Jesus

Yesterday was Sunday in my part of the world. I had to run two important errands and the trip took longer than expected. Therefore, I missed attending my typical church service. I asked the Lord if there was another church service I should attend. To my surprise, I realized that I could attend a Catholic Mass at a local parish. But I am a so-called Protestant. Thankfully, I was never raised in a church—as a child—where I had to learn all of the proper religious practices. So, to Mass I went!😁

The Catholic service was great! But the homily, or “sermon” according to us non-Catholics, was the very message I had to hear. The young priest shared how the New Testament story about the “Rich Young Ruler” shows us how that young religious law abiding man missed out on all the things the Lord could have done with his life because he simply did NOT want to give up, or sell, his possessions (Matthew 19:16-22). And the Lord could have used him to touch many lives…if he only surrendered his possessions. Sad.

The priest then encouraged his flock by telling us how obedience to God and Christ might require us to loose EVERYTHING. However, when we do surrender all, the Lord can work through us to fulfill his purposes in our lives. And being used by the Lord surpasses the value associated with the items/possessions we might lose or “sell.” His words addressed an ongoing challenge I have encountered after a 2017 move involved losing my home and pets, to my shock and surprise. I often still ask the Lord, “Why did that happened?”

After the service, the Lord allowed the priest and I to converse. That was so cool! I shared how the Lord used his message to help me understand an experience I had to face. Also, the priest allowed me to share my story of how the Lord “saved” me, which is a word Catholics typically do not use because salvation is ongoing rather than a one time event: i.e., I ‘was’ saved. However, the priest was greatly impacted by this testimony of the Lord’s redemption, especially since this emotionally troubled teen had one goal in life: suicide!

As our conversation came to an end, the priest gingerly asked if he could pray for me when he learned that I have two physical health issues, and one will require an upcoming major surgery. I was pleased he asked to pray for me, and gladly accepted his offer. So he prayed.

When I drove home I said, “Lord, I think you designed this entire morning.” My extended trip allowed me to converse with the priest, tell him how the Lord used his message in my life, and receive his prayer. Thank you LORD!

I am therefore SO GLAD the Lord breaks the traditional politics associated with attending church. He is more interested in showing his ability and desire to relate with us rather than making sure we subject ourselves to denominational differences.

May you have a wonderful week of obedience to Christ! His directions will bless you above and beyond your imagination! #TheMighty #Christian

Pain Girl by Melanie R.

The chronically ill that experience continuous pain in multiple areas everyday, myself included, dread the doctor office doodle I have dubbed “Pain Girl!” She’s infamously found in every pain clinic/doctor office and is said to have the ability to accurately depict the agony the chronic illness sufferer experiences with pencil smudges and a 1-10 score! Of course pain can only go to 10… said no rare chronic illness sufferer ever!
We are usually asked to circle the painful areas on a blurry drawing; labeling S for stabbing, B for burning, etc.
Such little information could be drawn for what I was experiencing with rare chronic illness. I usually had a Picasso painting to present most times! (Some say scribbles of frustration,…I say Picasso!) I don’t think I could even see Pain Girl under my swirling circles and slashes of pain. Making your doctor and yourself laugh while struggling in pain is always a plus.

So in the honor of Christ, the healing of the Body that Christ brings, and infamous pain girl, make a Picasso of your pain and healing.
Draw, paint, doodle, or get crafty making a picture of your pain girl/boy. Color the areas where you experience pain, swelling, stiffness, etc., then draw a cross, put a sticker, a heart, (whatever you want) as your symbol that:

-God is aware
-Hears your cries for relief
-you will be fully restored and healed.
-It won’t be long, etc.
Think of your own too.
Make it fun.
Please share/Post

Today could be the last day of suffering. Today could be the day of His return. Living in the body of Christ it proves that even though we are sick in body, we can heal, and be healed already. Suffer well! Healing will come!

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

3 John 1:2

I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord.

Jeremiah 30:17

#MitochondrialDisease #ChronicIllness #BackPain #ChronicInflammatoryDemyelinatingPolyneuropathy #ChronicPain #Jesus #suffering #InsideTheMighty #IrritableBowelSyndromeIBS #RareDisease #Hyperthyroidism #RheumatoidArthritis

There are strong storms forecasted for our area for Sunday. I am praying that they will not be like the storms that hit our region in March. Two out of the three early spring storms that blew through caused us to be without power for multiple days.

There are storms that pop up in our lives like a pink slip, a diagnosis, a broken down vehicle, or a disrespectful teenager. I know these storms in our lives are hard to weather. You may have family or friends or you may live by yourself, but you are NEVER alone. Jesus is there to guide you through whatever storms that may cross your path.

“Let the thunder be my comfort, let the lighting be my guide. Let the waves that rise around me hold me gently through the night. For the winds that seem against me, push me right into Your arms. Teach me how to sleep in the storm.” - chorus from Unspoken (Christian Rock Band)

#storms #Jesus #Christian #mentalhealthmatters

There are strong storms forecasted for our area for Sunday. I am praying that they will not be like the storms that hit our region in March. Two out of the three early spring storms that blew through caused us to be without power for multiple days.

There are storms that pop up in our lives like a pink slip, a diagnosis, a broken down vehicle, or a disrespectful teenager, or a mental illness. I know these storms in our lives are hard to weather. You may have family or friends or you may live by yourself, but you are NEVER alone. Jesus is there to guide you through whatever storms that may cross your path.

“Let the thunder be my comfort, let the lighting be my guide. Let the waves that rise around me hold me gently through the night. For the winds that seem against me, push me right into Your arms. Teach me how to sleep in the storm.” - chorus from Unspoken (Christian Rock Band)

#mentalhealthmatters #Jesus #storms #Christian

I do not have any body art, or what most people call tattoos. Several of my friends and family members do. I think their cool and would get one…if it didn’t hurt!

I do have other tattoos that go deeper than the skin. I have scars tattooed on my heart from my past. Before I was diagnosed with bipolar, my life was completely out-of-control. I have done things and said things that I am very ashamed of doing and saying.

The story doesn’t end there. I know someone who has tattooed my name on the palm of His hands. Jesus. It doesn’t matter what I have done or said, He took it to the cross and there it stayed. The scars on my heart are still there, but they are covered with His blood.

Your scars, whatever they may be, are covered with His blood, too. Just accept Him as God’s one and only Son.

#Bipolar #mentalhealthmatters #god #Jesus #savior #cross