Updated on May 20, 2016
Seeing Stars (and a Free Printable)
For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ.
We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. – 2 Corinthians 4:6-7
I’ve talked before about a recognizing the blackness as the perfect backdrop for God’s blessings.
I don’t know about you, but my days seem darker than ever lately and I know the battle is often intense around me.
And so, I’d like to offer you a resource I made for myself. You can download it and then print it. If you print multiple copies of the 3 pages that aren’t the title page, you can put it together as a journal. It leaves room for acknowledging the dark backdrop, as well as seeing the twinkling lights.
Here’s an example of what it looks like:
I pray this journal will help you Dear Ones, to both acknowledge the hard and to remember the blessings. They are there, in abundance. Let the stars remind you, as they remind me. I’m praying you through this, as I know you’re praying for me. <3 Heart Hugs
Just click here to download the journal.
Dear Lord, please be with us in mighty ways. We know that You are light and in You is no darkness at all. Thank You that You rescued us and are with us always. We love You. We praise You. Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on May 18, 2016
Does Your Suffering Seem to Last Indefinitely?
“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials” (1 Peter 1:6)
I remember those last few months of school when I was a child. To a 3rd grader life begins on that last day. Running home, head full of big adventures planned, nothing but nonstop fun and gorgeous weather for three whole months!
Those last few months of a school year seemed to slow down to the pace of less than a snail. Anticipation makes for the desire to hurry things up, and 9-year-olds and patience aren’t exactly besties.
Looking back, I see without a doubt that those last few months were the mere blink of an eye. And the three months of summer weren’t much slower.
Will you join me over at Rest Ministries to finish this post?
See you there <3
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on May 12, 2016
Blooming Where We’re Planted
I had some sort of episode this past weekend. It’s been bad since then. Really bad. I would covet your prayers. But it is so important for me to continue the work God has planted in my heart. I’m equipped to share the hope He has watered and grown through this difficult journey. And I won’t stop speaking His praise till I can speak it to His precious face.
And so, without further ado, my offering for this week:
Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days.
The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.
Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers
and singing and joy!
The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon,
as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon.
There the Lord will display his glory,
the splendor of our God.
With this news, strengthen those who have tired hands,
and encourage those who have weak knees.
Say to those with fearful hearts,
“Be strong, and do not fear,
for your God is coming to destroy your enemies.
He is coming to save you.” – Isaiah 35:1-4
Sometimes it feels like we’re planted right in the middle of a desert, doesn’t it? Having lived in a desert for many years (an actual physical desert), I can tell you that it may seem that God has forgotten this place.
The glare of the sun is unrelenting, the predators look to gobble up any plant for it’s moisture. The rain is so rare it’s almost completely absent. The soil is rocky and sandy, so loose as to blow away with the slightest breeze.
But I can also assure you that God is here in this desert in deeper ways than He ever is in the fertile places. You have to look harder, but when you do you will see how He equips the plant rather than the environment.
Instead of sending frequent rains, He grows and strengthens the plant’s roots to burrow down deeper into the soil, seeking the moisture through a firmer grip, rather than a simple opening of its leaves and petals. The sandy soil, rather than being a hindrance, provides exactly the means for that root to grow deep with less resistance. The rocks allow the water to drain right down immediately into the deep places in the earth where the roots go, rather than remaining on the surface for the sun to dry them up. God is equipping the plant to be able to flourish in this inhospitable place.
And one more thing… hold onto your hats for this one. God chooses with great care the plants that He places in the desert. He knows which ones are up to the task. He sees which blooms are the strongest.
Photo by wanderbored 
Even in this starkest of landscapes, there is a spring season that will knock your socks off!
Blooms, vibrant and stunning, stand in stark contrast to the barren backdrop.
They are brilliant defiance, standing as a testimony to what only the power of our Great God is able to accomplish.
And so, my dear ones, are you.
And that is blooming where you are planted.
God our Father, You reign, and for this we are eternally grateful. Thank you for being with us, most especially in this desert. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 21, 2016
Does God See The Real Needs of Those with Chronic Illness?
“Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation” (Luke 3:5-6).
We know that He is able to make our path straight . . . the path to Him. Beautiful imagery.
God and I were having a little chat the other day and He brought this verse to my mind.
Determined to hold onto my pout just a little bit longer, I explained to Him, tongue firmly in cheek, “Father, not that I don’t appreciate the straightening part, but me and this chair. . . me and this old body . . . we need handicap accessible!”
