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.

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
                                       
EXHAUSTION

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

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 BEWILDERED    
                                     
by God's plan

Cut --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!






Sanctity of Life

Gavin (my son) in the womb at 18 weeks
(one of the twins)
As a society, we tend to get so passionate about animal activism..."save the animals!" There is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to protect an endangered species. I myself get appalled in situations of animal cruelty. However, which is more important: a human life or an animal? That answer will vary depending on who you speak with. My solid belief is that the top priority is the human. You will see just a snippet of evidence below in regards to why Christ-followers believe an unborn child is a human life. What do YOU put more emphasis on? What do YOU  post more about on social networking sites (Facebook, Pinterest, blogs, etc.)? Protecting ALL forms of human life should be a passion of every professing Christ-follower. Activism and awareness is an important step in defending these precious lives, as long as it is done in love.

But the question of so many is this:

Is a "fetus" a life?

Check out this description from the Association of Pro-Life Physicians:
____________________________________________________________

"A scientific textbook called Basics of Biology gives five characteristics of living things; these five criteria are found in all modern elementary scientific textbooks:




1. Living things are highly organized.

2. All living things have an ability to acquire materials and energy.

3. All living things have an ability to respond to their environment.

4. All living things have an ability to reproduce.

5. All living things have an ability to adapt.

According to this elementary definition of life, life begins at fertilization, when a sperm unites with an oocyte. From this moment, the being is highly organized, has the ability to acquire materials and energy, has the ability to respond to his or her environment, has the ability to adapt, and has the ability to reproduce (the cells divide, then divide again, etc., and barring pathology and pending reproductive maturity has the potential to reproduce other members of the species). Non-living things do not do these things. Even before the mother is aware that she is pregnant, a distinct, unique life has begun his or her existence inside her."
______________________________________________________________

Here are some heartbreaking facts:


There have been more than 53 MILLION abortions sense Roe v. Wade in 1973.

There are 1 MILLION abortions performed every year.

Every single day, more than 3,000 babies are killed through abortion.

Planned Parenthood founder, Margaret Sanger, said the following:
“The most merciful thing that a family does to one of its infant members is to kill it.”

Planned Parenthood performs more than 300,000 abortions every year.

___________________________________________________________

If you still aren't convinced, let me try to pluck your heart strings one last time. Abby Johnson is a former director of a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic. Her heart was miraculously changed by God, and she is now living the calling of bringing about awareness of how corrupt and biblically wrong the abortion industry is. She posted a wonderful argument against abortion just the other day on her Facebook fan page.

"I hear some people say that while they don't support abortion, they would still take their friends or loved ones to have an abortion. 



What if your friend came to you and said, "Look, I'm just so tired of being a mom. I can't afford it anymore and it is totally draining me. I am going to drown my two year old son this weekend and I was wondering if you could come over and help me." Would you do it? Probably not. 


Humanity begins at conception. It does not begin when it is convenient for the mother. It does not begin when that unborn child can feel pain. The moment that we realize that all life has equal value (born and unborn), then we will be able to really win this battle."
_________________________________________________________


Many may feel helpless about the situation, feeling it is out of hand. "What can I do," you may ask.

Be a VOICE. You have been called by God to be a VOICE.



Psalm 82:3-4 
Vindicate the weak and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and destitute. Rescue the weak and needy; Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked.



Psalm 31:8-9 

Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.
___________________________________________________________




We all choose paths sometimes that we wish we could turn back on and change. Maybe you've been down this dark path with a friend or you yourself have been there. There is hope. There is healing through a forgiving and loving Savior. It takes work on our end. It takes time.

There are crisis pregnancy centers in just about every county in the country. These wonderful safe-havens are 100% confidential and usually provide abortion-recovery services. If they do not currently provide this service, they would be glad to refer you to someone who can help further. You will be set free by God's healing in your life! These wonderful crisis pregnancy clinics are simply an asset in that healing process. Please take advantage of such a wonderful resource.

If you are in this area, there is an abortion recovery class at Sav-a-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center (in Calhoun County) that is completely confidential. We have seen ladies restored through Christ's healing through this group! If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me via message or contact Sav-a-Life directly (Anniston Office, 256-237-9999) - no judgement from me or these wonderful volunteers at Sav-a-Life.

I, too, have made mistakes. God sees all our sins the same. I simply desire to help you see God's healing through it, as well as share the facts with others so that they do not choose this path.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

"Let Me Recommend this New Remedy...."

For the chronically-ill, we hear these words come from well-meaning friends on too frequent of occasions. It's sometimes hard to not respond (especially on trying days) regarding the harsh reality of what we experience day-in and day-out to even begin to cope with the pain...with the discomfort...with the symptoms of the chronic illness we each face individually. For my friends, I would like to share with you my insight as to why offering advice on new medical treatment and remedies is not popular among those of us with chronic illness. In addition, I will address how the chronically ill are encouraged to respond - with grace.

