A Gift of JOY

Like most of us, writer Mary DeMuth has struggled through hard times. She has a heart for hurting women and recognizes the stresses caused by COVID-19. While struggling through the hurts of a damaged relationship she did what she does best:... putting her thoughts into words.

"Life right now is full of grief, confusion, and angst. In order to process all that, you need to know what the Bible says about difficult times and how to navigate through them."

Mary writes through the labor pains of her hurtful emotions. While we struggle to express these feelings, she finds the right words. The outpouring of these words opens the doors of healing and gives birth to her books. Until we can communicate our pain, we cannot problem-solve... we cannot heal and restore the joy to our lives.

Whether you are struggling with the life changes brought about by the coronavirus, a damaged relationship, or other issues, I recommend this little 25-page ebook. It's available free at:

http://marydemuth.ck.page/e7f47f3755

Doing well now? Copy and save it for another time. Share it with someone who needs to mend and heal a broken spirit.

I have followed Mary since she was writing her first book* as a sexual abuse survivor. As a writer, I understand how difficult it is to re-open the pain allowing the reader to recognize you've truly been in her shoes. No matter how battered her slippers may be, they can become the ruby red shoes that takes her home to the Creator and Lover of her Soul. Mary shows us the way, the how, and Who restores true joy.

* Author of 40 books currently.

From my friend, Joseph

  GROWING YOUNGER

 

   By: Joseph J. Mazzella

 

          I was about to shave this morning when I caught my reflection 

in the mirror.  There was no doubt about it.  My body was growing 

older.  My formerly thick hair which used to be brown with a touch

of gray was now gray with a touch of brown.  It was hard to see on 

top too with little of it left there.  My forehead wrinkles had become 

permanent and when I smiled a hundred more curled up around my 

eyes and mouth.  I thought about letting my beard grow for a second

but didn’t really want to look like Santa Claus.  When I stepped back 

I could see I had gotten chunkier as well because while my 

metabolism had slowed my eating hadn’t.  My muscles also tended to 

be achier and my body creakier.  And the file clerk in my mind seemed 

to be misplacing things a lot more often.  I was even thinking of writing 

stuff down more so I could remember what I came into a room for.  

In spite of it all, though, when I looked in the mirror again I caught a 

sparkle in my eyes. I smiled and felt a joy in my heart. I knew that 

no matter what my reflection looked like, my soul was forever young.

 

       The truth is while I have been steadily growing older on the outside 

I have for a while now been growing younger on the inside.  I can 

remember how serious, stressed, and worried I was in my twenties 

and thirties.  I often felt like the weight of the world was on my 

shoulders. Now at fifty three my heart feels lighter and my days look 

brighter. I feel like a true “Child” of God free to laugh, to sing, to 

dance, to love, and to help others do the same.  I worry less and 

smile more. I have a lot more faith and a lot less fear. I let my love 

lead me and face the pains and problems of this world with the 

loving-kindness of the next.

 

       In the end all of our bodies will wear out and die, but WE won’t. 

Our young souls will go on forever.  Spend your days growing younger 

then. Let the child within you live and love.

From the Heart

From my Prayer Journal:

Lord and Lover of My Soul, I am at a loss for words. I am not 

sure how to pray for this COVID-19 situation. But You know my

heart’s desires. I trust in Your promises of comfort, support, 

protection, and strength for myself and those within my world. 

Help us overcome all temptations that will cause harm to ourselves

or others. With deep gratitude, I thank you for blessing us beyond

what we need. And I ask Your blessing upon all those who are 

working to provide our needs and those making the difficult 

decisions. It is in You, we find peace and joy. Thank you

for loving me and mine no matter what! Amen.

Pain Is a Microphone, Part 4

Nothing Is Wasted

But be of good cheer. There is a connection between the strength of our pain and the volume of our voices. Jesus said in John 12:32,

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.

The more we hurt, the louder we become.

This is why, though it is tempting, you must not be selfish with your pain. The things God deposits in your spirit in the midst of suffering are the same things that someday other people will desperately need.

When you’re going through a trial, it’s easy to block out other people who are hurting. You might think, I can’t worry about them. I’m sorry other people have it bad, but I’m just barely coping. I’m hanging on by a thread. I could hardly get out of bed this morning, so I just need to focus on me right now. No one will blame you. But you are wasting the anointing oil your crushing produced. If you would be willing to step out in faith and serve other people when you’re in the fire yourself, you will find a huge boost in volume, because you are plugged into a microphone called pain.

There are two reasons why your volume gets louder as life gets harder. First, when you’re going through a great time of trial, people around you tend to get quieter. Their voices hush out of respect.

