Monday Musing-Died, Buried and Raised!

This scripture is for every believer who has tried to share the gospel with an unbeliever.  You don't need to memorize the ABC method of scripture to share the gospel with the unsaved. This is the entire gospel in one scripture!  These words are the total reason for our faith.  Without each of these 3 events in the life of Christ, our Christianity is useless.

My friends all we need to know is Christ DIED-for our sins (every.single.one), then He was buried-in a tomb sealed with a huge boulder, and three days later He was RAISED from the DEAD!  This should not have been a surprise to anyone who knew the scriptures because, "according to the scriptures", it was told hundreds of years before by the prophet Isaiah.

Why do we question?  Why do we forget to thank Him for His sacrifice?  1 Corinthians 15:3-4 contains our HOPE!  Christ died, He was buried and He was raised to give us eternal life!  Thank you Jesus for loving me that much.  Thank you Lord for the hope I have in You that one day I will shake off the shackles of this frail body and I will rise to glory to be with You forever!

No Smell of Smoke

Belinda Kersey

God’s Word
Daniel 3:25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

Daniel 3:27 “... They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.”

The Song
"Through the Fire" words and music by Gerald Crabb

My Thoughts

If I ever felt a song was mine, this is it!  Some of these lines  really hit home. "Many times in trials, weakness blurs my vision, that's when my frustration gets so out of hand.  Oh, but it's then I am reminded, that I've never been forsaken, and I've never had to stand one test alone.  Then I look at all my victories and the spirit rises up in me and it's through the fire my weakness is made
strong!"  You see, before I knew I had MS, my vision was affected first.  It was as though there was a veil of lace over my eyes-very blurry.  It was incredibly frustrating.  I couldn't read, drive or watch TV.  I feared losing my vision but God was faithful and walked with me through that time.  I've had victory over vision problems since 2003.  However, as you know, I am still not fully healed, I still can not walk and have several "invisible" problems. But I know  God will continue to be with me in this fire.

Through this experience God has taught me healing is not the ultimate testimony.  Please don't turn me off now that I have stepped on a "sacred cow", just settle down and listen.  I truly believe healing should be sought  and I truly believe we should have faith God will heal.  However, I believe the best testimony you can have is when you stay faithful to God "through the fire".  My pastor even made that statement after I sang this song one Sunday.  It was just another confirmation to me of what the Lord has been teaching me.  The 2nd verse of the song says "I know within myself that I would surely perish, but if I trust the hand of God I know he'll shield the flames again." I have seen the effect my (and Jeff's) perseverance has had on non-believers and I know they know it is not on our own power.  I also know many non-believers would be skeptical of a healing and a testimony of healing might not have as great an impact on them because of their unbelief.  

We have seen some who were away from church or never been part of a church, come to the Lord.  I can not tell you it was definitely our influence but I believe that was a huge part of it.  We have had others ask us, "how do you make it"  and we have been able to share of God's faithfulness and of the Christian community's support.  The song goes on "He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb.  He never offered our victories without fighting but He said help would always come in time.  Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says gives in, just hold on, my God will show up and He will take you through the fire again."

We need to remember in this age of "prosperity preaching", "name it and claim it" theology, etc.  God never promised our lives on earth would be easy or without trial.  In fact, he tells us we WILL be persecuted and we WILL have trials and tribulation but to rejoice for HE has overcome this world.  That is where our brightest testimony shows to the world-through it all we remain faithful and remain fervent in our belief this life is not "it"-the next life in heaven is what we should put our hope in.

 Are we willing to allow our heavenly Father to accomplish His purpose through us?  God is working all your trials for good.  Maybe He has a plan to bring more of His children into right relationship with Him through your example of faith in trial.  Maybe He has a little perfecting to do in your spirit while He walks with you through your fire.  Or maybe, just maybe, He’s ready to have you join Him in the throne room of heaven.  

I don’t pretend to know why God allows some to struggle more than others.  I don’t have a clue why some are miraculously healed while others suffer in their afflictions. I believe Beth Moore says it best in her “Daniel” Bible study.  She believes there are three possible God ordained outcomes to the fires in our lives:

1.  God will deliver you FROM the fire to BUILD your faith.

2.  God will deliver you THROUGH the fire to REFINE your faith.

3.  God will deliver you BY the fire into your heavenly home to PERFECT (complete) your faith. 

I hope you hear me-I believe in healing, I believe God is healing me and will soon complete that healing.  I believe God will be glorified in my healing and I continue to pray for that day.  However,  I  know He wants to be glorified and use me in my trials as well.  

