Monthly Archives: July 2014

Isaiah – A Kay Arthur Bible Study Introduction

Isaiah 40:31, My life verse.

The Book of Isaiah has become my favorite over the years.
I love Psalms – I sing myself out of depression by singing through Psalms.
I love the Gospels – the story of Christ is my salvation.
And yet – there is something about Isaiah!

Isaiah 40:28-31
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding.

He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.

Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall:

But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I am using the study guide:
Face-to-Face with a Holy God

This is a 13 week study…I’m starting it on July 21, 2014.
I will be posting my thoughts as I go through this study.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

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Health Journal weekend summary July 21

On Top of the RV!

HEAR YE! HEAR YE! HEAR YE!
ALCOHOL RAISES FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE!

I’ll research this…..this last weekend has sort of produced my own test. I never have hangovers – even when I was in the Navy and drunk so much that I did not remember getting back to the barracks – I was fine the next day. So – there was no performance reason to avoid alcohol.

Actually – it effects Type1 Diabetics with Hypoglycemia

But mine is a strange version of type2 and I should have read the MedNet article on alcohol before testing!

Alcohol is considered a poison by your body, and all efforts are made to excrete it, including the cessation of maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Studies have shown that alcohol interferes with all three sources of glucose and the hormones needed to maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

Alcohol can also negatively impact blood sugar levels each time that it is consumed, regardless of the frequency of consumption. Research has shown that acute consumption increases insulin secretion, causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), and can also impair the hormonal response that would normally rectify the low blood sugar. Drinking as little as 2 ounces of alcohol on an empty stomach can lead to very low blood sugar levels. This makes alcohol an even bigger problem for anyone with diabetes. Along with the impact on blood sugar, studies have also shown that alcohol can impact the effectiveness of the hypoglycemic medications, so extreme caution needs to be taken when consuming alcohol by anyone with diabetes.

I respond in the reverse – but, the point is, it effects me.

I have always believed that conservative and moderate alcohol participation was allowable for Christians(this comment to pre-answer the question, “But Christi, you’re a Christian! You drink?”

Yes. I enjoy a drink now and then.
There are some things that I cannot do, but not because of some legalistic application of some interpretation of scripture.
In fact, there are things that I don’t eat that some believe the Bible would tell me to do so – such as bread:

Matt 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Some would say that since this is one of the few things that Jesus put into the Lord’s prayer – that he was saying that we should eat bread daily! And, when the Israelites were wandering around in the Wilderness – God fed them with manna – a ‘grain’.

But – I cannot eat bread – at least the bread of this day.

While I do believe that a drink once in a while – for social reasons(the Wedding at Canna) and for medicinal reasons(Paul to Timothy for his stomach) is permissible in the Christian life(self control is one of the 9 fruits of the Spirit), I need to be aware of how it affects my body – and how that affects my abilities, because of my blood glucose, the next day.

I have enjoyed a drink once in a while. Now, it looks like I cannot drink alcohol without an effect to my next day fasting blood glucose, whether I like to or not. (On the other hand – the piece of Key Lime Pie probably didn’t help!)

They key here is –

to thine own self be true

Actually – my truth is this: I am responsible to God for my body, since:

1 Cor 6:19
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Just for good measure – I checked out the effects of alcohol on a fatty liver. Well, I tried.
I have non alcoholic fatty liver. The Mayo Clinic defines it clearly. But one of the symptoms is weight loss!!! Hey guys…what’s up here? On the other hand, they don’t talk much about alcohol and the nonalcoholic fatty liver.

NOTE to self: I will need to do a blog on caring for your liver!

Today’s focus was on my blood glucose.
The American Diabetes Association has done amazing work for Diabetics.

I had forgotten that I wanted to do the Tour de Cure for Diabetes!
This year, that’s not going to work, because I don’t have a bike – but, I have walked for Diabetes before…I’m a Red Strider!
And there is a Step out in Orlando November 8, 2014! 2.6 miles! I can do that!

So – I have fatty liver – I am a diabetic – I say I want to get healthy.
What am I doing about it?

Well –
first, I’m eating better and better.
second, I’m moving – somedays not so much, but I’m moving my body!
third, I’m supplementing with things that help my body work better.

