The count down is on...it is almost 2017! Yahoo! Happy New Year everyone! I pray that this year will be your best year yet and that your days are filled with lots of love. In celebration of the New Year, I thought I would share my road to finding joy.
After becoming sick many years ago, I spent several years bed-ridden. The only time I would leave the house was to go to medical appointments. I spent much of my time on the living room couch, gazing out the front window into the outside world. I watched the seasons change and watched far too much television. However, the most interesting thing to do was watch the people across the street.
Across the street from my house, a small church sits on a small hill. Every Sunday and Wednesday, the church had services. I would love to watch the people as they filed into the church and leisurely made their way back out to their cars. One thing always caught my eye: they always seemed to be filled with joy! The more I watched them, the more I knew they had the secret to joy. There was always lots of laughter, shrieks of delight from the little ones, smiles and hugs. These people always seemed genuinely happy.
As time progressed, I was determined to leave the house. I slowly built up my endurance. I wanted to venture across the street and see these people of joy up close. While I was trying to figure out the details of attending a service, the church dropped off their annual plate of Christma cookies. Included with the treats was a card detailing when their services were. Also, the card mentioned having a special evening Christmas service. I thought this Christmas service was the perfect time to go for an adventure.
When I arrived at the church, joy was everywhere. The adults warmly greeted one another; the children had wide smiles and laughter rang through the air. As I shook hands with many folks, I could feel the immense love and happiness encompassing the building. When the service was over, I knew this place held the key to my joy. I started attending services as best I could. The Pastor's wife took me under her wing and helped introduce me to the members of the congregation. She also asked me if I read the Bible daily. This was a new concept to me. I had read bits and pieces of the Bible, but I had never read the whole thing or thought to read it daily. I pondered this thought for many months until finally I made a plan to read the whole thing. I figured if these people were joyful, I needed to do what they were doing...and this was the best decision of my life!
It took me some time to understand the Bible. There were so many different people to know, and then I had all these fragments of stories and characters I knew from Sunday School and confirmation classes. But slowly, and with the help of J. Vernon McGee's Thru the Bible online audio commentary, the great expanse of God's Word unfolded before me. I soon found myself excited and yearning to read the Bible. There were so many good stories and so many incredible lessons to learn. I soon started not worrying about things and started trusting the Lord to take care of me. What a tremendous relief! All the worries and stresses of having a chronic medical condition started disappearing, and joy soon found residence in my heart. I now found myself laughing and smiling. My heart seemed so light and free. Although I still had many bad health days, the pain and gloom seemed so much less now that I knew Jesus was by my side. Even in the darkest hours of the night and in the grips of excruciating pain, He was there comforting me.
So, my friend, if you are reading this and do not read the Bible daily, I ask that you try. You can start anywhere--at the beginning in Genesis or if you want to know how everything is going to end, skip ahead to the last book, Revelation. If you need guidance, listen to Thru the Bible at ttb.org which features J. Vernon McGee. He tells funny stories and helps point out details you might not catch. If you do not know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, ask Jesus to come into to your life and help show you His Word...or as I like to call it, The Road to Joy.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Photos of the Past
As the year draws to a close, I flip through some photo albums. Memories of long ago flash through my mind. It is amazing to reflect back on everything that has happened in my life. Sometimes, though, my heart breaks to look at photos taken shortly before my health took a nose dive into the realm of chronic illness. I see my young, smiling face, so full of energy, so youthful and so innocent. In the photos, I am oblivious to my future health crises. I often have to fight back tears as I think about all the pain, appointments, medical procedures, hospital stays, surgeries, etc. which lie ahead of me. I shutter to think about all those weeks, months, years in which I was lost wandering through the medical system.