I’m writing over at my second home, Rest Ministries.
Hope you’ll join us! <3
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 21, 2016
His Mercies Aren’t the Only Things That Need to Be New
Great is his faithfulness;
his mercies begin afresh each morning. – Lamentations 3:23
The above verse is filled with such hope, isn’t it? I find that I’m clinging to it more and more these days. As I was praying this verse back to our Loving Father recently, I realized something. May I share it with you?
Sometimes I feel so much despair, so much hopelessness, so much big and black and brutal… that even a promise like this doesn’t seem to ring true for me.
The enemy loves those times. I believe he orchestrates them… the perfect set-up and God is his favorite fall guy.
“Oh sure, His mercies are new. Does this feel new?”
“Why do you even pray any more? You really think He’s listening? You really think He cares?”
“Great is His faithfulness…. HA!”
Have you ever heard those voices in your head? The enemy is sneaky that way. He can’t help the fact, though, that he keeps singing the same old songs, though, so he always gives himself away.
So now I was on to him, and I began to examine what lies he wanted me to latch on to.
Of course, I went back to the source, the only thing I can count on to always tell the truth, always.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the Lord.
– Lamentations 3:20-26
Do you know what I noticed? This entire scripture highlights the need for participation. My participation.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
And so my soul must remember. I must be willing to recall, willing to feel gratitude. Is my heart in the right position? Considering the vulnerability to the suggestions of the enemy right now, I’d have to say, “No.”
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
To the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently
For the salvation of the Lord.
The difference is trust. That’s my part.
His mercies are new. Great is His faithfulness.
And my trust should be new every morning, too.
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love.
God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. – 1 John 4:16
Holy Lord, my soul remembers, and is bowed down within me. I am waiting for You. I seek You. I wait silently for Your salvation. Thank You for Your patience and for reminding me in Your Word, of all that You are and that this is a relationship that is a constant anchor, no matter the circumstances in my life at this time. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on April 16, 2016
Fingerless Gloves Giveaway!
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
I contacted Cindy about an item I have been wanting for a long time… fingerless gloves! It wasn’t in her store, but I read that she did custom items, so I took a chance and reached out to her.
Not only was Cindy willing, she went out of her way to show me pattern choices and color options! Of course, I chose PINK!
They arrived beautifully packaged and they fit perfectly!! The crochet work is top quality and the yarn is so soft and pretty!
My hands are SO warm and cozy now, while still being able to type or eat or anything else I need to do.
In public, I’ve gotten plenty of compliments on them, and I gladly refer Crochet Heals to any who comment on the gloves.
The fact that 10% from her sales go to Chronic Pain Awareness makes all of this even sweeter!
Definitely 5 Stars, 2 Thumbs WAY UP and a Highly Recommend from me, for Mrs. Cindy Dawson and Crochet Heals!!!
http://www.facebook.com/CrochetHeals
https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrochetHeals
http://www.instagram.com/CrochetHeals
http://www.twitter.com/@Crochet_Heals
http://www.pinterest.com/CrochetHeals
And now, YOU can win a pair of pink fingerless gloves, too, made by Cindy and new in the box!!
I’m hosting this giveaway on Facebook.
Just click this link and comment on the pinned post at the top of the page, and Presto! You’re entered!
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 14, 2016
Prayer Request Update
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41
Can I first tell you how blown away I am by all of the prayers you have offered on behalf of my family. Thank you will just never be enough. I am unable to spend time answering each comment as I used to, but please know that each comment left touched me, moving me to tears. Your care and concern, encouragement and assurances brought me a very real sense of God with skin on. You are fulfilling the law of Christ. And I am humbled to be a part of each of your lives. I love you.
Brian’s hand is healing very well, thanks to your prayers! Praise God, he can move his thumb and pinky in normal range now and is even losing some of his numbness on that hand. Our house has been set to rights by kids pitching in. It’s helping them, I think, to feel they’re contributing and helping in situations they normally have no control over.
Yesterday I ended up at the doctor with another “reaction”, only this time I had started no new meds. So now the games begin and we do our best to figure out what’s causing this.
My doctor called today.
He said that all bloodwork was clear, except for low hemoglobin, and that I am anemic. He’s letting my regular doctor handle that when I see him on the 27th.
