Remembrance

Photo I took years ago at the Norfolk zoo.

“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” -1Samuel 17:37

While reading in 1 Samuel this morning, I happened across this verse that I had highlighted in my Bible, and I remember why. There is such an importance to remembering what God has done for you in order to trust and believe that He WILL see you through to the end.

The Israelites celebrated Passover each year in order to remember their liberation by God from slavery in Egypt (and still do to this day). At the last supper, Jesus told the disciples how to receive communion saying, ” . . . do this in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthians 11:24). We are to first give thanks to God, and then partake in the Eucharist (Holy Communion). I find it interesting that the greek word Eucharisteo actually means “thanksgiving,” and that is precisely what the Eucharist is—thanksgiving.

It is remembering what the Lord has done for us, thanking him for it, and waiting expectantly for what’s to come.

As a young shepherd boy, David could have easily been discouraged from fighting against the Philistine. After all, Saul said, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a boy, and he has been a fighting man from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33). David could have thrown in the towel and said, “You’re right. What was I thinking? I’ll go back to tend my sheep,” but he didn’t. He remembered what the Lord had done for him in the past— that he had killed both a lion and a bear with his bare hands thanks to the Lord. This gave him the confidence he needed to slay Goliath.

It’s so easy for us to look at our current circumstances and become discouraged and defeated. I reflect on my own situation with my ankle fusion, the set back in my healing, and all of my limitations, and could easily pull the pity card and complain about the hand that life dealt me. But instead, I choose to remember where I have been, and the hand that has held me along the way. My life was spared when it could have been my end on this earth. I am able to walk (although not at this very moment) when I was told by two head orthopedic surgeon’s that my injury was the worst they had seen and I’d never walk again. I was able to have an ankle fusion when I thought an amputation was in order. I have SO much to be thankful for, and to remember!

My challenge for you today (and everyday) is to spend time remembering what the Lord has brought your through, both great and small. Doing this often will bring you the courage you need to slay the giants in your life when they come along. May you be blessed and discover a joy-filled life through remembrance.

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.'” -Luke 22:19

Disobedience

“…to obey is better than sacrifice…” 1 Samuel 15:22

I’ve recently had a set back that has put a damper on things. Due to all of the driving and shopping I have been doing the past few weeks in order to get my mom moved into her Assisted Living Facility (and mainly using my scooter to do so), I have lost 3 weeks with my recovery. Yep. Gone. I’m back to square one weight bearing 25%, when as of yesterday I should be at 100% without assistance . . . Boo.

I found myself in tears of frustration because I hadn’t put my healing first, as well as frustration with others for not being available (or willing) to help. I wanted to get mom moved out of the rehab center ASAP because she was miserable. But it wouldn’t have killed her to stay for another month until I was done with my recovery (so she said).

May is jam packed with Jewelry Shows, vendor events, and my hubby and I’s anniversary trip . . . to the beach. I was so angry at myself for not obeying the doctors orders at really being consistent with weight bearing. I could have been out of the boot and off of crutches by our anniversary, but that isn’t likely now. Furthermore, the doctor says “No more scooter.” This means my plans/activities are going to need to be adjusted.

Disobedience. One word that can carry so many consequences. Look at the Israelites. Their disobedience made them circle the desert for 40 years when the Promised Land was only about a 3 to 4 day journey away! We could save ourselves so much trouble, pain, and wasted time if only we were obedient. Guidelines, rules, and laws are for our own good. I didn’t understand that when I was younger, and sought to break the rules because no one was going to tell me what I could and couldn’t do. Oh how I wished I hadn’t tried to take things into my own hands. I could have been spared from so much heartache and pain. But what’s done is done, and all we can do is LEARN from our mistakes and keep pressing forward, no matter how dry the desert.

My prayer for you today is to seek obedience always. Whether it’s with your parents, your doctor, the law, or God Almighty. The reward will be MUCH better than the consequences of disobedience.