Smart people walk on tiptoe around hearts that are on fire.

When you’re a Christian and you’re going through a great time of difficulty, you will notice that those around you who don’t know Jesus Christ — especially those you’ve shared your faith with before — will lean in extra close. Their ears perk up. They want to see if what you have advertised is going to prove true in the product demonstration. You told them that Jesus is the light of your world. Well, now your power has been cut, and they want to see if you can glow in the dark. You’ve told them that Jesus is the anchor for your soul; He is the solid rock you can stand on. Now everything around you is giving way, and they want to find out if you’re going to sink in the sand. If they do see your claims proven true, you’ll find a greater willingness on their part to trust Christ in their own lives.

The second reason your volume gets louder when life gets harder is because in trials, you can hear God better. Why is this? Because He comes closer! That’s what we find in Psalm 34:18:

The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.

1. C.S. Lewis wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”2 And the nearer He is, the better we can hear Him and the more we can do for Him.

You’re actually better fit for ministry in the crucible of pain.

You have a stronger voice to project and to declare, and it’s easier to belt from the diaphragm of your soul when you’re hurting. It’s counterintuitive, but in the middle of my hardest mess, I’ve found ministry to be a great strength waiting to be tapped into. It was welling up within me — a greater desire than ever before to tell the whole world that Jesus Christ can turn off the dark — because I experienced it myself. Right there, at ground zero, in the valley of the shadow of death. As hard as it was to claw our way through on hands and knees in those moments, Jennie and I found that when we poured our pain into ministry, whole new levels of usefulness opened up.

There’s perhaps no time you are as powerful as when you minister in the midst of pain.

Selah ~ think on this
Connie

1. A. W. Tozer, The Root of the Righteous (Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications, 1955), 137.
2. C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain (1940; repr. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 2001), 91.

Excerpted with permission from Through the Eyes of a Lion by Levi Lusko, copyright Levi Lusko.

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Pain is a Microphone, Part 3

Note: a hospitalization delayed this posting. Series continues with part 3.

Crushed Like an Olive

The Bible calls us kings and priests (Revelation 1:6). An interesting thing that a king and a priest have in common is that, in Old Testament times, both had to be anointed. They went through a symbolic ritual of being smeared with oil to show that they were set apart for the platform, the microphone they were called to.

A king couldn’t take the stage, the mantle of authority of leadership, without being anointed. Priests had to regularly be anointed and consecrated into their service. That’s why it’s striking that before Jesus, who is both King and Priest forever, went to Calvary, he first went to the Garden of Gethsemane.

Gethsemane means “olive press.” Olive oil is made by pressing olives with a giant stone until the oil runs out. Because olive oil was used in the anointing process, olives had to be crushed so that someone could be anointed. There could be no anointing without a crushing.

Beyond the actual ceremonial oil, Scripture says that there in the Garden, Jesus knelt down and was in such agony, under such great pressure, that he began to sweat great drops of blood (Luke 22:44). At Gethsemane we see Jesus being crushed before going to the cross. The cross was His stage, the nails the proof of His love. He was willing to take up that dreadful microphone, to use the influence He had been called to:

For this purpose I have been sent. — Luke 4:43

But getting there meant first being pressed like an olive. There are no shortcuts; you simply cannot get to Calvary without going through Gethsemane. You and I have not been called to die for the sins of the world, but we do have a divine assignment, a mission we’ve been called to fulfill. And to fulfill it we must be crushed; we must be pressed if we are to see it accomplished. We cannot be used in a great way without experiencing pain. A. W. Tozer wrote, “It is doubtful whether God could ever bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”1

Your calling involves suffering. There’s no way around that.

Selah ~ think on this
Connie

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

Pain is a Microphone: Part 1

  I am pleased to share this excerpt from Through the Eyes of a Lion by Pastor Levi Lusko 

There Will Be Blood 

Pain is a microphone. And the more it hurts, the louder you get. 

Suffering isn’t an obstacle to being used by God. It is an opportunity to be used like never before. 

This truth leaps off the pages of Scripture again and again and again. Joseph suffered for years as a prisoner for crimes he didn’t commit, but it only made him louder. In the end he was raised to the right hand of Pharaoh and put in a position to save the lives of his brothers, who had tried to kill him (Genesis 45:5).

Esther went through the unspeakably difficult trial of becoming an orphan when both her parents died (Esther 2:7). Yet her adoption by Mordecai set into motion the events by which she would become queen of Persia and prevent a holocaust.

David was forced to go on the run, like Harrison Ford in The Fugitive, while he was hunted by his lunatic of a father-in-law, Saul. David was homeless, living in and out of caves in the wilderness of Israel, and yet it was in those caves he poured out his heart to God in worship (1 Samuel 23–24, 1 Samuel 26). His greatest praise came from his darkest days.

