Tested by... Praise?

Tests. None of us like them. Yet, they are important for showing where we are right now and what is needed to take us to where we would like to be. 

My word for the year has been "joy." Slowly, I have been making my way through the Bible looking at passages on "joy," "praise," "rejoice," and "worship." I believe it is going to be a two-year study. 

For those of us with chronic illness, the winter can be even more isolating and challenging. Yet, we still can praise Him. 

Today, I came across a verse in my study that stopped me in my tracks. 

Proverbs 27:21, "The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and a man is tested by his praise."

My brain immediately began a comparison: 

• Crucible - Silver is changed in this intense heat and made into something new.
• Smelter - Purification of gold occurs at high heat in the smelter, separating it from its impurities.
• Praise - Praise tests a man. In the midst of trial or just every day life, will I praise? 
• Job 1:21
• Job 36:24
• Psalm 18:3
• Habakkuk 3:17-19 
• 1 Thessalonians 5:18

I stopped and pondered. How am I doing on my praise test? What will my praise test show throughout this coming winter?? 

How about you? What are your test results in the test of praise? 

Thanking God

November. It is a month of giving thanks. It seems as if it is so easy to forget how much we have to be grateful for. This can be especially true for those with chronic illness or those caring for ones with disability/chronic illness. The mundane tediousness of each day can overwhelm. The hard, day in and day out, quickly becomes a focal point. Medications, weather changes, isolation quickly pile up on us. 

For me, an illness flare has meant taking additional medications that quite frankly can mess with my outlook. I always dread these times. It makes everything look daunting and overwhelming. The medications are needed, but not fun. Moment by moment, I have had to remind myself to focus on God. I do not say that lightly. It is a constant struggle. Yet... God. He is bringing thankfulness in the midst. 

This month in our Home Connections Group, we have been focusing on an attribute of God each day, praising God for who He is and what He has done for us. One thing is standing out to me. God is... worthy, amazing, and awesome. Words fail.

Since November 1, we have looked at the following about God (using a list of praying the names of God as a guide):

• Jehovah: Exodus 3:13-15
• Jehovah-M'Kaddesh: Leviticus 20:7-8
• Infinite: Romans 11:33
• Omnipotent: Jeremiah 32:17, 18, 26, 27
• Good: Psalm 119:65-72
• Love: 1 John 4:7-10
• Jehovah-Jireh: Genesis 22:9-14
• Jehovah-Shalom: Judges 6:16-24
• Immutable: Psalm 102:25-28
• Transcendent: Psalm 113:4-5
• Just: Psalm 75:1-7
• Holy: Revelation 4:8-11

As I meditate on these attributes of God, who He is, and what He does, my perspective begins to change. Our God is able to handle all of the challenges of our days. He is trustworthy and worthy, a perfect, righteous, amazing God. Yes, I have to continue to shift my focus back to Him, but He is right there waiting to give aid and assistance as I think on Him and praise Him! 

I don't know what you are facing today, but I know our God. He is able and eager to help you. He is truly worthy of our praise even in the midst of life's trials!

Seasons...

Ecclesiastes 3

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

The past few weeks have been busy with family things. It has been wonderful and also required some recovery time as those of you with chronic illnesses understand. I have been soaking up all of the time carefully being outside and with family for I know winter is coming. 

You see, here in my "neck of the woods" the trees are showing glorious fall color. It is the time of year that God's paints such beauty all around us. On a recent family trip, I may have stated one too many times for my niece's preference, "OH, look at that gorgeous tree." 

Slowly, the trees are losing their leaves and color. My nieces and I were talking about it... each season has such beauty in it. One niece prefers the base trees that shine like diamonds with ice and snow as winter sets in. Her perspective truly touched me. Beauty in every season. 

I needed that reminder. Winter is coming. I have been reminded of God's beauty as well as at the coming winter. Winter, for me as for many with chronic illnesses, means isolation and being house-bound. Especially after gradually being able to get out a bit more this spring/summer/fall, I am honestly not looking forward to it. 

But... God reminded me that as I prepare for this new season of winter and what is ahead, He is in every season. He never changes even as the seasons do. He is ever faithful.

• Malachi 3:6
• Hebrews 13:8
• Isaiah 40:28

God is in each season. He never changes. As the song "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" states, "summer and winter, spring-time and harvest" He is faithful. As winter approaches, we can rest assured that He will walk through us in that season. 

