Tag Archives: Healing

Patient ~ Day 5 ~ 31-Day Writing Challenge

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“Love is patient and kind.” 1 Corinthians 13:4a (NLT)

Patient

Introducing Mr. G and Mr. B. They are patient patients sent to the boys from the staff at Nationwide Children’s Hospital to help them learn more about what their little brother would be coming home with. Mr. G has a G-Tube in his tummy and Mr. B, a Broviac Tunneled Catheter in his chest, both supply nutrition to someone who’s body cannot absorb it on its own. 

The reason I call them “patient” is that the boys wanted nothing to do with them and so there the bears sat, waiting for Carson and Owen to get to know them better. They were sent to help but the thing is, picturing what Sutton has been through isn’t something they liked to think about. They wonder why it happened and don’t want to envision all he’s experienced. These bears reminded them of their little brother’s suffering, of how their lives have changed, and so they wanted to keep their distance while they waited for things to get better.

As I put the bears aside, it occurred to me that at times we can feel the very same way about what Jesus endured. He too was sent to help, but often we don’t like to think about all He encountered to accomplish it. Getting too close to Him can remind us of the grief, anguish, and pain he bore so our unworthy lives could change. Instead, we try to keep our distance, just until we’re better, more deserving. Thankfully, Jesus is patient too.

“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:16 (NLT)

“When Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”
 Mark 2:17 (NLT)

Sutton is home now (a true miracle) and in spending more time with him, the boys are realizing he’s the same brother they love, are becoming less focused on the wounds themselves and more on the fact that they’re part of a plan to give Sutton life. I’m guessing you can see where this is going.  Yes Jesus, our brother, suffered wounds too but on our behalf. He did it willing as part of God’s loving plan to give a new life to you and me. A TRUE MIRACLE indeed!

I predict that someday soon Mr. G’s and Mr. B’s patience will pay off and they will be welcomed into the menagerie of all the other stuffed animals the boys have. And their tubes?  I think the boys will learn to celebrate them, like Sutton’s, for the healing they bring. Let’s not wait any longer and celebrate Jesus in the same way.

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

Relief ~ Five Minute Friday

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How Do You Spell Relief?

There’s an old commercial, maybe you remember it, where the announcer asks, “How do you spell relief?” The actors’ answers were all the same: R-O-L-A-I-D-S. And while yes, easing stomach upset is important at times, if asked the same question, my answers would be quite different.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed. him. But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now is found.’ So the party began.” Luke 15:20, 22-24(NLT)

I’d only walked away for a moment. Where could he have gone? I called and called. No response.  Breathing became difficult! My heart felt as if it would explode! Absolute panic began to set in. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.  One more time, louder and with urgency, I shouted his name. This time in an answer to prayer: his little blond head popped up from its hiding place in the open trunk of the car. How he got in there I didn’t know.  What I DID know was that I wanted him out of there and safe in my arms. That was thirty years ago but in that moment, “How did I spell relief?” F-O-U-N-D

“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)

More recently, both of my sisters have been facing major health challenges. Each has been on a journey in which they’ve had to relinquish some control, trust in the plans laid out for them, and accept help from others, any of which, as you and I know is never easy! These last months have been scary and stressful but I’m so thankful to say we’re blessed that they are both now on the road to recovery! So, at this time, “How do I spell relief?” H-E-A-L-I-N-G

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)

No one can prepare you for how wonderful grandparenthood is! Waiting for your grandchild to be born though, can be a little (OK, a lot) nerve wracking! There are such a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, worry, anticipation, love, awe, did I mention worry?** We prepared and planned and waited…and waited…and waited some more, until finally the big days were here! Neither arrival of our grandsons went as we expected; but in the end,  we were handed a perfect gift, God’s miracle: our grand baby to hold! “How did I spell relief” each time? N-E-W L-I-F-E

As we know, life can present us with many challenges. We may find ourselves out of control, not sure who to trust, and in the need of help. Things we thought would turn out one way may not go quite as we expect. And at times, we can find ourselves feeling out of sight to those around us and just plain lost! So, how do YOU spell relief? How do I?  Our answers might be different or like the old commercial they may be the same. But just as the relief that “Rolaids” offers is temporary, so are all our answers. Permanent relief from this world is only experienced through One Answer. The answer where true life is FOUND in Him. The answer that offers HEALING from our sins. And the answer that through His death gives us NEW LIFE, eternal life, when we believe. “How DO we spell relief?” you ask?  That’s easy! The only Way possible:                             J-E-S-U-S!