To be continued...

Selah, think on this,

Connie

Original source:
https://www.faithgateway.com/pain-is-a-microphone

Rust and More Rust

 

Plus:

• History of hypertension - w/ diastolic dysfunction 
• Gout with urate nephropathy - improved on Uloric 
• RLS 
• OSA on CPAP 
• arthritis multiple sites
• Depression     
• History of diabetes mellitus - 20+ yrs 
• osteopenia ~s/p bilateral TKR for OA ~s/p shoulder repair (left) 
• hypoventilation syndrome, ~mild restrictive lung disease (based on low FVC), reduced DLCO 
• PTCA Sept. 2015- dual antiplatelet regimen for 1 yr, complicated by aspiration pneumonia 
• HFpEF ~bilateral pulmonary embolisms - 10/2017 
• severe c spine DISH - s/p fusion C3-6, now severe disc space narrowing C2-3, C6-7 1/18 c spine MRI- 
• mental status change related to narcotics per Dr. P
• SIRS due to cellulitis 11/2018  ~persistent erysipelas 2019 - BMC ID- on Keflex 500 mg bid on-going

These are how my doctor sees me. I am showing you what I deal with daily, and my medication list is even longer.

• These diagnoses are my rust ... rust that has been accumulating for years. Although I am a retired nurse, the interactions of my rust and my medications are complex. Therefore, I have a nurse case manager to assist me, including advocating for me, as needed; and in-home caregivers four hours each day. 
• 
• Sorry, Maxine is having a crotchety moment ... as usual. 
• Until next time, when I continue on the subject of rust. Take care.
•                  Connie
• 
  

I've not posted in 18 months due to health issues. For over a year, I've had a skin infection similar to cellulitis complicated by edema (swelling due to excess fluid) of both lower legs. I remain on antibiotics for the remainder of my life. 

Over the months ahead I will share how I have dealt with chronic pain and chronic illnesses, learned to ask and to accept help, managed my caregivers, adjusted and focused on altered goals, found new ways to avoid depression and more.

I desire to help other seniors cope with their "golden years" including those she cares about. A very old Dutch granmama once told me, "Hoi, they forgot to mention the rust in the golden years."

Join me as we identify and control "the rust."

ESTHER, Part 2

The Esther study is in its final week, but will continue to be available. I'm enjoying it and it has inspired me to read some other resources.

Here are some highlights from What Esther Knew by Connie Glaser and Barbara Smalley:

• Within 4 minutes a first impression is made; within the first 10 seconds, judgments are formed regarding social class, morals & intelligence. Often first impressions are lasting ones and are difficult to change. Yet Esther found favor in the eyes of Hegai and the king.

• The "Esther Effect:" things happen for a reason. Therefore, no looking back or why me? Instead look forward with courage and faith.

• As women, we have been taught not to brag or boast, but to be modest and deflect praise. Esther lived within a culture where women were passive and submissive. Esther and women of today learn to be bold for the Lord.

• We're also taught not to talk to strangers, which causes many women to lack the initiative to network and interact with people we don't know. These inhibitions can make it difficult for us to be used by God. Esther didn't know anyone when taken to the palace, but she had to learn much to be an effective queen. For example, she wore her royal robes and stood (didn't kneel) when approaching the king to emphasize her royal status. And when confronting Haman she knew the exact words of Haman's edict and used them in her appeal. Obviously, she had developed a network for information. At the same time, I believe, she found favor with many palace workers.

• Between chapters 4 & 5 Esther transforms from a powerless queen to a brave and courageous leader. She gained skills of communication, analysis, strategy, timing, and how to use them. When she presented her appeal to the king, it was on her turf and she was in charge. 

• Although her beauty attracted many eyes, it was her choice to follow her conscience, to do the right thing that makes her our role model. She took a leap of faith which lead to increased strength of character and allowed her to rise above adversity.

• And I loved this. Esther had chutzpah. Meaning she could be the drama queen when necessary, with the ability to make gutsy and clever moves.

• "Esther's story isn't about ancient Persia. It's about us! It is filled with inspiration and lessons that are timeless and universal."

That's a peek at a few good, thought-provoking ideas I've been reading.

Selah ~ think on this   

Connie

Shattered

Last week I dropped a brand new bowl while unpacking it. Before looking, I heard it shatter into many pieces. I felt sad for a moment, but four others remained intact.

More important is the possibility that I have shattered two friendships- one fairly new, the other nearly ten years in the making.

I know what I did... what I said. Would it have been preferable to be dishonest? 