Your Response

Close your eyes and envision yourself in the very fire of your trial, now look in your minds eye to your right and envision your precious Savior sitting beside of you.  Take His hand in yours.  Thank God He is beside you in every situation.  Thank Him because you will come out of this fire without a single hair singed or even the smell of smoke on you!

What a Week

Have you missed me?  I've certainly missed blogging! My absence began when my youngest son broke his arm last week for the SECOND time this YEAR!  This time he had an open break that required surgery and a 2 day hospital stay.  Memorial Day weekend was spent recovering from our sheer exhaustion of the ordeal.  All looks well and he should heal quickly.

The day after Memorial Day a dear friend of mine passed away after struggling her entire life with health issues.  I am writing a devotional about her amazing faith and will post that in the coming months.  


My 2 boys have had finals all week and have been exempt from some tests but of course not on the same schedule!  So, I have made multiple trips to the school dropping off and picking up.  Friday required FOUR trips!

When I thought I could take some time to post, our internet went out and has just now come back on.  I hope it is fixed and not a temporary state!  How's your world been?

I have a quick card I did a while back as thank you notes to donors for my MS Walk I will share with you today and then will hopefully complete the new H2H challenge on Monday and get that posted.

I used all Close To My Heart products.  The stamp set is  "A Paisley"-only $7.95!.  I used Magnifique and Smoothie CTMH inks.  The base is Smoothie and White Daisy Card Stock.  The sparkly and sprig of ric rac is from my stash.  Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy!

Monday Musing-God's Waiting Room 1/18/08

God’s Word
Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

My Thoughts
My sons discovered what it is like to be in the waiting room of a hospital at a very young age. The two younger ones were only five and seven when I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and my first frightening hospital stay occurred a brief three months after that diagnosis. In all, I have been hospitalized six times in just as many years. So when Pastor Darius Johnston asked the congregation to think about what it is like in hospital waiting rooms, my youngest decided to answer him out loud with his opinion of “It Stinks!”. Yes, this is one eleven year-old who knows what he’s talking about.

Pastor Johnston went on to use hospital waiting rooms as an analogy for the trials in our lives and he named those rough times “God’s waiting room”. How accurate that description is! As my son was trying to convey, waiting rooms are a difficult place to be. The chairs are uncomfortable, the coffee tastes terrible, people are anxious, sad and irritable, no one can tell you how long you will be there or what the outcome will be-it really stinks! Our trials are just as unpleasant.

As the months turn to years, we wonder why God has “put us” in this struggle.. We ask what we’ve done wrong and we desperately want to know how long we will have to endure the pain and uncertainty.
But as I thought about the sermon later, I began to realize there can be good found in those waiting rooms. As I’ve waited for the outcome of a parent’s surgery, my husband and siblings have been there with me. A pastor usually has been beside us throughout the waiting. We’ve talked, reminisced, joined together in prayer and rejoiced when the doctor returned with good news. When the wait was over, we would go see our loved one and smile with them with gratitude that all was well.

Yes, the waiting rooms of life are really uncomfortable to be in but as the song says, “You are in the waiting, in that moment of my life when my faith and hope collide. While my heart’s anticipating how and when you’ll move, oh, that’s when you prove you are in the waiting.” As we wait for the answer to our questions of why me?, why now?, why this?, God is beside us and he will “give (us) water in the desert”, he will “lift (us) up on eagles’ wings, so from way up high (we) can see (our) life from (His) view of things.”

Oh, to be able to see God’s view of things! We would not fear, we would not despair if we could see through His eyes. But isn’t that what He wants us to do? Doesn’t He tell us to “not fear”. He wants us to know that our waiting room has a God given purpose. God is “breaking up (our) fallow ground” and He will “plant (His) seed ‘til it’s living in (us).” We need to ask him to “make me all you want me to be. Unveil my eyes if I’ve exchanged the truth for lies; give me faith so I can see.”

Yes, trials truly stink. Suffering and pain are difficult to endure but if we will just remember that God is waiting with us and He knows the answers to our questions and He knows what the outcome will be then the waiting can be endured. Just as friends and family surround us when we are in hospital waiting rooms, God’s presence surrounds us in the waiting rooms of life. He promises as we wait we WILL have renewed strength, wings of eagles and be able to run without being tired and walk without passing out. Keep waiting on Him my friend, soon you’ll be soaring!

Your Response
Just sit quietly before the Lord for a few moments. Tell Him you are waiting to hear from Him. Anticipate what He will do in and through you.