As I turn to photos of my more recent past, photos which show me recovering from a surgery or fighting to put a smile on my face in the midst of fatigue, I see so much strength, courage and determination. I see the mighty warrior which lies beneath, so joyful to live, so blessed to be alive. Although my health challenges me every day, I am so grateful for the strength and courage Jesus provides. When my body fails me, He carries me through. "He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
As I turn to photos of my more recent past, photos which show me recovering from a surgery or fighting to put a smile on my face in the midst of fatigue, I see so much strength, courage and determination. I see the mighty warrior which lies beneath, so joyful to live, so blessed to be alive. Although my health challenges me every day, I am so grateful for the strength and courage Jesus provides. When my body fails me, He carries me through. "He gives power to the faint; and to them that have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall. But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:29-31)
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Cheerful giving
Merry Christmas! In light of this joyous season, I love to give as much as possible. My greatest joy is to give secretly, giving all glory and honor to God. I love when places made it easy to give out of the abundance of one's heart, and allow one to give anonymously.
A church I used to attend did not pass around the offering plate. Near the church exit, there was a cute wooden church with a slot in the roof to deposit an offering. I LOVED putting money in the church. I could do it quickly and without anyone noticing. It was also perfect for me because I often I forgot to bring money for the offering. Since the offering plate was never passed around, I could put money into the wooden church whenever I remembered to bring it with me. The wooden church seem to have removed all burden and guilt from giving. It was fun to put money into the church, and it was such a relief to not have others know if, when and how much I gave to the church. I found I was always excited to put money into the church. I would lift up a quick prayer, "Thanks God! It is such a joy to be able to have something to give. Thank you for the tremendous blessings."
At the beginning of each month, the church would print in the church bulletin how much money was collected. When I would see the amount collected, I wanted to give people high-fives and hugs. "Way to go everyone! Wow, God has truly blessed us again this month!" Although the amount I was able to contribute was tiny, it was glorious to see how my small contribution helped the whole church. Anyway I could, I tried to give as money as possible to the church, not because I had to, but because it made me so happy to do so. May this Christmas provide tremendous opportunities for you to give out of the abundance of your heart. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corithians 9:7).
A church I used to attend did not pass around the offering plate. Near the church exit, there was a cute wooden church with a slot in the roof to deposit an offering. I LOVED putting money in the church. I could do it quickly and without anyone noticing. It was also perfect for me because I often I forgot to bring money for the offering. Since the offering plate was never passed around, I could put money into the wooden church whenever I remembered to bring it with me. The wooden church seem to have removed all burden and guilt from giving. It was fun to put money into the church, and it was such a relief to not have others know if, when and how much I gave to the church. I found I was always excited to put money into the church. I would lift up a quick prayer, "Thanks God! It is such a joy to be able to have something to give. Thank you for the tremendous blessings."
At the beginning of each month, the church would print in the church bulletin how much money was collected. When I would see the amount collected, I wanted to give people high-fives and hugs. "Way to go everyone! Wow, God has truly blessed us again this month!" Although the amount I was able to contribute was tiny, it was glorious to see how my small contribution helped the whole church. Anyway I could, I tried to give as money as possible to the church, not because I had to, but because it made me so happy to do so. May this Christmas provide tremendous opportunities for you to give out of the abundance of your heart. "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corithians 9:7).
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
My Christmas Wish: Pray for my family
Several years ago, I had the opportunity to visit a large mega church. Since I was in a wheelchair, we were seated in the front of the auditorium. During the service, a woman (called a prayer warrior) came up to my mom and me and asked if she could pray for us. She asked about my medical condition and prayed one of the most powerful prayers I have ever heard. But during the whole prayer, I kept thinking, "No, please don't pray for me. Pray for my family. You have no idea how much they need your prayers!"
Ever since this experience, whenever I hear of someone going through difficult medical trials, I not only pray for the person but for their family. Although it is difficult to have to endure many medical appointments and procedures, it is far more difficult for the family. They have the stress and worry of caring for the individual and doing whatever they can to make the life of the sick individual easier. I cannot tell you how many times my mom has spent countless nights sleeping in chairs or make-shift cots as she stayed by my side through endless nights in the hospital. I think of my dad spending an entire day at work, driving five hours to pick me up from having surgery and then turning around and driving five hours back home. Yes, it is my family which makes so many sacrifices; it is my family which gives me the support to make it through another day.
