Am I shining?

On Friday, I had a busy day. I started out to my chiropractor's office, and learned I had a low tire. I stopped my Roselle Tire and Auto for them to check it. After filling it with air and waiting for a time, it was decided it would last for a few days. (I may have a slow rim leak). Due to the flat, I changed my appointment time to later in the afternoon. On the way to Dr. Moore's I stopped and did some grocery shopping. On the way home from Dr. Moore's I decide to treat myself to a Fajita Bowl. I love their chips, but just didn't think I should spend the money. But as I was leaving the clerk smiled at me, and added a bag of chips to my bag.."you were kind". How cool is that??!!

I love it when God gives me special treats!

On the way home I was thinking.. what if I had been upset or angry because the day didn't go as I HAD PLANNED? What if I was mad for having to change my schedule or because my pain level was high? Oh, there were many reason which I could have used to be unkind to others.... but that isn't demonstrating God's love.

I have no "right" to be rude, angry, mean or any other feeling you can think of.. to anyone, just because of the way I FEEL or the way I WAS TREATED, or because of WHAT HAPPENED to ME... I have no right at all.... because it's not to be about ME....rather it's to be about GOD. We are to be showing others we are different. There is to be something about us that makes others say, she's different, or she's kind.

We are to be different,
because GOD dwells within us. 

We are to show HIM to those around us.

I can return to that store to buy another Fajita Bowl, and when I do, I'll smile again....no, not asking for more chips.. but because I want the opportunity to say "God loves you!". You see, I made an impression on those people, and from their response, it was positive. Everywhere we go, people are watching us. We make impressions on people... are we showing a positive or negative picture?

Creating a positive day isn't just about making my day better. Rather, it's about being able to share God's love with those I have contact. And when I remember that people are seeing God through me... I have a responsibility to allow Him to shine brightly through me.

Spinal Stim Programing Day!

Today, I'll get my spinal stim programed. Programming is an ongoing thing.

Many have asked how my spinal stimulator works. Our brains have "pain gates". Pain sensations travel slower than other sensations. For example, if you stub your toe, it hurts. But when you rub your toe, it feels better. Rubbing your toe didn't "heal" it, rather the rubbing messages travel faster than the pain messages. The rubbing messages fill up the "gates" allowing fewer pain messages to get through...so your brain thinks your toe is better.

The same concept works with my spinal stim. The stimulator sends signals along the nerves to the brain. those tingling signals fill up the gates allowing fewer pain messages to get through. My brain is tricked to thinking I'm in less pain. However, if I use the same signals too long.....the brain starts to ignore the tingling signals and giving more attention to the pain. Therefore, having several programs allows me to switch back and forth or use different signals for different activities.

That is a very basic explanation of how the spinal stimulator works.

God created our bodies to do amazing things! When I think of how my body works, I can't help but praise God. Even how God created the brain, so that I can "trick it" into being in less pain!

Now, you ask, why doesn't God just remove your pain? That's an easy one! God believes that I'll have more opportunities to share His love with others, if I'm in pain. I meet people, whom I've never would have contact with, if it weren't for my pain.

Now, don't get me wrong....I'd LOVE to be free from my pain. However, since God hasn't chosen that for me at this time, I need to do what I can to glorify God and continue to share His love. God has many reasons for what He does. And I don't always understand those reasons. But, since God loves me, He will continue to care for me and give me what I need to live with chronic pain.

Creating a positive day isn't always about me or what I'm enduring. Often it's about sharing God's love with others or encouraging someone else. God's love is unconditional. Many people today don't understand that concept. Sharing God's love is the best way to create a positive day! Each time I share God's love with someone else, I get a hug from God! Can't beat that for a positive day!