“This weather is really kicking my butt” – me

Whaaat? What business do I have in saying that? Yes, words are powerful and I’m not going to believe a lie.

I’m a woman of faith who has work to do. Not a physical 9-5 job, but the tasks that God has put before me. I’m grateful, so very grateful, that most days I’m able to do laundry and minor household chores, and go to the store or to therapy…

I’m not bedridden, praise the Lord and pass the gluten free biscuits! Life is still good!

And He’s showed (well, reminded) me that my most important task is to be the prayer warrior I’m called to be. Yes, there’s that given list of people we’re all supposed to pray for – family, strangers, enemies, our country and its leaders, the world – endless needs it seems!

But every day (and sleepless nights) He also prompts me to bring very specific things to Him. And the cool thing about these conversations (sometimes one-sided with me crying) is that they are the ones that I’m blessed to see answers first hand. First hand, HIS hand…involved! More, and then more, God shows me that though my jar of tears is nearing its brim, He’s still the one who holds it…and holds me and my every care and concern and need…in His heart, in His palm.

A very dear childhood friend of mine is kicking cancer butt. Prayer and treatments are a huge part of that, but I also know that it’s her attitude and her gratitude that God has seen. She’s been a great inspiration to many people. And she is filling a purpose, a task. (Lord, continue to heal and bless Celeste. Thank you. Amen.)

I look around at all of the suffering and the turmoil in the world and I have so much to be grateful for. Many years ago I read Fearfully and Wonderfully Made by Philip Yancey and Dr Paul Brand. I was just in the beginning stages of this autoimmune program that I like to say I did not sign up for. Often I am reminded of my biggest takeaway from that book is the fact that I DO FEEL PAIN and that is a blessing in itself. Wow. To not feel pain, is a huge problem! We need pain as a signal that something is wrong. Dr Paul Brand felt that pain is a gift from God. Again, wow. While going through it, we cry and ask God to take it away, don’t we?

Perhaps I need to spend more time thanking Him for the blessed ability to feel pain…

in my body, in my heart, in my soul…

because it is a sign that something is wrong.

And it needs to be fixed…or someone needs to be prayed for.

And He reminds me that no matter what ~

My love is mine

And I am his

In me he dwells

In him I live