Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Sunday, October 6th

Another beautiful morning! Colder but beautiful :-( It sounds like we will be seeing temps back up in the 70's on Tuesday. LOVE IT :-)
Today is our church dinner... :-). I won't be attending but hopefully I will get a takeout plate. They are serving a ham and chicken dinner with all the fixens. Yummy really sounds good... :-)

Well some days just don't go the way you plan...yesterday while getting my nails done I received a call from Milestone.  Gloria was having a bad day...sounds like it's been a bad week. :-( They think she may have some kind of infection.  :-( I attempted to take her in for care but she wouldn't get out of the car when we arrived there.  It can be very mentally exhausting for me.  It is so sad to see her at this stage of the disease. :-( I hate to drag her out of the car screaming and kicking...it just wouldn't look good. :-(

I was thinking about the call I received on Friday...it reminded me of the email I received from the diocese in Australia a few years back asking me to apply for a open position they had for Director of Faith Formation for the entire diceses. I was working at the church as Parish Administrator and had been communicating back and forth with the diocese over there, so when this opening came up they asked me to apply.  Accepting this would have been a great opportunity for me but I already have taken on the responsibility of caring for Gloria...
Paul wasn't up for a big move but my youngest son, Kris was open for the adventure.  He said he'd move with :-)
What are we looking for?
When we trust in God he will provide all that we need...Amen

So thankful for all our blessings

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Today's Bible Study

By Dr. Charles Stanley

The church is in danger of growing weaker every day. False doctrine, apathy, and a lack of discipline work together to diminish the local congregation’s influence in the community and the world. But the apsotle Paul reveals three simple ways to strengthen the church.

Be alert to false doctrine. There is no more effective church-killer than wrong spiritual beliefs. We are living in a culture of immorality and iniquity, and some philosophies mix a bit of truth with falsehood. Believers not firmly planted in God’s Word are susceptible to those lies. Standing firm requires that pure Scripture must be preached from the pulpit and studied by individual church members.

Appreciate God’s servants. Too often church members criticize their leaders more than encourage them. Certainly ministers and others in authority can make mistakes or fall into sin—they are human. But these Christians have devoted themselves to ensuring that people hear and understand Scripture.

The congregation is responsible to show support and love; those who know the Lord most deeply will appreciate the pastor. God will not reveal Himself to those who can’t be bothered with caring for His chosen servant.

Accept one another. Since we are a fellowship of believers, we are to develop a spirit of oneness. Everyone is loved by God and shouls be welcomed. This truth is based not on performance, but on the fact that each believer is the Lord’s child with a unique role in this life.
The church’s great potential lies in its members. Begin today to practice these strength-building exercises.

Another great day!

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Saturday, October 5th

Another beautiful morning...still damp out. Temps were down in the 50's overnight.  Brrr getting colder... :-(

Today, I have a manicure appointment at 10:30am with my sister, Brenda and then out to eat. :-). We are meeting in Rochester at Keri's...

Yesterday morning I got a call on my cell phone from a radio station asking if I wanted to have a radio talk show.  They are impressed with me...asked me if I was still working as the Parish Life Coordinator.  I told them I wasn't...I was out ill...they felt my knowledge and experiences could be beneficial to others?????
Really...this station is in New York. ???? 

My brain doesn't work all the time...they call it lupus brain fog or it could be the combination of the medications.  No matter what it is it causes me to go blank when I try to communicate. So sad... :-(

I spent most my day, yesterday, cleaning ...trying to get things scrubbed and sorted.  It's going to be a while yet...  :-(

Paul went to meet the boys yesterday for lunch at HuHut in Rochester and stopped to pick up some pumpkins to sell at the church dinner. :-) They are short this year :-)

Francine texted me and asked if I wanted to go see her mom and go out for lunch with her brother, Brad on Tuesday in Des Moines.  I'm open for that...I haven't seen either of them for many years. :-)
We are going to bible study on Wednesday night...she wanted to go early so her pastor and others can pray over me. :-) I'm open for prayer...I would be ecstatic if I regained my health. :-)

When I get back home to MN there is a Muscular Dystrophy informational gathering on Friday and a support gatherings on Saturday in the Cities.  I registered to attend...
Sounds like I'm going to have a very busy week, next week...I'm not sure how I will do or if I'll be able to attend everything :-) Will see...

