Tag Archives: Health

INCREASING AND DECREASING

About 26 years ago, before the Addison’s Disease was discovered, (see “The Addison’s Battle,” http://nowwhat.cog7.org), I struggled to know why I weighed only 79 pounds, why I could barely walk up the stairs, why I couldn’t eat.

A verse came to me: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Why this verse? Why not one about God’s care for me? Why not one about healing? Why not a verse about God working everything out for our good? I think I may know the answer: When a middle-aged lady turns to skin-and-bones, it’s difficult for her to think or talk about anything but herself. This reminder said, “Marty, it’s still not about you. It’s about Me, and when you get that straight, your problem might find a solution.”

Layer-by-layer, I’ve found, and continue to find, solutions. God provides the right doctors, encouragers and common-sense answers–and a great husband and family just when I need them.

Several years ago, when I visited a friend in the hospital, I saw a young man standing in a corridor. Likely a loved one had a critical illness. He  exclaimed over-and-over, “Jesus!, Jesus!, Jesus!”He spoke clearly, did not seem out of control. I knew he wasn’t a crazy man. He simply knew the only Person with the answer: Jesus!

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My two daughters live 30 miles away and 30 air hours away! Instead of worry, I’d like to whisper it as I lie in bed, wanting God to protect these my children and my children’s children: Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
Though I once weighed 79 pounds, I now sit at my computer with swollen feet, thinking I could pop them with a pin. I struggle to find shoes my feet will slide into. Other physical issues concern me. Though none of them seems critical, I want this to be my response, asking for help from the Great Healer: Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
Nearly a week ago, we elected a new leader for our great country. Some like him, some don’t. If we like him, we might trust the president instead of the King of kings. If we don’t like him, we may give up and not trust anyone. So, let’s trust God no matter what our political leanings. Only He and our individual and collective hearts turned toward Him can make the big difference in our troubled souls and troubled land. Instead of rioting, let’s shout it from our homes, our neighborhoods and our cities–and in the streets: Jesus!, Jesus!, Jesus!

Whether you’re tired of your big fat feet; whether your kids live in Australia or next-door; whether you like or dislike our present leaders, let’s allow God to increase in our lives as we decrease. In the end, I believe we will increase in ways we never imagined, as we cry, Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!

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THE BIBLE AND OUR WELLBEING

Like everyone, I have a story. I almost succumbed to whooping cough at six weeks of age. This and other factors likely contributed to the word “sickly” written across my forehead. Since that time 69 years ago, I’ve struggled with physical and emotional illness. At age 43, I developed Addison’s disease (adrenal insufficiency). At first, it was no big deal–I simply popped a steroid pill every morning and went on my way. As I’ve aged, it has become harder to stay healthy. I  now find myself with diabetes and other endocrine and autoimmune diseases. But my blog posts this month will not be about illness, but rather about health and what nuggets of scripture teach us about being well.

I believe God wants His people to live in physical, emotional and spiritual health. This doesn’t mean we won’t have a crazy rare disease or at times question our abilities or our spiritual growth. It means we must rely on His amazing grace when the physical, emotional and spiritual collide–or when the tears come at night and we wonder where to go next in this maze of emotions and symptoms–when all around, expectations from others are mounting.

Join me this month as we:

  • Talk about the desire to be well.
  • Learn to give more time to Jesus than to our aches and pains in our everyday conversations.
  • Strive to give up unhealthy habits.
  • Become more positive even in the ups-and-downs of our lives.
  • Rest–physically, mentally and spiritually.

Please see my online article, “Addison’s Battle,” at nowwhat.cog7.org . Also, purchase a copy of Twenty-Five Days Around the Manger, either in hard copy (from me or Amazon) or on your favorite e-book reader (free from most companies).

I welcome your comments.

Go in health!

Marty's sig

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