Screen Went Dark

Last week, I was using my MacBook and left it for a few minutes to check on my dinner. When I returned the screen was dark. "No problem," I thought, "the sleep mode just activated." I tried to wake it up, and nothing happened. My computer had died. 

As I sat staring at a dark screen, I tried to figure out what to do. I had been saving up for a new Wacom Tablet (used instead of a mouse) since my tablet has a short in the cable and isn't working properly. I wasn't saving for a new computer—yet.

I thought maybe....just maybe, if I tried to restart the computer it would "magically" fix itself. Nope, that didn't work. I tried all the "tricks" that the Techs taught me, but nothing worked. The computer was dead. 

I tried to figure out, my next step. I couldn't even research new computers online, since my computer was dead! It's amazing how "attached" I had become to my computer and the Internet. Information was always at my fingertips. I started thinking through what I could do, and started to put together a plan to replace the computer. The Wacom tablet would have to wait.

As I lay in bed that night, I was talking with God about the computer and the entire situation. I had to smile. God wanted to teach me some lessons and He knows that I learn best visually. So, God provided an object lesson to teach me more about Him and my relationship with Him. 

Some of the lessons God taught me

The Dark Screen

I'm in the process of making some decisions regarding my pain management. One decision I've been having a hard time making is in regards to my spinal stimulator (like a pace-maker for pain). My stimulator is broken and either needs to be replaced, or removed. I've been praying about my decision but in actuality I don't just want to know if I should remove it or replace it—I want to know: 1)will the new one work?, 2) will it give me problems?, 3) is it worth the money?, 4) will the surgery cause more damage to my back?—I want to know ALL that will happen in the future.

However, God doesn't work that way. He knows those answers—I'm to walk by faith and trust Him. If He guides me to have the stim removed. Then I need to trust that He'll supply other ways to manage my pain. If He guides me to have the stim replaced, that no matter what happens, God has a plan and purpose and will use each and every aspect of the stim to accomplish His purpose.
Yes, as I look at the "screen" for answers regarding my stim, it's DARK. But God knows exactly what is on the screen. He is the SOURCE of knowledge and WISDOM. He'll supply the knowledge and wisdom necessary at the precise moment and time.

No Information Highway

I like information. I like to study. I like to research. And I even research the research. When I my computer died, I lost my connection to the Information Highway. I have been enjoying my study in the Book of Job. Using the computer, I've been able to read commentaries and do word studies as I work through the Book.
When I went to have my study time, I had my Bible. No internet. No computer. Just my Bible. At first, I was frustrated that I couldn't do my "normal" study. But once again, God wanted to teach me a lesson. "Rhonda, read the Bible." Just, "Read the Bible." So, I did. I started reading and realized that some times, I get so caught up in the details that I forget the "big picture". It was a joy just to read the Book of Job and see what God is teaching throughout the Book. Now, I'm going to make it a point, to "just read" the Book of Job each week, not looking at the specifics, rather just seeing what God is teaching in the Book as a whole.

No Connection with Friends

Email, Facebook, Twitter have all become "lifelines" to friends. It's so easy to email, post, or tweet about what is happening. But with no computer, no internet—how do I connect with friends? I picked up the PHONE! What a blessing. To talk with friends and reconnect using more than 140 characters. To get caught up on what is happening in their lives was such a blessing. And now I know better how to pray for those friends. I plan to use the phone more in the future. 

Today, a friend called me and was such a blessing. She even took time to pray with me over the phone. Yes, the computer has made connecting easier, but are we really connecting? Or are we simply sharing general information, jokes, pictures, etc. Perhaps, it's time to make time to really talk and listen to others and let them know that I care and that God does too.

_______________________

Hopefully, as I work on my new MacBook, I'll remember the object lessons God taught me when the "Screen Went Dark".

Some of you might be saying, "But wasn't that an expensive object lesson?" Depends on how you look at it. Since God takes care of all my needs, I'm not worried about how to pay for the new MacBook. I did my best to research prices and find the best price for what I need. I'll tighten my budget a bit more and do what I can to pay it off as soon as possible. I've learned over the past 11 years, that God is VERY creative in supplying my needs. He is VERY capable of paying for the new MacBook instantly. But if He chooses not too, that is okay too. I'm sure no matter how God takes care of this need, He will teach me another lesson in how He cares for me. And the truths I learned from the object lesson, the "Screen Went Dark", are priceless!

Creating a positive day when the screen goes dark, is possible! It all depends on if you focus on the darkness or the Light of the World—Jesus Christ and His amazing love and grace.

"Why doesn't God heal you?"

Many times I'm asked, "Why doesn't God heal you?" or "Why does God allow you to be in such pain?" 

What happened today, is a good example that...

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

I went to the Department of Motor Vehicles today. Waited 2 hours for them to complete the transaction in about 8 minutes (ordered a disability license plate). I was VERY thankful I was done in time to make it to my Chiropractor appointment for an adjustment and treatment. (Desperately needed after the 2 hour wait!)