Here’s the summary of the weekend.
Saturday, July 19, 2014, day 10 of PlexusSlim –
no Basal Temp numbers.
Thermometer was posting in centigrade. so, I ignored all the numbers!
RHR 75
FBG 118(second day it was low!)

Began the day with Plexus Slim.
I did eat out twice – careful planning of my breakfast at BobEvans, and then we went out for a salad at Panera for lunch.
I spent the afternoon painting.
Didn’t walk much – because Jim did all the walking, and I was suffering from cramping.

Ended the day with the BioCleanse, ProBio5, the natural anti-inflammatories and my medicine.

Sunday, July 20, 2014, day 11 of PlexusSlim
Basal Temp: 97.2
RHR 75
weight 239.8
FBG 140!!! WHAT?
Saturday night, I drank a Seagrams cooler to relax the cramps in my abdomen. This was the ONLY non paleo item of the day. This has to have effected the FBG.

weight 20JUL2014

Bone % 20JUL2014

BMI 20JUL2014

Began the day with PlexusSlim, added in the B vitamins and the C, as well as the Liver support complex.

I did not do much – we took a long car ride, we took a nap, and we went to friends for a cook out.
Oh, I did climb up the ladder on the RV for a 12 week challenge!(who knew that climbing a ladder could hurt the area around my neck!)

I can do it!

First Step!

Arm work

Footwork

pull it up

Over the Top

Oh, Yes I can!

Ended the day with the BioCleanse, ProBio5, the natural anti-inflammatories and my medicine.

Monday, July 21, 2014, Day 11 of PlexusSlim
My numbers this morning are:
FBG 134(keyLime pie and 1/2 bottle of Seagrams)
Temp 97
RHR 81

I drink my PlexusSlim while typing this blog. That gives me some time between it, my other supplements and food.

My heart rate, while sitting and typing this blog, has stayed steady in the 80’s – so much better than 111 just typing…and no, I didn’t type that fast!

But, the alcohol and the sugar last night have affected my FLIC(Fasting Lower Intensity Cardio) for this morning. I’m dizzy, nauseous, and just plain extra tired.

Therefore – I am going to eat something good – go back to bed…and then, paint.

I pray that this will help!

In His hands and Under His wings,
~Christi

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

If you are interested in more info,
Christine Wildman, Plexus Website

For information on the water I live by:
AlkaViva

Health Journal – day 8 – yeasty beasties fight back!

I’m happy today!

It is day 8 of my Plexus Slim trial.
It is 5 of my BioCleans and ProBio5 trial.
last night, I doubled the BioCleanse at night.
THIS MORNING – MY FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE WAS 118!!!
I have not seen those numbers without medicine!!!

I also was able to walk 1.4 miles this morning, doing a fasting low intensity cardio dog walk. I call this my morning FLIC.

I want to share some information that has been beneficial to me.
I am now taking the ProBio5 as a probiotic to combat candida from the medicines I’ve had to take this past year.

Antibiotics cause yeast overgrowth.
Steroids cause yeast overgrowth.
eating sugar and starches feeds yeast overgrowth.

The only way to heal this, is to replace the good guys.
Lisa Richards, of The Candida Diet, explains why it’s a good thing to take probiotics.

This is the information on the ProBio5 – Probiotics:

Description
Do you suffer from sugar cravings, inexplicable fatigue or bloating, anxiety or a “brain fog”? Fortunately, ProBio5 provides a solution to many of today’s “mystery” symptoms. ProBio5 features five extra strength probiotics, added enzymes, intestinal flora, B6 Grape Seed extract and vitamin C— all in one effective delivery system that supports the breaking down of hostile organisms that negatively impact your health.

Features & Benefits
Yeast organism (Candida) and fungal cleanse
Proper probiotic balance in the intestinal tract
Proper intestinal balance which increases nutrient absorption
Relief from typical Candida symptoms (anxiety, recurring irritability, lethargy, allergies, acne, dry/flaky skin, migraines, and so forth)

– See more at: http://christiwildman.myplexusproducts.com/products/probio5#sthash.qtFfXExO.dpuf

Here is a great resource for fighting candida –
The Candida Diet

Candida is a huge issue in my family…and I have been battling it since the late 80’s.
I’ve used nutrilite, juice plus, young living and other things.
Ask me, I’ve probably tried it.
The biggest issue with dealing with Candida, is the Die Off.
Again, I’m going to refer to Lisa Richards, and her article on Candida Die-Off symptoms.

