Tag: Health Issues

Downsize the Enemy and Right-Size God

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13952/day/15

God is faithful and bigger than any problem we could ever face. But when we face challenges head on, we tend to look directly at the problem instead of seeking God and His answers. Defeat comes easily when we take our eyes off God, followed by discouragement and a falling away from our faith. Don’t be the one who makes a Goliath out of every challenge. See the problems for what they are are then remember how great God is in the midst of everything.

Now, a brief health report. My husband Harry got an abscessed tooth when we were in Maryland. He got antibiotics from our dentist to tide him over until we could get home and saw the dentist the following morning after our return. He has to go back on the tenth of July to get the cap taken off the tooth so the dentist can see whether there is any part of his tooth left that can be saved. He also has a referral to an endodontist and an oral surgeon. As far as my health goes, my legs are swelling significantly, so that is not a good sign, but it could just be the hot weather. I am wearing my compression stockings, paying attention to what I eat and ready to get the second kidney test done, which is on the twelfth. I also have to see the pulmonologist on the twenty-second because I am still suffering side effects from my reaction to Trelegy. Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing a lot…the usual for asthma but it has been over a month with these symptoms. Finally, I have to see a vocal specialist as soon as I can get the referral through and get an appointment. Apparently, coughing for over a month has affected how I speak and I need speech therapy. Who knew? Anyway, all of these issues together look like one big whopping giant…but my God is bigger and able, and I am trusting Him to lead us both through this valley.

Meanwhile, can you please pray for a friend who has oral cancer that has now spread to her lungs and lymph nodes? She is a sweet, dear Christian who has suffered a lot with this horrible disease and is not facing chemo treatments. Another giant…but God will be there for her and see her through. God knows what she needs and I am praying that He will be close beside her through it all.

That is all for now…I am working on right-sizing God and I hope that you are, too!

Looking for Love

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App6 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/11261/day/2

What is the glue that holds a family together? Love! I have been the only sibling in our family for almost ten years now who is speaking to all four of my siblings. It has been hard being in the middle of a lot of bitterness and confusion, but I was called to love, so I do. Whatever the hard situation is, love is the answer. And every hardship is an opportunity to point people to God.

I am not saying that I am perfect. In fact, my own big hardship lately has been my health. After being sick basically since November with various lung ailments, I finally saw my allergist a couple of weeks ago. She started me on a new medication that unfortunately I reacted to with an asthma flare. I am now on steroids again, my nebulizer again, my rescue inhaler again and with strict instructions not to talk unless I have to because the medication affected my vocal cords and they are “whistling” when I cough. I am getting about 2-3 hours of sleep each night due to coughing. I went to see the head of the allergy clinic yesterday and basically, he told me to keep doing what I am doing and let him know if the steroids have not started working by Tuesday. All of it is very discouraging because I keep making plans to see my sister in NC and grandchildren in PA and MD but I can’t travel when I am so sick. Thus, I am stuck in a rut of a pity party and I don’t want to be here. I am determined to look for the good in this situation and to see God’s love in it. For example, He has doctors who want what is best for me and who are doing their best to provide good care. My husband understands that I can’t speak to him so he tells me to gesture or write it down. That’s love. My brother sends me a funny story that makes me laugh. That’s love. My other brother sends me encouraging words. That’s love. Actually, love has been all around me and I just have to look for it. Today is a new day. I am up super early to do a neb treatment since I woke up coughing. Having a nebulizer at home is God’s provision and that is love. My husband stopped at my favorite place to get me a chai latte that I really enjoy and I am having some this morning. That’s love. When things get tough, we need to love. Life isn’t easy, but God hasn’t moved or changed. He is love! Have a great day, and remember to love and look for love everywhere you go.