Updated on September 1, 2015
Tips on Tuesday: Beat the Heat
An extra tip from last week’s post:
* With so many viruses and corrupted files out there, many EMT’s and such will not use the medical USB stick that I told you about! Good information to keep in mind!
And now, on to today’s tip!
The generous will prosper;
those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. – Proverbs 11:25
I don’t know about you, but this summer has had some brutal temperatures to endure, and so far it’s not looking like an end is in sight!
And so, for that reason, I decided that today would be a good day to give tips on beating the summer heat!
The first tip is, of course, air conditioning! I pray that all of you have this. If not, or if you have to spend the day out of the house, try and choose a destination that is indoors. Or simply go for a drive in an air-conditioned vehicle.
I have an icepack that can be tied around my neck, that I wear anytime I will be out in the heat. It really does help keep the temperatures from getting to me. There are cooling vests and cool cloth products, as well, that may better meet your needs, depending on how long you will be exposed and how much you are affected by heat.
There are many public pools that have mobility lifts to get you into and out of the water with ease. Research your local area and call to find out what handicap access they have for you! A great way to beat the heat is to get into the water!
I carry an umbrella with me everywhere I go. I use it much more for heat than I do for rain. It makes instant shade, no matter where you are. A hat is nice, but doesn’t give enough coverage if you’re really going to be out in it. If you’re in a wheel or power chair, there are even set-ups that will allow an umbrella to be opened and attached to the chair so that your hands are still free.
The last tip I have for beating the heat of summer is to stay hydrated! I cannot stress this enough! Dehydration does bad things to our bodies, no matter what our health issues are. Drink, drink, drink! Avoid caffeine, which is known to dehydrate. Eat high water volume fruit and veggies, like watermelon. Refreshing and delicious, but good for you, too!
I hope you’re all staying cool. Autumn will be here soon, thank goodness.
Heavenly Father, keep us cool and facing forward. We love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on August 28, 2015
Sometimes, this is all I know to do…
Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises. – James 5:13
Friday was a flat-out terrible day.
I heard that the IH I’ve been blaming my troubles on for 3 years now is not actually the culprit for the issues I’m facing… you know, the hardest issues. No, instead I have a neuro-degenerative brain disease. Don’t know which one yet, but I mean does it really matter?
Neuro. Degenerative. Brain. Disease. Seriously. Seriously??
What do you do with the rest of your day after that news? Then I realized that whatever disease this is, I’ve been living with it for 6 years already. I honestly didn’t know how to begin to process and feel what I needed to process and feel.
There were only two things I knew to do. I think it’s often the only thing to be done on days like Friday.
The first was prayer. I alerted my warriors and rallied my brothers and sisters.
And then… then I had to praise. And we all know by now what type of praise is my favorite. So here is the song that I sang on Friday afternoon. May it remind you, as it reminded me to sing it, that praise is the best weapon when we’re stuck on Friday.
<3
Heavenly Father, please accept my praise. Though You slay me, yet I will trust You. Though You ruin me, I will bless your name. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on August 26, 2015
The Gift of Rest
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
I’m definitely a believer in the fact that God uses songs to speak to me. Sometimes, they cleanse. Other times they bolster. They inspire, lead, confirm, and correct. Music is so important to me.
This morning I was surfing the internet while listening to Pandora. I kept thinking, “I wish this certain song would play that is one of my favorites, but I know it has never played on this channel before.” The next song was that one! I was so thrilled, and it really felt like a hug from God as I sang along with all my heart.
Then of course I was into the singing part, so I was eager to see what song would have me bee-bopping next….
It was an instrumental one. My immediate thought was, “Oh, so boring! I’m not in the mood for that, I want to sing!!”
And then a small voice inside stilled my hand that had reached for the remote to “skip” this song. The first few notes began to play and I felt like all within me just stilled and reached. A peace came over me as I continued to listen.
Photo by Rupa Panda 
See, the same God who granted my wish for my favorite song, also knew exactly what I needed next. He knew much better than I did. Isn’t that always the way?
He promises to give us rest. Sometimes I think I get so caught up in my own head that I don’t even realize I need what He’s offering right that minute. I think I know better. But I don’t. I don’t.
Here’s the song He gave as a gift to me this morning. I pray it will bless you, as well.
Heavenly Father, keep granting me the blessings that You see I need. Let me not get too carried away by my own thoughts and plans. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on August 26, 2015
Are You Listening to the Right Voice?
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. – John 10:3
There are some nasty lies that have somehow become a part of my identity lately. They are shouted into my mind by the enemy, and the voice used sounds an awful lot like my own voice. He’s tricky that way, isn’t he? I’ve given him power. I’ve taken to making these statements right out loud, and I’m sure that he gets giddy when he realizes he’s been successful in knocking me back a bit.