No matter what season you are in right now in your life (and I don't mean the weather), God is in it. He is faithful. He does not change. Praise His Name!

I Do It Myself!

 "I do it myself". It is something that you hear often from toddlers. I remember so many times waiting (not so) patiently while a niece or nephew tried hard to do something that I knew was too hard for them. They worked on whatever it was breaking down in frustration, sometimes grunting, sometimes screaming, sometimes ending in a temper tantrum. Finally, they would either do it poorly and get frustrated or finally realize they need help. In the end, their strength and patience is spent. 

This week, my own weakness in life hit me. I realized that I can't do it. I can't thrive in the midst of fighting the daily battles and tedium that goes with chronic illnesses. The battle to survive is tough each day. Trying to live for Christ on top of that can seem to be too much. 

God graciously showed me something. I have been trying to live this Christian life in my own strength. I have been trying to "do it myself." I fail frequently. Yet, God has promised His power. In His strength, I can do it, but only through His strength. 

• Acts 6
• Romans 15:13
• 1 Corinthians 2:3-5, 12
• 2 Corinthians 3:4-18; 4:7; 6:4; 12:9-10
• Galatians 5:22-23
• Ephesians 1:17-21; 3:14-21
• Philippians 3:8-11
• Colossians 1:29
• 1 Peter 1:3

Many of you are in such difficult situations day in and day out. You don't have to "do it myself!" Cast your burden on Him!

• Psalm 55:22
• Matthew 11:28-30
• 1 Peter 5:7

As we face this week, let's do it in His power, not ours!

Isolation Side Effect: A Warrior in a Mighty Army

Chronic illness and warrior seem to be mutually exclusive terms. However, this is not the case from God's perspective. Picture this: Jesus leading an army into battle. Look closely at the soldiers. There is one over there on oxygen with an IV in a recliner at home. Another one is on crutches struggling to walk while another is in a wheelchair using a blow stick to move. Oh... look at that one. He has a mask on because exposure to other people would mean illness due to a compromised immune system. That warrior over there is covering her bald head due to chemo. The warrior there is in prison and using the time to pray and share Christ with others. Jesus looks back on them with love and joy. Others see weakness and outcasts. He sees power as they give what they have to Him. He sees His brothers, sisters, friends who are giving their all to Him. 

In I Samuel 16:7, the Bible tells how God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance. While this passage was talking about how God rejected a comely brother of David, it shows what God sees. God sees the heart. Even if we are isolated, always ill, and not handsome or beautiful, God sees our hearts. We can be used of Him.

The widow's mite and feeding of the 5,000 have always been two of my favorite stories. You see God took two people others may have looked down on and used them. The widow gave all she had. God used it. The child gave his small lunch and God multiplied it. 

What we have to give may not seem powerful, but God can use it. Isolation gives us one thing that others may not have - time to spending prayer with Him. Prayer is powerful. We can be His warriors in prayer. We can give what we have - prayer - to change the world for Him. There are so many verses on prayer. God can use your isolation as a blessing to make you a warrior in His Mighty Army!

This week, don't forget that God sees you as powerful in Him. He sees your heart. Will you use your "widow's mite" or "five loaves and two fish" for Him? Remember, "little is much when God is in it!"

Permanent Detours

Three years ago this week, my life took an unexpected and permanent detour. Aren't detours supposed to be temporary? 

For eleven months I had suffered one infection after another, sometimes two or three at one time all while nursing a year-long recovery from an ankle injury. As I left work for a doctor's appointment, I told my supervisor I would take work home with me to complete over the weekend.

God had other plans. God had a "permanent detour" in mind. Well, what I would consider a detour. For Him, it is a plan for my life.

An hour later I called my supervisor with the news. I was on medical leave for a minimum of four weeks, but a potential six weeks. My body needed rest, to heal. The doctors needed time to figure out what in the world was going on. 

Tests, tests, and more test followed. It became humorous as each appointment for test results ended with, "Well, that looks okay, but in doing that test we noticed another suspicious finding which needs to be tested." I wanted to tell them to STOP looking. Sigh...

At the end of four weeks, I was ready to go back to work but ended up in the ER with heart issues. No, I wouldn't be headed back to work. In fact, my doctor said that it was time to consider going on disability. Sigh. Another call to my supervisor to let her know that the six weeks was extending to eight, minimum. If you know my family, you know that we were brought up with a very strong work ethic. Rest is a four-letter word, you know. God was teaching some very important lessons. My worth is not determined by my job. It is in Christ!

