Facing the Moment

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You know it's about to happen. Can you handle it? Everything is changing around you. What do you do?

When life is out of our control how do you face it? It's easy to feel discouraged when you don't know what to do next.

We make plans and then something changes. Not necessarily bad ones. Any change is difficult because it's 'different' from what's planned.

Physical challenges are like this. You make plans about going out somewhere and boom, your body surges pain and become unable to go.

Getting exhausted from mundane things can get aggravating. Wondering why this is going on, feeling like your body's betrayed you. Do you ever have days like this?

Nathan is about to have surgery and it's so difficult watching him suffer. Especially when I can see the man he is inside fighting to feel better.

There comes a moment when you see things clearly and for what they are. Today is one of those times.

Not necessarily because of bad things, but for the good.

Jesus watches us all the time and knows the right time to show you He's here.

After Nathan went to get prepped for his procedure I began to feel alone sitting here in the waiting room, and got a little emotional.

Every time I felt this way someone walked over and encouraged me about the staff, surgeon, and prayed for us.

This is what makes life beautiful and why I love Jesus so much. It's the tender moments, the unexpected nuggets of love that give more pep to your step. It's the little things that matter.

When you love someone is it only the big grandeur acts of love that touch someone? What about the gentler moments when you smile at them or fix coffee?

With so many challenges that we've faced and overcome the moments that stand out the most are the tender ones.

Don't let the painful times rip at your soul. Don't let them get weaved into a chain that's not easy to break.

Weave the good times into something beautiful. Make them into something special. Those are the things that matter - not the rest.

Just because you deal with physical challenges they don't 'define' you. Believe that every day will get better because it will. And when you have a rough day remember what you've woven in your memory. The good moments. Focus on them and you'll feel yourself getting strengthened by Him.

May this message be a Blessing in your lives and mine, In Jesus Name, Amen!!!

Maria

It's Not Going To...

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It's not going to work out the way you expected. Nothing turns out the way you plan. That's okay. It isn't our plan that we should be concerned about. It's His!

If you're like me than you've struggled in and out with not feeling at your peak. Things happen that hold up our progress. If we were playing a video game this would be figured as "part of the game." Let's look at these challenges that way. Part of 'our' game.

If you were in a game right now what level would you be facing? Level one or 10 with the monster? Whatever part you're facing just know that it will be okay. You will be able to overcome these obstacles and/or fears.

The past few times I've had physical therapy I became emotional. At first I couldn't understand why, but now it's become clear. Because I'm being pushed to the next level. The point when you give all you got until you can't move anymore. When my arm feels like rubber and my body has to lie on the mat and breath for a few minutes before trying the next exercise. The breaking times.

These are the moments that are the toughest and change you. Do I face them or run away?

What about your challenges? Are you ready to face them or run? Some seasons are uncomfortable but necessary. These are the times when I realize that it isn't about my strength but His. Will Jesus' strength let me down? Do I believe that the man walked when He said "get up and walk?"

Moments like these are difficult because we don't know, until we step forward. That's the key. Moving forward.

Whatever you're facing know there IS a way to move forward. To get closer to your goal. Keep moving. Don't quit! (Psalm 23)

May this message be a Blessing in your lives and mine!

In Jesus' name, Amen

Maria

Every

Every fear you face, every way you're paved, is one step closer to your goal.

Every word, every thought, every effort leads you closer.

Every trial, every tribulation, every pain gets you stronger.

Every tongue-tied situation, every frustration, every situation brings you one step closer.

We were never meant to do everything perfectly.  There will always be something that you wished was done differently.

Facing regret is part of the path too.  Facing the could've, would've, should'ves are part of the transformation.

Climbing through the paths of frustration, regret, and envy.  There will always be something that you will feel remorse, regret, and pain about every day.

It is how we move forward from these moments that make us who we are.

Who we 'truly' are.

If we didn't have experiences than what would we have to say?!

The things that happen to us don't 'make' who we are.  They 'reflect.'

Thank God we have someone who helps us sort out those moments.  Someone who has been through it all.  Jesus has never let me down, and helps me understand my 'every' moments.

I hope that He helps you with yours too!

"You will not fear the terror of night nor the arrow that flies by day."  (Psalm 91:5 NIV)

"I am the way, the truth, and the life..."  (John 14:6 NIV)

May this message be a Blessing in your lives and mine.

In Jesus' name, Amen!

Wilderness...

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Wilderness.  A tough place.  It isn't the beginning or end of a journey.  It is the cross point.  The point when you're tested.  What you believe, who you love, what you want.

How do you cope in your wilderness?  Do you hide and quit or do you continue forward?

Choices like this are faced daily.  One minute everything is okay and the next it falls apart.

In a flash of an eye you end up seeing a doctor and hear unpleasant news.  Sometimes a flash is all it takes to rattle your chains.

Other times a shake is what you need to wake up and realize that it will be okay, even if it doesn't feel like it now.

