Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Morning!

Labs on Friday and Dr appointment on Monday...

I am so thankful for all I can do...

--------------------------------

Today's Bible Study

The Next Steps to Growth

Read | Ephesians 4:14-16

Yesterday’s devotion covered three steps to Christian growth: renewing our minds through Bible reading, confessing sin, and repenting of that sin. Today we will look at three more factors that will build us spiritually.

Any believer—whether mature or new to the faith—would be wise to receive godly counsel. I have seen some great men and women take a terrible plunge away from God because they were too proud to admit weakness. The Lord sees us as we truly are; we lack the ability to view ourselves objectively, which is why it’s important to have a friend who will be completely honest about our faults and mistakes. A godly counselor won’t be critical or condemning but rather will prove to be loving and kind.

We also grow spiritually when we serve God by serving others. At times this may mean ministering to someone who tends to bring out our worst qualities. Getting involved in his or her life, though, can help us learn patience, acceptance, and love.

One additional step is to respond properly to pain and difficulty. We all wish our greatest growth came during the calm times of our life. But the truth is, we make the most spiritual progress when we face adversity. Focusing on the Lord instead of on the source of our heartache is the appropriate response.

So the question is, Do you really want to move ahead in your Christian walk? To do so requires time, attention, and commitment. But if you choose to journey down God’s pathway to growth, you can expect to become more like Christ every day.

 Looking forward to another great day...

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Morning!

I have the sores on my face and a cold/flu that I can't completely get rid of...I'm sure being on 20 milligrams of prednisone and other immune suppression medicine doesn't help.  

If the weather cooperates today, Kaylee and I will run over to see grandmas in Faribault.  Weather may be iffy today. Depending on how the snow storm tracks. Friday is grandma Glorias birthday so we will head over then also...

I am so thankful for all I can do...

--------------------------------
Today's Bible Study

The Pathway to Spiritual Growth

Read | 2 Peter 3:18

Not many people can say that on the day they accepted Christ, someone explained how to grow spiritually. Sadly, some believers aren’t ever taught. God wants His children to bear the image of Christ, but we do not grow in our faith unless we take action.

First, we are responsible for renewing our mind (Rom. 12:2). Though God saves us and gives us a new spirit, He does not give us a new brain. Our minds have many trenches that have been dug or worn by rebellion, self-focus, or habit. That is why it’s important to meditate on the Bible, which expresses the thoughts of God. Meditation is more than reading—it involves thinking about what the words mean and then applying truth. There’s no way to grow spiritually without absorbing Scripture into our thinking.

A second step toward Christian maturity is being ready to admit and assume responsibility for failure. When we deny our sins, we delay spiritual growth, but as we learn to confess wrongdoing, the opposite happens—growth is inevitable.

The third step naturally follows the second: after confession should come repentance. This is more than a mere acknowledgement of wrongdoing or a promise to try harder. Repentance means that we commit to make an about-face and head in the opposite direction from our sin.

Our Father’s goal is for all believers to continually make progress toward Christlikeness. With these steps, you’ll develop in that direction. And the most important consequence is that your relationship with God will deepen.

 Looking forward to another great day...

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Day!

It is cold and foggy out this morning. :-(  While I was in the bathroom, I had a little friend come in to join me, a mouse.   I suppose they are trying to get out of the cold too. :-)

When I woke up this morning I'm swollen, my head is itching, more than normal, and I have a lot more sores all over my face.  Hands are sore and red and my eyes are blood shot.  I will be calling my Dr this morning.... I'm waiting for my medicine to kick in. :-(

I am so thankful for what I can do...

--------------------------
Today's Bible Study

The Power Within

Read | Acts 1:6-9

The pressure is on. At times it seems that the problems in our lives are multiplying, and there can be enormous temptation to choose ungodly solutions. If we are to make good decisions, we need divine power and wisdom. The way to obtain that, according to James 1:5, is to ask God, who longs to bestow it on all who have yielded to His plan.