Finally, we began to get some answers. They weren't what I was hoping for at all. Due to immune and significant allergy issues, I would not be able to work in an office or go in closed places with people or allergens (a growing list) again.   Even with completely changing my lifestyle and my church and work graciously making my own home more allergy-friendly, it has been a daily battle to regain as much health as I can. Three years later, we are finally seeing progress measured in inches instead of feet. 

I wish that I could say I took this all graciously as the apostle Paul did. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) However, I did not. Just six months after my own isolation began, the world went into isolation. Due to my immune system, it was basically solitary confinement that lasted longer than everyone else. I struggled significantly. 

My detour was painful. It's permanence was unfathomable. I longed to be released. God had other plans. My family and friends could not fulfill my needs. Only God could do that. Yes, they did all they could, but only God could meet my needs. 

And, He did.

In the midst of this, God carried me, molded me, walked with me and provided for me. The truth of Isaiah 55 has been evident. His thoughts and ways are higher than mine. Without this detour, I would not have seen His amazing hand. He allowed me to work from home, provided the home repairs, groceries as needed, and even... a vehicle with a scooter lift!

More importantly, looking back at this journey, He is drawing me closer to Himself. He is working! He has brought Bible studies that have touched my heart and encouraged me, studies on Elijah, joy, and victorious living through suffering. 

During this time, I saw this quote on pain. It is long, but powerful. I have copied it at the bottom of this post. God is in even this permanent, unexpected detour. He has a plan.

Dear friends who are also struggling with the daily reality of an unexpected detour that turned permanent, I wish I could remove your pain. I cannot. God may not. But, I do know that God will be with you and provide for you. (Philippians 4) God will turn this for good. 

We would love to come alongside and encourage you in whatever way we can. If you are interested in community, connection, from others who love God and understand, please check out Home Connections.

Pain Quote from Kimberly Henderson 

I would have pulled Joseph out. Out of that pit. Out of that prison. Out of that pain. And I would have cheated nations out of the one God would use to deliver them from famine.

I would have pulled David out. Out of Saul’s spear-throwing presence. Out of the caves he hid away in. Out of the pain of rejection. And I would have cheated Israel out of a God-hearted king.

I would have pulled Esther out. Out of being snatched from her only family. Out of being placed in a position she never asked for. Out of the path of a vicious, power-hungry foe. And I would have cheated a people out of the woman God would use to save their very lives.

And I would have pulled Jesus off. Off of the cross. Off of the road that led to suffering and pain. Off of the path that would mean nakedness and beatings, nails and thorns. And I would have cheated the entire world out of a Savior. Out of salvation. Out of an eternity filled with no more suffering and no more pain.

And oh friend. I want to pull you out. I want to change your path. I want to stop your pain. But right now I know I would be wrong. I would be out of line. I would be cheating you and cheating the world out of so much good. Because God knows. He knows the good this pain will produce.

He knows the beauty this hard will grow. He’s watching over you and keeping you even in the midst of this. And He’s promising you that you can trust Him. Even when it all feels like more than you can bear.

So instead of trying to pull you out, I’m lifting you up. I’m kneeling before the Father and I’m asking Him to give you strength. To give you hope. I’m asking Him to protect you and to move you when the time is right. I’m asking Him to help you stay prayerful and discerning. I’m asking Him how I can best love you and be a help to you. And I’m believing He’s going to use your life in powerful and beautiful ways. Ways that will leave your heart grateful and humbly thankful for this road you’ve been on.

© Kimberly D. Henderson, 2017

Isolation Side Effect: Strength

Strength as a side effect of isolation and weakness, really? Seriously?

This week, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 stood out in a new way to me.  

9 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 of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Those of us with chronic illness or isolated for whatever reason often deal with daily weakness as well. Paul boasted in his weakness. Why? So the power of Christ would rest on him. 

He goes on to say that he is content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. Another version says that he takes pleasure in them. Stop. Read those paragraphs again. He is content or takes pleasure in all of these difficult things of life. 

I must admit that I do not enjoy weakness and the other things they mentioned. What a new perspective this gives as I go through each day. My weakness - Christ's strength. 

So, another side effect of isolation is strength. Christ's power residing in us. Selah.

