hope in the Lord – Page 5 – Jesus is for the Wounded

Give the gift of compassion

Published on December 10, 2013December 10, 2013 by Jesus is for the WoundedLeave a comment

Know someone battling a serious illness and want to give them a meaningful and encouraging gift this Christmas? Give the gift of compassion and a copy of

Hope Beyond Lyme: The First Year

Now available from Smashwords.com and Amazon.com!

Now it’s available in 9 different formats so you don’t even need an eReading device to download your copy for just $2.99! To learn more go to: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/371334 and be sure to click the “Give as a gift” link from any book page. Smashwords will email it to your loved one immediately upon purchase. If you would like it to be a surprise instead be sure to put your own email address where indicated, print it out when the order is complete and hand it to the person, well personally!

For Amazon Kindle shoppers, head to: http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Beyond-Lyme-First-Year-ebook/dp/B00G9WF1RK/ref=la_B00GAOAOI8_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386631580&sr=1-1

Discover from a fellow sojourner, my most meaningful and encouraging moments to share vignettes of understanding with your loved one battling a serious illness. There is hope and with faith in God, we will find the true meaning and source of that hope.

Thank you, Gentle Reader, for helping to make this project possible! Just Julie

Wolfie, the bee and me

Published on September 1, 2013September 1, 2013 by Jesus is for the WoundedLeave a comment

You might think that an Advanced Master Gardener who tested as understanding about garden insects would be a little less squeamish about bugs than the average person? Er, no.

You might think that scaring the wolf spider who fled under the passenger’s car seat, and the “barrier” of the light of a flashlight and a floor space clear of travel garb in which to hide would make the back seat a safe haven for the 6-hour drive home? Er, no. I opted for the trunk of the station wagon!

You might think that I’d be used to a sweat bee pestering us at the outdoor dining patio of a small town restaurant since it’s a common phenomena for late summers in Indiana? Er, no.

And you might think that the gnat in my wild rice was no big deal since I only planned to eat 2 tiny bites due to dietary restrictions; I’d already eaten them so I shouldn’t care right? Er, no.

Yeah, you might think that a 15-hour road trip to pick up my River Bear husband’s new kayak would be uneventful for the dutiful wife passenger . . . er, no! For me it was the little things that meant a lot when they were crawling and flying too close to my personal body parts, facial orifices, and comfort zones! Perhaps the 7 or so tic and seizure attack zips during the afternoon put me a little on edge for the first leg of the trip from Fort Wayne, Indiana to Erie, Pennsylvania. I had brought ample snacks, blankies, and a pillow for maximum cushy; the lush countryside as we travelled from the flat soybean fields of our homeland to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains made for ample eye candy in between rest stops as well. I guess I didn’t do so well after all. I just wonder why spontaneous adventures like these can no longer be, er, “normal?”

Sorry for the down mood. I spent most of the day in bed today recovering from our day trip. Gratefully, Steve has a beautiful Epic V12 surf ski in mint condition now, for a steal-of-a-deal price: $500 below the boat he sold to get it. My guy sure knows how to trade boats! As for me, I missed attending a meaningful wedding this afternoon with my beloved and many of our friends from church; I had more tic attacks and convulsions plus an additional 4 1/2 hours of sleep instead! I woke up worthless except for the intact ability to cruise the internet in bed for hours. Gratefully I’d made dozens of veggie turkey burgers two nights ago to sustain me with the intermittent, partial bag of Beanitos chips. Ahhhhh, such is the life of a person lost in the recovery from Lyme Disease.

So where am I now? I’m more stable as I’ve passed my bewitching hour of 9 to 11:00 p.m. when I usually have a noxious episode. Thank the Lord I already covered that one earlier today! My husband has graciously attended to some house chores and provided an occasional kiss of encouragement here and there. I, too, would have liked to have hidden in the dark under the “seat of life,” buzzed about aimlessly until I found what I was looking for, or curled up next to the softness of a mound of carbs . . . I guess from here I will proceed otherwise.

It’s time for me to crawl like the slow-moving sow bugs on our hardwood floors, before the Throne of Grace. I need Jesus. I need an infilling of the Holy Spirit, nothing else. I need to go it alone at what ever miles per hour it takes to drive home into my heart that this too shall pass. My thoughts need softening and only the Lord can bring this gently, lovingly, perfectly. Oh my Jesus, meet me here this night. Let there be Your light and nothing else. Thank you Lord for hearing me.

Just Julie

Where does my hope come from?

Published on August 14, 2013August 15, 2013 by Jesus is for the WoundedLeave a comment

From where may I find timeless truths that can transform my weary frame, my broken heart and mind? Let’s see, for that to be true, the truths manifest in words would have to be true for all people at all times. The only place for such divine work is from the scripture of the Bible that was, is, and forever will be. (For: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1.)

I pray that you will find comfort, hope, and peace among these passages. Some verses are for instruction, some for encouragement, some are promises, and some simply convey that the Lord understands and cares for our life experiences. Some will also have greater meaning when taken in context of how they were written. I encourage you to go to the Blue Letter Bible for the context of each passage and for more explanation or “commentary.”