The Song
“In The Waiting” words and music by Shannon Wexelberg.  I am sorry, I could not find this song to play for you anywhere but here are the lyrics:

I’ve tried to be strong
Is there something I’ve done wrong?
‘Cause I’ve been waiting here so long.
You see each tear
As the months have turned to years.
For some reason You must want me here.
But I can see You’re breaking up my fallow ground
In this season of such barrenness,
Lord, I have found

(REFRAIN)
You are in the waiting
In that moment of my life
When my faith and hope collide.
While my heart’s anticipating
Just how and when You’ll move
That’s when you prove
You are in the waiting, too.
So plant Your seed
Till it’s living, Lord, in me.
Make me all You want me to be.

Unveil my eyes
If I’ve exchanged the truth for lies.
Give me faith so I can see
The work that you began
You will complete in me.
And I don’t have to understand the place You’re keeping me.

(BRIDGE)
You give me water in the desert.
You lift me up on eagles’ wings.
And from way up high
I can see my life
From Your view of things.
And though I’ve cried for an answer
I believe that I can say:
“Thank You, Lord, for every answer
You’ve delayed.”
(REFRAIN)

Monday Musing-Praise You in This Storm

Belinda Kersey 2008

 

God’s Word

“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"  He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.  He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" Mark 4:37-40

My Thoughts

This song inspires me again and again.  Some of the words are, "I'll praise you in this storm and I will lift my hands. You are who You are, NO MATTER where I am." We have to let that permeate our every thought. NO MATTER where I am or what I am going through, God will ALWAYS be who HE is. If God is good, then He is always good no matter what storm I face. 

The song says "You whisper through the rain, I'm with you." We expect Him to shout over the storm so we will not miss Him but He wants us to LISTEN for His still, small, whispering voice. It continues, "as Your mercy falls, I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away." We want to believe in the giving God, we have issues with the taking God. We as parents give and take away with our children as well. If we love them we will give them the good as well as the things that are good for them-even discipline. We will take away things from them that are not of benefit or are detrimental to them, even if they don't understand or don't like it. 

Some of the most tender words to me are "Every tear I've cried, YOU hold in Your hands." How amazing that His hands hold our tears. I know when He holds them, He truly feels those tears and feels the pain that goes with each one.  My friend  has lived and walked every word of this song as her family was divided by a divorce she did not desire.  She and her two young boys have chosen to praise God in the very midst of their storm and God has rewarded them with comfort and His provision during the very lowest times of their struggle. God holds each of their tears and holds them closely as they learn to live as three instead of four.

As well, the song says "You never left my side though my heart was torn." Some of our dearest, closest friends and family will not be able to stay by our side as our hearts are torn. Some can not face their own pain so they aren't any good to us in ours. Some have so many other obligations that they can not be at our side. Others are physically too far away. BUT GOD (as my Aunt Lucille often said), BUT GOD is always by our side. 

Next time you are in a storm, be still, listen for the whisper and say BUT GOD! He is there by your side. When the circumstances say all is lost, you say BUT GOD. He is holding your tears. Raise your hands in the rain and praise Him because HE is WHO HE is! 

Your Response

Raise your hands to the God who controls the seas, the wind and the rain.  Lift your voice to your Shelter and praise Him for being God, for being your shelter.  Thank Him for every good thing He has given you.  If you are able, turn on some music, raise your hands and dance before Him.  Praise Him in your storm!

 The Song

“Praise You in this Storm” by Casting Crowns

Monday Musing-A Change is Coming

Belinda Kersey  2007

God’s Word

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17

My Thoughts

A friend in choir gave me a CD by Juanita Bynum.  I push the repeat button over and over on the song called "Change".  Let me tell you this song has truly renewed my mind.  My boys think I've gone crazy when I start singing it at the top of my lungs and add my husband’s name and job, my name and health, etc. in various parts of the song.  I urge you to try it sometime-it will build your faith!

The words are: "I'm so glad that troubles, won't last always.  I'm so glad my burdens won't last always.  You may be down today, but it won't last always.  I feel a change is on the way.  I'm so glad that struggles won't last always, I'm so glad that this pain won't last always.  When trouble comes your way, just lift your hands up and say I feel a change is on the way."   

You know Joseph had to hold onto a shred of hope that change was coming. He was sold into slavery by his brothers and sent to prison because of a lie.  I’m sure that there were times he believed that he would die in that dark, dank place but he held onto the hope in the God of his Father.  God had a plan all along and what a change came his way!  He saved a nation, he was reunited and reconciled to his family, and he saw his beloved Father once again.  He must have been incredibly thankful that he held on for the change that came his way.