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

 

Isolation Side Effect: OVERWHELMED

Overwhelmed. Completely overwhelmed. When you are chronically ill or isolated, what would be little things to others can be overwhelming to you. 

It is very, very easy to become overwhelmed. Some may have heard of the spoon metaphor. It is fairly accurate. We simply don't have as many spoons as others do to complete daily tasks. Let me give you a glimpse into that that means:

• Allowing four hours of the morning to get ready for the day. Repeat at night. 
• Taking two to three times that of a "normal" person to complete every single task throughout the day. Two examples from my own life at my worst point: taking five minutes to walk from one side of the house to the other and having 7 injured joints at one time.
• Knowing that just simple household chores for survival taking all your strength for the day.
• Having to plan out errands so as not to sap your strength or to have enough strength left to put groceries away. (For me, I have to take meds and nutrient-dense snacks every three hours through the entire day. It doesn't sound like much until you realize you have to do this every day no matter what else is going on.)
• Deciding what tasks will cause the least issues if skipped.
• Making food while struggling to use your hands or keep your balance. (Part of this is also deciding what convenience foods which cost more are worth the additional cost.
• Purchasing duplicates of items for various rooms since you cannot carry items from room to room.
• Learning how to ask for help while working hard to do all you can.
• Needing to plan ahead in detail for any activity.
• Calculating the cost of every item or small task to verify resources.
• Declining invitations you would love to accept because doing them will mean not being able to do regular tasks.
• And, the hardest one of all, understanding that people do not understand. I have heard more than one person with chronic illness or who is shut in say, "People just don't understand." No, they don't. It isn't because they don't want to, but that they can't. They can't understand how a simple activity can drain you. (The flip side is that I sometimes find myself thinking, "You can do all of that in one day? Wow... ") It is very easy to feel misunderstood or invisible when you are struggling daily to simply survive. 

The next day, you do it all again, over and over again, day in and day out. The reality of the overwhelming reality of living with the chronic illness means that we can get very frustrated and shut down easily. 

For those living it, I wish I had more answers or an easy solution. Sadly, I don't. It is also not just "throwing Bible verses" at the problem. Here are some little things that have helped me, both practically and emotionally/mentally/spiritually:

• Break tasks into smaller parts.
• If possible, don't let things pile up. 
• Do a little bit at a time. If you can only do five minutes of something, do five minutes.
• Put things away as you go, do dishes in small batches, do smaller loads of laundry.
• Watch your fatigue and catch it before it gets too bad. Catch everything early on if you can. 
• Lean into God. Call out to Him and share the feelings, the hard, and what you need.
• Focus on who God is and what He has done. These verses may help when you are overwhelmed:
• Psalm 61:1-8
• 1 John 4:4
• Matthew 19:26
• Psalm 46:10
• Matthew 11:28
• Jeremiah 31:25
• Psalm 94:22
• John 14:27
• Isaiah 26:3
• Psalm 55:22
• Philippians 4:6-7
• Pslam 50:15
• Ephesians 6:10
• 1 Corinthians 16:13
• Romans 8:37-38
• Psalm 136:1-2

For churches and friends reaching out, there is much you can do to help:

• Understand that they may react differently as they are overwhelmed.
• Listen, truly listen to needs and concerns. Sometimes, this will help more than anything else.
• Offer to help regularly with household chores, grocery trips, whatever may help in a specific situation. Give suggestions of ways you can help rather than simply saying, "Let me know if you need anything."
• Build relationship and connection in order to come alongside. 
• Continue to invite them to activities even if they have to decline often. Offer to help with daily tasks so that they can participate.
• Realize that sometimes they may be able to do a task while other days they cannot.
• Contact them with encouragement.

Life as an isolated/chronically ill person can be very overwhelming. What are some things that either you have found that have helped or that people have done for you that have been a help? We would love to hear!

Isolation Side Effect: Disappointment

Circumstances will be different for each of us in isolation depending on our illnesses and needs, but something we all face is disappointment.

If you know me personally, you know that I am a planner. My brain thinks in details and plans everything out. While I love spontaneity occasionally, I thrive in consistency day to day. Dependability is important to me, both in myself and others. With a chronic illness, dependability isn't possible. For me, even the best laid plans can be set aside, last minute due to someone having even a small sign of illness, non-lung-friendly weather, or just waking up to find out it is a chronic illness day. It doesn't matter if it is some fun activity planned with family or a ministry I wanted to participate in. Disappointment. Over and over again. Other people take these things for granted. We cannot.