They want pictures of how bad it got, which thankfully I have and can bring with me for the next visit. He said it’s possible that this is not an allergic reaction at all, but part of a disease process, so I’m to go back in if it gets worse in the meantime so they can chart it with photos and maybe get more clues about the origins of this process, depending on what changes they see.
So I am staying away from any “new” anything… foods, meds, soaps, detergents, etc. until the 27th. I am also keeping the benadryl going.
I hurt and I’m afraid, but at the same time, I hear, “Just trust Me, watch what I’m doing.” I feel a great sense of anticipation. Through this week, we have had provisions sent, family meetings that went smoother than expected, paths appear that have made things easier. Our God is an Awesome God. He is a Good Father. And He is always with us, always answering, always working for our good.
Holy King, I cannot thank you enough for these amazing people you’ve placed into my life. I love them. Thank You for Your powerful presence in our lives, and for answering prayers in such a tangible way. We love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Posted on April 9, 2016
Prayer Request…
Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
I am very bad off, lower physically and emotionally than I have ever been. I know that I still am, but thanks to prayer and spiritual intervention, have had a bit of a breakthrough. I know I still face the same worsening issues I did before, but I am asking for help. I am doing my best to lean. It is not easy for me.
Brian stabbed himself in the hand, deep and sideways, and as he’s healing it’s looking like he may have nerve and/or tendon damage. He’ll get his stitches out on the 18th and they’ll see if they want to send him to an orthopedic surgeon. The house is showing the neglect from him being taken out of commission, and it’s killing me to not be able to be there for him in the same way that he’s always there for me. I’m also having to be much more independent, and some of it is just not possible anymore.
I am unable to read my own body anymore. At all, it’s official. I do NOT have a UTI, which is good news, but that means that it is just my Primary Lateral Sclerosis is going downhill. And that is NOT good news. I no longer know when to see doctors, and if I do go in, there is less and less they can do to help me.
The 2nd nerve pain pill they tried me on has turned on me. It wasn’t helping at all after a week, then I started with a reaction and had to discontinue it. No news yet on what’s next.
My faith does not feel faltered, but I am so, so tired and the battles are fiercer than ever.
It feels like everything is just so bad, all at once, it’s so overwhelming. Will you please pray for all of us?
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on April 4, 2016
What Can Jesus Do With Our Crumpled Places?
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the day approaching” (Hebrews 10:19-25).
Life the way we live it can sometimes leave us feeling broken. Certainly weak. And always, crumpled. Do you know what I mean?
We’re like that crumpled up paper, tossed so carelessly.
We recognize that we’ve been rescued, lovingly opened, and pressed down to get out as many wrinkles as possible. But once you’ve been crumpled, there really is no reset button, ya know?
I hope you’ll hop on over to Rest Ministries to finish this post…
The video you’ll see was something introduced to me
by Anita in a Pastoral Care Session.
If you’re looking for a worshipful fellowship that will knock your socks off, please do yourself a favor and sign up.
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on March 31, 2016
Some Days are Just Such a Struggle
“It’s not us, my lord the king,” one of the officers replied. “Elisha, the prophet in Israel, tells the king of Israel even the words you speak in the privacy of your bedroom!”
“Go and find out where he is,” the king commanded, “so I can send troops to seize him.”
And the report came back: “Elisha is at Dothan.” So one night the king of Aram sent a great army with many chariots and horses to surround the city. – 2 Kings 6:12-14
You’d better believe that the spiritual world is at war. And you’d better believe that we’re smack in the middle of it.
Our suffering can sometimes bring us so much closer to that veil. The constant din of battle surrounding us feels like it’s right at our fingertips. It sure ramps up the fear and the pain and the insomnia.
When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. – 2 Kings 6:15
Yeah, what he said.
It’s so hard to understand why some days are just such a struggle.
But being closer to the veil also has its up-side. Because once that battle is won, we feel the overwhelming peace immediately.
“Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Then Elisha prayed, “O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!” The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire. – 2 Kings 6:16-17
Did that give you chills?
There are more on our side than on theirs.
Maybe you’re feeling the battle today. Maybe the suffering has brought you close to the veil. Just hold on. You will feel the peace soon. And until then, I’m right here with you.
Lord, open our eyes and let us see. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
If you have been helped by this post and think it could be helpful to someone you know, please share this post on the social network of your choice for me.
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