From a friend or family member's point of view, the individual offering medical advice (new treatments/remedies) is usually always doing so to attempt to improve the quality of life of the one suffering from a chronic illness. On occasion, I have had the rare offer from "friends" that are selling a product and claim to be offering the remedy to me in order to be of help (but at a cost, and at a profit to them - with no personal contact or interest in my personal life prior to this business offer). I also personally experience a constant presence of strangers who feel they must share their opinion on the "latest and greatest" in the medical field.

You might ask "why don't you want to hear what I have to say? After all, it can't hurt, right?"

Unfortunately, I usually have to "hear what you have to say". I try to be nice about the situation. I attempt to handle frustrations like this with grace. It is still an annoyance, however.

I have a wonderful specialist who is knowledgeable in all the cutting edge treatments and remedies for my particular diagnoses. Even better - he treats my conditions on a normal basis...he knows what medications I take...he knows my medical history. I trust my doctor. He has the credentials to give me medical advice. Others do not.

For the chronically ill, the biggest question is that of how to respond with grace and dignity...a response that would get the message across, yet reflects Christ.
Let's just be honest - responding to unwanted medical advice (from someone other than a medical professional) can be very difficult. It takes strength to respond with grace. Anyone who has been there can understand.

I have found a few sayings to be very helpful when people mention remedies or advice.
"Thank you, but my specialist and I have a treatment plan that I feel is the best route right now."
"Thank you. I've been doing a lot of research as well."

For the friend and family members of those with chronic illness, the lesson is simple.
This advice can go for strangers, too. If you feel that you have valid advice that should be shared, don't do so without the other's permission. Ask. If they gently decline, don't be offended. Even so, be sure that the advice you feel is "valid" is indeed that - if it is not, the person who is chronically ill may never want to hear you out again when it comes to medical advice. Also remember that a treatment option that worked for you doesn't work for everybody. More than likely, it's already been discussed and/or tried through a team of medical professionals and the patient.

If you want to be a help to your chronically-ill friend, offer a day with some quality time with them, offer to do some housework/chores/yard work, etc. I guarantee you that your offer of help will be seen as a genuine act of compassion and love - a far cry from offering a tid-bit of unwanted advice.

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

From the Heart of an Improving Wife

It's that "dreaded" holiday of the year for many - VALENTINE'S DAY! Others absolutely adore this holiday - they can't wait to get their beloved that unforgettable gift of the year.

For Rence (my Hubby) and I, we take the holiday very lightly - no gifts, but we usually write each other a short note saying those sweet things about one another that most married couples do.

But aside from the typical "celebration" plans of the day, I wanted to share candidly something I've been working on as a special "project" for my husband this year. Yes, he already knows about it, but he is very excited with the place I'm at and where I'm going - I'm not physically going anywhere. I've committed to improve myself as a wife as a special project for the months of February and March. I always want to be improving as a wife - but this journey is going to be even more in-depth than my usual.

I can't help but share several of the things I've discovered.

1. In order to be a Godly wife, I need to minister first and foremost to my husband. 

God knew the need for a wife in marriage from the beginning of creation.

Genesis 2:18
The Lord God said, 
“It is not good for the man to be alone. 
I will make a helper suitable for him.”


What is our purpose/mission as wives? 

Proverbs 31:10-12, 17, 28
10 
A wife of noble character who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies.
11 
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 
She brings him good, not harm,  all the days of her life.
17 
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
28 
Her children arise and call her blessed;  her husband also, and he praises her:
29 
“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

Daily Tasks/Mothering:
For me (a stay-at-home Mom), this includes doing the housework so he can come home to a fairly orderly house (as much as possible), making dinner as much as possible, taking care of the children when it's my responsibility, making wise financial choices, etc.

For others, they are called to be "missionaries" at a workplace daily and come home to their families/husbands in the evening. The bottom line is that we are to make sure we are doing all we can to help out at home, financially, etc. (he should be helping some, too, ladies).

Romancing my Husband:
Spouses must make time together a priority in our marriages (my husband and I will always be working on this, especially with kids in the mix). How?

1. In-house date nights: For instance, wait until the kids are asleep and pop in a movie and a bag of popcorn and cuddle on the couch.

2. "Out-on-the-Town" date nights: Babysitter!!! Woohoo!! ;)

3. Lastly, the "I" word - yes, the intimacy: It is a beautiful thing inside the marriage covenant, and it is one of the main ingredients for a healthy marriage. Again, this can be a struggle for us, considering the children in the mix and the fact that I have chronic illness. I don't feel well a lot of occasions, which is a common struggle for all of the chronically ill. We are overcoming these battles one step at a time. God is good, and He has a purpose for it all.