My Christmas wish is for anyone reading this to pray for my family. Pray they have the strength and energy to carry forth. Pray they have patience and comfort as my health continues to decline. I cannot tell you the heartbreak it must be for my parents to watch their daughter endure so many years of chronic illness. Pray also for my incredible neighbors, Don and Linda, who have stepped into the role of my parents the past couple weeks when my own parents were out of town. Yes, it is with the love of my family (and the everlasting love of Jesus Christ) that I am able to keep on keeping on. "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Ever since this experience, whenever I hear of someone going through difficult medical trials, I not only pray for the person but for their family. Although it is difficult to have to endure many medical appointments and procedures, it is far more difficult for the family. They have the stress and worry of caring for the individual and doing whatever they can to make the life of the sick individual easier. I cannot tell you how many times my mom has spent countless nights sleeping in chairs or make-shift cots as she stayed by my side through endless nights in the hospital. I think of my dad spending an entire day at work, driving five hours to pick me up from having surgery and then turning around and driving five hours back home. Yes, it is my family which makes so many sacrifices; it is my family which gives me the support to make it through another day.
My Christmas wish is for anyone reading this to pray for my family. Pray they have the strength and energy to carry forth. Pray they have patience and comfort as my health continues to decline. I cannot tell you the heartbreak it must be for my parents to watch their daughter endure so many years of chronic illness. Pray also for my incredible neighbors, Don and Linda, who have stepped into the role of my parents the past couple weeks when my own parents were out of town. Yes, it is with the love of my family (and the everlasting love of Jesus Christ) that I am able to keep on keeping on. "Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
Friday, December 16, 2016
From Sleep Lab to Emergency Department, just another night at the hospital
For some time, I have had great difficulty sleeping at night. My doctor thought it would be beneficial to have a sleep study done to understand why I do not sleep. I was not thrilled about having a sleep study done, but when one becomes sleep deprived, spending a night at the hospital sounds like an acceptable idea.
When I was starting the sleep study, the technician told me I had to sleep flat on the bed. I informed him I cannot sleep flat because I cannot breathe when lying flat. The tech said I had to lie flat so any sleep apnea could be recorded. (I realized he did not understand what I was talking about. He was talking about not being able to breathe while sleeping; I was talking about not being able to breathe while still awake.) I was able to bargain with him to allow me to raise the head of the bed a little bit. He told me if it becomes unbearable to breathe, I can raise the bed a little bit more. I put my head down on the pillow and immediately felt quite unwell.
Since I was not tired, I started praying for various people, but soon I became very agitated. I then started praying to God to forgive my inability to concentrate during prayer. I suddenly noticed my breath was becoming shallow and seemed to come faster and faster. In a very short while, I was gasping for air. I tried to remain lying flat in the bed, but I was running out of energy. I elevated the bed a little bit higher. That afforded me a very slight relief from my rapid breathing. I was growing very tired. My arms started shaking uncontrollably. The technician came in to check on me. He noticed I was having problems breathing. He gave me two blankets because he thought I was shivering from being cold. He then left.
In one last desperate attempt, I elevated the head of the bed as far as it would go. I could not completely sit up because the wires that were attached to me for the sleep study were not very long. I was fighting really hard to get any air into my lungs. My respiratory muscles were so fatigued; my entire body moved as I fought for each breath. Thankfully, an alarm on my monitor alerted the technician to come into my room. He was terrified at my condition. He immediately called down to the emergency department to get help to my room ASAP! I was quickly disconnected from the sleep monitoring device. I then was able to sit up, bringing my legs to my chest and wrapping my arms around my legs. (This position allows for the greatest amount of air into the lungs with using the least amount of muscle exertion.)