Die-Off Symptoms
Here is a list of some of the symptoms you might experience during a die-off (otherwise known as a Herxheimer reaction).

Nausea
Headache, fatigue, dizziness
Swollen glands
Bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea
Increased joint or muscle pain
Elevated heart rate
Chills, cold feeling in your extremities
Body itchiness, hives or rashes
Sweating
Fever
Skin breakouts
Recurring vaginal, prostate and sinus infections

The Die-Off, or Herxheimer reaction, has been documented in research on antifungals. One 1980 study (see here) of the commercial antifungal Nystatin found the following:

“One phenomenon deserving emphasis is seen occasionally when therapy is initiated. It suggests the Herxheimer reaction … The reaction is usually limited to a flu-like syndrome of mild generalized aching and lowgrade fever, but may also encompass an exacerbation of the patient’s allergic manifestations.”

So – working on a yeast die off, while increasing my energy can be an interesting combo.

Even the Whole30 timeline has a week or two of die off symptoms…(I’ll talk about Whole30 in another post).

No doubt. I’m dealing with die-off.
Thanks to Lisa Richards article on die off…here are some ideas to treat the die off!

Coping with Candida Die-Off
These symptoms normally clear up within a week or so, but could last a little longer. However, there are a few things you can do to slow down this reaction or expel the toxins faster.

Take a supplement like Candidate, Molybdenum or Milk Thistle to help your liver expel the toxins.
Molybdenum in particular is very useful for those suffering from Die-Off. It converts the neurotoxin acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which is then expelled by your body or even converted into helpful digestive enzymes.

Cut back or temporarily discontinue antifungal supplements.
Antifungals work by breaking down the walls of the Candida yeast cells, which then release the many toxins that the Candida has been producing. Reducing your antifungal dosage will cut down the amount of toxins being released into your bloodstream. When you feel better, you can start to increase it again.

Reduce your dosage of probiotics.
A course of good probiotics will repopulate your gut, crowd out the Candida, restore your stomach acidity and boost your immune system. Probiotics are less likely than antifungals to cause Die-Off, but if you start to experience the symptoms you can temporarily reduce your dosage.

Increase water intake to flush out the toxins faster.
If you want to feel better, all those byproducts that are released by the Candida yeast need to leave your body. You can give them a push by drinking more water.

Slow down and rest as much as possible.
Stress can weaken your adrenals and reduce your body’s ability to fight pathogens like a fungal infection. Relaxing and taking some personal time will help your immune system to do what it was designed to do.

Try some alternative detox methods like skin brushing, saunas or contrast showers.Most of these treatments are designed to increase your circulatory and lymphatic systems. They help you to expel the toxins that the dying Candida cells have released.

Take 1000 mg of Vitamin C twice daily.
This multi-purpose vitamin boosts your adrenals and helps restore your immune system to health.

For more information on choosing a detox supplement and reducing your Candida symptoms, take a look at my Ultimate Candida Diet treatment program.

I’ll be honest – I got Lisa’s free 8 steps to fight candida(just sign up at her website above)…and didn’t do them well. Now that I am fighting the candida – I’m going to pull those emails back up and read them.

As I’m reading through her website – I’m seeing some other supplements that I’ve done before, but put on the back burner as I’ve tried out these Plexus products.
Milk Thistle Tea – with Dandelion, and Burdock, and Mullein. This is my liver cleansing tea!

My Liver Cleanse Tea ingredients

And then, “Candida causes low adrenal function and low metabolic energy”
I have not been taking vitamin C – or my regular B vitamins.
I haven’t been taking my Liver Blend of dandelion and milkthistle

Candida Support supplemtns

What is becoming clear to me is that I have been on this battle field for many many years – and I have had various attempts.
I have learned many things – indicated by the fact that these items ARE IN MY PANTRY!!! (comeon, Christi – why aren’t you doing what you know to do?)
I wrote about a yeast cleanse – 28 days of grace.
I’m not sure that I ever got anything written up about whole30.
But I did write about the struggle to become the New Me.