So thankful for what I can do

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Today's Bible Study

When We Cry Out to God

Read | Psalm 57:1-3

Crying out to God is the spontaneous response to an urgent need. It differs from typical prayer, which involves
periods of worship, petitioning, and intercession; this distraught call focuses entirely on one difficulty. The problem can be heartbreaking news, a dangerous situation, physical pain, or spiritual confusion. Whatever the cause, we seek immediate relief from God.

Like Peter sinking into the sea, we’re saying, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:30). We call out desperately when bad news comes, because we acknowledge that only God has power to change circumstances. And when we are walking obediently with Him, He will respond: if He does not alter the situation, He will replace fear with courage and confidence.

A cry to the heavenly Father is rooted in faith that He will answer His children. Believers expect God to respond with clear direction, and without fail; He is trustworthy to answer. Exodus 17 details how the Lord demonstrated His faithfulness at Horeb. When the wandering Israelites again grumbled against their leader—this time because of thirst—Moses called out to God, “What shall I do to this people?” (v. 4). Instantly, the Lord replied with a solution that satisfied both the Israelites’ thirst and Moses’ despair.

Whether we are sinking in a sea of pain or anxiously seeking a taste of God’s living water, the Lord hears our cries. And He says again, “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Ps. 91:15).

Another great day!

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Friday, October 4th

Another beautiful morning! Yesterday we received an inch and five eights of rain. Today we are in a severe weather warning for more rain, hail, strong winds and possible tornadoes?? :-(  The wind is blowing pretty good already this morning...we can use the rain but we'll pass on the rest...

My arms and legs are starting to itch again :-( My scalp itches the worst. I really never completely got rid of my itchy scalp. I also have sores in my mouth...I'm usually able to get the mourh sores undercontrol but if I can't, I will call my Dr.

Yesterday, Marion, my first husbands stepmother, and I went out for breakfast.  We started going out last Thursday and are planning on breakfast every Thursday.  It's a good way to stay connected. :-)

Saturday, I am meeting my sister, Brenda, in Rochester for lunch and a manicure.  We may also go for a drive to see if trees are changing to their fall colors...

Paul is having a couple of the hunters over to set things up for deer hunting season.

This weekend is the church dinner.  Hopefully the weather is nice. We usually serve around 700 to 800 people.  I won't be working the dinner again this year.  I just don't have the strength and energy like I used to...

Monday I am driving down to Council Bluff, IA to vist good friends, Francine and Tony.  I have known them for over 30 years.  I haven't seen them for around 3years???  We've had a lot of good times and good talks.  I plan on returning home on Thursday.

So thankful for what I can do :-)

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Today's Bible Study

Fighting Anxiety with Prayer

Read | Luke 11:1-4

The value of prayer was something Gideon knew well. He had a lengthy discussion with the Angel of the Lord about who He was and what God was doing. He also had conversations with God, trying to resolve his doubts. Then, as the battle was drawing close, more communication took place while God gave him instructions. Through prayer, he experienced intimacy with the Lord, answers to his questions, and direction for his life.

Just as He did for Gideon, God invites us to talk over our worries with Him. He longs to replace our anxious burdens with His peace, which surpasses all comprehension. We have several advantages over Gideon when we pray. First, we have the Bible—God’s instruction book for living—which is full of information about who the Lord is and what He is doing. The more we believe His Word and understand His plans, the more confidently we will talk to Him. Second, we have the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us into the truth of God’s Word and interpret it for us. As we discover how relevant the Scriptures are to our situation, we will learn to pray from God’s perspective. Our prayers will be more about what He wills than what we want. And third, Jesus, our risen Savior, is interceding for us, and the Holy Spirit is praying on our behalf when words fail us. We do not pray alone.

Through our communion with God, we can experience His presence as Gideon did. It is here that our spiritual needs are met and we are freed from anxiety so we can live a life of trust.

Another great day!