Aren't you glad the struggles we live with won't last always?  I know I am.  Yes, my MS has been with my family since 2001, but you know what?  My Lord assures me it's not going to last always.  Knowing that, I know I can keep on going.  Paul said our troubles are light and temporary.  I know there are times we laugh at those words but that's when we are looking at them through earthly eyes.  Look at those words through the eternal eyes of Jesus and you will KNOW, that you KNOW, that you KNOW they are true!

Your Response

Say the words to the song out loud.  Insert your situation into the song.  For example, “I’m so glad _____________ won’t last always.”  Tell God you are ready for the change He is creating for you.

The Song

"Change" from "A Piece of My Passion" by Juanita Bynum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3TS5cixkT0

Monday Musing-Not Forgotten

Belinda Kersey 2009

God’s Word
“...God has said, I will never leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

My Thoughts
Have you ever felt God has truly forgotten you and God has turned His back on all you are going through?  It’s possible, if those thoughts crossed your mind, you have felt great guilt over having those thoughts.  Others may tell you your faith is not strong enough.  But my dear friend, even Christ  uttered these words on the cross  “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?”

The Bible doesn’t tell us His Father chastised or punished him for having made such a statement.  On the contrary, in three days His Father  resurrected Him from death and the grave.  Questioning God is not a moral failure.  Turning from God and denying  His presence finds us in the darkest despair.

Go ahead, confess to your heavenly Father that you feel forgotten and forsaken.  But afterward , give Him time to work in your life and work out his plan.  Dear one, “when you think your dream has died, he has not forgotten you.  When your body aches from trying he has not forgotten you.”

We tend to turn our experiences with human frailties and failings into a belief that God shares those weaknesses in his character.  What we have to turn around in our mind and hearts is God can not have even an ounce of imperfection in His being.  He will not leave us or forsake us.  You can pound on that promise with the heaviest hammer of disbelief and it will not change, because “even in the darkness his promises are true. Keep this in your heart he has not forgotten you.”

We must realize our trials do not catch God by surprise.  The situation you are facing is not some random quirk in the universe.  God never plans harm for his children.  If  “your life feels like December, he has not forgotten you. When it’s painful to remember,  he has not forgotten you.  When it seems you can not win and there is not much left to lose he has got a plan and he has not forgotten you.”  

When we can face those plans with faith in God’s goodness and his sovereignty then “hope will spring eternal in (our)  home and we will “know that loving eyes will follow everywhere we go”.  Beloved of the Father know that “He is faithful, he is present he is listening he is life! He is faithful He is with you he is listening he is love!”

Your Response
This song already has a perfect response:  “If your tired flesh has squandered what your spirit would have seen and your aimless feet have wandered far from all you truly crave turn and run toward your father do not wait another day see his arms are open and he is calling out your name.”

The Song
“Not Forgotten”  by Twila Paris

Monday Musing -Future History-Belinda Kersey 2009

God’s Word
“And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14

My Thoughts
Do you wonder why you are where you are right now? Do you question what God is doing? Does it seem there can’t possibly be a plan or a purpose? I know Esther must have felt that way when she was sent to the inner courts of the palace. On the surface it may look like she was living every little girl’s dream. The chance to be queen doesn’t come along every day. What woman wouldn’t revel in free beauty treatments for a year? It might sound like a dream come true for those of us who can’t even squeeze a spa day into our lives.

What we aren’t figuring into those fairy-tale visions is what lay at the end of those days of pampering. Those young, innocent girls were being pampered and plumped in preparation to spend the night with the King. A King who banished the previous queen for having a mind of her own. Don’t you know Esther was frightened out of her mind? And what if he didn’t like her? She would be cast aside and left unfit for marriage to another, relegated to the harem.

“We are who and where and what we are for now” is a profound line in Steven Curtis Chapman’s song that could have been spoken by Esther’s Uncle Mordecai. God created us “for now”, He placed us for this moment, this situation, this plan. But this moment isn’t the entire book of our lives. Whatever you are going through, you can be assured it won’t last, it will change. Our “for now” is not our complete destiny. Our real life is waiting on the other side of eternity. Esther’s “for now” wasn’t made for her pampering and pleasure but for the preservation and salvation of her people.

Our human nature is to want to see into the future so we can be prepared for what lies ahead or to have the ability to correct our mistakes before we make them. But Chapman says “We don’t have a time machine and even if we did would we really want to use it? Would we really want to go change everything?”. Amazingly, my heart agrees with him.

