Updated on January 17, 2014
Do You Want to Be Held?
Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. – Psalm 27:10
I am a child of God.
And some days the “child” part of that statement is truer than others…
I am delighted today to be sharing with you over at my second home, Rest Ministries!
Seriously, friends, this site is just amazing,
and I hope you’ll look around and take advantage of all they have to offer the chronically ill!
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 January 17, 2014
Sunday Scripture: 1/19/14
Jesus told them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, because I have come to you from God. I am not here on my own, but he sent me.” – John 8:42
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 17, 2014
Recommendation Saturday: Meet Janis Cox and Tadeo Turtle
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. – John 3:16
Today I want to introduce you to someone I believe was a God-arranged meeting for me! Her name is Janis Cox. She is beautiful and talented and inspirational. She is a watercolor artist and an author, and her children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, is delightful.
I was struck as I read it, that the message of the book is one that all chronically ill and disabled individuals desperately need. Janis graciously agreed to be interviewed here on my little space.
I can’t wait for you to meet Janis Cox and little Tadeo Turtle!
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Oh that could take a while. I am a senior so have many years behind me. I have been married for 42 years; we have 3 children; 6 grandchildren and one more on the way. We spend ½ of the year in a little village in Ontario, Canada and the other ½ in a large (for us) metropolis in Arizona. There are just as many people in our gated community as in our entire municipality back home. In numbers that means we have 10 people per square mile in our community in Canada and 3333 people per square mile in our community in the States.
I love sharing God’s word through writing and my watercolour paintings. I also like to tap dance.
What one message do you want people to come away from this book knowing?
I believe every one should know how much God loves them. The whole reason God sent Jesus was to tell of His love for us and show us the way back home. While we are here in this foreign land we need to know that He made us how He did for a reason.
Just as Tadeo had to learn that his shell was made for protection we need to learn that everything about us was made to bring us closer to God.
What inspired you to write and illustrate this book?
That’s a funny story. I journal every morning, usually thoughts from the Bible, or from my devotionals or non-fiction books. One day I started to write a poem. The words started to flow and I kept up with my pen. At the end I said: “What is this?”
At the time I was taking watercolour lessons from Joann Mathews. She encouraged me to illustrate my story. With her help, Tadeo came to life.
How much of yourself is hidden in little Tadeo?
My blog “He Cares for You” is based on 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you”. One of the first Scriptures I memorized was Philippians 4:6-8
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
I know that God has made each of us in a special way. So each of us is special to God.
How does your faith color your writing?
I am a late-bloomer follower of Jesus. Only 12 years ago did I finally understand who He is. At that moment I started writing in a journal as my faith journey began. I wrote 150 poems as I questioned and discovered who Jesus was. That led me to a writers conference in Canada called Write!Canada for editors and writers who are Christian. A whole new world opened up.
I write with God’s blessing. I read all that I can and learn all that I can. I pray to be wise in the ways of Jesus. I love writing about Him. Most of what I write is about my journey with Jesus.
What is one question you wish someone would ask you about your book, and please answer it?
My question would be: How did you come up with the name Tadeo?
This is definitely a God-filled answer. When I decided to publish the book I had the turtle named Tommy. After I sent the book to be printed my husband said, “Did you check the name Tommy Turtle?” Oh my, “no”. I was able with God’s grace to stop the printing. Then I prayed and God led me to a baby names site, where I found Tadeo – means, “praise” and is the short form for Thaddeus, one of Jesus’ disciples.
Can we look forward to more stories about Tadeo Turtle?
I have another book written but without pictures yet. Since I am both the author and illustrator I have to find time to paint. But yes Tadeo will have another book someday. I pray sooner but in God’s timing.
Did you have any idea that Tadeo could impact the disability community?
One author who is a friend and who is blind saw that possibility from the beginning. I didn’t really think of it that way. And until you mentioned it to me in our conversation I didn’t see the impact it could have.
I like the way you saw Tadeo’s shell as a blessing and how those with disabilities could approach their disabilities the same way.
I know that I suffer from allergies and have had to learn discipline to not eat the foods that will make me sick. I do thank God for that discipline and the perseverance that I have acquired through it. So yes I see that now.
I would love some help to know how to get this book into the hands of those with disabilities. That way children would learn that a disability is not being disabled but a blessing to be all that God intended for them to be.
You can connect with Janis in these places: http://www.janiscox.com/
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Please consider purchasing Tadeo Turtle for yourself of a loved one. I promise, you won’t regret it!