Someone said:

The question for me is what to do now. Do I try to put those pieces back together again? 

Or maybe our season is over.

I am blessed with two-lifetime friends. One for 50 years and the other over 60 years. Both of them have been there for me through the bad times as well as the good. We always are able to pick up where we left off. Miles never separate us. I appreciate both of you!

As I think it over, I may need to consider that my life is coming to a close. It could be best to focus on those who encourage and support me rather than drain my limited energy. But it is hard to be self-focused, as I have been a "fixer" and an encourager most of my life.  

However, like Fagin sang, ♪ I'm Reviewing the Situation.♪

"A man's got a heart, Hasn't he? Joking apart, Hasn't he?

What happens when I'm Seventy. Must come a time, seventy

When you're old and it's cold and who cares if you live or you die...

"I think I'd better think it out again!"

Fagin in the musical "Oliver"

Selah - thinking on this

Connie

“The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it...” 

― Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight

Books # 9: Zebo

How does one review the first novel of her forever friend? I was tempted to read it quickly and write a 5 star recommendation. But for those of you who are reading this to decide whether to purchase it or not, I have to be fair and honest.

Therefore, I took my time to read it and mull it over. As a writer, I challenge myself to “Write from the heart. Write from the soul. Make the best of your talent. And don’t ever let it go. Not for anything…” (author unknown)

I can tell you that’s what the author has done. This story reflects her passions. It’s what makes this story one you’ll connect with, and you will be glad you read.

Zebo inspires, encourages, makes you laugh, seeks understanding, touches your heart, and draws you into the midst of the lives of those who have tea parties, birthday celebrations, late night talks, good moments and tough times within the gazebo.

Like a Friendship Quilt, each chapter has meaning with a mixture of knots and tangles woven in among the perfect stitches. 

Whether curled up with a cup of tea in front of the fireplace or under a sun umbrella on the beach, you’ll enjoy Christy’s life journey and the value of enduring friendships.

~ ~ ~

Barb and I know! We've been friends for over 50 years.

Book #8

The Pilgrim’s Progress

Paul Bunyon was arrested for preaching the gospel without permission and spent 12 ½ years in prison. During those years (beginning in 1660), he wrote a number of works, the best of which was the allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, which became a classic and touched the lives of billions of people.

An allegory is a story, poem or pictures that can be interpreted to reveal hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory of a spiritual journey. [Synonyms include parable, analogy, metaphor, and symbol.]

I am reading the 1834 abridged edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress along with Steven James’ Quest for Celestia: A Reimaging of The Pilgrim’s Progress (2006).

Both are intended to reach a new generation.

I will be writing the book reviews later, but first I want to share a story of an unusual consequence related to reading the unabridged book.

Remember the book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bed Day? Well, I think I’ll call my story…

Alex, the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Boy

Everyone that knew Alex would agree whose qualities and dreaded it when he showed up.

Unlike the Herdmans*, the worst kids in the history of the world who lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids; Alex caused havoc by being uncooperative, loud and rude. He had no respect for grown-ups, no friends and didn’t care. At least that’s what he said.

Selah ~

Connie

* Character's from the book The Very Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson.

Tradition...Still

Growing up our family Christmas traditions included opening one package on Christmas Eve. We always knew what that pretty box held. Our new Christmas PJs! A necessary component for our Christmas morning photos.

As you can see my fleecy, cuddly new Christmas PJs are waiting for Saturday night. When I'll be listening, as I have for over 70 years, for sleigh bells and reindeer on the roof.

Not likely, I know. I live in a first (of three) floor apartment. But I'll not extinguish that child in me. 

AirFlight flies over frequently. Do you think Santa might stop by via helicopter this year?

Actually, many of my childhood Christmas memories are not happy ones. So I determined to create good ones and did! 

As Long as There Is Christmas

The first few lights glow brightly, as you watch the season start.

You know you should be happy, but don't feel it in your heart.

Instead, you think about a time when someone laughed with you

and the love you shared then filled your soul. But too soon, 

it was through.

So Christmas comes with sadness, and a yearning deep inside,

a thirst for love and peace and hope that will not be denied.

            

Late one night you hear a voice, so soft and without blame...

then you realize He's calling your name.

            

"I know your hurt and loneliness, the heartache that you bear,

I listen and I cry with you through every single prayer.

"I promised in the manger and fulfilled it on the cross.

I built a home that's filled with love for all those who are lost.

            

"So let me come and heal your heart and give you rest within.

For my way is kind and gentle and will bring you joy again."

            

His words still echo through the years, a vow that He made true

"As long as there's a Christmas, I will be in love with you."

By Jack Zavada (with permission to use)