until I read my devotions this morning. Now if I can make sense of  it all.  

    As I mentioned in an earlier post, since beginning the chemo I have felt so much better.  Then we had a few busy days, the humidity and heat were quite high, and I battled an infection.  One day I was experiencing the fatigue again, the overall general beaten up feeling. I figured I was going to have those "off" days. But then it turned into 4-5 days. Oh boy, Lord help me stay positive and upbeat. One of my verses in my devotions one day was Ephesians 6:10-20. The "Armor of God". Oh boy did I grab ahold of that. 

    Then I had thoughts about this election season. ( No I'm not going there). It is so easy to get discouraged, angry, fed-up with it all.  The negative it pours into your mind is insurmountable. I thought how can I escape this without being unaware of the circumstances.  Again, my verse was Ephesians, put on that armor.  

    Ok, so I'm managing to keep myself in the Word of God, I'm praying, I'm journaling, and I'm staying encouraged.

    Yesterday I had my checkup with my oncologist.  My blood work is still crazy. I'm still battling an infection. The fatigue is better at times.  But the lymph nodes have diminished greatly. My Dr was even surprised.  I asked her how long would I be on the chemo, she answered "for life". Ok then, I immediately could choose how I would receive that. I truly believe because I have kept myself covered with the armor of God and His Word, I was able to respond with "I have no problem with that". I can hear your thoughts---what, is she crazy.  Hahaha, no.  I'm just receiving with a grateful heart, and much thanksgiving that my Lord Jesus is taking care of me. I haven't lost my hair, I am able to control the nausea, and I have a wonderful life. 

    This applies to every aspect of our lives, readers. The state the world is in, the state our country is in, your own health, your thoughts, your finances, and on and on. Our Lord Jesus has given us the "tools" we need to stay afloat. And He is a personal, loving God who cares about our every concern and every need. 

    I encourage you this week to rely on Him.  Open up that Bible, ask Him to guide you in His Word.  And go to Ephesians chapter 6. Read about the armor and put it on everyday.  It doesn't take hours of reading. But I believe after awhile it will turn into a lifestyle for you. 

God bless you readers.