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community
right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the
“Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button
below, and place it on your website or post,
so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community!
You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag
#recommendsat
so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community
is spreading our hope and love to others
by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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 January 15, 2014
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Suffering & Free Printable
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
Today I was thinking of some truths that I’ve learned since I became chronically ill. Life gets pared down to the basics after that, doesn’t it? Priorities shift, perspective changes, things we’d never even considered before become crystal clear and oh-so-important.
I thought I’d share some of my musings with you today. I call it:
Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Suffering
1 Some things can’t be fixed.
2 Time heals nothing.
3 God can heal everything.
4 Life doesn’t wait until you’re “ready”.
5 It really will still be there tomorrow.
6 Most people really don’t get it.
7 God really does.
8 Naps are vital.
9 Asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.
10 Your existence is the answer to someone else’s prayer.
11 Pajamas can be fashionable.
12 So can slippers.
13 Life looks much different flying by from the passenger window.
14 Applying #13 to God can change everything.
15 The people who matter want nothing from you than a hug and a smile.
16 The people who don’t matter usually need the above 2 things worse than anyone else you’ll ever meet.
17 It really is possible to pray constantly.
18 It changes your life when you do.
19 Pews are torture devices.
20 How much you fear a needle all depends on how much pain you’re in at the time (and this pretty much applies to everything you fear).
21 Mom’s kiss really does make it all better.
22 Sometimes pruning is necessary for regrowth.
23 A C-PAP can be sexy.
24 So can compression stockings.
25 Recognizing your limitations is NOT giving up.
26 Redemption is WAY better than restoration.
27 Your physical health does not define what you have to offer.
28 When you’re not given a choice in your new reality, you can adapt to some pretty unbelievable circumstances.
29 “How are you?” is not nearly as innocuous as it seems on the surface.
(Seriously, we need a new greeting people. Seriously.)
and finally…
30 The relationships we form online can be stronger than steel and more comforting than the softest blanket to our soul.
I‘m so glad to know each of you. I’m pleased as punch that you choose to spend any of your time here reading my ramblings. I pray for each of you daily. You matter, I consider you to be my friend, and I thank God for you.
If you’d like this list as a Printable, click here or on the image below! Heart Hugs <3
Dear God, thank You for each person reading this post. Thank You for the blessing they are in my life and in the lives of those around them. Help us to always see the humor in our circumstances, and always look for Your fingerprints in our lives. 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
Updated on January 7, 2014
Race of My Life
Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. – 1 Corinthians 9:24
I see my sweat hit the ground
I put my foot in the block
This is the race of my life
And I can’t wait for this shot
– Eye on It lyrics (TobyMac)
photo credit: Philo Nordlund via photopin cc
Racers feel this way when they prepare for a big race. Those non-athletic among us may feel this way a handful of times in their lives, if they are incredibly lucky.
As a chronically ill Christian, I have the great blessing of feeling this way each and every day.
Some day my sweat hits the ground from the simple act of getting out of bed. But no matter the struggles faced, I will put my foot in the block. I will. I will reach down with my fingertips to ground myself for what is to come.
I will lift my head to show my readiness, and when you see the determination burning in my eyes, you will know that this is the race of my life. I’m waiting for the shot.
I will run with all I am, like this might be my last race, like I need that gold like I need to breathe, like this is the only thing that counts in all the world. Because it is.
Tonight I will soak my sore muscles. I will hydrate and rest and put tomorrow out of my mind as I rejuvenate.
Tomorrow, I will ready myself again. My foot will tingle, eager for the block. I will welcome the sweat as it forms. And I will run with abandon, with single-minded focus.
This is the race of my life. I’m waiting for the shot. I’ve got my eye on it… how about you?
Dear Lord, Thank You for the strength to start this race every day! Please be especially with those who are having trouble finding the motivation today. 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
Updated on March 31, 2015
We Have a Deliverer
photo credit: AlicePopkorn via photopin cc
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O King. – Daniel 3:17
This life is hard, isn’t it? It matters not what our troubles are… whether they are chronic illness and disability, or divorce or infertility, or poverty or abuse. Life is hard.
We long for a deliverer.
Just as Shadrach, Meshach and AbedNego in the story of the fiery furnace, we long to say proudly to our problems, “We have no need to answer you in this matter.” (vs.16) There, take that! We have a Deliverer, and He is able!