Stop to consider the potential available and already residing within each believer. The Holy Spirit’s power—which we see in the work of Jesus Christ, who resisted the Devil’s temptations, raised Lazarus from the dead, and chose God’s will over His own (Luke 22:42)—produces Christlike character in us. It’s not something we can harness or turn on and off at will. Rather, the Spirit of God knows exactly when and how to utilize it in our life.

One of God’s primary uses for this power is to cultivate spiritual fruit in His followers (Gal. 5:22-23). Unbelievers are attracted to the light of Jesus within us when we demonstrate inner quietness and steadiness in the face of difficulty. They recognize Spirit-filled behavior is not the typical human reaction. When spiritual fruit is revealed in our lives, it is like shouting the message, “Jesus is real!”

Divine power gives us the authority as well as the spiritual energy needed to carry out God’s plan. The Holy Spirit releases His power so that our lives glorify the Father and demonstrate that God does rescue and transform people through His Son Jesus Christ. Won’t you yield to the Spirit’s control so that He may work dynamically in your life and circumstances?

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Day! 
The weather doesn't sound good...
Last night Kaylee stayed with us...
We are planning on cleaning and decorate. :-) If we have time we are going to make some puppy chow.

This week is Christine last week of work.  Baby is due anytime...we are excited for the new one to arrive.

I woke up swollen again but it should go down when my medicine kicks in...

I am so thankful for my family and friends!

-----------------------------
Today's Bible Study

When God’s Spirit Is in Charge

Read | James 1:2-4

A Spirit-filled life does not mean one that is problem-free. Christians who are under the control of the Holy Spirit will still make mistakes, have difficulties, and fall into sin. But there are two definite characteristics that distinguish Spirit-filled followers of Christ from other Christians and from unbelievers.

First, they are not controlled by their circumstances, and second, they refocus quickly after having sinned.

When the Holy Spirit is in charge, our attitude will not be determined by what’s going on around us. In other words, life doesn’t have to be stress-free in order for us to know peace—our spiritual joy won’t diminish even if we should meet with disappointment.

Anyone can be loving, kind, and self-controlled in seasons of blessing. But what happens to our attitude in trying times? The real test of who we are occurs not when things are going our way but when misfortune shows up. If the Spirit is in charge, we will learn to do four things: to love when we want to hate; to practice kindness when we are accused; to respond gently when others are harsh; and to have self-control when temptation strikes hard.

None of us will do all of this perfectly because there is still “self” within us. But when we sin, we will respond quickly to the Spirit’s prompting. He won’t have to work hard to get our attention, because we are under His authority. We will recognize our wrong action, confess it, and refocus on God’s ways.

If you are a Christ-follower, who is in control of your life?

Abundant. World - Today's Meditation

"World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not just mere absence of violence. Peace is, I think, the manifestation of human compassion."  —His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama

Abundant World

Today we offer a special guided meditation to ignite a ripple of peace and abundance out into the world.

We are all connected through pure consciousness, and the ebb and flow of pure potentiality envelops all of us. In today’s meditation, we will focus on that flow of giving and receiving, sharing our gifts and offering gratitude in return to enable everyone in the world an opportunity to benefit from this amazing journey.

Our centering thought for today is:

Love and abundance for all.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Today as you enter the stillness and silence of meditation, hold the intention that everyone in the world will realize abundance. Consider the many gifts you have to offer and do so freely while accepting gifts from others with gratitude, love, and joy. In this way, we enter the dynamic flow of the universe and share the experience of pure Spirit with our fellow human beings around the globe.

Extraordinary Me - Today's Meditation

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."  —Harriet Tubman

Extraordinary Me

We hope that spending time in stillness each day has reawakened you to the wonder of being alive, the gratitude for everyone and everything you share this life with, and an understanding that a life lived authentically, with passion and abundance is your birthright.

As you continue along this marvelous path of meditation, always remember that your true destiny is joy—for yourself and everyone around you.

Our centering thought for today is:

My destiny is joy.