Yet, chronic illness teaches you that in a new way and not only through changed plans. There is also the disappointment in others. Yes, I said that. It is easy to be disappointed in them when:

• they don't seem to understand what you are going through.
• they have to cancel on promised help at the last minute. 
• they are distracted.
• they forget about you when you are going through a hard time.
• they seem to have it all when you fight for every bit you have whether materially, physically, emotionally or whatever.

The list goes on. And, may I dare say, sometimes we are disappointed in God. Why? 

• Why doesn't He end this?
• Why doesn't He help?
• Why doesn't He hear my pleas?
• Why isn't He answering?

These times are hard. That is an understatement. How do we handle this? There are no easy answers. I must admit that I still struggle in this way. I have found that if I don't quickly handle isolation, my thoughts can take over and bitterness can quickly set in.

Here are some verses that can help shift our focus from the disappointment back to God. Please know that they are not given "glibly" or as an "easy fix." I still struggle and have to fight through these things often. Here are some Scriptures that have helped me in these times:

• Proverbs 16:9 
• Philippians 4
  
• Isaiah 55 Great promises and reminders!
  
• Hebrews 12:15
  
• Hebrews 13:15
  

I hope these will be a help. There are so many others that remind me that God is in control in control, that His thoughts are higher than mine, that I must look to God instead of people, and that I have to learn to be content. Disappointment of all forms is hard. We cannot fight it on our own, but need His help. 

What are some of the things you have done to remind you of His promises during disappointment? Churches, how can you reach out to assist isolated people with disappointment? We would love to hear your thoughts. Please share in the comments below.

Isolation: Why?

I mentioned in a previous post that the last few years have brought isolation. I won't lie. Many times, I have asked God, "Why? What are you trying to teach me and do through this?" It was a hard journey to walk.

When feeling good, I love road trips, hikes in the woods, and being active! My niece says I am like a tom-boy with one very profound exception... my love for the color pink. I also tend to be more of a Martha than a Mary. We were taught from a very young age to serve God and others both in word and example as my parents served in various churches. We learned that God made us for connection and fellowship. Isolation made my life come to a screeching halt, it seemed.

So, why would God set me aside and allow me and so many others to be isolated? 

What if we thought of the isolation as a medication? There are both good outcomes and side effects from medication. In the coming weeks, I would like to share some lessons and "side effects" that I have seen in my own isolation and that of my dear friends. My prayer is that these will encourage your hearts as well as help you understand how to reach out to others who may be isolated. 

• Isolation Side Effects
• Identity Crisis, Updated
• Disappointment
  
• Being Overwhelmed
  
• Strength
• A Mighty Warrior

We will be adding more topics regularly. 

Through this time of learning, I am burdened for those who are still isolated for whatever reason. If you or someone you know would love to connect for times of prayer, Bible study, and fellowship via the internet, please reach out. We are starting a new facebook group called "Home Connection. Connecting to Christ. Connecting in Christ." Right now, as we are in the start-up phase, it is a closed group, but I am happy to welcome those who reach out. I am hoping it is will be like a small group would be for those who are able to attend church with the unique perspective of understanding the challenges of isolation, chronic illness, disability, and caregiving.

Isolation Side Effect: Identity Crisis

It happened again this week to me. In contacting a medical office, I was treated as a non-person, less than human. I would love to say that this doesn't happen often, but that wouldn't be true. Thankfully, it turned out they were just having a bad day as follow-up contact with that office was much better. Two others have shared similar experiences in the past couple weeks. 

These interactions can leave us feeling less than human. To begin looking at isolation side effects, I want to share something that has probably been the biggest thing I have seen in both myself and others in the isolation no matter the cause of the isolation. Identity. By identity, I mean who we are and what defines us.

So often, we are treated as less than human as I mentioned above. By reason of our isolation and illness, we are typically on the outside looking in. We can't participate in activities or struggle to make ends meet. 

It is easy for those around us to see only our disability or struggles and not to see us as people. We can be treated as less-than, forgotten, and looked over. Our needs are not understood. Other times, people will forget that we have likes and dislikes, needs, opinions, etc. just like "normal" people even though we are isolated.

In turn, we can begin to think of ourselves as less than and unworthy. In my kitchen, you will see this painting. I worked on it over the winter because I need constant a constant reminder of who I am. 

