Monday, April 21, 2014

Social Security Disability Claim: DENIED!?!

Relying on God's promise that His timing is PERFECT.

My disability claim was denied. My conditions on my form included:
Fibromyalgia

Hypertophic facet disease
Degenerative disc disease (from the lowest disc to the highest in my spine)
3 bulging discs (L3/4, L4/5, L5/S1)
2 torn discs (L4/5, L5/S1)
Peripheral neuropathy (both legs & feet)
Chronic migraines
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
Chronic pain syndrome (CPS)
Insomnia
Spinal stenosis

I have official diagnoses of all of these conditions and documentation that I personally sent in to the Social Security Administration. I was never even seen by one of their physicians, which shows you how "seriously" they take into consideration those that have legitimate issues functioning daily and how "serious" they are about approving the legitimate cases that come through. Bottom line: they are trying to pass off all the cases on the first round (no matter how legitimate or serious) to create less of a workload for themselves. Praying for patience as I try to bare with the stress (and high pain levels that it creates) as I start the appeals process. I don't think these people realize what they do to those of us who are truly sick when they put us under this kind of stress. 

Please pray with us as we attempt to appeal the claim. This is sometimes a long and frustrating road. Trying my best to trust that God has it laid out perfectly...

Saturday, April 19, 2014

Through the Whispers

It's something every person with a major disability must face at multiple times in their life. It's something we wish to see change. It's something that can make us feel like less of a person. What is this, you may ask, that makes us feel so vulnerable?

The whispers....the questions....the comments made behind our backs (a majority of the time, while we are standing right there in plain hearing range). I have always found that these comments (that cannot be heard) make it back to me in one way or another...usually through a friend who mentions that others had no idea what was going on.

"What's wrong with her? What happened? Why is she in a wheelchair? Why is she using crutches?"

I believe the intent of the person inquiring about the individual with a disability is innocent in most cases. People are simply intimidated by that which they don't understand or what is unfamiliar to them. Therefore, they do not know how to approach someone who is "differently-abled."

If you ask those of us who are disabled, the vast majority of us would much rather talk face-to-face to those who are concerned enough to ask questions. If it is done in the right way (which is not very difficult), then it is actually a very pleasant and informative conversation.

This next point is very important to me & (I believe) very valid: 

I have more specific and accurate answers that I would like to share with people who are curious or concerned, but I can't share that when individuals ask others (and when I am easily available to answer those questions).

Many times, the inquirers are actually receiving wrong information that is perceived incorrectly or even opinionated by the person answering the questions.

So my effort today is simple. I am asking all friends and family to discontinue the talk that goes on behind those of us who face the hardship of disabilities. It's hard enough to be constantly judged by the general population as we stroll (or roll) through the local grocery store or post office. Instead, you can talk to us like you do everyone else. Ask us questions. Most of the disability community is willing to share their story IF YOU ASK.

How is this issue addressed in scripture?

God calls for his followers to treat everyone we encounter with dignity and respect. We are all equal in God's eyes. Jesus would treat me (in a wheelchair or using crutches) no differently than he would an able-bodied follower. Jesus would also approach a person with developmental impairments in the same manner. Many of us on this earth don't.

Romans 2:11
For God shows no partiality.

Let me speak to you from a humble heart for a moment. There have been times in my life where I have failed in this area of scripture and in this area of my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I have judged others. I am, by any means, no different from you in the fact that I am vulnerable to judging others and falling in the trap of sin. However, we (as followers of Christ) find conviction from the Holy Spirit when we do fall in this area. By God's amazing grace, we can find forgiveness. Furthermore, we realize that this action is harmful to others and against God's standard. Hopefully, prayerfully, God's grace and the Holy Spirit will change our actions and attitude.

Here are a few other scriptures to look further at:

Matthew 7:12

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law  and the Prophets."


Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.


___________________

"What Do I Say?"
Tips on How to Make Conversation with a Person with a Disability


So, what are some tips? Here are some things I would suggest to you on how to make conversation with someone with a disability.

*My best piece of advice - be yourself: treat us like you would want to be treated.

*Talk directly to the individual with the disability. This includes cases where friends, family members, or caregivers may be accompanying the individual with the disability.

*Use proper terms of conditions and injuries when talking to people with disabilities. Avoid at all costs labels (handicapped, victimized, retarded, insane, etc.).

