Reflections

Four years... four years.  As you well know, Lord, that is how long I have had this headache.  While it seems like I’ve had it much longer, it has only been four years as of today.  What started out as a ripple across the top of my head has transformed into a 24/7 headache accompanied by little balance, cognitive impairments, and other symptoms that affect my daily living.  It is hard to imagine that all of this is still progressing and there have been no correct answers found.  If I did not know that I know that I know that You are leading and guiding me along this path to the discovery of the right name and treatments for all of this, I would stay in despair and discouragement.  One day, though, You will reveal it all and my life will be forever changed.  By Your grace I will wait for that revelation and by Your grace I will live my life after that revelation and all that is to come from it.  I cannot do it any other way, nor do I want to.  You are my Provider, Protector, Defender and Light.  YOU will carry me through every step of this journey as I lean on You to strengthen, help and uphold me.  YOU will show me the way through it all.  May Your good and perfect gifts to me glorify You and You alone, no matter what they may be.  Praise You from Whom all blessings flow.  

“Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”  Proverbs 23:18

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.”  Proverbs 3:5

“... the battle is the Lord’s...”  1 Samuel 18:47 

Minions

Minions.  Cartoon characters.  Despicable Me.  You, Lord, flabbergasted me when I realized how You had worked in my life through these little critters.  Much needed and life-giving laughter came through the minions.  As I watched the first Despicable Me movie I laughed till I cried and couldn’t get my breath.  Just when I thought I was through laughing, I started all over again and was totally unable to speak so that I could be understood by others.  All through a children’s movie.  All through little cartoon characters.  I can still laugh about it all as I remember portions of the movie.  Lord, You truly do use all things to work for good for those who love You and are called according to Your purpose.  Thank You.  

Laughing too is a gift from You, Abba Father.  It is such a joy.  You have used it to rescue me from being overwhelmed by all that is going on in my/my family’s life.  I could feel the heaviness being lifted from me as I laughed more and more.  It felt so good to laugh and enjoy Your gift.  I will definitely go see Despicable Me 2.  More wonderful and life-giving laughs from You.  You are so good to me.  Praise You.

“Sarah said, ‘God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.’”  Genesis 21:6

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”  Job 8:21

“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy.  Then it was said among the nations, ‘The Lord has done great things for them.’”  Psalm 126:2

Botox And More

Worry... anxiety... stress.  None of them come from You, my Lord.  None.  I don’t want them.  They only dishonor You and take my eyes off of You.  No need to worry since You are sovereign and in perfect control of all things.  

But... Botox injections are coming up later this week.  The thought of having up to 31 injections in my head is not calming to me, Lord.  Help!  Yes, I know You will take hold of me and will carry me through the shots, the side effects and their efficacy.  

Then... news today that my Daddy is getting much weaker.  It is hard to know that he is getting worse.  It is hard to know that one day he will no longer be here on earth to talk to and to enjoy.  While it is comforting to know that our separation will only be temporary, it is still hard.  

Still more...  You know, Abba Father.

So, Lord, with all of these things hovering over me, I only have You to turn to.  Who else can I go to?  No one.  Work it all out in Your good, acceptable and perfect will and guide me every step of the way.  You know the outcome of all these things and will strengthen, help and uphold me amidst them all.  Keep my eyes on You.  Thank You for being my Refuge, Deliverer, Protector and Shepherd.  Thank You for listening to my cries.  WE will get through all that threatens to overwhelm me.  They pale in light of You and Your greatness, power and love.  Praise You from Whom all  blessings flow.  

“For day after day they seek me out; they seem eager to know My ways, as if they were a nation that does what is right and has not forsaken the commands of its God.  They ask me for just decisions and seem eager for God to come near them.”  Isaiah 58:2

“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.’”  John 6:68

“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.”  Psalm 23:1