May your heart be filled this day with the love, peace, and joy that comes from God Himself as He reveals Himself to you! :J

And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. John 16:32b

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33

He does not forget the cry of the humble. Psalm 9:12b

I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be trouble, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation (i.e. comfort). 2 Corinthians 1:7

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ. Philippians 4:19

“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord. Jeremiah 30:17

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing palms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. James 5:13-16

As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10

He does not forget the cry of the humble. Psalm 9:12b

Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble, You will prepare their heart; You will cause Your ear to hear. Psalm 10:17

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

I have set the Lord always before me; Because my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices, My flesh will rest in hope for you will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will you allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16: 8-11

Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed. Psalm 41:3

Offer to God thanksgiving. And pay your vows to the Most High. Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. Psalm 50:14-15

And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Jesus Christ. Phil 4:19

Wait on the Lord; Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord! Psalm 27:14

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.” For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite sprit. Psalm 34:18

“My grace is sufficient for you. For My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His names sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for you are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:1-4

For with God nothing will be impossible. Luke 1:37

Now to Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7

Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 14:10

You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, Shall revive me again, And bring me up again from the depths of the earth. You shall increase my greatness And comfort me on every side. Also with the lute I will praise You — And your faithfulness, O my God! Psalm 71:20-22

For further inspiration you might enjoy listening to Praise you in This Storm by Casting Crowns.

And then it gets real . . .

Published on July 28, 2013July 28, 2013 by Jesus is for the Wounded4 Comments

It is now 6:39 p.m. on a beautiful Saturday and I am grateful to be able to function at a low level once again. Sometimes your own posts become your best medicine! I am so glad that I had the opportunity to explore the topic of suffering before two hellish nights. Sigh. Perhaps this suffering shall pass in time . . .

Low Dose Naltrexone, a compounded medication used off-label to raise a person’s pain threshold and boost the immune system of someone with an autoimmune disease, is now ruled out for me. Just 1.75 mg taken at bedtime the past 2 nights was enough to set off violent seizure attacks! Oh yeah, I’ve had some of these attacks more often lately, but not for 1 1/2 hours in a row with hardly a break to breathe! The duration was much longer this morning with longer breaks in between additional episodes. After 2 hours then 3 hours then 4 hours of sleep, “I am able to function at a low level once again.” This saga is a bite in the shorts for sure. I AM FRIED.

So what did I learn here?

First, it’s time for more than one-half of a day break after completing one treatment regime before beginning the next one! Healing from a chronic illness is a process, not a race.

Second, it’s time to simplify my daily routine even more. Cleaning the entire house every week is just not going to happen for awhile. This is a bummer since I am paranoid about dust accumulating, since we completed the mold remediation of our home. Maybe the dust is cleaner now?

Third, it’s time to ask for help when I need it and not just from my husband. A few ladies have offered assistance over these past 2 years of illness and I have rarely accepted it. Maybe I could use help with a few things during this particular time.

Fourth, I must continue keeping my mind filled with scripture, Christian music, Christian messages and uplifting images to ward off the temptations and lies of the Evil One. I must not fall into despair. I must not keep apologizing for the effects of an illness that are clearly out of my control. I must live as though the Lord is creating a masterpiece from the fragments of my shattered life, picking up each piece as if it were a treasure and not another burden. God will use this for His glory and my good. I must hang in there for the finished work.

Fifth, I must keep writing, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. And when I do, I will continue to leave my gentle readers with hope by the time I reach the last period. To write has been an incredible salve for my wearied frame, my wearied mind. My soul, well that’s already in the hands of my Savior.

I am hungry again! But it’s more-than-time for an Epsom salt-and-baking-soda bath and a shower! Perhaps the Beanitos chips and unsalted dry roasted whole cashews I just ate for dinner while writing this will tide me over just a little longer? Hope so.

Seeya next time, perhaps with better news. :J

Footnotes on Suffering

Published on July 27, 2013July 27, 2013 by Jesus is for the WoundedLeave a comment

To sustain us through the tough times, many of us turn to God and to prayer. In this short article from today’s e-newsletter of the Vision Beyond Borders ministry, we can find encouragement and strength. Let us allow God’s Holy Word to wash over us and consider Patrick Klein’s remarks as one who has seen suffering beyond what we can even fathom here in the United States of America. We are blessed to have the freedom to be able to read and share these sentiments today:

Hebrews 12:12-13 says, “Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.” This is talking about someone who has already been involved in the race. It is someone who has been pursuing the Lord and His purposes, but is growing weary and tired from the race. It is the point when they have hit the wall, and must dig deep to keep persevering.

When we feel burdened beyond our own strength to endure, it is then that we must remember not to rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the dead! We don’t want to start well then grow tired, but to be those who persevere, endure and finish well. We can’t do that in our own strength, but only through Jesus and only by setting His example continually before us; by looking to Jesus the author and FINISHER of our faith! (Hebrews 12:2)

This passage also tells us to make level paths for our feet. The word for paths here is “trochia”. It is literally translated as an imprint left by wheels – like a rut. We must realize that we are all leaving a rut in the ground for others to follow. No matter where God has us, there are people who are looking to us and our example. We must be careful that the path we are leaving is one that is level and straight, that it will not cause others to stumble, but it will be one of healing!

This passage comes directly after God explains how we are to persevere in the midst of our suffering, knowing God uses it to strengthen us…and not just us, but those who come after us! May He strengthen us to persevere for His Kingdom and His Glory. May we be a vessel of His healing as we leave a straight path for others!

I do pray that all of us wherever we are in the world will be healed of our infirmities in this life. We know that by His stripes we are healed from the consequences of sin and death (1 Peter 2:24), by repenting and believing in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ (John 3:16). We know that one day there will be no more pain and suffering (Rev 21:4). While it is possible that it may happen in each of our lifetimes, there are no guarantees of this per se. Rather than be discouraged, join me in being encouraged that all pain and suffering can be used for His glory if we but keep our eyes fixed on Him, persevere, and endure. The trials can be used to strengthen us, lead others to the Source of our strength, and mature us (James 1:4) for our eternal reward in heaven (Rev 22:12).

And that, gentle readers, is enough to get me up and running again every time. Even today when out of sorts. How about you?