By the time I got to the emergency department, my body was starting to recover. My breathing was slowly down to 60 breaths per minute, and my heart rate was down to103 beats per minute. The emergency doctor was so kind. He reviewed my chart and asked me a few questions. The doctor ordered BiPAP with oxygen. He also gave me a muscle relaxer to alleviate the muscle spasms I was still experiencing. After the muscle relaxer and using the BiPAP machine with oxygen, my heart rate was down to 73 beats per minute and my breathing was down to 18 breaths per minute. With this improvement, the doctor felt comfortable to send me home. I was thrilled to be leaving the hospital.
The sleep lab said they wil have the sleep doctor review all the information gathered from the first two hours of the sleep study. Since I never fell asleep, I am guessing I probably will have to have another sleep study done. Maybe next time, they will allow me to sleep in an upright position. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
When I was starting the sleep study, the technician told me I had to sleep flat on the bed. I informed him I cannot sleep flat because I cannot breathe when lying flat. The tech said I had to lie flat so any sleep apnea could be recorded. (I realized he did not understand what I was talking about. He was talking about not being able to breathe while sleeping; I was talking about not being able to breathe while still awake.) I was able to bargain with him to allow me to raise the head of the bed a little bit. He told me if it becomes unbearable to breathe, I can raise the bed a little bit more. I put my head down on the pillow and immediately felt quite unwell.
Since I was not tired, I started praying for various people, but soon I became very agitated. I then started praying to God to forgive my inability to concentrate during prayer. I suddenly noticed my breath was becoming shallow and seemed to come faster and faster. In a very short while, I was gasping for air. I tried to remain lying flat in the bed, but I was running out of energy. I elevated the bed a little bit higher. That afforded me a very slight relief from my rapid breathing. I was growing very tired. My arms started shaking uncontrollably. The technician came in to check on me. He noticed I was having problems breathing. He gave me two blankets because he thought I was shivering from being cold. He then left.
In one last desperate attempt, I elevated the head of the bed as far as it would go. I could not completely sit up because the wires that were attached to me for the sleep study were not very long. I was fighting really hard to get any air into my lungs. My respiratory muscles were so fatigued; my entire body moved as I fought for each breath. Thankfully, an alarm on my monitor alerted the technician to come into my room. He was terrified at my condition. He immediately called down to the emergency department to get help to my room ASAP! I was quickly disconnected from the sleep monitoring device. I then was able to sit up, bringing my legs to my chest and wrapping my arms around my legs. (This position allows for the greatest amount of air into the lungs with using the least amount of muscle exertion.)
By the time I got to the emergency department, my body was starting to recover. My breathing was slowly down to 60 breaths per minute, and my heart rate was down to103 beats per minute. The emergency doctor was so kind. He reviewed my chart and asked me a few questions. The doctor ordered BiPAP with oxygen. He also gave me a muscle relaxer to alleviate the muscle spasms I was still experiencing. After the muscle relaxer and using the BiPAP machine with oxygen, my heart rate was down to 73 beats per minute and my breathing was down to 18 breaths per minute. With this improvement, the doctor felt comfortable to send me home. I was thrilled to be leaving the hospital.
The sleep lab said they wil have the sleep doctor review all the information gathered from the first two hours of the sleep study. Since I never fell asleep, I am guessing I probably will have to have another sleep study done. Maybe next time, they will allow me to sleep in an upright position. "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10).
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Come for a visit, stay for the hospital-ity
I am so grateful and thankful so many of you-all have been concerned about my health. I have been very reluctant to write anything about my health, because, well, I do not really want to talk about it. I am enjoying Christmas, and the topic of my health seems to drain the life out of my joyous mood. But I have decided to share a brief summary of my health escapades to get folks up-to-date on my current state of health.