But the 2 hours of waiting was not wasted as I talked to several people and shared that I could smile in spite of my pain—because GOD is good! If I had been "just another person waiting" I don't think anyone would have talked with me. However, since I was standing and pacing from time to time in the back of the room, people noticed me. Several standing near by asked if my injury was recent, or how long I'd be on crutches, etc. And questions such as those provided opportunities to talk about how much God cares for me and loves me—and them too. Seeds were planted today. Wonder who will water & reap?

So, to answer the questions: "Why doesn't God heal you?" or "Why does God allow you to be in such pain?" Living with chronic pain has provided many opportunities to share that God's love is real, and that He provided a way of salvation to all who believe. It seems like on the "higher" pain days, I'm given more opportunities to share God's Gospel with others.

I'm thankful that God's love and joy is able to shine through the pain and radiate to those around me. And that is in direct relation to all those who pray for me! Thank you for praying! God is Good all the time and all the time God is good!

The key to creating a positive day is remembering that God has a specific plan for my life. No matter how I feel or what I'm doing, I have a responsibility to share His love with those I meet.

Brad Keselowski Reese Towpower Cooper Standard Twitter Promo 2012

I think this is so cool! My twitter handle (L5S1ouch) will be on the bed of Brad Keselowski's #19 truck at Daytona!
If you watch the video, my twitter handle appears between 2:40 and 2:45 in the 3rd column.

I can now OFFICIALLY, say that "My name (or at least twitter handle) is on a NASCAR Truck!
Just some fun!!

I love it when God sends gems like this my way! It encourages me to continue to CREATE POSITIVE DAYS!

Changing to Improve!

Change.

That's one word which I don't really like. I'm a habitual person and once I find something that works, I stay with it. However, I can honestly say that I'm excited about some changes happening in my life.

In June 2010, with the help of my Pain Management Dr. and Chiropractor, I weaned off all my pain medications and changed to a vegan, gluten-free, organic diet. There were basically three reasons for these changes.

1. We wanted to try a new treatment to see if we could "reboot" the nervous system. However, due to circumstances that treatment had to be delayed until August 2011.

2. After being on pain medications for 10 years, my body had reached a toxic level. It was time to detox the body.

3. We wanted to try to see if we could lower my pain level naturally.

I have enjoyed the vegan and gluten-free diet. I've been introduced to new vegetables, new spices, and new products which I didn't know existed. Overall, I feel better. However, my pain level remains too high.

In August 2011, we tried Lidocaine Infusion treatments to see if we could "reboot" the nervous system and lower the pain. After eleven treatments, my Dr. and I decided to stop. The treatments were having the opposite effect on me—my pain level was increasing.

Now what?

It seems like everything we try to lower my pain increases it. There is one thing which I haven't made a decision on, and that is my spinal stimulator (a pacemaker for pain). My stimulator is broken, so I can't use it. I have to make the decision on replacing it with an entirely new stimulator (paddle & battery)—that would be back surgery #9. Right now, I'm not sure what I want to do, so, the best thing is to do nothing. 

With my current pain level, exercising is impossible. And although I'm eating healthy, I'm not losing weight. I've tried a variety of things, however, none have worked for me. 

Change—that I'm excited about!

My chiropractor is offering a new Weight Loss program, which is based on "resetting the pancreas and insulin levels". By resetting these and providing the body with proper nutrition, healthy proteins and vegetables, the body loses fat while retaining/building muscle. And due to the calorie restrictions, exercising in Phase 1 is not recommended. After discussing the program with my Chiropractor, we both believe that the Moore Health Ideal Weight Loss program is something I should try. I hope to begin the program within the next month. I'm looking forward to losing weight to aid me in being healthier.

Some are now asking...will you stay vegan and gluten-free? I will remain gluten-free since there is research that gluten can increase inflammation. However, for the length of the diet I will not be vegan. When I reach Phase 4 of the program, I'll make a decision about returning the vegan diet. My decision in going vegan, was to eat healthy. During the past year and half, I've learned much about food and nutrition. I plan to continue eating healthy and making sure that I'm getting the proper nutrition.

Change. Although I don’t like change very often. I’m excited about this change in my diet plan. I’ll keep you posted on how I do.

Another change which I've been very grateful for, is a deeper relationship with Christ, since my life changed dramatically in October 2000, when I injured my back. I continue to be overwhelmed by God’s goodness and care that He displays each and every day.

Creating a Positive Day

Includes

Changing to Improve!

God takes GREAT care of me!

My Heavenly Father sure takes GREAT care of me! When I came home on Tuesday, God made sure that the 'open' handicap spot was of His choosing. 

On Thursday, a snow storm came through leaving between 3 and 4 inches of snow. "He orders the snow, 'Blanket the earth!'" Job 37:6

God's handiwork sure looked beautiful this morning!

I left early for my chiropractic appointment, thinking my car would be covered in snow, as so many were. But God cleaned off my car! The location of my car and the wind God sent, cleaned off my car perfectly! 

But God wasn't done yet. He prompted someone to shovel a CLEAR path to my car door. I'm so thankful for His loving care and taking care of the little details that make my day so much easier.

Creating a positive day is noticing how God takes care of the little details.