Pain is a teacher none of want to sit under...yet all of us will suffer physical pain of some kind in this world.  It takes a deep sense of God's love  to suffer on a daily bases, day after day, week after week, year after year and still give Him glory. 

Below is a post from my blogging friend, Martha who always  encourages my heart.  I have only been reading Martha for a couple of years but I am amazed how many opportunities God puts in her way to encourage others who struggle daily.  Pain is her theme, no, that's wrong, pain will not beat her is her theme.   Even when she writes on a different subject the chronic pain will seep through her words.  Yet sometimes her post are filled with such humor, she has grown in her ability to laugh at herself.    Sometimes I just cry and pray for her and try to bring God into my replies.  I know He will heal her someday completely. 

                  Say hello to Martha, a courageous wise hearted woman.

I fell out of a tree in 1997~~landing hard on my Behind (butt), having to crawl away from the tree as a new enemy entered my life-Chronic Pain.  The changes came fast--numb toes, aching leg as it felt like a Red Hot Poker had found a place to settle!  I prayed for relief, but the burning Pain grew each day--racing through my body.

 

My life was filled with the blessing of my husband~~we quickly learned the "test" our marriage vows would take "In Sickness & in Health" as we struggle through each day of Pain together.  I resented the changes in my life, having to watch my husband suddenly become my Caretaker. We have been married for 38 years~~and we are learning there can still be Joy--regardless of Chronic Pain. 

 

For me to have come this far through a horrid maze of Pain and illness~~its by the Grace of God--plain and simple.  I had moments in those early days of Pain as it felt nobody was with me in the battle~~I learned all that was needed of me was to reach out--a helping HAND was waiting--all I had to do was "Let Go and Let God!"  

 

For anyone who lives with Chronic Pain-please know you are Not Alone--I am with you in prayer.  My words are shared through my personal blog, Pain Won't Beat Me~~please feel free to drop by anytime.  Betty is a great friend who I met via the Blogging world--we share our ups and downs.  I am a better person for simply knowing her!  

 Hugs and Blessings!  Martha

I know Martha would love to hear from you...she is a good one to talk to if you are struggling with chronic pain.  God has produced a prayer warrior out her struggles. 
                                                          Pain Won't Beat Me!

A Minute of Margin...

On my small book shelf sits a little book titled, A Minute of Margin by Richard Swenson M.D.  It's been tucked away for quite some time till yesterday  when my soul was thirsting for a word of encouragement.   Let me just give you a small piece of the introduction to the book for it alone is priceless wisdom. 

Margin is like oxygen---everybody needs some.  If we have too little, we suffer from the shortage.  If we have too much, the excess will not benefit us additionally. But having the right amount permits us to breathe deeply.

Margin is the space, specifically the space between our load and our limit.  It is this space that enhances vitality and resilience. It is the space that guarantees sustainability. It is in this space healing occurs, where our batteries recharged, where our relationships are nourished, and where wisdom is found.

  We do not follow two inches behind the next car on the interstate...that would leave no margin for error.  We do not load boats until they are submerged...that would invite disaster.  Why then do we insist on leaving no buffer, no space, no reserves in our day to day?

         Our enemy is also our beneficiary: progress.  Progress is helpful but not pure. Even as progress results in many advantages, it is also accompanied by disadvantages.  Progress bring blessings, but it also brings pain.  Overload is a human condition. 

Progress will continue to give us more, axiomatically leading to increasing stress, change, complexity, speed, intensity and overload.  Such a list is not as negative as it might first appear, but it certainly implies that discernment must be used and priorities must be clear when choosing a future course of action.

We have limits as Christian just like everyone else.  Once these limits are exceeded, we have no margin for prayer, for caring, for stillness, for community.  That I have limits, of course, in no way means that God has limits. 

The recent death of my husband's sister has caused me to think on how I spend my time in these early fall and winter years of my life.  Cannot go back and recapture the past , cannot run ahead and capture the future.  But I have today to live to my fullest or waste it on things that matter not or have no eternal value.  Even the very words I write only have a tiny chance of even being read by others.   Which is why I probably do not post much and spend much time on face to face relationships. 

 Has someone  encouraged you today by their words, a hug, a face to face contact, a note, a phone call.     Aren't you glad they took that margin of time and thought about you ? 