These are some of the things I say to myself:
I am lazy. I am high-maintenance. I am a drain to all who know me. I’m a party pooper who ruins plans and good times. I am useless. I’m an embarrassment to my family.
Do you do this, too, Dear One? I realized tonight that I was doing it again. Saying it right out loud. Calling myself names I would never dare even think of someone else. As soon as I realized it, I got my Bible out. It’s not called the Sword of the Spirit for nothing. It’s a weapon we can and should use to beat back the dark. When I opened it this time, I found what God has to say about me.
Those lies of the enemy, they are wrong. Wrong in every way. So I wrote this scripture down instead and have it taped up where I can see it often. I thought maybe you might need to hear it, too.
Here’s what God says about us:
You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor.
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. – 1 Peter 2:4-5
But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
“Once you had no identity as a people;
now you are God’s people.
Once you received no mercy;
now you have received God’s mercy.” – 1 Peter 2:9-10
I’m clinging to this truth about myself today, Dear Ones. This is who I am in my Father’s eyes, and He’s the only One that matters. Cling with me, won’t you?
Dear Lord, help us to keep Your words in our hearts and minds instead of the ones the enemy likes to scream at us. Thank You for loving us in such a wonderful way. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on August 24, 2015
On Distractions
There’s this fascinating dichotomy that happens when you live with chronic illness.
On one hand, we ignore major health issues that would send most people running for the emergency room. We can run a high fever, be numb on 90% of our body, bleed from all sorts of places, and be too weak to walk across the room. All at the same time. But we will question if we truly need to see a doctor.
What we live with on a daily basis is so confusing and constant, it keeps us blowing off all sorts of things that are normally warning signs that get people’s attention. The pain scale is a joke. If I’m sitting in the emergency room, you can bet your boots I’m at a 10 or higher. If I wasn’t, no power on earth could make me go in.
On the other hand, we are forced to dissect and analyze even the most innocuous of symptoms, ad nauseam. I have a shunt in my brain. Vomiting or fever could indicate a problem with a very vital organ. Dizziness and ringing ears can indicate that my pressures are raising. Eyesight issues can be a warning sign that I could suffer vision loss if I do not act quickly enough in getting to the doctor.
My body is also weird in the way it presents pain. Because I am so numb all over my body, pain will sometimes show itself as increased tremors. A migraine presents as severe earache. My arms hurt when I get cold. Basically, my brain doesn’t send or receive signals in a normal way, so I have to pay especially close attention to even things that seem to be no big deal.
It’s hard living with this dichotomy. It seems ridiculous that our bodies can contain such different aspects and needs. And it’s exhausting.
I was praying today about the different levels of tired that accompany chronic illness and disability. I was praying for each person I love, because I’m certain that there are aspects they have to carefully consider that I’ve never even heard of, much less worried about.
This praying led me to a particular verse. I love when that happens. Can I share it with you?
You yourselves know, dear brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not a failure. You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition. – 1 Thessalonians 2:1-2
The craziness of our bodies, the pain we endure, the extra scrutiny that is required of us, these are all things that I consider to be opposition. Great opposition. We have moments when we are treated so badly, by doctors or family or those we consider to be friends.
It’s a lot of distraction, isn’t it? I firmly believe that the enemy planned it just that way. He wants us distracted. He wants us focused on ourselves. He wants us discouraged by people’s reaction to our circumstances. He wants us suffering. Our oppression delights him.
One of the reasons I love this verse is that it straight-out states that we are not failures. They kind of sneak that part in, so maybe you were seeing the part about the oppression and bad treatment and suffering, and you missed the point.
Our visits were not a failure. God gave us the courage to declare His good news boldly. He still does that same thing today.
For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
You don’t have to work on gaining approval of men. You don’t have to worry about whether or not your body is hiding a more serious condition. You never have to concern yourself with setting right bad treatment you receive.
God can give us the courage we need to speak the Good News. Our testimony will never be a failure.
In fact, somehow the fact that we are sending out hope and gospel in the midst of our overwhelming circumstances makes the testimony even more powerful. Isn’t that cool?
You have this weird body that requires constant monitoring, and you still remembered to smile and say, “God Bless You”, to that cashier yesterday. You are totally swamped with pain and can barely remember all the things to discuss with your doctor, but you didn’t forget to give God the glory for that good news he gave you before he left the room.
You are amazing. No matter how much the enemy piles on to distract us, we just keep doggedly pointing right back to Christ.
Shine on today, sweet Warrior. Shine on.
Dear God, be with each soul reading this today. Thank You for providing the courage we need in every circumstance. Thank You for each chance You provide in our day that we can shine Your light. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on August 22, 2015
Surprise! I’m Publishing a Book (or two)!