Last week, I was very ill. I was struggling to breathe without gasping for breath. I frantically called my doctor's office, and praise be to God, I was able to get in the same day to see the doctor! The doctor was very concerned about my ragged breathing. He ran a few tests, I saw a several more doctors, I was given oxygen and ultimately was wheeled over to the hospital. (I was a bit shocked by this. I knew I was not feeling well, but being hospitalized seemed beyond comprehension.) While hospitalized, I saw a lot of doctors, was poked eight different times (two of which were for arterial blood gases...VERY PAINFUL!!!), did some more lung function tests and was started on a non-invasive ventilator.
For the moment, it appears my mitochondrial disease is affecting my diaphragm. This makes it very difficult to breathe. I can only take shallow breaths and thus always have shortness of breath. Doing the least bit of activity makes me gasp for breath and talking makes me very tired. Sleep has been very difficult because I struggle to breathe when lying down. The increase in labored breathing is causing stress on my heart. In order to compensate for the decrease in oxygen being inhaled into my lungs, my heart is being forced to pump hard and fast to deliver the needed oxygen to my cells. This added burden has caused a significant decrease in my heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
Now that I am home, I have been using a non-invasive ventilator at night and any time I am sitting or lying in bed. The ventilator uses high pressure to force air into my lungs. When I breathe out, the pressure is drastically reduced to allow my lungs to exhale carbon dioxide. This machine has been incredible! It is a relief to not be struggling to breathe all the time. I have more doctor appointments and testing in the days and weeks to come. Unfortunately, there is nothing which can be done to reverse this process. Mitochondrial Disease affects muscles, and the diaphragm just happens to be the most recent victim of the disease. I am very grateful for everyone's love and support. "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything gives thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Last week, I was very ill. I was struggling to breathe without gasping for breath. I frantically called my doctor's office, and praise be to God, I was able to get in the same day to see the doctor! The doctor was very concerned about my ragged breathing. He ran a few tests, I saw a several more doctors, I was given oxygen and ultimately was wheeled over to the hospital. (I was a bit shocked by this. I knew I was not feeling well, but being hospitalized seemed beyond comprehension.) While hospitalized, I saw a lot of doctors, was poked eight different times (two of which were for arterial blood gases...VERY PAINFUL!!!), did some more lung function tests and was started on a non-invasive ventilator.
For the moment, it appears my mitochondrial disease is affecting my diaphragm. This makes it very difficult to breathe. I can only take shallow breaths and thus always have shortness of breath. Doing the least bit of activity makes me gasp for breath and talking makes me very tired. Sleep has been very difficult because I struggle to breathe when lying down. The increase in labored breathing is causing stress on my heart. In order to compensate for the decrease in oxygen being inhaled into my lungs, my heart is being forced to pump hard and fast to deliver the needed oxygen to my cells. This added burden has caused a significant decrease in my heart's ability to pump blood effectively.
Now that I am home, I have been using a non-invasive ventilator at night and any time I am sitting or lying in bed. The ventilator uses high pressure to force air into my lungs. When I breathe out, the pressure is drastically reduced to allow my lungs to exhale carbon dioxide. This machine has been incredible! It is a relief to not be struggling to breathe all the time. I have more doctor appointments and testing in the days and weeks to come. Unfortunately, there is nothing which can be done to reverse this process. Mitochondrial Disease affects muscles, and the diaphragm just happens to be the most recent victim of the disease. I am very grateful for everyone's love and support. "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything gives thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Sleep in heavenly peace...and rejoice!
Since this summer, sleeping has become very difficult. As my respiratory muscles continue to weaken, it has become more and more challenging to lie down. When I do fall asleep, I abruptly wake up gasping for breath. After a night of "sleep", I often feel more tired than I did the night before. Finally last night, I got a good night's sleep! I cannot tell you the joy it is to wake up and not feel like a zombie!
As I went to church, the sun seemed to be shining just for me! The world seemed so much different today. When I entered church, the song "Silent Night" was playing. I could not help but smile and praise God. Yes, last night was indeed a "silent night" for me as my body enjoyed the luxury of sleeping. The very next song to be played was "O Holy Night". As Pastor Greg lead the congregation on his guitar, tears ran down my face. I have heard the song so many times before, but this was absolutely the prettiest rendition I have ever heard!