Link to:     "http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Rooted

 

In the spring trees bring hope as their new growth sings.  Lush greenery offers peace in the summer.  In the fall, their colorful collages inspires creativity.  And in their emptiness, tree grace the winter with silent elegance.  (Alicia Britt Chole from her book Anonymous)

 

More from Alicia.

In the winter, are the trees bare?  Yes

In the winter, are the trees barren?  No

Life still is:

 

 The trees in the pictures has seen many seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter.  Every season drives it roots deeper and deeper  as it abides in the creation of God's rich earth, bask in His sunshine  and drinks from  His rain  Through the years I have not enjoyed the winter seasons as much as the other three because I failed to recognize it as a "rest time."

 

Alicia has this to say about the seasons.  Such is the rhythm of spiritual life: new growth,  fruitfulness, transition, rest...new growth, fruitfulness, transition, rest.  Abundance may makes us feel productive, but perhaps emptiness has greater power to strengthen our souls. 

 

In spiritual winters, our fullness is thinned so that, undistracted by our gifting's, we can focus upon our character.  In absence of anything to measure, we are left with nothing to stare at except our foundation. 

 

We begin to examine the motivations that supports our deeds, the attitudes that influence our words, the dead wood otherwise hidden beneath our busyness.  Then a life changing transition occurs as we move from resistance through repentance to the place of rest.  With gratitude, we simple abide. 

 

What season do you find yourself in right now? 

 

 

 

The Test Taker

“Courage is not limited to the battlefield or the Indianapolis 500 or bravely catching a thief in your house. The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are the inner tests, like remaining faithful when nobody's looking, like enduring pain when the room is empty, like standing alone when you're misunderstood.” Charles Swindoll quote (random thoughts this quote brought to my heart.)

Most test of courage is plastered on front pages of magazine, newspapers for the whole world to see but those inner test that reveal the character of our soul take more courage then the big ones.  If we fail the inner tests then we will for sure fail the big ones.  Now grant you when we fail those inner test the results will eventually be seen by others.

Nobody knows what movies I watch unless I tell them, or what kind of books I read.   But soon the words of my mouth will spill out what ever it is I am taking in.  Facebook and tons of blogs have given outlets to let the whole world know what you are thinking about for out of the heart comes the words we say or write.  You can fool people some of the time but not all the time.  And we never fool God. 

My quest to be a courageous wise hearted woman has led me to test my heart motive  in all things.  I want to pass the tests that come my way daily, lay my head on my pillow at night knowing I did my best and not have guilt flood me over a test I failed that day. 

Sometimes when they give you a test you get to see a sample test to help you understand what the tester wants from you.  I ask the tester of my life to give me a sample and He gave me...  Jesus, He never failed a test.

Trust me when I say I have failed many test and instead of an F, Jesus the perfect test taker signed my test in red...blood red,  I have passed this for her.  

 

               Are you in a testing time now?  Take it to the perfect test taker. 

Family Coming Home...

Logan, Scarlett, Tony, Tara and Ava Jo

 

They are coming home...in less then 24 hours we will  wrap arms around our daughter and her family.  Four years have passed since they walked on US soil.    Because they have come from  land of few choices, (Papua New Guinea) they will be overwhelmed at the abundance of choices they have to make after arriving here. Their one year home assignment will pass so quick then they will return to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who have not heard. 

If you would like more information on their ministry you can look on New Tribes Mission web site or connect with them: tony_sutton@ntm.org.  They are open to come share at your church or small group what God is doing in Papua New Guinea. 


“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”  

  

At My Lowest

  





When I was at my lowest, confounded by obstacle, I discovered an astonishing truth.  God is attracted to weakness.  He can’t resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him.  Our weakness, in fact, makes room for His power.

Have you been there? What brought you out of it?  Or maybe I should ask, who brought you out of your lowest point?  Were you humbled?  What did God show you about yourself during that time?

I ask all that because several weeks ago I had a friend come to me about an issue in her life that was causing her to struggle with being obedient.  It was refreshing to witness a heart being humbled by God.   Refreshing to listen to a humble heart seeks answers according to the Word of God.  Which brings me back to the first paragraph which is worth repeating again.    "God is attracted to weakness.  He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him.  Our weakness, in fact makes room for His power. 