When I am fulfilling any of my God-given tasks, my attitude should be focused on the positive and I should be joyful. For instance, the Proverbs 31 Woman tells to keep our attitude in focus. In verses 10-31, she "works in delight","senses her gain is good, and even "smiles at the future" (we don't know what her circumstances were, but most of us can say that it is hard at times to "smile at the future"). As we see in this entire passage (v. 10-31), being cheerful comes much more naturally when we keep our minds on the eternal.

2. I must be open to guidance and correction.

It's always hard to listen to someone (especially the one you know most intimately on earth) talk to you about an area in your life that might be able to use some TLC (tender loving care).

One of the beautiful things about a relationship is the ability to refine one another - if we, together, are "equally yoked" (both of us are followers of Christ and on the same spiritual level), then we are able to sharpen one another's character, just as two strong metals sharpen each other.

Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.


So how do we go about correcting one another or accepting correction?

Proverbs 13:18
But he who regards reproof will be honored.

Colossians 3:19
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.

I love how Martha Peace explains when we should correct our spouse and how we should respond to reproof in her book, The Excellent Wife:

"A biblical reproof is telling someone what they are doing wrong with the intent to restore them to a right relationship with God (see Matthew 18:15, Galatians 6:1). How you respond to your husband's reproof is a reflection of your desire to become more godly (see Proverbs 15:28)."

3. Where I am at personally in my relationship with God affects how I interact with my husband in a positive manner.

When I am more spiritually in-tune with the Holy Spirit (which gives us discernment of right vs. wrong), I am automatically (more times than not) reminded of how I need to treat my husband - with dignity and respect.

4. My husband deserves my utmost respect, no matter who is watching, what he has done or how I am feeling - that can be difficult. 

Proverbs 12:4
An excellent wife is the crown of her husband,
but she who causes shame is like rottenness in his bones.

It's sometimes easy to fall in line as a group of ladies eagerly share about their husband's latest "funny". Respecting our husbands includes trust....trust that we won't go "blab" about his latest plumbing mishap to the neighborhood clan of Momma's or wives at the local coffee shop. It only takes one opportunity to break a strong strand of trust. I think we've all spent some time re-weaving strands of trust with someone in our lives, and it's certainly not an easy job.

4. Forgiveness makes for a stronger marriage.

Forgiveness is the ultimate picture of love - it is what Christ accomplished as His earthly mission that took place on a cross called Calvary. Many times, this can be the hardest step in any relationship - friend, family or mate.

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.

5. I married a strong man. But even the strongest of men have weaknesses. I married all of him - weaknesses included. Keep grace in sight.

I am a wife with plenty of shortcomings. I want him to handle my shortcomings in a graceful manner. I am so grateful to have married a man with so many strengths. But no matter how strong we seem or perceive ourselves to be, we are all flawed by sin. We are a continual work-in-progress until we meet our Maker. I pray that I keep grace in beautiful balance in my marriage as we deal with all situations, but especially our shortcomings.

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.

1 Peter 3:7
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Lord, help me carry out these goals in my daily living and in witness of my family this year and thereafter. Some of these goals are tough - forgiving others...grace... Father, I know that I can overcome through You! I pray that these goals would inspire other young ladies to join me in this journey of becoming better wives. I praise You for stirring my heart to become a better, more godly wife than I am today. I pray in Your Precious Name, Amen. 


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There are several books I have been able to read and found extremely insightful in terms of the Christian marriage and the struggles we all face from our human nature of sin. Below are several that were most helpful for me and spiritually in-line with God's word:

His Needs Her Needs: Building an Affair-Proof Marriage
by William F. Harley, Jr.

The Excellent Wife
by Martha Peace (for the Wife)

The Exemplary Husband
by Stuart Scott (for the Husband)

What's It Like to Be Married to Me? and Other Dangerous Questions
by Linda Dillow

Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Great Physician

I've found an answer to my ILLNESS!!! I have found HEALING!!!

I don't know about you, but I get stoked about the complete healing Jesus has brought to my life! My body may fail, my physical weaknesses may multiply, but God promises us spiritual healing that brings a supernatural and indescribable peace, strength, comfort, and so much more. He gives us all of this when we choose to let Him rule over our lives. If we received healing to a physical illness through a cure, wouldn't we tell the world how to access that cure - through social media, in person, and in any way that would be a help to others? So why do we keep silent when it comes to the spiritual healing Christ has brought us?

Application: Lets encourage one another to speak out to the world about how Christ has changed our life. How has He mended your "feeble arms" and "weak knees" (Heb. 12:12-13)? 

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.