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. – Psalm 65:5
I know what it’s like to wake up one day and have your life never be the same again, from that point on. I know what it’s like to believe I cannot get through this. I still battle with disability and constant sickness as a result of a poor immune system. And all of that on top of the fact that my brain has been invaded and damaged.
More than this, my family and my marriage and my friendships have all been deeply impacted by the diagnosis of a chronic illness and the subsequent disabilities. Without the willingness to allow changes and embrace newness, these relationships would not have withstood the diagnosis. As it is, some did not survive.
I want to walk with you through the first shocking and confusing days after a chronic illness diagnosis. I want to hold your hand and cry with you. I want to nod when you talk about how hard it is. I want to point you back to God and share the tips that have helped me to make it this far.
You are not alone.
BLURB from “You’re Chronically Ill… So Now What?”
So you have a diagnosis. It was probably hard-won and you feel like you’re reeling from the enormity of this new life and all that it entails. I’ve been there. Chronic Illness is a whole new animal.
I want to share what God has taught me since learning I have a chronic illness. In this book, I have compiled 30 of my devotionals that best deal with coming to terms with a diagnosis and how to adapt to your new life, complete with discussion questions following each one.
My prayer is that you will come to know that you are not alone and that you, me and God can do this.
—————————————————————————————-
BLURB from “Your Loved One is Chronically Ill… So Now What?”
A Dozen Devotionals for those who love the chronically ill
So your friend or loved one has a diagnosis at last. It was probably hard-won and you feel like you’re both reeling from the enormity of this new life and all that it entails. We’ve been there. Chronic Illness is a whole new animal.
I want to share what God has taught me since learning I have a chronic illness. In this book, I have compiled 12 of my devotionals that best deal how a loved one can come to terms with a diagnosis and how to adapt to a new relationship, complete with discussion questions following each one.
This is a companion book to my 30-day devotional book for the chronically ill, “You’re Chronically Ill… So Now What?”
——————————————————
These books are being finalized right now. Sometime in the next few weeks, they will be available as paperback, Kindle download, or audiobook, read by Yours Truly, ME! My prayer is that these book will bless all who get them in their hands and hearts.
Will you help me spread the word? I’d absolutely love it if you’d join the Facebook Fanpage for my book release. If you lead a bible study or a support group, please consider using these books as your study material. If you have a blog and would like to do a review and/or giveaway, please contact me and let me know!
Thank you all for going with me on this journey. God blows me away with the plans that are unfolding. I’ll keep you updated as plans progress, and there will be a giveaway here when the book is launched! See you then!
Holy Lord, Your plans for little old me and the words You faithfully give me are just amazing! Thank You for each soul here and the support they give me daily. We love you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on August 18, 2015
The Difference You Can Make
“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – Jesus (John 13:35)
A couple of weeks ago, I had to visit our local Urgent Care Clinic. You remember the dreaded UTI, right? I was feeling downright miserable and worrying more over whether or not they could find out why than I was about my own health. It’s one of those quirks of chronic illness I never quite get over.
The nurse who took me back into a room, his name was Michael. He was a kind and considerate nurse and we were just chatting while he took my vitals. When he had finished, he asked if he could pray with me.
I was so surprised to find that bit of grace right in the middle of my anxiety. Right in the middle of this clinical place where people never really meet your eyes, much less take the time to minister to your soul. When I agreed, Michael placed his hand on my shoulder and knelt before Jesus with me.
Such utter peace came over me. That young man made such a difference to me, more of a difference than he could ever know. I have prayed for him by name every day since then. I’m hoping that you’ll pray for him, too. We need more like Michael in this hurried world, and I want God to show him what a blessing he is.
I want you to remember, too, how much of a difference the little things make… the little moment of time you take to give a compliment, the small second it takes to grant a smile, the simplest words in a 30-second prayer with your arm on a stranger’s shoulder.
Reach out today, won’t you? You can make a difference. If you’re willing.
Dear God, thank you for bringing Michael into my day. I pray that You will bless him as he blesses others, in Your mighty name. Amen….
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Shelly
Updated on August 18, 2015
Tips on Tuesday: Be Prepared (& Printables!)
A couple extra tips from last week’s post on UTI:
* It’s wise to put your bladder on a schedule… empty every 2-4 hours, no matter if you feel the urge or not.
* A good way to get your probiotics is to eat yogurt that contains live cultures. Yum! 🙂
And now, on to today’s tip!
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. – 1 Peter 3:15
We spoonies are a complicated lot, aren’t we? It’s important that if we are ever incapacitated, emergency workers have quick, easy access to our medical information. I make certain of this in a variety of ways and wanted to share a few of them here today.