Today’s prompt is “Relief” over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com Click over to read what others have written today or better yet, join us with your offering on relief! As always, I appreciate you taking your time to stop in. God Bless!

** five minutes is up

 

 

 

 

 

His Touch ~ Five Minute Friday

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“One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this, they scolded the parents for bothering him. 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 18:15-17 (NLT)/ Pixabay

His Touch

His touch introduced sound to the deaf;
They had speech to understand.

His touch revived a daughter,
By simply holding her small hand.

His touch gave the gift of sight,
To those who could not see.

His touch cleansed the leper’s skin
And set the lame man free.

His touch now scarred by our nails,
The price He had to pay.

His touch that changes everything,
He offers us today.

His touch mends our broken hearts
And forgives us of our sins.

His touch takes us from death to life
His touch: where healing truly begins!

“Jesus led him away from the crowd so they could be alone.  He put his fingers into the man’s ears.  Then, spitting on his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue.  Instantly the man could hear perfectly, and his tongue was freed so he could speak plainly!” Mark 7:33,35 (NLT)

“The crowd laughed at him. But he made them all leave, and he took the girl’s father and mother and his three disciples into the room where the girl was lying.  Holding her hand, he said to her, ‘Talitha koum’ which means ‘Little girl, get up!’ And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.” Mark 5:40-42 (NLT)

“Then he spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva, and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes.  He told him, ‘Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam’. So the man went and washed and came back seeing! John 9:6-7 (NLT)

“Suddenly, a man with leprosy approached him and knelt before him.  ‘Lord,’ he said, ‘if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.’ Jesus reached out and touched him.  ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ And instantly the leprosy disappeared.” Matthew 8:2-3 (NLT)

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

On this last Friday of April, I’m joining once again with the wonderful writing community at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com  

Today’s prompt is “Touch”. I’ve already read some of the posts and you won’t want to miss them! Just click on over and enjoy! It’s also the end of Poetry Month so of course I had to try and write my offering today in rhyme.(Definitely took me longer than five minutes) I hope you can feel the touch of Jesus in the words I’ve shared. And just a reminder, you’ll never know how “touched” I am that you take time out of your busy lives to join me here. God Bless You!

Scar Story

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“He bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 NIV

Ever find yourself lying unconscious in the gutter? No?  I never expected to either! So imagine my surprise when I opened my eyes to find myself wedged between the tires of a car and the curb…literally lying in the gutter!  It was one of those moments that moved in slow motion and seemed like a dream or in this case a nightmare.  As I looked up from my undignified position a crowd of unfamiliar eyes stared down at me.   Sprawled on the pavement, one flip flop on, one off, my clothing askew, and a throbbing head made me want to disappear down the drain I was laying on!

I was a teenager on vacation and I’d fainted as we were walking along the sidewalk, souvenir shopping. I’d had too much……….not what you’re thinking…….sun. As it turned out, I had to get stitches in the gash near my eye. I still bear the scar on my face from that embarrassing adventure long ago that I’d rather forget.

Scars are like that. They stick with us. They tell the story of imperfect moments in our journey through life. Everyone’s are unique.  You NOW know that some of mine tell of accidents, some say I’ve survived health issues, and still others remind me of times I might not have used good judgement or paid close enough attention.

We don’t just display our scars on the outside, though.  Our story continues with the ones we wear on the inside, too. Maybe we’ve been “stabbed” in the back by a friend. Our heart’s been “pierced” by someone we love. Words have “cut” deep into our soul. Insecurity has “carved” its way into our thoughts. These scars can feel as if they’ll never heal. And they don’t if left on their own. Here’s the Good News for you and me….we’re NOT left on our own!

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3

What a comfort to know that God not only knows every hair on our head but also every hurt we endure. And just as He designed our skin to repair itself on the outside,  He takes our inward pain and layer by layer knits the damaged pieces into a place of strength.

There have been times I’ve wished my scars weren’t there, but as I’ve grown older I realize that inside or out; each bump, bruise, scrape, and gouge has been stitched together to create who I am today. It’s my scar story. A story that’s full of hurt, disappointment, and fear, but it doesn’t end there.  It’s also a story that tells of this girl’s healing through forgiveness, love and grace. Now THAT’S a story that will stick with you!  What’s your scar story?

If you want to read more about loving your scars, click on over to http://www.tsuzanneeller.com for #livefreeThursday wisdom.