Payday

PayDay. That phrase has two meaning.

One is good—payday, as in the day you receive payment for services rendered. You get "money"!

The other meaning, means that it's time to "pay-up". The day YOU have to pay has arrived. 

Today is "payday" for me... and no I'm not receiving money... rather I'm "paying-up" for the activity I did the previous day.  I had to opportunity to attend a local, annual Festival, a Car Show, and meet with some staff of a Company which makes a great product. When I chose to do anything, I have to consider.... "Is this activity worth the extra pain?" 

Often, I'm asked, "If it increases the pain, why do it?" Well, I live with chronic pain—it is a CONSTANT. And over the years, I've learned that if I do "nothing" I still hurt. So, when I have the opportunity to do something fun and enjoyable, I do my best to enjoy it. And yes, all the while, I know that I'll have to "pay for it". So, I'm now "paying" for the activity. My headache and pain is severe.

SO was the activity really worth the increase in pain? Let's see....

Pros of "doing something fun":

1. Learned about new products to help me as I continue to work toward being healthier. 

2. Met some nice people at both the Festival and Car Show. 

3. Met the Staff from Sunshine Burger and enjoyed talking with them. 

4. Spent time outside in the beautiful sunshine. 

Cons of yesterday's activities:

1. Increased pain. 

Four to one... I'd say that the activity was worth the increased pain.

So, now that "payday" as arrived, what do I do? Again that comes down to choices. I can focus on the pain and how much I hurt, or I can enjoy the fun memories and continue to enjoy today. 

How long will "payday" last? It varies. It can take a day for my pain level to return to "normal" or it can take a few weeks. One aspect of learning to live with chronic pain is realizing that the pain will get even worse from time to time. And making wise decisions in choosing what to do when. 

Since today is a "payday" for me, I knew that I'd have to change my focus from my pain to something better. So, I have been listening to some great music this morning (Bryan Duncan, Damaris Carbaugh, The Ball Brothers, to name a few). And I listened to some Sermons on Ecclesiastes (Calvary Baptist Church). 

"By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42:8 (NIV)

On "payday" the key for me is to keep my focus off the pain, and focus on the positive and uplifting! On some paydays, that is more difficult. I've learned the when I change my focus—payday (having to owe), turns into a payday—receiving blessings from God!

Even on "payday" I can create a positive day... if I make the right choice in changing my focus!

Two Constants

I have TWO CONSTANTS in my life.

And I'm learning that focusing

on ONE CONSTANT creates a miserable day,

while focusing on ONE CONSTANT

creates a day filled with blessings. 

What are these TWO CONSTANTS? 

1. Pain: chronic pain and headaches that are continuing without pause or letup; unceasing. 

2. God's love and peace: unconditional, faithful; unswerving in love, steadfast; firm in mind or purpose, not changing or varying, persistent.

This past couple of weeks, my headache and pain have been more intense than 'normal'.  

And when the pain is SCREAMING at me, it gets my attention. Yet, I'm learning that if I allow the pain to get my FULL ATTENTION, my day turns into a miserable day. The more I focus on the pain and how bad it is, the more the pain increases and the worse I feel. 

Yet, how do I change my focus from the pain—after all it's SCREAMING at me! 

I have to find something that will

"SCREAM EVEN LOUDER"!

What screams louder than

CONSTANT CHRONIC PAIN?

God's Truth.

God knows that each of us will have days where things will SCREAM at us. Whether it be pain, financial worries, dealing with people, just life in general. Therefore, God provided the perfect "prescription" to muffle one SCREAM and replace it with a more positive and comforting "SCREAM". 

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:7-9 (NIV)

When I change my focus from the SCREAMING pain to "whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable..... the screaming pain begins to change to a DULL ROAR.

Oh, the pain level is still high— it's just that when my focus is on something SO MUCH BETTER, there isn't much room for the pain thoughts. The less I think about the pain—the more my day improves.

So, there are TWO CONSTANTS in my life and I have a CHOICE as to which one gets my ATTENTION. If I want to CREATE A POSITIVE DAY—than I need to allow GOD'S TRUTH to SCREAM the loudest! 

Which choice will you make today? Which CONSTANT in your life will get your attention?

God's attention to details makes a blessing-filled day!

Sat., July 21, I was given two Grandstand Tickets for the NASCAR Nationwide Race at Chicagoland Speedway by Make Motorsports and driver TJ Bell. God's attention to details made Sun., July 22, an amazing blessing-filled day!