Wintertide

I thought I’d share a poem I wrote a couple of years ago in my Poetry 1 class. The assignment was to write an ekphrastic poem, which is a poem wherein the author describes another work of art, usually visual. This photograph always amazed me, so I wrote a poem about it. Sometimes, when the storm of life comes down hard upon us, we need to simply rest, be still, and wait for the storm to pass; trying to struggle through it will only leave us wounded and weary. ❤

 

Wintertide

 

Cold, hard rain beating relentlessly down upon him,

He finds no shelter, this humble winged creature.

Alone, as a cactus in the desert

He perches. He perches on the wooden rail,

The snow beneath his feet slowly melting away.

 

His song has ceased.

Now, in this world of black and white and wet and cold

It is a matter of survival — Survival from the winter.

Surely there is somewhere else to rest

His weary head.

 

As a shooting star pierces across the sky,

The water pelts his fragile, meager head

Beckoning him to fly away, but he can’t.

For him to try would be a waste,

His wings giving in beside him, pummeling him

To the ice covered earth.

 

Instead he bows his head in respect,

Shielding his face from that which overpowers him;

Hiding from the blows of Wintertide. Soon, he hopes,

The rain will cease; he’ll shake dry his feathers,

And fly away once again.

 

Liebster Award

“Btw hehehe I nominated you for the Liebster 😀 Have a great day!!!”

I am honored to have been nominated for the Liebster Award by my friend and fellow blogger Stubbornly Courageous. Thank you honey! For those that don’t know what this award is, here are a few facts about it per wordingwell.com:

• This award exists only on the internet, and is given to bloggers by other bloggers.
• It has German origins – the word “liebster” has several definitions: dearest, sweetest, kindest, nicest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, welcome, sweetheart and boyfriend (really?)
• It follows similar principles as a chain letter, in the sense that it should be passed forward to a certain number of people.
• It can be misconstrued, depending upon your personal views, as either something wonderful (who doesn’t like awards?) or as an annoyance (a chain letter that involves work).

I will admit that I’ve NEVER been a fan of chain letters, but consider this an honor, so thought I’d accept. 🙂

For those of you who don’t know, here are the rules of this honor.

1. Mention the person who nominated you on your blog and link them.
2. Answer 11 questions by the person who nominated you.
3. Nominate 5-11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers and link them below. (I wasn’t quite sure how to find this out, but I believe each person has under 200!) LOL
4. Create your own 11 questions for them to answer and let the nominees know that they’ve been nominated.

Okay here are her questions.

What is one promise you’ve been given that has transformed your life?

This gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. I no longer fear death because I know that death is NOT the end! 🙂

When did you first feel free to the calling to write?

Hmmmm. I’m not sure what you mean by “free” exactly. LOL. I guess I would say that I always have, as it’s something I remember doing many years ago and loving. I felt such freedom in doing so, although my writing started out pretty dark and depressing. It was my outlet of expression, and as a hurting teenager I bled on paper. Thankfully the older I got the more I was able to find my true identity in the One who holds the stars. In the past 6 months or so, I really began getting confirmation that Papa wanted me to write as an outlet for ministry. I began working on a memoir after my accident 6 years ago, but put that on hold due to fear and doubt. God gave me words to use so that others could be impacted for His kingdom, and I can’t waste that talent!

What is your view of life, love, and happiness?

Life is a precious gift that can either be our greatest blessing or our greatest stressing depending on how we view it. Love is precisely why we were put here on earth. We are to love others and be loved by others. As far as happiness . . . it’s a temporary feeling that comes and goes like the wind. Joy is something to be pursued, not happiness. 😉

Who has impacted your life that is famous?

Jesus Christ! 🙂 Hey, He’s “famous” in my book. He has such authority yet remains extremely humble. He has taught me that love is more important than anything else, and that the only way up is down.

Who has impacted your life that is not famous?

My daddy. He was the most talented man that I knew, and he passed on his musical and writing abilities to me along with many others.