Let me remind you of who and what you are, completely separate from whatever challenges you face:

• You are loved. Jeremiah 31:3; John 3:16
• You are created with purpose. Psalm 139:14-16
• You are (or can be) a child of God. If you have any questions about this, please contact me!
• You are unique, special, lovely, precious, strong, and chosen. (See verses in painting above.)
• You have worth not because of anything you have or are, but because God loves you. There are many verses in the Bible that show this. I listened to this song on repeat during some of the hardest days. 
• Your identity is in Christ. This movie scene sums it up well. (Please ignore the ads at the beginning.) Ephesians is an amazing book to study in relation to our identity.

The next time someone sees you as "less than" or the enemy makes you think you are not enough, please remember this. You have worth. You are loved! Also, practice 1 Corinthians 13, giving people the benefit of the doubt. 

And, dear church friends, we can go a long way in helping isolated people feel their worth by speaking directly to them, listening, and including them any way that it is feasible. They would love to be able to help with anything they can and pray for church needs. Let them see that they are a valuable part of your church. Treat them as the precious person they are, seeing them instead of their disease. You can make a difference!

Home Connection: Connecting to Christ. Connecting in Christ.

 A couple weeks ago, I wrote a post about freedom and isolation. The response to this post showed me the great need for connection among isolated believers whether it is from personal or family health issues, age, or a remote location. 

God has been working on my heart about how to help these precious saints who are isolated at home. It struck me that Hebrews 10:24-25  is also for the isolated; how can we live that out when we cannot leave the house? 

In the next few weeks, by God's grace, I hope to start a group for Home Connections for the isolated. My vision is to have a place where we can pray, encourage, exhort, connect, and study God's Word together via internet on a regular basis, while also providing a place to assist churches in knowing how to reach the isolated. We will be starting with a small group and seeing where God leads.

What you can do: 

• I would appreciate your prayers for wisdom and direction, for God to be glorified, and for people to be encouraged.
• If you or someone you know is isolated and may benefit from this group, please comment below.

May God be glorified as we make Home Connections. Connecting to Christ. Connecting in Christ.

Freedom and Isolation

 Freedom... It is what I named my new vehicle which includes a scooter lift. Yesterday, I experienced some of that freedom. The new alternative treatments have allowed me to get out of the house a bit. Each week, I see a little more strength return. Slowly, carefully, I have been able to experience more of these times out of the house. I am soaking up every bit of being out before flu season, cold, ice, and snow return at which point I will be shut in and isolated once more. 

(Side Note: Disabled since age three, I have been shut in and isolated a majority of the time since September of 2019 with increased and significant health issues since October of 2018. Even now, each trip must be carefully planned and prepared for including scheduling recovery time. We have to make sure I will not be in crowds (germs) or around allergens/asthma triggers; the venue will be handicapped friendly; and all needed meds, snacks, protective equipment, and items for any possible contingency are available. Time out of the house still requires adequate recovery time.)

As my heart rejoiced with my time OUT of the house, I was reminded of those who are still stuck in with one health issue after another plaguing them. They are still experiencing the isolation and depression. What about the families of disabled kiddos who are so isolated as they fight their daily battles? It made me realize how we as Christians so often fail these precious saints. 

Yes, I remember visiting the shut-ins with cookies or cards growing up. We had their names on our prayer list growing up. These are great things to do for the shut in. I know that our churches reached out with house repairs and assistance with car repair as well as caroling at Christmas time or taking a meal at holidays. 

What I didn't understand until I walked through isolation myself is the intense loneliness, depression, and lethargy that comes when you are imprisoned in your home in poor health. "Solitary confinement" is not for the faint of heart. Every day is the same. You lack human touch and interaction. My friends, I believe we have missed the mark in caring for these precious people. They need fellowship and community while respecting their limitations and needs.

But, you say, the pandemic has brought more online resources for the shut-ins. Don't these things help? Yes, these resources are a wonderful side effect of a very bad situation. However, fellowship is missing from the livestream church service. There is a longing in our hearts for community. We need someone to laugh, cry, share, pray, and study God's Word with. 

What would God have us to do?

• James 1:27, "Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..."
• Hebrews 13:3, "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."
• Romans 12:15, "Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep." 