The bottom line here is that I have tried, over and over and over, to get control of the sugar dragon(from Whole30) and heal from the candida stuff.
I have fatty liver – because of much of this stuff…
and, today, I see the first evidences of healing…the lowered fasting blood glucose number
Today, I am celebrating! adding the things that I’ve learned over the years to these new products – and thanking God for continuing to give me wisdom – His wisdom!
If Plexus Slim and the other two products give me the edge I need to take down these dragons – Then I thank God for bringing them into my life!

I pray that this will help!

In His hands and Under His wings,
~Christi

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

If you are interested in more info,
Christine Wildman, Plexus Website

For information on the water I live by:
AlkaViva

Plexus Journal day 7 – This will now say HEALTH Journal

While I’m documenting this to see if I am convinced with the efficacy of Plexus products, I am also continuing to utilize some other products and techniques to regain my health. Regain – I cannot remember a time when I was ‘healthy’.

Thursday, July 17, 2014
fbg 121
temp 96.8
rhr 76

yesterday, I walked .85 mile…and my knee started giving out.
By the evening…the right leg was giving out.
This would have nothing to do with my supplementation…but it does have to do with my continued walking.

I also need to report that I am drinking Alkaviva ionized and alkaline water. This water has shown an amazing ability to keep my lymph glands from swelling – me from retaining water – and thereby eliminating the pain that goes with those symptoms.

CRAVINGS DISAPPEARING?
One of the things that folks say about Plexus Slim is that it helps them with cravings.
I just went to Bob Evans, and chose a salad because it looked good – instead of the ‘healthy’ breakfast with multigrain cranberry hotcakes.
As I was looking at the healthy breakfast with the hotcakes – I just felt inside that I did not want the hotcakes…I don’t want the effect that grain has on my system.

THIS IS NEW!

In addition – because of my decision on the hotcakes, I had to make a choice of salads. Often, if I am TRYING to limit grains, I choose the spinach salad, because there is no offering of special bread.
Today, I chose the Cranberry Pecan Salad, without the blue cheese(limiting dairy…oh how I love dairy), and before I even got to the bread, I asked my friend Beth about bread to take home for her husband, and we settled on bread for another friend’s husband’s lunch. Done. no bread! no cheese.

What is new? I’ve done this before on a Whole30 protocol, and on a sugar cleanse protocol. So, those who have watched me go through this health thing might wonder…so what…she’s done this before.
What’s new? the lack of struggle!!!!
And, I didn’t even want the bread!
Or those hotcakes!

If this is from the Plexus Slim – if the ingredients in this simple drink are helping me to not want things that are not good for my body…I’ll take it. My liver will thank me. My kidneys will thank me. My lungs and throat will thank me. Eventually, maybe I will thank me.

No real exercise today…rain…spotty rain…so, I can’t go to the pool…and my knee is not interested in going for a walk.

I pray that this will help!

In His hands and Under His wings,
~Christi

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

If you are interested in more info,
Christine Wildman, Plexus Website

For information on the water I live by:
AlkaViva

Plexus Journal day 4

I really meant to do a little more documentation, but I got carried away painting.
Today’s Vitals:
weight 242
Basal Temp 97.2
RHR – 90
FBG – 152

I drank an alcoholic drink yesterday at dinner out – and half of another that I was handed. This could be the reason for the high FBG, and the resting heart rate could be the result of the elevated FBG, causing increased HR.

Comments on the Products effects:
Since taking Plexus Slim, I have turned the corner with the excessive sleep.

Since I didn’t write this up daily, here is a recap of the last four days:

On July 9, I was so sleepy, I fell asleep, slept through multiple alarms set, and even had to be awakened by my friend using the spare key, and coming into my bedroom to wake me up to go to my doctor’s appointment!
On July 10, first day with Plexus – I set up my outdoor studio, and painted…and didn’t take any nap. At all.

My Outdoor Studio

I can tell that the BioCleanse is working, if you know what I mean. Some people would say that I’m full of poo…but, since taking BioCleanse – I’m much less full!