The ladies bible study I belong to has started reading Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life.  Bro. Warren says this, "real spiritual growth is never an isolated, individualistic pursuit.  Maturity is produced through relationships and community.  Just today I had the opportunity to be mature and say, I am sorry about something that offended someone.  At first I tried to say nicely I was being misunderstood.  The more I tried to defend myself, the deeper my pit got.  Only way to get out was to say I was sorry, can you forgive me?   And I really am sorry for the offence.  Yeah I am feeling pretty low right now, I just hate it when I mess up.  Which is why I needed reminded, God is attracted to weakness, (that's me) He can't resist those who humbly and honestly admit how desperately they need Him, (that's me too).  My "weakness", in fact make room for His power.  I just want to shout with written words....BRING ON THE POWER GOD.  Use this weak, broken, desperate old woman for Your Glory.

Link to:
http://jenniferdukeslee.com/tell-his-story/"

God Never Leaves Us Without A Song

I was challenged  while on a trip back to our home area in Kentucky.  You see everyone there knows I sing so I am called upon to do so as soon as I walk into some churches.  Knowing this you would have thought I would take special care to remember my sound tracts, but I didn't.  Really I was  hoping I could get out of it which tells you the "song" had left my heart.   Up to about 8 years ago I was learning a new song  once a month in hopes I would get a chance to sing it.  Then I remembered it was a little over eight years ago we went to Papua New Guinea and had some of the toughest years of our Christian life and very few opportunities to sing. Besides the enemy of my soul dropped these words in...no one wants to hear an old woman sing.  Then God dropped these words in my heart and the devil had to flee.

God said,   find a song that speaks to your heart that you know well and can do without any music. 

The Greatest Of All Miracles

I wasn't there by the shores of Galilee, when Jesus touched those blinded eyes and made them see
And though I did not see the empty tomb, that day, I still believe
Yes I know what Jesus did for me.

Now I believe there is power in the blood of the Lamb
And I believe there is healing in the touch of His hand
But the greatest of all miracles is when Jesus touch me
Yes I know what Jesus did for me

Now I have seen the lowest sin sick soul, have life anew, be made pure, pure and whole
And I have felt Him loose the chains of sin and set my spirit free
Yes I know what Jesus did for me. 

My voice is not what it use to be of course but again I realized it's is the heart of a song that counts and the heart of the person singing it.  Both were right each  times I sang.  God never leaves us without a song. 




 Link to:  "http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/"

Bring On The Rain, Heat and Humidity

Yesterday I realized what the hard rains, heat and humidity had been producing besides buckets full of sweat from my body. Just outside our house, along the fence is the most beautiful flowers. It had been such a rainy, hot, humid week and all I had been noticing was the frustration it was producing in me until this morning when a friend pointed out the flowers. Then it hit me, how we will never be the beautiful flowers for the Lord with out the rain of our tears that come from the trials and the period of heat and humidity that it takes to bring beautiful blooms forth. Honest there are days I just want to escape to some mountain retreat where the air is cool and dry and be able to read a book without sweat dripping on the pages. This is not the place I would have picked to serve the Lord in but it is the place God has picked for me.

We have been studying in Esther how God placed her where she was "for such a time as this". God placed her in a palace for a time when she would have a part in saving her people. Her actions could have cost her life but she was willing to perish if necessary. All God is asking of me is to endure a little heat and humidity to be a part of reaching the lost in Papua New Guinea.

Oh I want to be a woman of courage and say, bring on the heat and humidity, I'll endure for your sake Lord but as I sit typing the sweat drips on my computer and my determination withers. Then I look at the flowers again and they give me courage to cease the day for Him.
One thing you cannot see in my pictures though is all the bees buzzing in and out of those sweet flowers. I pushed past my fear of getting a bee sting to take several pictures knowing any second one could lite on me and cause me pain. I would have missed the fragrance those flowers produce when in full bloom, a heavenly smell along with an important reminded God wanted to teach me had I just gave up the venture. Wish there was some other way to have beautiful flowers without rain, heat, humidity and stinging bees...but that is God's way.