1. Blessing One: A very dear friend

When I was given the tickets, I called a dear friend and she graciously was willing to go to the Race with me—even though she's not a big race fan. God has blessed me with a godly, caring, and fun friend! Very thankful for her friendship.

2. Blessing Two: Truth-filled Sermon

Sunday morning, I listened to a truth-filled sermon on Fulfillment in Life (Ecclesiastes 10:1-20). One truth that stuck in my mind was making wise choices based on God's truth found in His Word. That thought stayed with me throughout the day and I think had a big impact on God supplying the amazing blessings.

3. Blessing Three: Parking

I met up with my friend after Church, and we drove to Chicagoland Speedway. Having a handicap placard provided a parking spot near the Main Gate. And as we got out of the van, a Season Ticket holder couple, parked next to us, provided some helpful information and even a coupon!

4. Blessing Four: Ticket Adventure

The tickets provided were to be at the Will Call window—Main Gate. At the Will Call window, I showed my ID, and waited for the tickets. However, they couldn't find the tickets. I was then told that the tickets were at another location (back by Gate 5). Okay, how do I get from the Main Gate over to Gate 5—walking that distance was not really an option.
One Info Booth told us to take the "tram". So, we headed out to find the tram. Found another Info Booth which got us a Courtesy Golf Cart.
Our Driver, Peggy, drove us to the location and was wiling to wait to drive us back to the Main Gate. We went into one trailer only to learn that they did not have the tickets. They directed us to the next trailer. We went there and... "No, we don't have them. Should be at Will Call or next door." I waited in this trailer while my friend went back to the 1st trailer to check again. While waiting I enjoyed talking with the Staff and learning more about the "behind the scenes" working of the race. It was a very enjoyable time.

I was not bothered that the tickets couldn't be found. It wasn't a problem in my mind. I knew that they were somewhere and in time, they'd be found. I was just enjoying each step of the journey. (Remember that Sermon: Make wise choices? One wise choice is to remain positive and allow God to take care of ALL the details!)

My friend returned and still no tickets. The NASCAR/NNS Staff (Ted & Georgette) continued to search for tickets and contacted Make Motorsports to see where the tickets were located. The Staff then decided to give us PIT PASSES! We completed the necessary paper work, and were granted PIT PASSES! Then just as we were walking out the door, we were told the tickets WERE at the MAIN GATE Will Call—but we could still use the Pit Passes! HOW COOL!

Our now "personal" Courtesy Golf Cart Driver, Peggy,  returned to take us to the Main Gate to get the tickets. The Tickets were there (the problem: a "W" looked like a "V O" so was missed as they looked for my name). After getting the Grandstand tickets, Peggy, drove us to the Garage and Pit areas. 

5. Blessing Five: Surprise Meeting

We arrived at the Garages and found a Make Motorsport's Team member who told us the Pit number. We went to that area and stood behind the Pit fence watched the Race. Due to car problems, the #50 car ended the Race early and the car headed to the Garage.

I walked over to the Garage area and after a short wait, TJ Bell came out of the Trailer. I was able to talk with him. I would have rather TJ finished the Race, but it was very nice to meet him. A very UNEXPECTED and nice Surprise!

6. Blessing Six: Up-Close

After meeting TJ, we headed back to the Pit area, and with our Pit Passes were invited INTO the actual Pits. We enjoyed walking up and down the Pit area, watching Teams work and watching the Race. Watching a Pit Stop UP CLOSE is amazing! WOW! And being so close to the cars as they RACE... again an amazing experience.

7. Blessing Seven: Ride provided

After watching a majority of the Race and enjoying the entire experience, and knowing that my friend had a previous engagement that night, we decided to leave the Race before it was over. We walked back to the Security entrance of the Garages and asked about a Courtesy Golf Cart. "They don't run until 20 minutes AFTER the race is completed. But maybe one of the buses might drop you off near the Main Gate." Okay, that would work. But once again, God did NOT miss a SINGLE detail. He had James drive up in a Courtesy Golf Cart and the Security Guard waved him down and arranged a ride for us! James did not just "drop us off NEAR the Main Gate"... but directly behind the van! Couldn't get ANY CLOSER! Again God's attention to DETAILS is AMAZING! 

8. Blessing Eight: The entire experience

As I think back over all the Specific details of the day, I am overwhelmed at God's goodness and the blessings He showered on me. Nothing escaped His attention.