If we say this to our problems, we speak the truth. We speak rightly.
But let’s read on to the next verse, shall we?
Will you join me over on my friend Kirra’s blog? Kirra is a sweet friend and a Christian who has often inspired me with her words. I can’t wait for you to meet her! Oh, and while you’re there, you can finish reading my post. 😉
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 January 12, 2014
A Childlike Faith
Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children. I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:16-17
In reading back over my post about our adventure over the Rockies, I realized that I hadn’t mentioned how my children handled matters when things became difficult.
They truly did see everything as a great big adventure. My daughter was 3 at the time, and my son was 7. They sang, they played with the little toys from their bag, they played with each other. Each had plenty of snacks and a drink.
Each time we stopped to reconnoiter, the children clasped our hands and bowed their little heads in prayer with us. My son constantly reminded me that I didn’t need to be worried, because we had prayed about everything, and that God would answer. He never wavered in that faith, and after each reminder he returned to his playing and humming.
When we stopped that final time at the larger pull-off, we opened up our little pop-up camper and the kids thought this was great fun! They each ran around and played until they were sleepy and the sun was high. Then they climbed into the shade of the camper and fell asleep on the bed there.
As far as I know, they never had a moment’s trouble drifting off. There were no nightmares brought on by the stress of the situation, and neither cried out as they dreamed. They were peaceful, oblivious and trusting.
When we lifted them back into their carseats so that we could fold the camper for towing once again, their warm little bodies curled into ours, their arms draping around our necks in complete trust. Their eyes never opened, but their lips did curl in sweet smiles as we whispered reassurances.
They were with their parents, we were leaning on God, and all was right with the world. I pray that I will be that childlike in my faith.
Heavenly Father, help me to know the kind of faith shown each day by my children. Thank You for never forsaking me, and always providing. 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
Updated on January 12, 2014
Sunday Scripture: 1/12/14
- photo credit: bigmalakili via photopin cc
I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. Oh, what a miserable person I am!
Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?
Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.
– Romans 7:21-25a
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 11, 2014
Recommendation Saturday: Joy Inexpressible
photo credit: Frederic Mancosu via photopin cc
And though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory – 1 Peter 1:7-9
Can people tell? I pray they can, I pray it every day. Every. Single. Day.
My body will not allow me to dance outwardly, but my spirit looks just like the woman in the video below. Just like her.
Truly.
Whatever your abilities, dance to the best of them. Show your inexpressible joy to the world every moment. Whether it’s with your smooth moves or your bright eyes, through your jumping or the lifting of your hands.
Come on, put your purse down so you can bust a move.
We are best when we are community.
I would love to share in some of that community
right here from my website.
You can join in, too!
Share a post from your own blog and then simply click on the
“Add your link” button below and enter your blog information.
Then, please grab my Recommendation Saturday button
below, and place it on your website or post,
so that others can find their way to our little Saturday community!
You can also Tweet your participation with the hashtag
#recommendsat
so that we can all find each other on Twitter!
You may also join in by leaving a comment.
The most important part of our community
is spreading our hope and love to others
by visiting some of the other inspirational sites linked up and leaving comments there.
Heart Hugs, Shelly <3
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.
All you have to do is click one of the buttons below.
May God Bless You,
Shelly
Updated on January 9, 2014
The Shakes
I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.
I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. – Psalm 16:7-9
I have Essential Tremor. Or some such. The doctors never seem to agree on it. Isn’t that always the way?
All I know is that my body shakes. Sometimes it seems that my insides are shaking, too. It makes me feel like I can’t get a good deep breath to fill my lungs.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.
I hold so tightly to that vow, and the physical tremor keeps it forefront in my mind.
Luke quotes the above scripture in the book of Acts. The verse before it refers to Jesus and His suffering.
But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip. – Acts 2:24
I’ll tell you why I will not be shaken. Because this illness, these fears, these uncertainties… even unto death… do not have me in their grip.
“Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55
When things are shaken, the temporary and non-important falls away to be crushed underfoot or shatter when it hits the ground. Those not building upon the solid foundation may find themselves unsure of their footing, but those of us standing on the chief cornerstone know that we are secure in His grip.
And there’s one other thing about the shakes. Sometimes the things they cause to fall away are the very things that have kept us prisoner.
Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off! – Acts 16:26
No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
Dear God, I thank you that You hold me steady through the shakings of this life… both physical and spiritual. I praise Your name. 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