*Once you have had all your questions answered about the individual with the disability, carry on a normal conversation about everyday life. This makes the individual feel that you are not interested solely in their condition, but also in their family, job, and other interests that are not related to their disability (they won't feel defined by their disability).

*Allow your children to meet and talk with people with disabilities. Those that are wheelchair-users, for instance, understand the curiosity of a child. We also understand that a child is not going to know what words/phrases are appropriate in today's culture to say to a person with a disability. We aren't offended by the innocence and curiosity of a child. I absolutely love getting to share my story with children. Their eyes light up when I pop a wheelie for them; that's when they really begin to connect. They realize (many of them, for the first time) that I am no different than they are - I simply do things in a different way. This awareness will also be an automatic fix (in most cases) for children who tend to stare at wheelchair users. Until they have an opportunity to meet someone who is willing to share their story, teach your children not to stare and gawk. It's your job as a parent. By the time they are 7 (if not sooner), they should definitely be over this stage of the innocent "stare".

______________________

For the person with the disability:
"How Do I Respond?"

Lastly, for those of us that face the hardships of disabilities on a daily basis, this issue is sure to come up. We've already discussed why others should address people with disabilities on a personal level. So how do we handle the occasion when others go behind our back, which can indeed be hurtful at times? God tells us to handle it with grace, gentleness and a heart of forgiveness. Yes, it's hard in the heat of the moment, but it's the right path. 

Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Colossians 3:13
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 Corinthians 8:7
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Respecting the Blue

As I pulled into the last handicap parking space available and began the process of unloading my wheelchair, 2 able-bodied ladies (both adults) who were friends with one another easily waltzed out of the building carrying on a conversation about their illegal parking in the handicap zone. They were parked side-by-side, taking up a total of 2 of the 6 parking spots needed by so many genuinely-disabled individuals. And now that I had parked, there were none left. They lightheartedly giggled and carried on for several minutes. As they unlocked their vehicles and loaded their cars with their belongings, one of the ladies (about 65 yrs. old) bragged about how she's always parked in handicap because she can't walk too far, yet she's never gotten a ticket (because police never patrol handicap spots - I've never seen it, and when I call, they tell me they can't enforce it). She said she simply hasn't gotten a decal because she doesn't want to be "labeled" as handicap (Didn't you just "label" yourself if you parked in handicap?). (For the record, I have no problem with anyone with a legitimate decal, no matter how your appearance - but there is NO excuse if you don't have a decal. It's against the law, and it's not fair to those who really need that space.) They both saw me struggling to get my wheelchair out of the car while watching them carry-on their conversation at the same time. They waved. I waved. I didn't smile back, as I was literally disheartened that people I knew could be so thoughtless in their actions. As they pulled off, a man who I knew who uses a motorized wheelchair (and was circling the lot while the ladies were talking, in search of a handicap spot) pulled into one of the now-empty handicap spots. Prior to these ladies moving their cars, this man would not have been able to park at all. He would have had to turn around an make the trek home. Simply because two ladies were thinking of making things easier on themselves, rather than thinking of the needs of others.

PLEASE respect blue spaces. Parking further away can sometimes mean that we cannot park at all. Exemplify Christ by upholding the law. I expect it of young adults and in public places, but I did not expect it of adults who bragged of their wrong-doing. Please be an example. 



Romans 13:1-5
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

A Timely Reminder

It had been a rough day. My pain levels were high. My fatigue levels peaked when the boys' energy levels peaked. The "terrible two's" have arrived. It was only noon. Incessant crying filled the house in response to a mother's discipline. In the midst of it all, I prayed. "God, help me. It's not even half-way through the day, and I'm exhausted and worn - emotionally, mentally, physically. Give me the patience, wisdom, strength. Don't let me forget that you are with me, Lord."

Parents can relate - especially stay-at-home moms, and especially those moms with chronic illness. Please don't misinterpret. I treasure my life as a mother. I treasure my children (see below for our story on how we came to have our miracle family - twins!). But there are moments and days that test us to the best of our capabilities. I believe God designed it that way. How else would we learn to rely on Him for what we need to get through the day?

As the day faded, so did my positive spiritual focus. God knew that I was in need of a reminder of His constant presence - no matter how trivial my problems may be, He is always with me. As I sat with the boys playing in floor of the kitchen, Brayden (one of my 2 1/2 yr.-old twins) pointed upward. Smiling, he excitedly and repeatedly said "Big Daddy!" - as if he could see God's presence. (We describe God to the boys as their "Big Daddy", and their earthly Dad is their "Little Daddy". They know who God is and that He loves them more than Mommy and Daddy ever could.)