During the rest of the service, I could not help but meditate on the words of the song. "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born..." I kept thinking about all the nights I spent yearning for sleep and despising the night and lamenting daybreak. But, it was during the night, Mary and Joseph and the angels welcomed a small precious baby into the world. It was during the darkness of the night that Jesus, My Lord and Saviour, came into the world to offer the free gift of salvation to a weary world. What incredible hope and joy came into the world during the middle of the night! Although the hours of the night may continue to be long and sleep may continue to elude me, I will think to Jesus' glorious birth and "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). "In peace I will lay down, and sleep; for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8).
As I went to church, the sun seemed to be shining just for me! The world seemed so much different today. When I entered church, the song "Silent Night" was playing. I could not help but smile and praise God. Yes, last night was indeed a "silent night" for me as my body enjoyed the luxury of sleeping. The very next song to be played was "O Holy Night". As Pastor Greg lead the congregation on his guitar, tears ran down my face. I have heard the song so many times before, but this was absolutely the prettiest rendition I have ever heard!
During the rest of the service, I could not help but meditate on the words of the song. "A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, the night when Christ was born..." I kept thinking about all the nights I spent yearning for sleep and despising the night and lamenting daybreak. But, it was during the night, Mary and Joseph and the angels welcomed a small precious baby into the world. It was during the darkness of the night that Jesus, My Lord and Saviour, came into the world to offer the free gift of salvation to a weary world. What incredible hope and joy came into the world during the middle of the night! Although the hours of the night may continue to be long and sleep may continue to elude me, I will think to Jesus' glorious birth and "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" (Romans 12:12). "In peace I will lay down, and sleep; for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8).
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Mission-minded
Since I was young, I had a yearning to be a doctor which transformed into wanting to become a medical missionary. I wanted to live in a poverty-ridden area, speak Spanish, share Jesus and help many sick and injured people feel well again. God allowed me to spend a very short time abroad on the mission field. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life! I have desperately wanted to go back on the mission field, but it seems God has different plans for me...or did He?
Several years ago, I attended a church which had a sign at the exit of the parking lot saying, "You are now entering the mission field." That sign really made me think. Yes, the whole world is a mission field. I do not have to travel to be a missionary. Everywhere around me is my mission field. I slowly started to try to be a missionary in my every day life. I soon discovered the sign at the church was all wrong. It should read, "Be alert. You are ALWAYS on the mission field." From talking to telemarketers on the phone to the cashier at the grocery store, they are always opportunities to be a missionary. You do not need to leave your county, your community or even your house to share God's Word with the world.
As my life has progressed, an interesting thing happened. I am living in one of the poorest areas in my nation. Spanish is often the language of choice. By using my own medical experiences, I can sympathize with many who are sick or injured and can freely dispense encouragement, love and support to them. Every day I can share my love for Jesus with those around me. It seems God has indeed allowed me to be a medical missionary! I am just serving in a different capacity than I had ever envisioned.
This post is dedicated to Milly. She was one of the first people I met when I became severely ill. We both had unknown medical conditions and a love for Jesus. Through her actions, she showed me I could be a missionary without leaving my house. As both our medical adventures progressed, we both discovered we had Mitochondrial Disease. On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, the Lord called Milly home from the mission field. I can only imagine when Milly went home to heaven, Jesus saying to her, "'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord'" (Matthew 25:23).
Several years ago, I attended a church which had a sign at the exit of the parking lot saying, "You are now entering the mission field." That sign really made me think. Yes, the whole world is a mission field. I do not have to travel to be a missionary. Everywhere around me is my mission field. I slowly started to try to be a missionary in my every day life. I soon discovered the sign at the church was all wrong. It should read, "Be alert. You are ALWAYS on the mission field." From talking to telemarketers on the phone to the cashier at the grocery store, they are always opportunities to be a missionary. You do not need to leave your county, your community or even your house to share God's Word with the world.