Many, many other verses tell of caring for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Each one of them has different needs. We must listen, connect, and come alongside. Are there things we can do to allow them to participate in the service? Are there needs we can meet? Here are a few practical suggestions:

1. Pray and ask God to show you what to do and who to help. This is first and foremost.
2. Take a meal to them. If possible (check with them first), take the time to eat with them, cleaning up afterwards. (Be sure to check food allergies.) Or see if they are able to come to your home to share a meal. Sharing a meal is something special.
3. Schedule time regularly to reach out to them, allowing time to simply listen. Also, share with them what is happening in your life. It is good for them to be able to come alongside you as well. This Christian walk is on a two-way street.
4. See how you can help in a practical manner. Is there spring housecleaning or yard work to be done? Do they need things from the store? My family that lives close will message me when they are going to a store that does not offer curbside or delivery to see if I need anything. This is a tremendous help.
5. Send them cards. It is great to know someone cared enough to send a good old-fashioned card. Even the younger people enjoy mail!
6. Find out how they can get out of the house and schedule an activity. For instance, friends and family have taken me to see Christmas lights both around the neighborhood and a distance away to a special display. They took the time to make sure all health needs would be met on the outing.
7. Pray with them. If possible, do a Bible study together. At least for me, one of the hardest aspects of the health challenges have been missing out on the community, accountability, and closeness found in a Bible study.
8. Listen for needs you can meet. It is hard for us to ask for help. Listen for big and little needs. With medical expenses, money is always tight. There will be things they need.
9. Ask what you can do to help... not just once, but checking in periodically. 
10. Include them in holidays and family traditions.
11. Allow them to contribute whatever they can. Give them purpose. How, you say? If there is something they can do for the church from their home, include them. Share prayer requests with them regularly and updates to the needs or answered prayers. Let them know of others who may be lonely and in need. They need to serve in whatever way they can.
12. Make your church service as accommodating as possible for the handicapped, chronically ill, and caregivers. While livestream does not take the place of church, it is a tremendous help. Make the church as accessible as possible.
13. Allow for Bible studies to be attended virtually with the opportunity for two-way communication.
14. Give the caregivers a break if at all possible by providing gift cards and a night out. They would appreciate meals, housecleaning, etc. to lighten their load. The daily needs can be overwhelming. 
15. Schedule fun times for the siblings of the handicapped children. They are walking a difficult road. 
16. Be there. Be available.

And... what about those of us who are isolated and shut in? What can we do? I am reminded of the feeding of the five thousand where the boy gave his lunch, just five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21) or the widow who gave her two mites. (Mark 12:41-44) Little is much when God is in it. From our homes, we can 

1. pray about what God would have you do and for a ministry. 
2. reach out via text, phone, email, or mail to both other shut ins, missionaries, and our churches. 
3. pray with them and for them.
4. pray for our nation, for missionaries.
5. remember that those who are able-bodied also carry heavy burdens and come alongside as brothers and sisters in Christ.
6. remember that God is our ultimate provider and sufficiency. (Psalm 17:15) We must not depend on others to meet our needs.

We are a family, the body of Christ. Let us not forget those who are afflicted. God needs us. We are brought to this time for such a time as this. (Esther 4:14)

So... yesterday, I truly enjoyed my freedom. Yet that freedom reminded me of the many who do not have the opportunity. I do not want to forget the others who still are bound by disability and isolation (no matter the cause). May we use whatever is in our hand for God's service! (Exodus 4:2) Please remember these precious saints.

Detours

 Construction, construction everywhere! A simple trip to the doctor had me winding my way throughout the city to simply get back home. It was not my choice, but it did make me think as I sat in line at several stop lights.

Life is full of detours. They are typically not our choice, winding our life journey through areas we never planned to travel and taking much longer for us to reach our desired destination. 

God tells us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways. Isaiah 55:8-12 He takes us places that we don't necessarily want to go, but He has purpose. 

It reminds me of when the Israelites left Egypt in Exodus 13. God took them on a round-about route as they were not yet ready for the challenges of a direct route. He was protecting them. He was teaching them lessons that they could not have learned another way. 

My journey with this new treatment feels as if there are detours. This week, I see small areas of progress, but not nearly as quickly as I would like. I want to be better yesterday. I began to be weary in the constant traffic that comes with chronic illness. God reminded me of Matthew 11:28-30. He calls the weary to Himself. What a promise! 

Detours in life come. Events happen that seem to take us away from our goals. Yet, God will journey with us through these detours, doing things in His time. Trust Him. For, He knows the way through the wilderness!