I was so very humbled by those sweet, innocent words that worshiped our Creator. My 2 1/2 yr.-old child was that very reminder that God is always present with us, especially in the rough moments (no matter how trivial). It's amazing how God can use the most unexpected things in life to redirect us to Him. I'm still learning - every step along the way, and I have the greatest Teacher.

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Deuteronomy 31:8 (ESV)
It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Psalm 139:7-10 (ESV)
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Background on how our family came to be: My husband and I struggled to have a family from the beginning of our journey as a couple. With my complicated medical issues, the likelihood of us carrying a child to term without moderate to severe complications on the baby were slim. We began to wonder if we would ever have the wonderful opportunity to parent. When God granted the desires of our heart, we were overwhelmed with joy. We felt like we saw the blessing of children from a totally different perspective, considering it was not wise (by medical suggestion) to conceive. But by God's standards, wisdom includes trust in His capabilities to handle what man cannot. We now have healthy 2-1/2 yr-old twin boys who are the joy of our lives. Praise God for answered prayer!

For a full story & testimony of twin pregnancy and delivery/NICU experience, click here.

Saturday, April 5, 2014

"Be Still, and Know that I Am God"

I wanted to take a minute and say thank you to everyone who has been praying for me during this past rough spell with my pain & fatigue levels and fibromyalgia. There is no strength at all in myself - it is all from my God. He is so very sovereign and good in the midst of everything that comes our way in this life. He is working on me...strengthening me....teaching me....speaking to me.....all in the midst of the times my body is forced to be still and quiet. We serve a Mighty God - One who comes to rescue us in times of trouble and need! Hallelujah!









Psalm 46:1-3, 8-11:
1 God is our refuge and strength,

an ever-present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,


3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.


8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
the desolations he has brought on the earth.


9 He makes wars cease
to the ends of the earth.


He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the shields with fire.


10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”


11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.


It's Not "Goodbye", but "See Ya' Later!"

March 17th, 2014

Please be in prayer for my family. My Uncle Mark has gone to be with the Lord. Please pray for this precious family, for my Dad & his brothers (Pete, Tim, Andy) and especially for Mark's wife (Darlene). Please also be in prayer for Mark's parents (Ron & Joy) and Mark's children (Ben, Jessica) and their spouses and grandchildren, as well as extended family.

We have all been shocked by this sudden turn of events, and we are saddened by the loss of such a great man, yet overjoyed by knowing he is no longer suffering from pain, sickness and sin in the midst of a fallen world. When we know the King of Eternity, we no longer fear death. We may mourn for a season, but there is hope in our tears; there is no fear in death. It is not "goodbye", but "see ya later" Uncle Mark! Please save me a spot in the choir next to you! 

No More Night - Sung by David Phelps, Written by Walter S. Harrah

The timeless theme

Earth and heaven will pass away
It's not a dream

God will make all things new that day
Gone is the curse
From which I stumbled and fell
Evil is banished to eternal hell

No more night
No more pain
No more tears
Never cryin' again
And praises to the great I Am
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb

See all around
Now the nations bow down to sing
The only sound is the praises to Christ, our King
Slowly the names from the book are read
I know the King, there's no need to dread

No more night
And no more-ore pain
No more tears
Never cryin' again
And praises to the great I Am
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb

See over there
There's a mansion prepared for me
Where we will live with my Saviour eternally...

No more night
And no more pain
No more tears
Never cryin' again
And praises to the great I Am
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb
We will live in the light of the risen Lamb...

Jehovah Sabaoth, My Protector!

March 18th, 2014

I posted this on my Facebook a few weeks ago and had to share. I can't help but revel in the beauty of God's never-ending protection over His children!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

God truly had a hedge of protection over myself and the boys today as we played outside in the backyard this evening. A large, heavy branch broke off a tree and landed just 3 feet away from both the boys and I (after I pulled one further away, too). Even more of a blessing - the boys were running under the direct path where the branch landed. I hugged the boys and cried out loud "Praise You, God! 
Praise You! Thank You for protecting my boys!"


Every moment we have breath deserves God's praise, but moments when we realize God's hedge of protection over us should be especially deserving of our cries of praise!

He is my Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts and our Protector!


Psalm 46:7
The LORD of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our stronghold.