And, I don’t really know about the BioPro5 – that will take time.

One thing I just realized this morning, as I looked at my ‘have to take it’ natural anti inflammatories – FYI Ultra and Zyflamend Whole Body, I had forgotten to take them as I started Plexus. Actually, I had decided to forgo all of my supplements, to see how Plexus Products worked – and not to allow cross reactions.
What does this mean?
Last Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – I had to have friends drive me to doctor’s appointments because I was so tired that I couldn’t guarantee that I’d be able to stay awake to drive.
I only walked Gabriel about 100 feet – and that was just because he refuses to pee and poo in our area!

Thursday,July 10 I set up my outdoor studio…which entailed moving stuff from inside my RV out – several trips up and down, up and down, up and down 4 metal steps – not too mention the carrying of things!
I took Gabriel for several .2 mile walks!
I took down my outdoor studio, because of Florida Afternoon Storms.
Even though I was tired and achy…NO NAPS!

July 11, Friday morning – I work up, on my own, at 6am.
I had a Bible Study with a friend in the Phillipines.
Then, I set up my outdoor studio.
I painted –
I went to the store with a friend, AND I DROVE!
I took down my outdoor studio.
I walked Gabriel multiple .2 mile walks.
I was surprised my hubby’s early return home…but stayed up, visiting, and was achy, tired, but not in an FMS flare!
I asked Jim for some ice cream.
This is NEVER a good idea – but, I was in the middle of a Fibro Flare…and I wanted to see what would happen(since my old habits were to feed the pain, to dull it with endorphins).
I ate the ice cream. Good quality ice cream.
YUCK!
and I don’t want the rest of the container!

July 12, Saturday morning.
I woke up early – around 5:30 AM, and had an online Bible Discussion with another friend!
Then, I wrote the blog!Does God Hear Me?
I showered, and dressed nice for Jim – and we took Gabriel to the vet for a vaccine visit.
We drove…and drove…and drove, exploring!
And, we got home after noon, and I set up my outdoor studio.
THIS is unusual.
I normally have to take naps after our ‘run and find out’ drives.
THIS time, I set up my outdoor studio…AND PAINTED FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS!
That is me at the top, caught off guard by my hubby – painting!

Oh – outdoor studio – minimum temp is 90 degrees.
I have never been able to be out in the heat long enough to do anything without my electrolytes crashing.
They had not crashed until this day…I went two days without supplementing electrolytes!

Downside of forgetting my anti-inflammatory supplements?
After the drive AND painting outside – I had a fibro flare.
Had to lay on the floor, with ice on my neck and a small pillow under my bum to realign my spine.

The upside realization?
I DIDN’T TAKE ANY PAIN MEDS for those three days!!!
I had not taken pain meds since I got up and stared to do things!
The supplements have helped me to avoid the liver and kidney damaging Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen.
Without the natural supplements – I was taking a minimum of 600 Ibuprofen every four hours to maintain lowered inflammatory swelling, and pain.
Without those supplements, if I didn’t want to take the NSAIDS, I had to not do anything! At All! And stay inside away from the heat!
For THREE DAYS, I was out IN THE HEAT, doing things that normally caused pain and inflammation…and it didn’t!
I took my natural supplements – and, no painful cramps or cramping kept me awake. I don’t remember ANY painful cramps or cramping!

Sunday, July 13, Again, I woke up early, and did some Bible Study.
Jim and I had an intense conversation, and we canooddled.
Now, this is very difficult to talk about – because it’s so private…but I had energy to canoodle!
It did not knock me out for the day!
and I was not overcome with pain.
We went out to dinner with friends -this is where I ate the bread and drank a Blackberry Hooch Moonshine Cocktail. (It was delicious!)

Getting home, all I wanted was watermelon to help cleanse my body!
I did not want ANY of the ice cream!
I thought about the seagrams escapes(like a beer) – Jim handed me one, it tasted good – but I just didn’t want it!

I did get the sleepies early, but, as I said above, and with my stats…I had 1 1/2 alcoholic drinks…those would effect my blood sugars, and I ate some bread – grains make me sleepy.

I have added melatonin back to my sleep practice – but it never worked this well! I slept like a baby!

