Pain Is a Microphone, Part 2

When the apostle Paul was saved, a prophecy was given to Ananias, who had the unique challenge of discipling this recently converted terrorist. God told him that Paul would stand before kings, gentiles, and the nation of Israel and that he would suffer many things for Jesus’ sake (Acts 9:15–16). There are two elements there that we must not miss: (1) Paul would be used powerfully, and (2) Paul would suffer greatly. But I believe those are actually two sides of the same coin that exists within every calling. It would be while he was suffering for Jesus that he would do the great things (speaking to the Jews, speaking to the children of Israel, and speaking to kings).

Here’s where this concept comes to your front door. Just as Ananias was to tell Paul that he was a chosen vessel, so you are part of a chosen generation. No ordinary child. You are royalty, remember? A unique part of God’s forever family. But there’s a catch: just like Paul, you will suffer many things on the way to your destiny being fulfilled.

Pain is guaranteed. The Bible says that the rain falls on the evil and the good alike (Matthew 5:45). Part of living on this fallen planet cursed by sin is that trials are inherent. That’s just the way it is.

What about for the child of God? What happens when you give your life to Jesus Christ? The difficulties ramp up to a whole other level.

Jesus said that He wants us to shine brightly. He didn’t just say,

I am the light of the world. — John 8:12;

He also said,

You are the light of the world. — Matthew 5:14, emphasis added

Daniel said that those who turn many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever (Daniel 12:3). Guess what? God wants to make a star out of you. That’s wonderful — but as the great theologian Spider-Man said, “With great power comes great responsibility.”

The enemy is not going to let you capture his flag without some serious flak. When you stand up as a Christian, attempt to share your faith, and live to see lost people won, you’ll invite suffering, persecution, and opposition your way. This is why Paul told Timothy,

All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. — 2 Timothy 3:12

Adversity is going to happen. In fact, it’s part of your calling. We’re told in 1 Thessalonians 3:3,

No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. (emphasis added).

Jesus warned His followers that the world hates Him, and if you’re trying to follow Him, the world’s going to hate you too.

Selah, think on this

Connie

Part 3 Crushed Like an Olive next post.

Or go to https://www.faithgateway.com/pain-is-a-microphone

Woe Is Me ~ part 1

      Fatigue opens the door to “woe is me,” which includes being self-absorbed, having fears, and pity parties.

      “Self” is the center of your world when you are ill. I live alone so I was not inflicting “me, me, me” on anyone. But after days and weeks I was sick of being sick, sick of only thinking about myself.

      As a retired nurse, I ‘m used to being the helper and the fixer. As ill as I have been, I needed help and I could not “fix” myself. It is hard to ask for help. It is hard not knowing what is wrong nor how to fix it.

      Thus, it was a blessing when my neighbor dropped in and surprised me by bringing supper one night. Since then, when she is going out, she asks if I want something from McDonalds^® or other nearby fast food restaurants. She picks up my medicine for me. She also calls or comes to check on me every day or so.

We laugh ‘cause she’s bossy. “Why is your oxygen off?” “You need to get out of your apartment, Missy.” “Where’s your knitting?” When she is too bossy, I call her Mom. Still when she asks how I am, I know she cares and I am honest with her. Her goal for me is to have a girl’s day out with her. Not a priority for me, but when I am able to go, I will.

      BTW, she needs to be needed. So for us, we both benefit. I thank her frequently as she adds cheerfulness and stability to my days. Moreover, I do not have to worry about transportation; she is always there for me. If I cannot fix a meal, she will.

Ironically, this neighbor and I have little in common. Yet we have grown to love each other as sisters growing old together.

      Anticipation of an ill person’s needs, just being present including knowing when not to talk, and letting them know they are not forgotten via a card or a phone call- even a voice mail or text… these encourage and add hope.

      Who needs a touch from you today?

Selah… think on this.

Connie

P.S. 7/23/15: Was admitted to the hospital unexpectedly 7/20. Am resting & will return a shortly. My friend (see above) was there for me!

It's All Decided

      I'd made up my mind... no books. I will continue writing short stories & articles, but a book is no longer an option. Then...