As my life has progressed, an interesting thing happened. I am living in one of the poorest areas in my nation. Spanish is often the language of choice. By using my own medical experiences, I can sympathize with many who are sick or injured and can freely dispense encouragement, love and support to them. Every day I can share my love for Jesus with those around me. It seems God has indeed allowed me to be a medical missionary! I am just serving in a different capacity than I had ever envisioned.
This post is dedicated to Milly. She was one of the first people I met when I became severely ill. We both had unknown medical conditions and a love for Jesus. Through her actions, she showed me I could be a missionary without leaving my house. As both our medical adventures progressed, we both discovered we had Mitochondrial Disease. On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, the Lord called Milly home from the mission field. I can only imagine when Milly went home to heaven, Jesus saying to her, "'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord'" (Matthew 25:23).
Sunday, December 4, 2016
Praying my way around the world
This week is prayer for international missions week. Oh how I love to pray for people on the mission field. I have had the privilege of meeting some of the most incredible men and women who have given up everything--their homes, jobs, families--to travel to some of the most remote parts of the world to share God's Word. I am always fascinated with their tails of adventure. No hot water, no electricity, having only a bicycle for transportation are only some of the many inconveniences these people face every day. (I still vividly remember one missionary talk about the joy it was to come back to the USA. "When I take a shower here, I just turn on the hot water. Back in Papua New Guinea, I have to go to the well, draw out enough water to shower, put the water into a solar-themal bag, wait all day for the water to heat up, hook the bag up to my shower head and then take a really fast shower before the water runs out.")
One of my favorite weekly broadcasts is the Sunday sermon by J. Vernon McGee via ttb.org. Every week, the program starts with letters from around the globe. It is such a treat to hear testimonies of people coming to Christ in so many countries. I love when the program gives updates about their missions in various countries. I love to pray along with them through all parts of the globe. Although my health prevents me from venturing off into distant lands, it is a joy to be able to pray for these people. I also find tremendous comfort in being able to donate money to missionaries. Although the money I am able to contribute is very tiny, I know every cent counts for missionaries living on shoe-string budgets.
This week, I would like to lift up all my friends serving abroad on the mission field: Janet, Amy, Jennifer, Charlie and Bo. May the Lord continue to richly bless you and guide you. I also ask prayer for all international missionaries this week. Lastly, if you can spare any money, I ask you to consider giving to missions at your church or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (img.org). "You have...heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it" (Colossians 1:5-6).
One of my favorite weekly broadcasts is the Sunday sermon by J. Vernon McGee via ttb.org. Every week, the program starts with letters from around the globe. It is such a treat to hear testimonies of people coming to Christ in so many countries. I love when the program gives updates about their missions in various countries. I love to pray along with them through all parts of the globe. Although my health prevents me from venturing off into distant lands, it is a joy to be able to pray for these people. I also find tremendous comfort in being able to donate money to missionaries. Although the money I am able to contribute is very tiny, I know every cent counts for missionaries living on shoe-string budgets.
This week, I would like to lift up all my friends serving abroad on the mission field: Janet, Amy, Jennifer, Charlie and Bo. May the Lord continue to richly bless you and guide you. I also ask prayer for all international missionaries this week. Lastly, if you can spare any money, I ask you to consider giving to missions at your church or to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering (img.org). "You have...heard about this hope in the message of truth, the gospel that has come to you. It is bearing fruit and growing all over the world, just as it has among you since the day you heard it" (Colossians 1:5-6).
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Waiting for Monday...
My health is an ever-changing kaleidoscope of symptoms. Of late, my breathing seems to be affected. I had some testing done and was not given the actual results. Instead I was told the test results showed my heart has decreased in its ability to pump blood by 25% from my last echocardiogram. My doctor assured me this drastic decrease is nothing to be concerned about. I was also started on bronchodilators. I attempted to take the medicine, but my shortness of breath turns into a four hour fit of gasping for breath. I attempted to call the doctor's office several times yesterday, but I kept getting a message saying the phone number was not working.
