We choose...not to lose heart

"Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart." 2 Corinthians 4:1

One thing that Dave and I have always tried to keep our eyes on is the thought of not looking back. No regrets. We can't change what's happened, and if we dwell on what can't be, it just leads to depression and despair. So we often look at each other and remind ourselves...enjoy what is. Do what we can with what we have. Don't look back--no regrets.

We don't want to miss what IS, what we DO HAVE because we're too busy looking at what we thought life would be like, or what 21st Century Americans think of as "normal" lives. We live in a world where discontent is sold continuously, but we choose to fight. We choose to not lose heart. God has given us these lives...and we want to make the most of them.

It's easy to lose sight of this, and both of us have been discouraged at times--even deeply depressed. But we are so blessed to have each other, and when one of us forgets, the other reminds us. So...I encourage you and pray for you today--don't look back at things you can't change. Live today.  No regrets. Don't lose heart. Keep looking to the Lord. Trust in him.

(Blogging for National Invisible Illness Week, September 9th-15th. What will you choose?)

National Invisible Illness Week is coming up!

Check it out. September 9th-15th:

"Illness Awareness Week is held annually in September and is a worldwide effort to bring together people who live with invisible chronic illness and those who love them."

Founder Lisa Copen (also the founder of Rest Ministries) encourages us that while we can't choose our illness, we CAN choose how to respond. It's so easy to focus on what we can't do, on the things that aren't fair, on the limitations, on unfulfilled dreams.  It's work to focus on doing what we CAN do. My husband is so inspiring in this. He does get down at times about what he can't do, but he sets a goal every day, and he's always looking for ways he can serve our family or encourage. He's a blessing to me!

Check out Founder and Author Lisa Copen's video, and consider uploading a photo about what YOU would like to choose (there's also a contest to win a free kindle!)

There are so many things we can choose! I can't wait to blog about some in the upcoming weeks.

How Powerful?

As the kids and I were looking at verses about God's power the other day (and it was amazing how many of them talked about God's care for us at the same time), we re-read parts of the creation story and marveled at how God spoke the world into existence. Then I held up the Bible and said, "What is this?"

"God's Word."

It struck me then, and I asked the kids, "Do we treat this as something amazing and powerful? Do we marvel, and listen with awe and reverence? This has the power to change us in ways we haven't even conceived, for God to work miracles in us."

Do we take it for granted? Do we treat the Word with less than awe?  Sometimes I'm in awe, but sometimes, yeah, if I'm honest, I can get complacent about the Word. I want to have a humble heart for God to work in and change me, in whatever way he wants.

Praying God's Word works mightily in you!

Radio Interview Link

If you missed my inteview on Katherine Albrecht's show, here's a direct link. Katherine has lived through breast cancer and really understands what it means to rely on God through a chronic illness. I'm so thankful to be on her show, we really had a great talk about trusting God, countering lies with the truth in scripture, and learning to be a living sacrifice. God is so good and has carried us through all these years (13 plus so far!). Praying others will be encouraged.

Radio Interview...Take 2!

My interview has been rescheduled! On Monday, August 5th, 5-6 Eastern (4-5 Central), you can hear me on the Dr. Katherine Albrecht show. We'll be discussing issues of faith in tough circumstances and specifically the journey Dave and I have been on, and my recent book, Invisible Illness, Visbile God.

Katherine is a believer who has also suffered with cancer, so she understands what it's like to live with chronic illness.

"Katherine Albrecht is a dynamic radio personality, privacy campaigner, technology expert, and the author of several books and videos. Her nationally syndicated, daily radio talk show combines knowledge, eloquence, and a touch of irreverence with a passion for truth and freedom, earning her a devoted listener following worldwide."

I'm excited for this opportunity! This is a call-in show, so if you're able to call while I'm on, that would be wonderful! Here's information so you can tune in or listen later:

HOW TO HEAR THE SHOW
* "On demand" 24-hour listen line: 605-562-7703
    Show can be heard live, then looping until it is replaced by the next show

* Live and delayed broadcast to national radio affiliates 
   Saturday show is broadcast on-air to over 20 radio stations across the USA
   
* Streamed live on the web at:
     www.KatherineAlbrecht.com (From the "Radio Show" menu, click "Listen Live")
     www.GCNLive.com (click the Katherine Albrecht show from the rotating lineup)

* On-demand web link:
   http://www.gcnlive.com/mediaPlayers/odPlayer.php?program=drKatherine
   (show is available until replaced by the next show)  

*  Available as an MP3 audio file
    Archive descriptions and MP3 audio are posted on my website each evening
    www.KatherineAlbrecht.com
    (Click the "Archives and Guests" menu, then go to the show date)

*  Listener Call-In

855-KMA-RADIO  (855-660-4261) or Direct: 612-465-7369