Now, we are up to today:
Monday, July 14
I woke up this morning wanting to document this process.
My weight today is 242.2
I’m not happy with that – but, like I said – yesterday’s intake wasn’t exactly weight loss friendly!

Today – I am going to start taking notes of my food intake on MFP.
Today – I am starting the fitbit for steps again.
Today – I am taking my life, my health back.

Workout:updated at the end of the day
counter pushups – 40

I pray that this will help!

In His hands and Under His wings,
~Christi

Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

If you are interested in more info,
Christine Wildman, Plexus Website

This is the Day that the Lord has made? Really?

Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Sometimes, this is how I feel about this verse:
(apologies to Prince William and Lady Kate!)

This is the Day(at the Royal Wedding)

I feel like I sing it slow, without meaning, without passion.
Why?
Because sometimes I wake up in pain.
Sometimes, I wake up to issues.
Sometimes, I don’t want to wake up! I want to roll over and go back to sleep.

What does it mean “This is the Day the Lord has made?”

I believe that it goes back to:

Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

AND:

Genesis 1:5
And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Do I believe this?

Yes I do.
Does it make my heart jump up and down with joy for the new day?
Honestly, not always.
Why not?
Honestly, I don’t always think about it – I take it for granted!
Why do I take it for granted:
It is part of my faith being, part of who I am as a Christian, it is a core belief that cannot be shaken.
If I believe it, why don’t I choose it? And, why does it matter?
What do I say I believe?

This is what I believe – what I confess – in a nutshell.

The Apostles Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.
Amen.

As I said – this is woven into the fiber of my faith – without it, my faith foundation falls!

1 Corinthans 3:11
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Why does it matter?
Because Jesus said it does – believing is crucial!

John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Faith is crucial:

Heb 11:1-3
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
For by it the elders obtained a good report.
Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

Why does it matter?

Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

But – Why does this matter?
Because it is WHO I AM!
I am a Christian.
I am a “little Christ”
I am Christ with a little i!

When everything is stripped away from me – what is left?
I belong to Jesus.
I have been delivered from darkness into light.
I have been chosen.
I have been adopted into the Family of God.
My desire is:
In Him I live, and move and have my being!(Acts 17:28)

In one of the most honored sermons of Jesus, he says this:

Matt 5:11-12
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

James says it this way:

James 1:2
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

And I wrote about the James 1:2-4 experience!

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Because I have a destiny:

Jeremiah 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Because I belong to God, bought with a price:

1 Cor 6:19-20
What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?
For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Why does it matter?
Because there is a reason I was created:

Eph 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Why does this matter?
Because I am all I have to give to God.

Romans 12:1
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

Why does it matter?
Because I’ve been given gifts, and I should be a good steward!

Romans 11:29
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance

1Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
(1 Cor 12:4, Romans 12:6, Eph 4:7

Why does it matter?
Because I am not to hide my light!

Matt 5:15-16
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

WHY DOES IT MATTER?
Because My God says He has a plan for me.

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

And why does it matter?
Because I believe!

Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, whofn have been called according to his purpose.

The point is, no matter what is going on – the One I believe in – the One I believe created the world – for that matter – the one that created me says to rejoice!

Psalm 118:24
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

And when I really, truly meditate on what that means – this is the song that I sing!

The Answer to my question – yes, really.
THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HAS MADE!
I must CHOOSE to rejoice!

Why is it a choice? Why is it a command to REJOICE or COUNT IT ALL JOY?
Because Faith is not stagnant – we have to choose.

I choose joy!

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Mission

Sponsor a Child

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

Does God Hear me?

Sometimes, I wonder if God’ hears me.
I believe that Job felt this way….
Job 3 is full of what I consider a desire to die…life is so rough.

Don’t get me wrong…Job had it rough!!!

And, in rereading Job 5 – I realize that many of these scriptures are ones that we use to encourage one another in the midst of trials!

So, as God would have it, the other morning, I happened to get a Facebook Messenger with my new friend, Becky Mingus, who is currently serving as Principal in the School at Naomi’s Heart Mission.

Here is that chat:

ME: Thank you. Still no answers for why I was bleeding! But the pain is going away.
Becky:That’s a blessing.

