No Strings
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Healing
Job 21:34 GW How can you comfort me with this nonsense when your answers continue to betray me?"

Job's friends came up with all sorts of reasons why Job was suffering--sin, hurting others, etc. They were more interested in finding answers than in comforting or helping Job.

When others around us suffer do we speak our minds or wait for God's guidance. Do we help or just add a layer of hurt and guilt? Am I ready to listen, not speak, hug and keep my mouth from offering judgment, comments or suggestions?

Am I willing just to be available, recognizing this isn't about me and love doesn't come with theological strings?

Am I a Job's Comforter?
Mood:  hug me
Topic: Healing
Job 16:1-5 GW Then Job replied to his friends, "I have heard many things like this before. You are all pathetic at comforting me. Will your long-winded speeches never end? What disturbs you that you keep on answering me? I, too, could speak like you if we could trade places. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you. I could encourage you with my mouth, and my quivering lips could ease your pain.

Job's friends at first just sat with him. Their presence comforted until they opened their mouths to figure out "why?" Of course, they assumed Job had sinned and needed to repent. Their words only added to Job's burden.

When someone is hurting, are we willing to share grief in silence or do we speculate, make demands and pontificate nonsense instead of offering a hand, hug and a listening, non-judgmental ear? Am I a Job's comforter, or a real comfort?

A Fall, Pain and What I've Learned
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Healing

I have a church board meeting in a little while. I'm secretary   and I've learned if I'm not there, minutes just don't ever get back to me even if someone does take them down. It has been quite the week. Tried to get as much done as possible, but concentration has been difficult.   It's called PAIN, big capital letters because over the years I've grown sensitive to about every pain killer on the planet. Why the pain? Back to last Sunday.

I fell. Had just dismissed my Sunday School class and went to put my stuff away and down I went. Once I go, I can't stop or protect myself. PTL though. Somehow as I went down I twisted so I didn't end up with a head concussion or broken arms—like usual. I did bump my head, land on my right hand and really messed up my upper left back. Messed up so that breathing and talking was difficult. Falling, for me, is never nice and I haven't had a major fall in years. As my falls go, I am blessed. It will take time, but I'll recover. And no trip to emergency.

The fall couldn't take away the wonderful day I had last Saturday when I got to ride along with   Laura (who wanted to interview daughter Cassie (BTW, it is her birthday today  ) and sil Lisa for her dissertation of which I am the subject. YIKES!) and her daughter Jessica and friend who were searching for those perfect prom dresses. The weather was so nice here in Nebraska we left our coats at Cassie's when we headed out for shopping and lunch and Lisa's store Beyond Paradise (vacation clothes, etc.)

 

Now, at the end of this week, I am beginning to feel a better than the first part of the week. I am certainly better than even a couple of days ago. I am thankful that God is the ultimate healer, emotionally and spiritually as well as physically, and I'm safe in His hands.

There is good and there is not so good, but God is always good.

Regardless of how it felt sometimes, I'm going to be ok. The Lord is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation. ... I shall not die, but live, And declare the works of the Lord. --Psalm 118:14, 17 MKJV

A Time to Grieve
Mood:  sad
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Healing

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:...A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; Eccl. 3:1, 4 MKJV

It has been over a week since we learned our daughter-in-law and the grandkids wouldn't be coming back to Nebraska for a visit after all. The car broke down and vacation money had to go to fixing it. Huge blow in a week that had already been loaded with frustrations and disappointments.

We were suppose to go to Omaha to pick up the grandkids this last weekend. We went anyway to visit our daughter and other relatives, and had a nice time. What I've discovered is that even though I'm not wallowing in grief or inviting it, grief cycles around at inopportune times, leaving me sad and fighting tears.

God never said life was perfect, not even for His followers. Life happens and to deny the emotions He placed within us, is to deny Him. So this week, when we were to spend time with our grandkids, I will be cycling through times of sadness. But I know, this canceled visit is for the best, the cycle of healing that will get better and it is OK to grieve.

The time to dance will come.

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The Healer
Now Playing: I Deal in Hope Daily Devotional Blog
Topic: Healing

Have mercy upon me, O LORD; for I am weak: O LORD, HEAL me; for my bones are vexed. Psalms 6:2 MKJV

Though my legs have been bothering me lately, today it's further up. Got me up at four this morning and in the bathroom. Not sure if I caught a bug or if this comes from sensitivity to gluten. At any rate, it isn't pleasant and I have a whole day of plans—starting with church.

Hubby and I also teach Sunday School. This afternoon we have plans to see Prince Caspian with friends. This is no time to be feeling like I feel right now.

But God knows all this. He is the ultimate healer. Instead of getting stressed out, I'm trusting all will be well—mind, soul and body.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Prov. 3:5-8 MKJV

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