The roller coaster ride of life :)

Do you like roller coaster rides? Some people love them, and actually plan vacations around them. They travel to every roller coaster site in the country so they can feel the thrill of the ride - the more intense, the more they love it! Others prefer tamer rides like Ferris wheels that go round and round, over and over again. When you get onto a Ferris wheel, you know what to expect each time you make the circle, right?

I think life is more like a roller coaster, don't you? You can have all these different events going on at one time.You're flying high and thrilled beyond words because of the anticipation of one, and then, oops -free fall-- you fall from the peak and almost crash land because of something bad that happens. Then, before you know it, there's a quick right turn, then a quick left turn, a few upside downs and your back to level ground for a while...before you start climbing again toward the next peak! It's exhilarating and exhausting at the same time.

All of us just love the feeling of anticipation, don't we? The marriage of a loved one, the birth of a grandchild, graduation, moving into a new house, a new job or a long deserved vacation! We are soaring when we look forward to these exciting times in life. But, we all also face a lot hardships during our earthly journey. As you get older you see it more. Death, sickness, disappointment and failure (just to name a few) sneak in at the most inopportune times, and when you really aren't ready for them. But then again, when are we ever ready?

As I approach my 55th birthday in October, I find myself a member of the sandwich generation. I'm right in the middle of aging and sickly parents on one side and my grown kids struggling to find their place in this world, on the other. Then I've got my own needs and the needs of my husband, other family members and friends. Yikes! It can be pretty overwhelming at times.Yet, I know that God put me here, right now, at this time on earth and I am going to do my best to shine! 

The key for me is to always look up! Look up to the Creator of the universe. Look up for my strength. The Bible says to Praise Him in ALL circumstances. Praise Him in great times and Praise Him in bad times.
Give Him all the glory for what you know He is going to do regardless of what is before you. Never cease praying and never cease thanking Him no matter what happens.

The Book of Ephesians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. I just love reading the encouraging scriptures written by the Apostle Paul 2,000 years ago to the believers at Ephesus. During that trying time, he himself was imprisoned in a jail cell in Rome. Yet, even in the midst of his incarceration, he was not focusing on himself or his troubles, but instead, he was looking up! He was spending his time praying, writing, and encouraging new believers in their faith!

Those words still resonate today in this fast paced world we live in. That's what I want to do. I always want to look up, in all circumstances of life; good and bad.

My verse for today is from Ephesians 5:19-20

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

My prayer for today

Dearest Heavenly Father, Lord:

I come to you today in Thanksgiving. I thank you for my life and the lives of my family and friends. Thank you for placing me on this earth at this particular time. I pray that you might give me the strength each day to live for you, proclaiming your Holy Name in all circumstances.

I pray for my Mom and Dad, Lord. They are getting older and they are struggling each day in their lives. Surround them with your loving arms of comfort. Let them feel your presence, help them not to get discouraged. I pray for my sons; that your loving Hands will guide them each day. I especially pray for my younger son who is really struggling right now. Put people in his path that will encourage and uplift him during this trying time. Surround both my children with your loving arms of protection and love. I pray for my beloved husband. Thank you for his love. Strengthen him as he goes out into the world each day.

I ask all these things in name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen

I'm claiming my miracle!

Do you believe God still performs miracles on this earth; right now, today? All of us can probably remember Jesus' miracles in the Bible from our days in Sunday School; turning water to wine, feeding 4,000 people from 7 loaves of bread and a few fish, raising Lazarus from the dead, healing the blind man, telling the man who had been paralyzed all of his life to get up off his mat and walk. There were many other miracles that Jesus performed during his short time here on earth to strengthen the faith of everyone who surrounded him, I'm sure a lot of people remember them.

I believe that God is still in the business of performing miracles today. Many times in the Bible we see the words ' according to your faith, it will be done to you, or ' by your faith, you are healed.'  I have to be honest and say that many times over the past 12 1/2 years, during this journey I've had with MS, my mind has been consumed with thoughts of my faith and whether it is strong enough. That has to be the reason I'm not healed of my MS, right? It's gotta be me and my lack of faith.

I know and believe that our Almighty God is Holy and in charge of this whole universe. So, it only makes sense that my one little miracle, is nothing for Him, right? It's gotta be me!!!

I believe God does performs miracles In His Time, and that is the magic phrase, His time; not mine, not yours, not anybody else's. He has a purpose and plan for each and every one of us, and only He knows our journey, our paths, our mountains and our valleys. Our job is to Believe. Believe in Him, Believe that He is who he says he is. Believe that he will keep his promises to those who love him and are called according to His purposes.

As I approach my upcoming CCSVI angioplasty surgery for my MS on 8/19, I am humbled and encouraged by my many friends who have told me how excited they are for me, and that I am "due for my miracle." as one close friend put it. Be careful they all say, "don't get your hopes up too high."

I've prayed for so long for a miracle exactly like this to happen. I have asked God to give me my miracle, somehow, someway. I truly believe that my CCSVI angioplasty surgery is my miracle! I am believing that because I think God has ordered this whole process-- all of the pieces have fit together perfectly, just like a puzzle. No delays, no problems, just green lights...Totally a God-Thing.

Will I get up and do a dance around the room after my surgery? Probably not, but I am believing that this is the beginning of my healing. Right now, I am re-reading a wonderful book that my friend Ron Watts gave me many years ago, entitled "Your Healing is within you." by Canon Jim Glennon of St. Andrews Cathedral in Sydney, Australia. He has been part of a healing ministry for many years and has seen the Lord work in marvelous ways. Through this remarkable book and the love of my family and many friends, my faith is being strengthened to claim my miracle!

I believe my upcoming procedure is just the beginning of a whole new life for me. Will it be an easy life? Come on, does anybody have an easy life? No, Will I be healed of my MS? I know that In His time I will be healed. His time may be now and it may be in eternity, but whatever He gives me, I am claiming that as my miracle! I am moving forward, empowered by His strength and with new confidence to serve Him and proclaim His Name.

My verse today is from Mark 11:24

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it and it will be yours."

My prayer for today:

Dear Lord Jesus:

Thank you for this beautiful day. Thank you for my family and friends who support and love me each day. Thank you for miracles that you are still performing! Lord, I am claiming my Miracle! I am believing that you are going to do even more wonderful and marvelous things in my life, according toYour will. Give me patience Lord, give me strength to move forward boldly in Your Name. The fields are ripe Lord and the harvesters are few. Let me be one of your harvesters with renewed passion. The world needs you Jesus, heal me so I can proclaim your greatness to everyone I know and love and new people I do no even know!

In Jesus Name I pray,
Amen