These are the moments when we're being tested.  Especially times when your body is aching and/or you hear loved ones scream in pain.  When hope can feel miles away.  But it isn't.

These are the times when you hang onto Jesus even tighter because without Him you won't have strength to endure and overcome the pain.

Physical pain is difficult.  There is one thing it teaches you though.  How to enjoy moments.

Sometimes a moment in a flash of a day breezes by like lightning across the sky.

Some days hurt so badly, and not going anywhere feels like vacation.

It's amazing how many emotions we can go through in a day.  Let's face it.  When you're struggling with physical pain it takes everything you have to mentally keep yourself calm in those times.

Such as focusing on the rainbow in the middle of the storm.

Have you noticed that even good changes bring pain?  Adjusting from one thing to another.

In the last article we chatted about standing guard in the heat of battle.  This month's post is about staying calm in the midst of the change.

These are the moments that can transform you into who you'll be.  Good or bad, it's up to you!

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you;  He will never leave you nor forsake you."  (Deuteronomy 31:6  NIV)

You aren't supposed to handle this alone!  Let Jesus help you.  He won't let you down.

"...I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me."

(John 14:6  NIV)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation - whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall I be afraid."  (Psalm 27:1 NIV)

May this message be a Blessing in your lives and mine.  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

Maria

Do you like this post?  Send in your comments and tell us what you think.  What are some articles that you would like to see for next month?  We'd love to hear from you.

Parry???

"Ho! Ha Ha! Guard! Turn! Parry! Dodge! Spin! Ha! Thrust!"  Smack!

Battles.  It's not just the attack that's important.  It's defense too!

I think one of the most difficult challenges is fighting...yourself...so to speak.  I'll explain.

What do you do when it's your body that's giving trouble?  How do you fight that?

Not the way you usually see fighting done, but...doesn't it at times 'feel' like you're in this type of war? 

I love Daffy Duck's attitude when he plays Robin Hood.  The way he charges in.  His tenacity.  And it's hilarious when he smacks his beak on the staff.  Hilarious!

Life though isn't as funny.  Especially when you're watching someone suffer because their body isn't working correctly. 

It's terrible watching a loved one agonize in pain, or seeing them get punctured time and time again getting blood drawn or hearing wails of suffering.

How do we fight this?  By using the armor of God.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6: 10-11 NIV)

Ephesians 6:12-18 speaks about the helmet of salvation, feet shod with peace, belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shield of faith, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.

These tools are designed to help you understand the core truths of who you are in Christ! 

Isn't it wonderful that our Father gave us a handbook with detailed instructions in it on how to fight the mental and spiritual anguish that we face?

Defense is just as important as offense.

So here are some questions for you.  Would you post in the comments section any areas that are difficult for you?  Especially if it's medical challenges.  What are some areas that you would like help with getting through?

Is it the physical struggle or mental strain?  Do you have trouble organizing documents or communicating with others?  What are your thoughts about receiving a newsletter?  Please share what would help you. 

This will help us help you! 

The Little Engine that Couldn't!!!

You have a plan.  Getting everything together.  Check.  About to get started.  Check.  Now it's time to...wait a minute...something has happened.

No, not going to be able to finish today.  Maybe tomorrow.  No, how about the next day???...

Do you ever feel like you're spinning in circles because you can't seem to get anything done?

How does it make you feel?  Do you ever get angry?  Sad?  Frustrated?

Have you ever asked God why?

We all have seasons of feeling stuck don't we?  When it feels like nothing is getting accomplished. 

What about those projects that are on "stand-by"?  Seeing stacks of paper or boxes that aren't getting moved because your body is too exhausted to do it?

How do days like this feel?  Some days I've been lucky enough to be able to finish one basket of laundry or finish a sink of dishes.  Others, get more done.

But here's a thought...What is life about?  Is it only about what we can accomplish or is it more???

Life isn't about projects.  It's about people!

So what if you don't get the dishes done today.  The laundry can wait too if you can't do it.  If you only have a snippet of energy today use it wisely.  Converse with those you love.  Spend time with them.

The dishes can wait! :-)

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"  (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Guess Who's Back!!!

A few years ago Open Roof Ministries closed its doors..It's time to open them again!

If you have been overcoming any medical challenges or if you are a caretaker for someone I would like to hear your story.

I'm opening up this place for anyone who has a story to share.  Everyone who deals with medical conditions is a warrior who deserves to be applauded!

It is very difficult day by day feeling physical pain.  It's like going in a boxing ring and the challenger is the disease.  The match is how you overcome it and not let it defeat you.

You might not be able to keep the same pace as everyone else, but you keep going.  That's the key!  Don't stop.  Every step you take, no matter how small it seems, is another one forward.  You're that much closer to your goal.

Does this sound like you?  Do you have a story to tell?

Please share them.  Everyone has a story!

Maria