Friday, April 4, 2014

Prescription for the Soul



Materials needed:
Prescription bottles (1 for each "prescription" - 6 if you do all of them)
*The larger the prescription bottle, the better*
Clear Postage Tape
Printer/Ink
Print-out of Verses (below)
Rx Label Print-outs (below)
Scissors (Decorative or normal)
Any embellishment materials you desire (ribbon, buttons, glitter glue, etc.)
Hot glue gun (if using embellishments - to attach embellishments to Rx bottle)

1. Copy and paste the verses and Rx bottle labels below into a word processor.
*Note: If you cannot read the text, enlarge the font before printing it off.

2. Cut out the Rx bottle labels and verses. I recommend only doing 1 topic at a time in order to not get the scriptures mixed up (or you can divide them into bags by subject/topic).

3. Using postage tape, place the label on the prescription bottle and "laminate"/cover it with the postage tape, securing it to the front of the bottle (as a normal Rx would look).

4. Place the cut-out strips of verses on the inside of the appropriate-topic Rx bottle.
*I folded my scripture in half to fit more easily in the bottles.*
*If the bottle is larger and you have a hard time reaching the scripture on the inside, you can add cotton balls or fabric in the bottle to add "stuffing", which allows for easy access of the scripture.*


5. If you desire, add embellishments to the outside of the bottle. I used hot-glue to secure all of the embellishments I used. Have fun with it! Most of all, don't forget to focus on God's promises in those dark, dreary times of life! He is our deliverance!

Blessings,
Beth Anne

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 a day when experiencing
                                       
ANXIETY


Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below: Verses for ANXIETY

He is your Protector!
Psalm 3:3 - But you, O Lord are a shield about me, my glory and the one who lifts my head.

He is your wealth!
Psalm 4:7-8 - For you have put gladness in my heart more than when their grain and new wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep for you alone make me dwell in safety.

He is your Compass!
Psalm 16:11 - You will make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forever.

He is your Shelter!
Psalm 23:6 - Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

He is your Sustainer!
Psalm 40:11 - You, O Lord, will not withhold your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and your truth will continually preserve me.

He is your hope!
Psalm 42:5 - Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.

He is your bastion!
Psalm 46:2-3 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change and the mountains slip into the heart of the ocean.

He is your Keeper!
Psalm 52:8 - But as for me, I am like an olive tree in the house of God; I trust in the lovingkindness of God forever and ever.

He is your Deliverer!
Psalm 55:18 - As for me, I shall call upon the God, and the Lord will save me…He will redeem my soul in peace from the battle which is against me.

He is your Counselor!
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken.

He is your Father!
Psalm 56: 8-9 - You have taken account of my wanderings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call; This I know, that God is for me!

He is your Companion!
Psalm 73: 23-24 - Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. With your counsel you will guide me, and afterward receive me to glory.

He is your Maker!
Psalm 103:14 - For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust.

He is your Perfecter!
Psalm 139:23-24 - Search me, O God and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 on SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below: Verses for SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

Psalm 4:8 - I will lie down and sleep in peace. Lord, you alone keep me safe.

Matthew 11:29 - Become my servants and learn from me. I am gentle and free of pride. You will find rest for your souls.

Isaiah 30:15 - The Lord and King is the Holy One of Israel. He says, “You will find peace and rest when you turn away from your sins and depend on me. You will receive the strength you need when you stay calm and trust in me. But you do not want to do what I tell you to.

Psalm 3:4-5 - I call out to the Lord. He answers me from his holy hill. I lie down and sleep. I wake up again, because the Lord takes care of me.

Psalm 62:5-8 - I will find my rest in God alone. He is the One who gives me hope. He alone is my rock. He is the One who saves me. He is like a fort to me. I will always be secure. I depend on God to save me and to honor me. He is my mighty rock. He is my place of safety. Trust in him at all times, you people. Tell him all of your troubles. God is our place of safety.

Psalm 116:7 - Return, O my soul, to your rest;
for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you.



Isaiah 26:3-4
- Lord, you will give perfect peace to anyone who commits himself to be faithful to you. That’s because he trusts in you. “Trust in the Lord forever. The Lord is the Rock. The Lord will keep us safe forever.

Proverbs 3:21-24 - My son, do not lose sight of these — keep sound wisdom and discretion. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 a day for a dose of JOY

Cut -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below: Verses for JOY

Psalm 5:11 - But let all those who go to you for safety be glad. Let them always sing with joy.
Spread your cover over them and keep them safe. Then those who love you will be glad because of you.

