Pray for Jami

Looking for some prayer warriors! 

My friend, Jami, has started a new series of medical treatments. This will be a long process and I'd like to get a team of people committed to praying for her. 

If you'd like to join me, please comment on the day(s) that you will pray for her. You can pick one a month (like on the 19th), or you can pick a day of the week (Wed), or pick several times (daily, 2x a week, etc). I'd like you to be specific. 

Please pray for the following:

JAMI—

1. Jami's spirit. Dealing with any chronic condition can be discouraging. When you don't feel well, the spirit needs extra support. Let’s be praying that Jami will be encouraged during the treatments. #GoJoy

2. Jami's treatments. That her body would accept the "army" that will help her heal. #GoArmy 

3. This prayer is a big one, almost seems impossible. BUT GOD! God has resources and means to provide. Let’s ask God to supply each and every need. (And if you want to donate, please do! The link is below.) #GoMoney

4. This prayer is all-encompassing. In Tune means that everything is working in harmony. That includes all aspects of life. Living with a chronic illness not only impacts the individual but the family and friends. Let’s pray that not only will Jami be “in tune”, but that God will bring peace and harmony to all those around her. #GoInTune

JAMI–

Joy

Army

Money

InTune 

Let’s go TEAM!

Here is the donation link: https://www.plumfund.com/medical-fund/help-jami-take-a-bite-out-of-lyme

His Generosity!

This year, I'm sharing my "Treasures" of my study of my "Ponder the Morsels" book. I've picked 31 Psalms to study throughout 2013. Today I studied Psalm 13. Here is what I learned.

I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me. Psalm 13:6 (KJV)

I will sing to the Eternal, for He is always generous with me. Psalm 13:6 (VOICE)

I sing to the Lord because he has taken care of me. Psalm 13:6 (NCV)

I do sing to Jehovah, For He hath conferred benefits upon me! Psalm 13:6 (YLT)

I will sing unto the Lord,.... In prayer faith is encouraged, through believing the heart is filled with joy; and this joy is expressed by the lips, in songs of praise to the Lord, ascribing the glory of salvation to him, and giving him thanks for every mercy and blessing of life;

because he hath dealt bountifully with me; both in a way of providence and grace, granting life and preserving it, and supporting with the comforts of it; blessing with spiritual blessings, and crowning with loving kindness and tender mercies; all which is generous and bountiful dealing, and affords a just occasion of praise and thanksgiving. Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

Dealt bountifully, always generous, taken care of, conferred benefits upon me...... so often, when we hear those words, our minds toward the things we don’t have, rather than what we do have. 

If God is so generous, why don’t I have more... money, nicer things, etc? If God is so generous, why am I in pain, or sick, or ......? The lists continue. 

But I think that often we forget that God does not owe us anything. God in His mercy and grace first gave us the greatest gift, and that was His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross as a sacrifice for our sins. God gave us the gift of salvation, we only have to accept it. 

Secondly, God does give us many blessings, but with a specific purpose and plan in mind. He created us that we would bring Him glory and honor. And we each do that in different ways. Some sing, some preach, some through friendships, some.... yes, even because of their pain and illness. 

I know that in my own life, God has used my pain to introduce me to people I never would have met otherwise. And I have met many because I use crutches. God in His goodness, has provided me with a ministry to encourage others who live with chronic pain or illness. Now, I would not have chosen this ministry on my own...but God chose it for me. He knew that for me to serve Him best, I’d need to be in pain. Now, just because I am in pain, doesn’t mean that God has forgotten me, for He continues to bless me beyond measure! I am amazed daily at God’s generosity and love. 

To create a positive day, I only need to start counting the blessings God has generously given me, for in counting the blessings, I praise God for His generosity!

Why, "Create a Positive Day"?

My blog is called, "Create a Positive Day!" for a reason. I write about my life and how I deal with chronic pain. I've learned that the key to living with pain is keeping positive and I do that by keeping my focus on Jesus Christ. He is my source of joy. He promises joy and peace to His people, it's up to us to take hold of it.

I realize that living with chronic pain can be very depressing... but that is because we take our eyes off Christ and focus on our circumstances. It's just like Peter walking on the water during the storm. He was able to RISE above his circumstances when he focused on God. Once he looked at the storm and waves... he started sinking. He cried out to God, and God raised Him and put him in the boat.
That truth is vital for all Christians. When we continually look at and focus on our circumstances, we will sink deeper into depression and pain. However, if we change our focus to God, we can receive His love and joy and enjoy rising about our circumstances and share God's love with others. Yes, the pain remains; however, it's much easier to handle when our focus is on God.
How do we focus on God.... read and mediate on Scripture. Spend time praying....not just for yourself, but others. And then begin sharing God's love with others. The more you share God's love, you open yourself to receive more of His love.....His unconditional, unending love.
I know that some of you will say... but you don't live with my pain. No, I don't. I only know what my chronic pain feels like. But I do know my God. I do know what it is like to receive His unconditional love. And I do know that I'm happier when I focus on God and allow Him to use me to share His love with those around me.

This Christmas, don't think of all the things you can't do, or who you can't be with, or how depressing you feel. Rather, read the Christmas story... either Matthew 1:18 - 2:12; and/or Luke 2:1-20. Read it over and over.... focus on God and His love for you. Then spend time praying, thanking God for His love, for His gift of eternal life, and how He is working in your life. Then begin praying for others you know.
God has allowed some of us to travel a journey of pain and illness. Why? Because He wants us to share His story with others. He wants us to glorify God and let others see God through us. You see we have a VERY SPECIAL job. It's easy to love God and share His love when things are going great. But when others see we can still praise God and reach out to others in spite of our pain.... that's TRUE UNCONDITIONAL love!

We are special messengers!

 For those of you who don't live with chronic pain or illness... you still have a great message to share!

If you are feeling depressed or if your pain is overwhelming.... I challenge you to spend time in the Scriptures and change your focus. It will take some time, and you have to be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to begin working in your heart. But in time, you will realize just how much God loves you and how He wants you to share His love with those around you.

Our hope is not found in some cure—

rather our HOPE is God Himself!

We have an EVERLASTING HOPE!

May each of you have a VERY Merry Christmas as you focus on God and His amazing gift of love.

Create a positive day isn't just a phrase to me. It's my way of life. It's hard work to CREATE a positive day...but it's soooooooo worth it! The only way I can create a positive day is by focusing on God and His love for me.