Yes, I have lived through difficult circumstances but through those times, God has taught me, He has used me and He has changed me for His glory. As a twenty year old, if I could look into the future and see the pain I would endure, I’m sure I would have done all within my power to create a different future for me and my family. But what would that have cost us? What growing and strengthening of faith would we have missed? What lessons would my children have failed to learn and grow from. Who would have lost out on eternity because we weren’t there to show the way?

The song says “There’s only One who knows what’s really out there waiting” and to Him “the future is history”. While we are here on this earth, living our little stories, the God of the universe has written the chapters of all time from beginning to end. Not only has he written the words, but He has had time to proof-read, re-read and sign his signature to the cover page. “All we need to know is He’s out there waiting”, and at the same time I know He’s right here living beside us, giving us the strength to make it to the last chapter of our earthly story so we can begin the rest of the story-the part that really matters, our heavenly destiny.

Your Response
Let God know you trust Him with your “now” and with your future. Tell Him you need His strength to face whatever He has in store for you. Tell Him you are ready for such a time as this because you know He has written your story from beginning to end.

The Song
"Miracle of the Moment" Steven Curtis Chapman

Monday Musings- Life is Hard, But God

Belinda Kersey - 8/20/2006

God’s Word

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

My Thoughts

A few days before my diagnosis, I sang this song at church. As I previously stated,  I didn't know there was anything seriously wrong with me. I just believed I was a worn out working mom and wife.  The song truly spoke to where I was at the time and I felt it would minister to many more moms and others who lived a frazzled life. The song says "you turn the key and close the door behind you, drop your bags on the floor. You reach for the light but there is darkness deep inside and you can't take it anymore. Cause sometimes living takes the life out of you but sometimes living is all you can do." Have you been there-ALL you can do is live, because your body keeps going and drags your soul along with it. The chorus continues "Life is hard, the world is cold. You're barely young and then you're old. But every fallen tear is always understood. Life is hard, but God is good." 

Wow, those 3 words-God is Good-make a change in my outlook and spirit every time I repeat them. No matter what is going on in this cold, hard world, GOD IS GOOD. If we could just get that into our very fiber we would know that all the junk in our lives is just that-meaningless junk.

Unfortunately, at that point in my life, I focused on “life is hard” and forgot no matter what the circumstances-God is good!  The song does not say “life is hard AND God is good”, it says “life is hard BUT God is good.”  My Aunt Lucille always said , if you remember those two words “BUT GOD” in all circumstances, you will realize He rules over and overrules the circumstances of every child of God. You can lose a loved one BUT GOD is with you; you can be in pain BUT GOD is holding you in His arms; you can be flat broke BUT GOD will provide.

The next verse in the song says "You start to cry cause you've been strong for so long. But that's not how you feel. You try to pray but there is nothing left to say, so you just quietly kneel. And in the silence of all that you face, God will give you His mercy and grace. Jesus, never said it was an easy road to travel, He only said that He would help you see it through. When your last thread of hope begins to come unraveled-don't give up, He'll walk beside you on this journey home. And He knows-life is hard....but God is good." 

Oh, if we could just SEE He is right beside us, walking every step of this journey and this journey in its good times and bad is a journey HOME where we will forget the worries we had on this earth. One thing about the second verse really stands out to me is where it talks about being strong for so long, but not really feeling it. One thing MS caused me to do was to admit how very weak I am. I always seemed strong, organized, together, whatever-inside I was crying. All moms know you've got to keep it together, keep it looking good. God says-"stop it, you are weak, I am strong, let ME take that load for you so you can walk on." In MY weakness, HE is strong.

Remember-Life is hard....BUT GOD IS GOOD.

Your Response

Even if you feel there is nothing left to say to the Lord, you can still sit quietly in His presence.  He will meet you whenever and wherever you call on Him.  Just take a few moments to try this.  If all you can utter is the name of Jesus then,  friend, that is more than enough

The Song

“Life is Hard, God is Good” sung by Pam Thum

Monday Musing-A Shield Around Me

Belinda Kersey 2007 (originally posted in Feb 2011)

God’s Word

Psalm 3:1-2 says “O Lord, how many are my foes!  How many rise up against me!  Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him”.”

My Thoughts

Notice David is not asking God “how many?”, he is telling him “GOD, do you see HOW MANY?!” I didn’t notice this Psalm until our choir sang a song based on this passage.  The first time I heard these words, set to music, I was deeply touched and could feel each word pierce my soul.

The song interprets it this way:  “Many are they increased, that trouble me, many are they that rise up against me.  Many there be which say of my soul, “there is no help for him in God”.”