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Thursday, October 3rd

Another beautiful but stormy morning.  We are getting some more much needed rain.  I started hearing the thunder and lightning around 2am. So I've been up off and on since then. :-( Alittle tired this morning...no real tired this morning..  :-)

I continue having the tingling down my legs and pain in my hands... :-(

I was reading through a blog from the Muscular Dystrophy Association yesterday on Humility...here are some inserts from it...

Humility does not mean sitting passively in the back row as life passes by. It requires us to engage life with passion and integrity.

When I accepted my humility, I was able to let go of the feelings of shame that had locked me into frustration and unhappiness. As I became vulnerable, I entered a world in which I began to be honest with myself and others about my thoughts and feelings and began living a more authentic life. I have come to understand that acceptance of my new journey frees me from the burden of trying to fix myself...

So thankful for all I can do.  :-)
    
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Today's Bible Study

Handling Our Anxieties

Read | Matthew 11:25-30

Gideon was a man who experienced great anxiety. Convinced God had abandoned the Israelites, He had to thresh grain in a winepress to keep it hidden from his enemies, the Midianites. He believed that his family was one of the weakest and that he himself was one of the least of men.

God then called Gideon—who in no way regarded himself as a man of strong capability—to lead the fight against the Midianites. Imagine his stress! But he obeyed and gathered his men, only to have the Lord send most of them home before the battle. Though this turn of events would give anyone anxiety, Israel was victorious because it was the Lord who won the battle. In the process, Gideon learned just how powerful and personal his God was (Judg. 6-7).

As Gideon discovered, knowing God intimately is one of the keys to dealing with worry. Those who handle anxiety well—inwardly and outwardly—know the Lord in a deeply personal way. They are the ones who calmly proceed while others are drowning in stress. When asked how they do it, they usually will respond, “Read the Word. Pray. Trust God.” These simple statements point to a way of life rather than a method. That way of life is centered on Jesus Christ and is spent learning to know Him in His fullness.

Man’s methods for handling anxiety serve only to distract or numb us from stress. God’s way is to reveal who He is through the Holy Spirit’s teaching and, in the process, replace our fretfulness with His peace.

Another great day!

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Wednesday, October 2nd

Another beautiful morning! Another 70 degree day :-) Sounds like things are going to change after today...temps are going to be in the 40's & 50's over the weekend. :-(  This weekend is the Church Dinner.  Paul works with the produce... I'm not scheduled for anything...I never know how my day will go. :-( I was in charge of the chicken but it's a lot of heavy lifting and standing.

Yesterday, Paul went in for his steroid shot...hopefully it helps... :-)

Today Kaylee and I are running over to Faribault to visit with grandmas.  :-)

So blessed...
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Today's Bible Study

How to Claim a Promise from God

Read | 2 Corinthians 1:20

God’s promises declare His intention to graciously bestow blessings. They fall into several categories, and understanding the difference will help us know how to claim the blessings our Father has in store for us.

Some biblical promises are general, but others are limited. This means certain pledges involved a specific person, time, or purpose but may not apply to us. For instance, Genesis 18:10 assured Sarah a son. We cannot simply claim that promise, assuming God will do likewise for us. He certainly can use such a passage to impress upon your spirit His desire to bless you in that way. But we must guard against grabbing promises randomly, expecting them to be fulfilled no matter what.

Scripture contains many unconditional promises—assurances whose fulfillment requires nothing on our part. For example, God has said He will bear our burdens daily (Ps. 68:19), He will never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5), and He will come again (John 14:3). We also find many conditional promises, which are guarantees with an “if . . . then” stipulation (Prov. 3:5-6; 1 John 1:9).

God delights in meeting His children’sneeds and desires, and His promises are for their benefit. But He also makes one promise to unbelievers: When a lost person requests forgiveness of sins and receives Jesus as Savior, that individual will be saved (John 3:16). Have you acted upon that promise? If not, don’t delay. Once you accept Christ, there are many more promises waiting for you to claim.

Another great day!