What is your favorite treat that you give yourself when you want to splurge a little bit? Why do you like that?

Ha! A new journal or book! I LOVE reading and writing, so a new journal or book will never go to waste! (Although I have a habit of buying books faster than I can read them!)

What is your favorite treat that you have that is a simple pleasure?

My dog. Hahahaha! I don’t know that he’d be classified as a “treat,” but he sure is to me! This morning I laid in bed for about 30 minutes cuddling with him because he is just too darn cute! In fact, he is curled up alongside me know as I type this. He’s definitely a momma’s boy! 🙂

What is your favorite place to go to spend time with Papa?

My favorite place would be anywhere among nature. That is where I always feel closest to Him. (Although I know He is always beside me.) There is something about being out in His creation that makes His presence so very tangible.

What is your favorite moment with Papa?

I can’t think of any particular moment, but I do love when I receive revelation while reading His Word or worshiping Him. There is something that just clicks, like eyes being opened for the first time. I love it.

What is your dream? When did you accept that as your dream, and if you’re not living it, what can you do to be able to walk in that thing?

My dream is to love others as Christ loves me, which is a LOT, and not see their failures or faults. I think to be able to “walk in that thing” is a constant process of growing. It takes a lot of revelation of the Father’s love, and truly understanding what was accomplished on the cross.

How has writing impacted your life?

Writing has impacted by life by giving me a creative outlet to express my innermost thoughts and feelings, all while trying to point others to the hope of the gospel. Many of my “aha!” moments have come through reading other people’s work, allowing me to be ushered into a deeper relationship with Papa God. It’s a beautiful thing.

And the winners are (insert drum roll here):

1. RhiannonJomei
2. Rick Christensen
3. Cheryl Johnston
4. Caroline Hall
5. Stressless with Jesus

My questions to you:

1. What is your favorite season and why?

2. What advice would you give new bloggers?

3. How much time per week do you spend on your blog?

4. What was your favorite childhood toy?

5. How has your faith helped you through difficult times?

6. You can have a half-hour conversation with any fictional character. Who do you choose? Why?

7. What is your favorite book?

8. What do you love most about blogging?

9. What one post on your blog are you most proud of?

10. What three words would you use to describe your self?

11. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Why?

Thanks again Stubbornly Courageous for deeming me worthy enough for this award. I want to encourage those I nominated to take the time to accept this award and pay it forward. Marketing plays a role in accepting this award, and who doesn’t want to be marketed?? 🙂 May your words come easily, and your call to write grow stronger each day! Blessings!

Healing Rays

I’m FINALLY out of a cast after 2 1/2 months!

I am happy to report that my doctor’s appointment on Tuesday went extremely well, and I am now out of a cast and into a walking cam boot! Praise the Lord! I am weight bearing 25% on crutches, and will increase it by 25% each week if all goes well.

Surprisingly, my surgeon said that I may not need therapy. He said it will all depend on my gait, but doesn’t think it will be necessary. I’ve had therapy after every surgery I have had so that seems insane! LOL.

I’m still trying to adjust to the atrophy as well as the fact that I cannot move my ankle at all. I know that I am so blessed to be alive after my accident, let alone HAVE a foot, but that doesn’t make the change any less difficult. I know that I will get used to it with time. My prayer is that I will receive a creative miracle, and I am believing for that because I serve a God who is a miracle worker! 😉

Thank you to those who have been lifting me up in prayer. I still have quite a road to go with learning to walk again as well as dealing with swelling from having had 7 surgeries on my ankle, so please continue to press into the Lord with me and believe for a miracle. Below are the x-rays from a month ago and Tuesday. Blessings!

O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. -Psalm 30:2

The x-ray taken a month ago. It is still a little dark around the spinal cage, but it shows that the bone growth stimulator is working.

The x-ray from Tuesday. You can see it getting cloudier around the spinal cage which is new bone growth!