On my very worst days I have that very litany playing in my mind.  MANY are against me, MANY are upsetting my life, MANY say there’s no help, no cure for me. But thank God the Psalm, the song and my litany do not stop there.  The all important six letter phrase follows: BUT GOD.  The song says “BUT THOU OH LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the lifter of my head.”   

All of the ten or so versions of the scripture, I looked up, interpret the phrase this way…”But you are a shield AROUND me.”  Now, we have all learned from childhood that a shield is something you hold in front of you.  When the word “shield” is spoken, I automatically picture a Roman soldier’s shield or a royal Knight’s jousting shield.  But read the word I capitalized one more time.  It says “AROUND”.  Now, I can’t picture the Lord jumping around me holding one little shield.  If He did, then important areas would be left vulnerable.  No, it says AROUND me. 

It also says “you bestow glory on me and lift up my head.”  When you see someone using a shield in a battle scene, they really aren’t holding their head up too high above that shield because then their head would be vulnerable.  But the scripture says He lifts up my head.

Now that I have seen the movie “The Incredibles”, I can replace the shield picture in my mind.  The daughter in the movie protects her family from the enemy with a clear, impenetrable bubble that encircles them.  They are protected on ALL sides by this shield.  That, my friend, is how I now see God’s shield.  He SURROUNDS me, is AROUND me, and has me ENCIRCLED in his protection.  Because I am invincible with his shield, I can lift my head high to face the accuser and the tormentor.  

I can “cry to the Lord with my voice” and He will hear me and answer me from “his holy hill”.  I can lie down to sleep and awake again because the “Lord sustains me”.  I will not fear the tens of thousands drawn up against me on every side”  because the Lord is a shield AROUND me.

Your Response

Picture an impenetrable, clear bubble encircling you, your family and your home.  Thank God for His protection.  Praise Him for being mightier than your enemies.  Lift your head to heaven and proclaim He is your shield and defender against every foe that comes your way. 

The Song

“Thou, Oh Lord”  words and music by Lisa Ireland

Monday Musing-For Saving My Soul

Belinda Kersey 9/19/07

My Thoughts

When I experienced my first MRI, I was quite frightened.  The doctor informed me he was pretty certain we would find multiple sclerosis lesions in my brain.  As well, the closed MRI did nothing for my claustrophobia.  As I lay as still as could be, I had to get my mind off of where I was and what the probable diagnosis would be.

In my mind, I began to sing every song of victory and hope that I knew.  But, the one song that I repeatedly returned to simply said, “Thank you Lord for saving my soul, thank you Lord for making me whole.  Thank you Lord for giving to me so great a salvation so rich and free.”

This was not a favorite song of mine nor one I considered particularly beautiful or stirring.  However, as the day unfolded with the news I had MS and as the months of weakness and decline ensued, this song continued to play in my mind.  As I pondered the reason this particular song seemed embedded in my psyche, I realized that the words conveyed the very crux of what was enabling me to deal with this hopeless diagnosis and all of the devastating changes it was causing in my body and life. 

Without God first saving me, I would have had no hope. No hope of healing and no hope of a life free from pain.  Some affected by MS suffer depression and suicide. Without Christ’s salvation, I could never hope to be whole. Without this great gift, I would never be free of the fear of my disease. 

I am so very thankful for God’s salvation of my soul.  It gives me a purpose as I awake each morning from dreams of running and am confronted by my wheelchair.  His salvation gives me hope of being healed miraculously or of a miraculous cure being discovered.  His salvation enables me to believe if I am never healed on this earth, then I can still live a life content in Him.  His salvation offers me hope in a victorious life He has planned for me both in this world and in the eternal one that follows.

Christ’s sacrifice on the cross comes to us freely offered and richly abundant for all.  With His saving grace, He offers us a life of meaning no matter the circumstances.  He offers comfort when our way becomes more than we can handle.  He gives mercy to us that is new every morning.
 

Your Response

Have you experienced Jesus’ saving grace?  Have you come before him and asked him to live and rule in your life?  If so, thank Him now for his salvation.  If not, just take a moment to do so.  You truly have nothing to lose and so very much to gain.  Simply ask him to forgive you of any sin in your life and invite Him to live within you. Let Him know you believe He is alive and waiting for you to take this step, confess that without Him you are nothing and with Him your life becomes everything He planned it to be.  Welcome Home child of God!  The angels are dancing and singing over your salvation this very moment.