ME: Trying to stable my neck without surgery. .. because surgery would be near December finance wise. And I’d rather use t that for a trip to the Philippines!
Becky: Absolutely!! This will definitely be all God if it is to happen.

ME: I know. Maybe I should stop praying for him to glorify himself in my life! Lol!
Becky: Never!! The biggest prayer and God dreams are what honor Him the most. Glorifying himself in our lives, releasing the Spirit, that is where all the fun is. Otherwise think how dull our walks would be.

ME: I have been used to raise the dead, heal the sick, cast out demons and of course preach the gospel. Sometimes I get discouraged that I can’t lay hands on myself and be healed. But I know that this is my spiritual fitness training. I know that Father has plans for me. .. and I just have to trust.
Becky: And trusting and waiting are always the hardest part. They are where I struggle the most. I know He can. But why doesn’t he? Ugh. James 1:2-5 has become one of my newest scriptures to read, reread, reread again. That and 2 Cor 12:9-10. Oh, so much still to learn.

ME: Oh those verses. .. perfect work? Sigh…. but to be complete. .. in Him. … what a beautiful promise! And, to recognize that there is nothing in me that is any good, except the spirit of God that lives here. .. and to rejoice in his strength manifested in spite of, or because of my weakness. .. this works true humility… humble myself under the mighty hand of God. .. and he shall lift me up. .. not to glorify ME, but to glorify his name!
We are created for good works. .. to glorify HIM! And that only comes worth letting patience have her perfect work!
Becky: But it is always a struggle for me. So wonderful but always stretching me and moving be deeper. We are being trained up – through the trials, through the struggles to be more ready for our futures – to do even more for Him, to be able to stand stronger, love deeper, walk more determinedly.

ME: Exactly. I thank God that there are those times of rejoicing in the presence of our enemies after walking through the valley of the shadow of death. The purpose for training is to prepare us for the next adventure with God. Sometimes I’d rather stay on the mountain top. .. not go back down in the valley of testing… but it is the testing that grows is into the fulness of Christ. Suffering through training is not fun. .. but I try to keep my eye on the prize. It had been my hearts cry from the day I have my life to Jesus to work with orphans, to work in missions, and then later, to work with women, and in jails! Young mothers. ..I believe these are desires given to me by Jesus. .. and it will be his glory to male or happen!
Did I just interrupt your prayer time?

Becky: No. Haven’t started that yet. But this has been wonderful discussion. I am going to email you a devotion. You would like it. It has big words in it but it is powerful. Yes, I had to use a dictionary. I have translated it into words I can understand and I read it all the time. LOL!
I’ll be praying. God is going to open amazing doors for you – maybe none you are expecting, but amazing all the same. One more verse for the evening: Isaiah 64:3-4. Oh. It is morning there. Enjoy your day!

ME: May God bless your rest! I thank God for my trials. .. because I am not who I used to be. .. and I thank God that he is not through with me!

Goodnight! Much love and hugs!

Prior to this discussion, I had been praying in the midst of my trials.
I could even be accused of praying some of the same types of prayers that Job did –

“Let me die…my life is but a vapor…I cannot do anything!”

“Why have you allowed this/these calamities to fall upon ME?”

“My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?”

That may be a little dramatic – but, honestly, I was tired of the continuous trials.
I even wrote about it…..How Many is Too Many?
And this was before several more trials were added!

The point?

James 1: 2- 4
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Patience.
Perfection
Entire
Wanting Nothing

Yes – but – rejoice in TRIALS?

2 Cor 12:9-10
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

This is Jesus Speaking to Paul…and Paul sharing it with us.
Paul is a pretty good role Model….once he got his head turned around. Actually, his passion as a Jew was a pretty good example as well!

His glory is shown when I am at the end of my ability.
I couldn’t heal my eye – but he could, and did!
I couldn’t conceive and carry a baby to term – but he did it, five times!
I couldn’t walk when I was paralyzed in the Navy hospital – but he could touch the swelling, and cause it to go down – and cause my leg to grow out so that I could walk.

I have not gone to school for art…but he has called me to paint.
I have not gone to school to write…but he has called me to share.