I have a “cheat sheet” that I carry with me at all times. I have copies in my purse and in the pockets of my power chair, wheel chair, and walker. I keep it updated as new meds or diagnoses are added or changed. I keep extras because nurses love these things and can keep them instead of having to return it to me. The sheet includes the answers to all the standard medical questions…. meds, surgeries, diagnoses, allergies. I like to put Bible verses on mine, as well, so that it’s a quick and easy way to share my faith or open discussion about how awesome Jesus is in my life.
If you’d like to use my form and make it your own, here’s a printable for you! It’s 2 pages long.
Another thing I carry with me is an Emergency ID card in my purse. I fold in half and can be trimmed and laminated so that it will last forever. Another printable, coming right up!
I also wear a Medical ID Tag on a ball chain necklace around my neck. It’s non rusting, so I can even wear it when swimming or in the shower, if I’m away from home. I never leave home without mine. It’s pink, and I wear a “Time for a Cure” medallion over it, made by my friend Sherri. She’s awesome. Some people choose to wear a bracelet or even a watch that has their med information on it. I’ve heard that some companies even make flash drive jewelry that you can wear, which contains all of your medical records and particulars in case you’re ever in an accident. Pretty cool!
Another thing I have is a medical alert button that I wear anytime I am home alone. It’s only $25 a month for constant monitoring and they will call 911, your doctor, and your emergency contacts for you, should the need arise. They also track you through a cell signal, so it works even when you are not at home. I wear mine on a lanyard around my neck. It, too, is waterproof, so can go into the shower or pool with you. The name of the company is GreatCall, and I highly recommend them.
Sometimes there are specific needs required, especially in traveling. I have a specific alert card that states why I cannot be subjected to magnetic metal detectors, signed by my doctor. It’s a great idea to go online and get things like this to carry with you at all times.
Don’t be caught unaware, and don’t expect that your loved ones will be able to give all of your medical details in an emergency situation. Be proactive and get yourself identified before an emergency arises. Hopefully, you’ll never need it, but if you do, it’s invaluable.
Holy Lord, be with us each day. Help us to be as prepared as we can be each day, to face whatever arises. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on August 16, 2015
Some Inspiration for Your Fierce
You suffered along with those who were thrown into jail, and when all you owned was taken from you, you accepted it with joy. You knew there were better things waiting for you that will last forever.
So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. – Hebrews 10:34-36
I have a friend who has some pretty awesome kids. They take Karate lessons. Way back when they had first started, there was one night when they had some sparring with the brown and black belts in the group.
Now, keep in mind that these kids didn’t even have belts yet. They were fresh off the boat. Zero experience. Mattie was just a bitty thing, but she came charging out and gave them what-for! She was fierce.
See, the best lesson in Karate is confidence-building.
Karate is a lot like chronic illness. Some nights we show up and it’s sparring night. We have zero experience. Fresh off the boat. We don’t even have belts yet, but we’re expected to fight these impossibly wicked illnesses that have lots of experience in destruction, pain and belittling.
The only option for us is to be fierce. Let Mattie inspire you. Know that you and God, you’ve got this! Charge out and show this mess what you’re made of!
But we are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved. – Hebrews 10:39
Dear Lord, bless each fierce warrior reading this today. Thank You for winning the fight for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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Shelly
Updated on August 13, 2015
He Calls You By Name
And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—
secret riches.
I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. – Isaiah 45:3
People are so funny about knowing each other’s names. It’s like it gives us a certain edge over others, if we can be on a first-name basis with somebody special. Today, I want to remind you that God knows your name. It’s the name He adores.
The name-dropping that’s going on in Heaven, the angels rejoice to hear your name from His lips. They wait with longing till the moment when He pulls you close and whispers it right into your ear. What a day of rejoicing that will be! It matters not to Him whether you could get out of bed today.
This Great Master, Creator of all, who named the galaxies and calls the specific stars, He knows you just as intimately. He finds you no less captivating than the most awe-inspiring of His creations. Your brokenness is beautiful to Him… sheer perfection.
He heals the brokenhearted
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
and calls them all by name.
How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension! – Psalm 147:3-5
The whispers stop the moment you walk into the room, Beloved. Everyone waits with bated breath to hear what delight the Holy Lord will reveal toward you. Those things you’ve not been able to do today? They aren’t even on His radar. He’s too busy bragging about your faith and courage.
All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine. – Revelation 3:5
You are His. Do you know that today? Do you feel it even through the pain? Do you see it shining brightly in the dark? He knows your name. You’re the one that the angels share a secret smile over…. “Look, He’s all ga-ga over her again.”
He believes in you. Let that be enough today, won’t you?
But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. – Isaiah 43:1-3a
Dear God, that You would desire to know my name just leaves me awestruck. Please help that to be enough today, for all who are hurting. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