The Song

“Thank You Lord” words & music by Mr. & Mrs. Seth Sykes

Monday Musings-In His Hands

Hi everyone, I am making a different post today than usual.  When I started this blog, it was always my intent to have "musings" on it-thus the name!  However, my paper obsession took over and I never seemed to find the time to post my writing.  I have written a devotional book but have not had the power (money) to publish it.   I've decided that I will put a chapter from it every Monday on my blog.  It is my sincere desire that my words will touch someone's heart out there in the blogosphere.  My book is called "When Words Fail, Music Speaks".  I am a vocalist and music is another passion of mine and Christian songs have touched me and sustained me through many struggles the last several years so songs are the starting point for each of these writings.  When available, I will post the full song for you to hear.  Please let me know what you think about my Monday Musings.

My Thoughts-  Written by Belinda Kersey 1/07/07  Writing a month-long devotional book has been in my heart for about 4 years but I believe it began on the day my doctor told me he “thought” I had multiple sclerosis.  I saw him in September 2001 with a complaint of blurry vision.  He sent me to an ophthalmologist, who couldn’t pinpoint the problem, so he sent me to a specialist who sent me to another specialist.  I really wasn’t too concerned, I just figured it was a temporary or repairable problem.  But I was about to learn the truth to this line from the song,  “Life can be so good, life can be so hard.  Never knowing what each day will bring to where you are.”  By late November 2001, my legs weakened.  I tried to ignore it until I was in our backyard trying to gather up herbs in my garden before a freeze arrived.  I walked with difficulty and actually staggered around the yard like a drunk. 

This finally caught my attention so I made an appointment for the day before Thanksgiving.  Dr. B asked me if the eye specialists had determined my eye problems.  I told him, “no and I was scheduled for a retina test the next week”.  With a look of concern, he told me I could cancel that appointment because he thought it was optic neuritis from MS.  I was shocked.  I expected him to tell me that I needed vitamins and a little rest, not I had an incurable disease.

Unfortunately, he could not schedule an MRI for me since it was the day before a holiday.  He told me to “go home, have a good Thanksgiving and try not to worry.”  Yeah, sure doc!  When I got in the car, the tears and prayers started.  As I drove home, this song came on the radio.  I completely believe God sent it to me at the very moment I needed to hear “My life is in your hands,  my heart is in your keeping.  I'm never without love not when my future is with you.  My life is in your hands And though I may not see clearly, I will lift my voice and sing”. The words I’ve repeated through the  last several years have been “Lord, I know, my life is in your hands.”

My friend, if you are going through a time where you “can't see that whatever comes (your) way.
(God will ) be with (you)”. I want you to know you can find your way, yes,  you will find your peace.  You can know He will meet your every need.  Don’t ignore the One who has your life in His hands, turn to him in your time of trouble!

At times, my journey with this disease has been difficult.  I was hospitalized within 3 months of my diagnosis unable to walk or control my bladder.  I left a job I loved and declared full disability.  I had many hospitalizations, surgeries and physical therapy in the ensuing years.  But, I can say with certainty “when I'm at my weakest (He will) carry me.  Then I become my strongest in (His) hands.”  

 Your Response

Let your heavenly Father know you believe He holds your life in His capable hands.  Tell Him your fears and ask Him to replace them with His peace.  Thank Him for turning your weakness into strength.

Back Home

Hey everyone-I'm behind on projects and postings because I ended up in the hospital for 6 days starting
Labor Day with an infected cyst which caused my MS to flare.  Not fun but God sustained me throughout and everyone's prayers helped me get better in half the time the doctors were predicting!  In fact, a couple of my nurses and 2 of my doctors are Christians and they were praying for me as well.  God knew just where to place me.  Now it's behind me and I am so very ready to create something.  Give me a few days and I'll try to get something posted!

High School-Amazing

No artwork today.  Just a post about my mom feelings!  Today my youngest son begins high school!  That means we've seen one all the way through those years ( he is now married and doing great ) and 1 halfway through and  we're now beginning the journey with another.  I know everyone says this, but I just don't know where the years have gone!  I vividly remember skipping (ok, maybe only inside of me!) down the hall of his elementary so very happy that my last little bird was on his way out the nest.  I laughed at those first timers who were crying over leaving their little darlings with the teacher!  In my opinion, once they got a taste of a few hours of freedom, they would be skipping along with me.

Fast forward 9 years and I can no longer skip physically due to spinal cord damage and multiple sclerosis that was diagnosed a couple of months after dropping off that kindergartner.  In fact, that year was the only year of his life that I could walk with him to the first day of school.  He only has very vague memories of a mom who could walk.  I wish I could go back in time and tell that carefree me to not rush things.  To live in the moment.  To cherish every little second she had with those little boys.  I feel like I lost so much of their growing up years in the hospitalizations, therapy and medical chaos that ensued.