* The Grandstand seats would have been great... but getting to my seat and sitting would have been difficult. God knew that and provided Pit Passes where I could stand and walk around.

* I didn't think I'd be able to meet TJ Bell, and since God provided the Pit Passes, I was able to be in the Garage area.

* God knew how far I could walk, and provided the necessary rides at the right time (even though we were told several times that there was a "driving ban" in place!).

Creating a positive day

is more than about enjoying an experience—

rather, it's about noticing God's hand

in the details that makes

that experience EXTRA-Ordinary!

Job or job: Equipped

I'm studying the Book of Job. And as I was reading it this morning, a thought struck me—very simple, yet to me profound. 

The word "JOB" can be read one of two ways.

1) as a name: as in Job. "Job was a man who lived in Uz." Job 1:1.

2) as a responsibility: as anything a person is expected or obliged to do; duty; work.

As I continue to study the book of Job, I continue to realize that Job was chosen by God for a specific "job (responsibility)". Another thing that I came to realize is that God chose Job based upon Job's relationship with God. "Job was honest inside and out, a man of his word, who was totally devoted to God and hated evil with a passion." (Job 1:2). 

Job's relationship with God was key and very evident as Job endured each trial Satan sent his way. That solid relationship is even displayed throughout the conversations Job has with his "friends" who came to give their wisdom. Job had a solid understanding of God and no matter what happened to Job, He knew that God still was worthy of respect and honor.

Because of Job's relationship with God, God was able to give Job a very special job (responsibility)—to show that God is worthy of honor, worship, glory, and praise not because of what God does or doesn't do, but rather because of WHO God is. 

In Oct 2000, I injured my back. As the days, months, and years went by with no relief from the pain, a commitment I made to God in College in 1982 became very real. I had told God that I would..."BE whatever HE wanted me to be—WHERE EVER He wanted me to be." It wasn't up to me to "dictate" to God what I'd be or where I was to carry out my job (responsibility).

It's humbling to know that God has allowed me to interact so many others, all from my Daybed. I don't have to travel around the world. I don't have to be "perfect and pain-free" to be used by God. God has allowed me to be in pain so that I can accomplish the specific job (responsibility) He chose for me—sharing God's amazing, unconditional love.

I don't see my "pain" as a "disability" in fulfilling my God-given job (responsibility). Rather, I see my "pain" as a tool to fulfill the task given me. God equipped me with the tool necessary so that I could do the job God wanted me to do! Pain as allowed me to meet people whom I NEVER would have had contact if I wasn't 'disabled'. Pain has allowed me to have a greater understanding of what so many others endure on daily basis. And pain has taught me more about God and His amazing care and love for me. 

^"This is my life work: helping people understand and respond to this Message. It came as a sheer gift to me, a real surprise, God handling all the details. When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God's way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities."  Ephesians 3:7, 8 (The Message)

Creating a positive day is about accepting the job (responsibility) God has planned for me—whatever that is, and where ever it may take me.

Laughs Supplied by God!

Nine years ago this past April, God gave me a very special birthday gift, Max, my parakeet. God knew that this little guy would provide much laughter. Last night was one of those nights that I couldn't help but laugh as Max's antics. 

I enjoy NASCAR. Last night I was watching the Sprint Cup Series Race on "RaceBuddy" and listening to PRN Radio online. Since I don't have cable, I couldn't watch the race on TV, but was glad to have free access to the action. 

When the race started, Max flew to my shoulder and watched the race on the computer with me. He seemed intent on the action. As soon as the first caution came out, Max flew to his cage to eat a snack! He was back on my shoulder just before the race "went green". It was so funny! There weren't many cautions last night, but the few times the yellow flag was thrown, Max went to his cage for snack.

At one point during the race, guess Max wanted a "closer look at the track". He flew to the MacBook and.... well I was able to capture this shot! 

Max decided the view from my shoulder was better, and shortly after the picture was taken, he flew back to me—where he remained until the checkered flag.

The only thing that I can't tell is who his favorite driver is. At one point during the race when Dale Jr's name was mentioned Max did say "happy". But I wasn't sure if Max was just "happy" watching the race, or if he likes Dale Jr. Maybe Max will let me know his favorite driver by the end of this Season. 

Creating a positive day, is about enjoying the special things God provides to make me laugh. And I'm so thankful that God gave me a little bird who provides many reasons to laugh!