Memories - Joni and Friends

Joni and Friends Daily Devotional   

Memories

"'Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope...'"      
Lamentations 3:21
 
My sweetest memories are ones that inspire hope. And many of them are of life before my accident. I recall the grating sensation of a nail file against the tips of my fingers, and the sound of my nails tapping cool, ivory piano keys. I can still "feel" my fingers plucking the tight nylon strings of my old guitar, the touch of peach fuzz, digging my thumb under an orange skin and peeling it.
 
Funny thing...so many of my freshest memories have to do with my hands. I'm looking at my paralyzed hands right now. The muscles have all atrophied. My fingers are curled and rigid, and I wear leather hand splints so that when I move my arms, my hands don't flop and get in the way. I love it when my husband, Ken, holds my hand. Sometimes when we're wheeling around a mall, I'll hold my arm out, a signal to him to grab my hand. I can't feel it, but I like seeing his hand covering mine.
 
Why would memories like these inspire hope? They remind me that one day soon I'll have new hands. Fingers that will work and feel again, touch and pluck and pick and scrub and dig. Hands that will embrace loved ones. The first thing I'm going to do is reach for Ken's new, glorified hand and give it a squeeze just to see what it feels like. It'll happen! God promises me in Jeremiah 29:11, "'For I know the plans I have for you,' says the Lord. 'They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.'" My best memories help give that hopeful future "shape."
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Let your memories be your handhold on heaven. Do you have memories of better times, happier days? Use those to help you look forward to when God will wipe away every tear; to when sorrow and sighing will be no more, and to when joy will overtake you.
 
Lord, help me to use memories to build up my hope for the heavenly future. Thank You for helping me through the present by remembering a pleasant past.

Blessings,
 
Joni and Friends
www.joniandfriends.org

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Tuesday, October 1st

Another beautiful morning...
I can't believe how fast time is flying...October already.  The weather has been wonderful. If only it would stay this way...so nice. :-) We are looking at highs in the upper 70's today.

As I was sorting and cleaning yesterday...I came across pictures of the boys and their dad, Greg.  It's fun looking back at good times but sad because the time just continues to fly by.  Where has the time gone.  The kids are all grown up now and are having kids of their own. :-)

The boys dad, Greg, was diagnosed with a form Parkinson.  He had tremors, his hands and neck would shake. Greg had a hard time accepting it.  He felt like everyone was watching him.  The Drs gave him medication but they didn't work. They tried shock therapy...that didn't work either.  This was back in the 90's... before Michael J Fox came forward.  Treatment has come a long way since then. Greg died of an accidental medication overdose.    :-( 
I can relate to how he would have felt back then.  At the time I just didn't understand.  I thought he could change the way he feels and move on.  After going through this with my Lupus and DM I realize it doesn't work like that.  It's a process a person has to go through. It's like a loss, a loss of yourself and your life as you know it.  If only I knew then what I know now. :-)

Today I have so many things to be thankful for...I have been truly blessed  :-)

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Today's Bible Study

Inheriting God’s Promises

Read | Hebrews 6:11-12

The Lord wouldn’t have made all the promises in the Bible if He didn’t want to give His children great blessings. Yet we cannot be presumptuous and simply assume such benefits automatically belong to us. So how can we claim God’s promises with the expectation that He will take pleasure in answering our petitions?

There are certain questions we must ask in order to test the needs we bring before our heavenly Father. These include:

• Does this promise meet my personal need or desire?

• Am I asking with a spirit of submissiveness to His will?

• Can God fulfill this request without harming another person or interfering with His will in someone else’s life?

• Does the Holy Spirit bear witness to my spirit that the petition pleases God?

• Will God be honored by fulfilling this?

• Does my request to claim this promise contradict God’s Word in some way?

• If God fulfills this promise, will it further my spiritual growth?

Once we have satisfactorily answered these questions, inheriting God’s promises depends on three requirements. First, we need to have faith. Our Father wants us to trust Him, and He rewards those who do (Gen. 15:6; Heb. 11:6).

Second, we must be obedient to whatever we know is His will for us—we’ll never attain His best if we knowingly disobey. And third, we must have patience and be willing to wait for the Lord’s perfect timing. Doing these things is well worth our while, considering the blessings He longs to give us.

Another great day!