God has been so good through the years and I know He filled in the gaps in their lives that a sick mom couldn't.  He also has allowed me to have many years of relative stability and the ability to ( almost ) fully participate in all they do, despite my disability.

Now, my last two babes are well on their way to being grown men who will no longer need their mommy.  I am not skipping inside today but I am filled with thankfulness that  my God has allowed me to see them to this point and with His grace I will be there for the remaining milestones in their lives.  There is no higher calling and no greater honor than to be mom to my precious sons. 

GASC 2010

I attended the Great American Scrapbook Conv in Arlington this weekend with some friends.  Oh my it was wonderful, but the one thing I could have done all day was watch Tim Holtz share all his amazing art techniques.  I was blessed to get a pic with him and have him sign a tag I made using his die cuts (it's the one in an older post that's a bird and cage).  If you are not familiar with his talent then check out www.timholtz.com.  He has lots of on-line videos showing how to make great scrapbook art.

So Blessed!

My son's graduation from  college Friday night was wonderful!  My husband and I are so blessed to have had the privilege to raise him and his brothers.

Piggy Flu

Well, despite ordering my sons to NOT get the flu, Kale has now been officially diagnosed with Type A flu.  The pediatrician is "pretty sure" it's the infamous H1N1 and because he has mild asthma she has put him on Tamiflu.  She also put me on it since I have MS.  Interesting thing is I was certain it could NOT be the flu since he only had a sore throat and fever.  Guess what-you don't have to have body aches and pains to have the flu.

So, now we hunker down, push fluids and Motrin and pray it passes quickly and with little difficulty.  In many ways I have felt so inept as the "nurse mom" ever since I became disabled.  Thank God the boys rarely have been sick over the last 8 years. But, when they are, I feel so inadequate.  I can't get in their bathroom if they need me there because the door is too narrow.  If they need something out of my reach then they have to get up off their "sick bed" and get it.  I also try not to bombard myself with the "what if I get their illness" thoughts.  Any fever in me makes me too weak to move.

So, once again I am reminded that I am all too human.  I think everyone should be reminded of that truth frequently. The more we can face and admit our frailty and our inadequacies, the more we can turn to the One who is our ever present help and our all-sufficient One.  God is my strength in weakness.  God holds my family in His never failing grip!

Bittersweet

How bittersweet today was at the baseball field.  My youngest played his first game on the last field of his Little League years.  It seems such a short time ago that he began as a t-baller and in the last 9 years he has made his way all around the park to the Pony field.  It was even more poignant to watch my oldest son help his dad coach this team because he has been gone from the Pony fields as a player for 8 years now!  It is good to know that we have successfully (for the most part!) navigated the treacherous waters of the teen years with one son but now there's two more behind him.  I know God in his infinite wisdom will give us the tools we need to raise our last two sons to responsible adulthood but it just shocks me how quickly that they will be gone.  Guess by then I'll be sitting at the t-ball field watching my granddaughter!

Financial Peace even with a Dead Fridge?

Well, we are into our 2nd week of FPU and we saved $45 towards our $1000 emergency fund during the 1st week. However- 1st thing Saturday before Labor Day, our 7 yo fridge conked out!  Umm, why oh why does "Mr. Murphy" always have to rain on my parade?  Anyway, $200 and several hours later it was "fixed".  Fast forward to later that evening when said fridge began making funky noise again and once more conked out!  Now you know what happens on the holiday weekends-right?  Right-no repairman till Tuesday so we ended up spending more money than intended on meals for the weekend-teenage boys insist on eating!

Tuesday-same song, repairman comes at no charge, replaces part and several hours later the fridge is down for the count!  Needless to say, we have given up on fixing it (he says must be compressor).  However, wonderful FPU leaders have loaned their extra fridge to us indefinitely.  We are thankful for them!  Now, if you were keeping track-savings of $45, emergency of $200, new balance -$155.  Oh well, there's still time left in our month!  Phillipians 4:13 I CAN through Christ!

Financial Peace here we come.

This is day 3 of our journey on the road to financial peace.  We are following the Dave Ramsey curriculum that our church offers.  We both did really well at not spending money on Monday.  Tuesday wasn't quite as good but not too bad.  Today, we saved our first $20 towards our needed $1000 emergency fund.  Just $980 to go, woo hoo!  Hmmm, that's "just" $325 or so a week.  Repeat to self:  we can do it, you do NOT need to buy any scrapbooking stuff this week....  Repeat to children-NO, we can't stop at 7-11, Sonic happy hour or QT.  We have kool-aid at home:-)