( This is a repost from about 3 years ago while we were serving in Papua New Guinea.  Sweat is not dripping from my fingers onto the key board, thank God.   Moving back to the states to serve with our mission produced it's own set of trials. They follow us where ever we live but so does He, the one who we can lean on, He does not mind sweat, dirt, tears and weaknesses.  Instead of shying away from us in our frailness He is drawn to comfort and show His strength. )

                               How has God shown Himself strong to you?
link to:
"http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/"

Protecting God

"When we walk in the Spirit we are projecting God image. "    Now here is how I read it, when we walk in the spirit we are protecting God's image.  My mistake caused me to stop and ponder, "protection of God's image."   Yeah...it's exactly what we do when we walk in the Spirit, we protect His image.  This is where that profound thought took me. 

God has given us the desire to protect our children.  Yet almost daily one can read or see on the news a parent who instead of protecting destroys their children.  While I was potty training my first born a spirit of control took over and I was determined she would be potty trained by a certain age.   I loved her beyond anything I could imagine and  it broke my heart to know those feelings were in me toward this precious little girl of ours.  Even then as a lost woman I knew this was about controlling and not love.  When I heard my own sharp voice telling her she would potty I begin to weep...poor child, from an irate mother to a sobbing one. Praise God she does not remember that incident. 

Grace is always there when needed.  I am sad to say I am not always there for God protecting  grace.   Those times I walk in the flesh  hurts God's image to those around me.  If I put on God's armor I am protected against what ever the enemy throws at me.  In turn the armor protect His image.   Ephesians 6:10-20 tell us we are ambassadors of  Him who designed the pieces of armor.  God has provided all we need to battle on this earth

If God had not put I John 1:9 in the Word my failures would destroy me.  His word encourages and strengthen me to pick my self up,  re-arm AGAIN and get back out to the battle.  His unfailing love motivate me to not give up the battle that rages to destroy God's image.  Even my mistakes in reading one simple word is used of God to show me truth. 

Since we are all cut of the same fabric, what has God taught  you lately from a mistake? 

An Affected Heart

Our eyes are extremely important in order to help in everything we do everyday.  Often, what we see stimulates and determines some of our actions.  Psalm 34:8 also includes the spirit man's eyesight along with the tasting. Paul's prayer (in Eph. 1:18) was that the eyes of our heart be enlightened.  The heart (in this reference) does not indicate the seat of emotion as we more commonly refer to, but rather of thought and will.  Our understanding needs to be right so that we can fully comprehend all that God has called us to.

Veronica at "Theshticks.com" has captured my heart in her drawing of me praying in a village in Papua New Guinea. After looking at some of the pictures I sent her I was totally at peace with what she would come up with.

 My eyes affected my heart the first time I viewed slides from a widowed missionary lady who worked in the Phillipines teaching the women and children how to read their own language.  Little did I know God was going to use her to start praying for my husband and I.  Soon after meeting her we begin to get the New Tribes magazine, Brown Gold delivered to us monthly.  Every article we read drew us to missions.   We were heavily involved in evangelism in our community, enjoying our  ministry.  But those articles about the few who were willing to go to the unreached tucked in  remote places stirred us.  Truth is, they did more then stir us, they changed us into people of God who would willingly say, Your will God, not ours.  I love the fact God works is a progression most of the time and His timing is perfect.   About four years after meeting this missionary lady we entered into the New Tribes training that would teach us some ways to live in remote places.  It was exciting and scary at the same time but so worthwhile.

Nothing could really prepare us though for the affect  of finally getting to our first overs seas assignment.  God begin to build on the training of how it takes a team to reach those living in place that sometimes even a helicopter can"t reach.   I think I really understood for the first time why God gave us feet. 

I often write mission posts because it where my heart is.   I know some may not believe this but those who live without a gospel witness will die and go to hell without a chance to believe.   Ace and I are grateful for those who are part of our team, praying and giving so we in turn could go.  God uses many different ways to challenge us all to obey Him...these are just a few He used.  A 50 year widow missionary women, a magazine full of God stories  of going to the ends of the earth, and a pastor with a heart for missions.  When we sit down to tell him what we believed God's will was for us, we said, my brother, you preached us out of this church by keeping before us the needs of the world.  The missionaries we met while in training only highten the desire to go and be a part of telling the gospel.   Never in a million years could the Sunday school teacher who invited us to visit her church could have known what God had in store for us.  But she too was part of the process. 

               How has your eyes affected your heart?