So now I am waiting...waiting for Monday...waiting for sleep. I try to sleep, but it eludes me. When I attempt to lie down, my breathing becomes very labored. I try to sleep propped up on pillows, but ultimately I slide off of them. Then I wake up abruptly gasping for breath. The incident makes me wide awake. It takes a long time to get my heart rate and breathing to settle back down. Maybe on Monday the clinic will be open again and perhaps I will be able to get in to see my doctor. Until then, I am trying to patiently wait and fight through another couple days of fatigue and labored breathing. Perhaps God will have compassion on me and allow my body to enjoy a long nap or a good night's sleep. "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song and has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2).
So now I am waiting...waiting for Monday...waiting for sleep. I try to sleep, but it eludes me. When I attempt to lie down, my breathing becomes very labored. I try to sleep propped up on pillows, but ultimately I slide off of them. Then I wake up abruptly gasping for breath. The incident makes me wide awake. It takes a long time to get my heart rate and breathing to settle back down. Maybe on Monday the clinic will be open again and perhaps I will be able to get in to see my doctor. Until then, I am trying to patiently wait and fight through another couple days of fatigue and labored breathing. Perhaps God will have compassion on me and allow my body to enjoy a long nap or a good night's sleep. "Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and song and has become my salvation" (Isaiah 12:2).
Thursday, December 1, 2016
Abounding in Thanksgiving
Last week, as this nation was in the midst of stuffing their bellies with too much delicious food and shopping for hours on end, many new immigrants were granted access to live and work in this country. A news report showed these new arrivals sitting in a bus station. Each person had little more than a suitcase full of all their most valuable treasures. With a few dollars in their pockets and unable to speak the language, these folks had left their family and friends in pursuit of a better life.
A news reporter interviewed three people. Each face seemed to display a mixture of excitement and overwhelming uncertainty as they started a new life in this new and very culturally different land. As each person spoke to the camera, the same words come out of each person's mouth: "I thank God for allowing me safe passage and giving me this opportunity." I was shocked at how sincere and grateful they were to God. One man was traveling across this country in hopes of finding a job in the state of Oklahoma. The man said, "If God wills it, I hope to find a job to be able to send money back to my family."
Upon hearing these interviews, I had tears streaming down my face. These folks, having no home, no job and no certain future were giving thanks to God. Would we be so thankful in such a situation or would we be complaining that we were hungry, tired, lonely and hurdened with uncertainty? Do we really rely on God to provide for us? Do we truly believe Psalm 55:22, "Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain you. He shall never allow the righteous to be moved"?
With such great faith in God, I have full confidence these new immigrants will not only find housing and jobs, they will prosper. May we all strive to have such tremendous faith by turning away from our self-reliance and turning to God. As Jesus says, "Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we be clothed?' But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31, 33).
A news reporter interviewed three people. Each face seemed to display a mixture of excitement and overwhelming uncertainty as they started a new life in this new and very culturally different land. As each person spoke to the camera, the same words come out of each person's mouth: "I thank God for allowing me safe passage and giving me this opportunity." I was shocked at how sincere and grateful they were to God. One man was traveling across this country in hopes of finding a job in the state of Oklahoma. The man said, "If God wills it, I hope to find a job to be able to send money back to my family."
Upon hearing these interviews, I had tears streaming down my face. These folks, having no home, no job and no certain future were giving thanks to God. Would we be so thankful in such a situation or would we be complaining that we were hungry, tired, lonely and hurdened with uncertainty? Do we really rely on God to provide for us? Do we truly believe Psalm 55:22, "Cast your burden upon the LORD, and He shall sustain you. He shall never allow the righteous to be moved"?
With such great faith in God, I have full confidence these new immigrants will not only find housing and jobs, they will prosper. May we all strive to have such tremendous faith by turning away from our self-reliance and turning to God. As Jesus says, "Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we be clothed?' But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:31, 33).
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