MINDFUL MOMENT

Continue to focus on the many people and things that bring you joy in this life. Your true destiny is bliss and joy, as it is for everyone around you. Spend time contemplating the many lessons you have learned on our journey together and see how they can help manifest joy in your life and in the lives of everyone you meet. As you make your way through your day today allow yourself to share your smile with others freely. Be the ripple of positivity and light that will change the world.

Highs -n- Lows Living with the Disease

Another Beautiful Morning!

Yesterday and today we've had highs in the 40's :-) 

After our nail appointment yesterday, we went to Bakers Square for lunch....Chad called me to let me know he was in Rochester. So Bob, Chad and Kris joined us for lunch.. It was so nice to see them. :-) Chad's looking good and I continue to pray for great things to happen in his life.

Grandma Gloria is still sleeping a lot...
Her birthday is December 6th, she will be 88 years old. 

My mom's, grandma Faye's birthday is December 13th, she will be 76 years old.

I decided I would take a part-time position at a local church.  I am putting together a faith based curriculum for children, infants through 2nd grade. Today was my first day and I really enjoyed it... :- ). They are very understanding about the DM and Lupus.

I'm having blurry vision and at times double vision.  It's been going on since I started the new medicine...it's the medication that works together with methotrexate.  I also get very tired.  I have a hard time keeping my eyes open in the afternoon. :-)

I have tests this week and I see the Dr on Monday, December 9th. I will see what she decides to do.  I'm afraid they will have to do infusions if this medicine doesn't work.

I've also been getting sores on my right leg and my face.  Hoping they go away soon... :-)

I am so thankful for all I can do...

--------------------------------
Today's Bible Study

By Dr. Charles Stanley

 In Mark 16:15, Jesus commanded His disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” But what exactly is the gospel? Even believers can’t always give a clear definition for this word. Let’s take a closer look at what this biblical term means.

1. The gospel is good news.

  The word for “gospel” in Greek originally meant “reward for doing good.” Eventually it came to mean “good news.”

How would you define the gospel in your own words?

Briefly summarize the gospel, according to 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

2. The gospel also has some bad news.

In order for the gospel to be good news, each person must first realize that there was bad news. The problem is that without Christ, each of us is hopelessly headed for eternal separation from God.

The prophet Isaiah wrote that “all of us like sheep have gone astray” (Is. 53:6). What characteristics of sheep do you think Isaiah had in mind?

The price of sin is high. Romans 6:23 says that “the wages of sin is death.”  What do you think the apostle Paul meant by that phrase?

In what ways do people reap the “wages of sin”?

3. The gospel expresses God’s grace.

Thankfully Romans 6:23 doesn’t end with our wrongdoings. What does the rest of this verse say about eternal life?

Why is it important that salvation is by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9)?

What reasons do non-believers give to justify their acceptance into heaven?

Why aren’t these reasons sufficient (Rom. 3:21-28)?

4. The gospel is for everyone.

God desires that all people accept the free gift of eternal life (John 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:3-4). 

How do people learn of God’s offer for eternal life? The Lord uses believers to share the gospel with others through relationships, local outreaches to the poor, missions support, or service abroad. Opportunities to spread the good news are limitless.

In what ways do you currently share the gospel?

Ask God what He would have you do to take the good news to others this week.

5. The gospel is unique.

In John 14:6, Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” A popular idea today is that every road leads to God. By this, people mean all religions are equally valid paths to heaven. But Jesus boldly proclaimed that He is the only way to the Father. 

Why do you think people prefer to believe there are more than one path to God, when the way of the cross is so simple?

Closing: The Father, in His infinite wisdom, has only one requirement for salvation—that we place faith in His Son. In terms of eternal life, it makes no difference how virtuous or sinful a person has been. Humanity’s helpless, hopeless condition has only one answer: trusting in Jesus Christ and His atoning death on the cross.

Prayer: Father, thank You for sending Your Son to die so that I could be forgiven of all my sins. Please empower me to share this good news with my family, neighbors, and friends, both near and far. I surrender my will to be used by You, and I look forward to the work You will accomplish through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 Looking forward to another great day...