Myrtle the Turtle

As a teen, one of my nickname's was Myrtle the Turtle. It was given affectionately based in love due to my very slow pace due to my disability. This journey to health feels as if that nickname fits again. Yet, I have been quite ill for 3.5 years and it will not change overnight. I do see small improvements each week. Little by little, healing is happening. This week, so far, I have been able to make my move goal. It is a small victory!

Each day, by God's grace, I work to do what is needed to improve that day, just a little. Isn't that like our spiritual walk? Growth is slow but sure. Yet, God walks the journey with us. He never leaves us! Hebrews 13:5. 

And so... Myrtle the Turtle will keep crawling along. :)

A New Journey

October 2018 began a journey of three and a half years of health complications. It has been a long journey with one issue after another. 

In September 2019, it became evident that to maintain even basic health for the foreseeable future, I needed to be isolated from allergens and germs. This meant redoing many, many things in my home, learning a completely new lifestyle, and becoming used to disappointment as plans change frequently due to illness or exposure to illness. Errands have to be made around the weather and allergen levels. I became used to a new normal before the rest of the world. :)

My immune system/allergy issues are just one small piece of the puzzle. Basically, my health was falling apart. Multiple steroids daily with additional rounds of high-dose steroids in times of stress/acute illness as well as being on antibiotics more than off meant intense weight issues and side effects in each system in my body. In the past few years, I have undergone months and months of both physical and occupational therapy as I learned to deal with new weaknesses, falls and loss of coordination. Yet, in all this time, I was praying for strength, not healing. God had answered.

Then, God changed my heart to pray for healing. The very next day, my brother gave me a book to read which talked about alternative treatment. Through this book, we were connected to a nutritional clinic in another state. God provided an appointment and financial assistance as they do not take insurance. Step by step, moving forward, God has provided.

Two weeks ago, I began easing into the new treatment which is intense. Within one week, we began to see positive changes in every bodily system. 

Two weeks later, changes continue to come. The biggest change is that after around 20 years of several visits to the Pulmonologist each year, I now only have to go when needed. My lungs are stable at the moment! (It doesn't mean they are healed, but that we are effectively avoiding allergens and germs as well as using the correct medicine combination.) What a blessing and surprise!

God is using this new treatment plan. We don't know what the outcome will be, but we are excited to see what God is going to do. 

As I walk this journey, may I glorify God! May He use my life for His purposes! I am learning to apply Philippians 4:11b-13 HCSB, "for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content - whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me."

Stay tuned...

Gates of Praise

Daily Living with a chronic illness can be discouraging. Not feeling well day in and day out can quickly lead to discouragement. Deep, never-ending struggle with pain, fatigue, and weakness can lead easily to one's focusing only on the hard.

The past few weeks have been exhausting with chronic illness flares, falls, injuries, and profound fatigue. The doctors couldn't quite figure out what was wrong until a routine antibody test showed that I had had covid. That "normal January bronchitis" wasn't so normal or so bronchitis. Oops... everything suddenly made sense. The past few months since then have honestly been hard, but having answers helps! It all makes sense now.

Before I was sick in January, "JOY" became my word of the year. It has been so appropriate! As I studied on joy and praise this week, I noticed something. Praise is as important to God as a gatekeeper. Stop. Think about that. A gatekeeper protects. Praise protects! 

In fact, praise and gates are seen together in Scripture frequently.

• 1 Chronicles 23:5 - God assigned 4,000 gatekeepers and 4,000 people to praise. Think of that. 4,000 people protect the gates and 4,000 people have no job other than praising. Both jobs were important.
• 2 Chronicles 8:14 - Again, those assigned to praise are also mentioned with the gatekeepers. People were assigned to praise.
• 2 Chronicles 31:2 - People were assigned to praise in the gates. The people in the gates were protectors. Those who praised protected.
• Isaiah 60:8 - The gates were named praise.

Hmmm... this made me stop. Any situation that seems overwhelming and never-ending can color ones outlook. Praise is a protection against the dreary black which quickly comes. One morning this past week, I approached my quiet time with an extreme weariness in body, mind, and soul. My heart remembered these verses on gates and praise. I began writing all I could about who God is and writing and writing, thanking Him! Soon, while still weary physically, my mind and soul were restored. Praise made a difference!

May we remember that praise is a vital weapon against the enemy. God inhabits the praise of His people. (Psalm 22:3)

Great You Are!