      A sweet young lady said, "God knows we are a forgetful people!"

      "A Forgetful People" I couldn't get that thought out my mind. For days it hung there 24/7 waiting for a response. Finally, in prayer, the answer came before I asked the question.

      "The Lord spoke his word to Connie. He said, 'This is what the Lord God of Israel says: Write in a book everything that I tell you.'" (Jeremiah 30:1-2 with name changed, God's Word Translation)

      Thus, I have been preparing my heart, writing, studying, & researching:

A Forgetful People: a Study of Remembering is written to increase our awareness of God and how He expects us to walk in His ways. 

Using a combination of storytelling and scripture, we look at items in my home- silver boxes, Pogo, a crystal frog, bees and apples, a wildflower collage, teacups, a basket and snowflakes- to learn how simple things can bring us into God's presence, promises, provisions, and pleasure. 

      Snoopy usually writes "Once upon a... The End." I'm already further along than that!

      A crucial need for any Christian writer is prayer support. My 25 prayer team members will keep me free of distraction, focused and accountable. Their prayers will flow into the golden bowls of heaven. (See Rev. 5:8) The second team are reviewers for writing content and for scriptural accuracy. I am blessed to have such faithful support.

      My own heartstrings are reaching into the heavens for guidance.

      To keep you updated, I will be journaling this writing adventure; and I am planning on providing a free e-book in January to give you a peek at "remembering". 

      If you'd like to join in praying for A Forgetful People, send me an e-mail at (constancegilbert@gmail.com) with your address & I'll send you a reminder bookmark. 

~ ~ ~

      Two of my short stories were published recently: "Morning Glory" in Lori Wagner's A Patchwork of Freedom and "Oy, the Rust in the Golden Years" in Lynn Johnston's Lessons of Life.

      More of my writing can be found here:

www.4Him2U.com and Connie's Coda at                        www.positivelyfeminine.org/Beautiful/beautiful.htm

Not a creature was stirring...

...except me! Christmas was a very quiet day as I made the choice to stay home alone. (My son and his family went to Iowa.) Because I had been so sick during most of December, what I wanted for Christmas was NO germs to lay me low again. Did share a Christmas Tea with a neighbor- we sat in the library (in our apt. complex) by a Christmas tree sipping tea, chatting, and enjoying the music in the background. It was relaxing and nice to get out of our apartments for a while.

And what to my wondering eyes should appear? Gifts from Santa! Several boxes of stationery, cards, stamps, pens, and hand lotion via Home Instead Health Care. Not a better gift for this writer who loves to send letters and cards. A lovely surprise!

2007 was a great and an awful year for me, but on Tuesday I get to begin again! As I get older, I appreciate the New Year as an opportunity for another chance. (Wish that wisdom came earlier in life.) So let me begin with 2007. It was a rough year health-wise and financially. I am feeling pretty good now, as the year winds down; so I want to be healthier in 2008! And my finances would improve if some of my writing sells. :) The good stuff of 2007 includes improving my blogging skills and opening a website; forming Sonrise Writers with my dear friend,Bonnie; facilitating Marlene Bagnull's Bible study for writers 3x with each time greater than the last one; the opportunity to mentor some writing friends; writing a monthly column on emotional abuse for Positively Feminine; becoming the editor for The Encourager, a printed newsletter for the chronically ill; and greatest of all the "delivery" of 4Him2U in November. The special thing this year is that I made and actually fulfilled my New Year's Resolution: to better hear the voice of God! To learn to be in His presence and to be quiet- yep, I had to shut up in order to listen- has been and continues to be an awesome and precious time with the Lord. I count that as the reason for the good stuff of 2007! For 2008 I want to improve my walk with Him; I want 4Him2U to reach >10,000 new folks around the world; I want to be published with pay; and I want each of the Sonrise Writers to receive writing contracts. For you, my friends, I am asking God to bless you in a special way this coming year- so special that there can be no doubt that God is the source!!! I want to be a "Spirit-walker" and to be content: being where God wants me, doing what He wants, and being satisfied with His timing. May He grant the same for each of you. Shalom, Connie