Psalm 16:11 -  You always show me the path that leads to life. You will fill me with joy when I am with you. You will give me endless pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 27:6 - Then I will win the battle over my enemies who are all around me. At his holy tent I will offer my sacrifice with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.

Psalm 30:4-5 -  Sing to the Lord, you who are faithful to him. Praise him, because his name is holy. His anger lasts for only a moment. But his favor lasts for a person’s whole life. Sobbing can remain through the night. But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 35:9 - Then I will be full of joy because of what the Lord has done. I will be glad because he has saved me.

Psalm 32:11 - Be glad because of what the Lord has done for you. Be joyful, you who do what is right! Sing, all of you whose hearts are honest!

Psalm 35:27-28 - Let those who are happy when my name is cleared shout with joy and gladness. Let them always say, “May the Lord be honored. He is pleased when everything goes well with the one who serves him.” You always do what is right. My tongue will speak about it and praise you all day long.

Psalm 42:4 - When I remember what has happened, I tell God all of my troubles. I remember how I used to walk along with the crowd of worshipers. I led them to the house of God. We shouted with joy and gave thanks as we went to the holy feast.

Psalm 51:8 - Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 66:1-2 - Shout for joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.


Psalm 67:4
- May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.

Psalm 95:1-3 - Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods.

Psalm 98:4 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music;

Psalm 126:5 - Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.

Psalm 149:5-6 - Let his faithful people rejoice in this honor and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.

Cut -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 a day during times of WEARINESS                                          and/or DEPRESSION

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below: Verses for WEARINESS/DEPRESSION

Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

Job 23:10-11 - But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.

Psalm 33:20 - We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 34:4 - I sought the Lord and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him, and delivers them.

Psalm 34:8-10 - Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.

Psalm 34:15 - The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry;

Psalm 34:17-18 - The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 

Psalm 62:6-8 - He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.  

Psalm 91:2 - I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God; in Him I will trust.

Psalm 91:9-12 - If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

Psalm 118:5-6 - When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?

Psalm 138:7-8 - Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. The Lord will vindicate me; your love, Lord, endures forever—do not abandon the works of your hands.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 12:25 - Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.

Proverbs 14:26 - Whoever fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Proverbs 18:10 - The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

Isaiah 40:28-31 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Isaiah 44:3 - For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.

Isaiah 54:9 - “To me this is like the days of Noah, when I swore that the waters of Noah would never again cover the earth. So now I have sworn not to be angry with you, never to rebuke you again.

Isaiah 55:11-13 - So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever.
  
Jeremiah 29:11-13 - For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Matthew 6:33-34 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 11:28-30 - “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Luke 12:32 - “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

John 14:18 - I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:27 -  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:35-39 - Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord
2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 - 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. 10 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.

Hebrews 12:1-2 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:12-13 - Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Galatians 5:1 - It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 1:6-9 - In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

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Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 a day when experiencing
                                       
EXHAUSTION

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Below: Verses for EXHAUSTION

1 Kings 8:56 - Blessed be the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, according to all that he promised. Not one word has failed of all his good promise, which he spoke by Moses his servant.

Matthew 11:28-29 -  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 127:2 - In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat—for he grants sleep to those he loves.

Jeremiah 31:25 - "I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 - Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Psalm 68:35 - You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!

Romans 8:26-28 - In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Galatians 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Psalm 119:114 - You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.

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 Rx            Prescription for the Soul
                 Doctor/Prescriber: The Great Physician & Healer
                 Contact Information: Prayer, Doctor available
                                                     24/7
                 Instructions: Take 1 a day WHEN BEWILDERED    
                                     
by God's plan

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Below: Verses for BEWILDERMENT

Psalm 147:5 - Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

Psalm 8:3-4 - When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?

Job 38:35-36 - Do you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’? Who gives the ibis wisdom or gives the rooster understanding?

Isaiah 45:18 - For this is what the Lord says—
he who created the heavens, he is God;
he who fashioned and made the earth, he founded it; he did not create it to be empty, but formed it to be inhabited—he says: “I am the Lord, and there is no other."

Luke 12:28 - But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!

Isaiah 55:9 - For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Deuteronomy 7:9 - Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations

Psalm 48:14 - For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Isaiah 40:28 - Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Psalm 111:10 - The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!