IN another chat with a dear sister, this verse was shared:

Is 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

I shared with this someone that this was my life verse….
WAIT UPON THE LORD!
renew strength
mount up with wings as eagles
run, not be weary
walk, and not faint.

And God made that real to me in the Navy Boot camp…when I fell, and was paralyzed for a week.
My Petty Officer believed in me, and let me back in the unit – unheard of!
My God’s grace, I completed the physical training, twice a day, and I was able to run for my final test!
I was chosen from the group of 80 females to paint the cinder block outside our unit door – to memorialize what this unit stood for.
I painted a mountain scene, with an eagle – with this verse.
Until Orlando RTC was closed – God’s glory spoke through on a wall in a Navy Barracks.
BECAUSE of my trial with paralysis and herniated discs from a fall, the third day in boot camp.
BECAUSE of my trial, I was chosen to paint, and God was glorified.

My friend Becky ended our Bible Study with

Is 64:3-4
When thou didst terrible things which we looked not for, thou camest down, the mountains flowed down at thy presence.
For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

I’m not crazy about KJV on this verse…but the gist of it is that things happen, but they happen by God’s hand(look back at Job 1-2!)
And we don’t understand it…but, God prepares things for us, who wait upon him!

They aren’t always pretty – but then,
those biology exams weren’t pretty either, but I know that they were worth something!
Learning Spanish wasn’t pretty – but it has helped me to communicate and minister to some!
Learning to ice skate had to be ugly at times…and breaking my arm having fun definitely hurt – but I remember the fun I had on ice skates!

Ps 23:4 –
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

comes before

Ps 23:5 & 6 –
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

and everyone knows:

Romans 8:28
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.

My question was – Does God hear me?
My cry was WHY?
And God created a time that a friend in the Phillipines was online the same time as I was, and we were able to have a Bible discussion – on the opposite sides of the earth!

YES – God hears!
And He answered me – through one of His children.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest

Naomi’s Heart Mission

Sponsor a Child

Help a child in need. Check out Naomi’s Heart Mission or Compassion International. The life that changes will be your own!

Who Am I? Who Do I want to be?

I have been digging deep.
Who am I?
Who do I want to be?
What do I want to do?
What do I need to do to get there?

Who am I? Who do I want to be?
MCWW – daughter of the Most High King through the grace of Jesus Christ
Christi – wife to WildRoss – desiring to aim for the goal of the Proverbs 31 wife.
Mom
Gramma
ChristArtist – painter of peace, writer of wisdom(or learn from my mistakes)

I think it’s time to move ChristArtist up on the list – but not neglect Christi, Mom or Gramma.

I have fibromyalgia, adrenal fatigue, sugar issues, and 100 pounds to lose.
I live with pain – but I don’t have to eat to deal with it.

My life has layers – sometimes like an onion, sometimes like a beautiful torte.
1.Faith
2. marriage
3. Home
4. family
5. Health
6. focus(art and writing)

I need to move these around a bit:
1 Faith
2 Health
3 Marriage
4 home
5 Focus
6 family

I need to create a plan for each – each layer has it’s own needs – it’s own scheduling issues – it’s own requirements.
But, #1 – if my faith isn’t where I need it to be – I fall.
Ps 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

But #2 – if my health isn’t at it’s best – I can’t do any of it!
But #3 – if my relationship with WildRoss isn’t up to par – stress for both of us multiplies.

But if 1+2+3 are taken care of they equal 6 –
I believe what I am seeing is that if I put the first three in order – the rest will follow.
Of course, there is the aspect of friends and fellowship – and I can never get away from who I am – friendly, caring, and giving.
I believe that these will flow out of the first three as well.
Health is fitness AND food.
But for me – mental health is key – so I need to focus on that FAITH issue.
Ps 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

So, I have dug deeply – as my body has refused to allow me to do anything but some swimming and some walking – AND WALKING UP A LIGHTHOUSE!
AND, while my AF has been acting up with the FMS – I need to go back to some workouts that helped me rehab – so that I COULD do things.

I’m not going to preach this program – but I am going to DO IT.
It made HUGE changes in my life one year – and I abandoned it – because “It’s not ‘real’ exercise”
Me at TTapp Retreat.

And skin brushing…this is so effective for fibro and lymphatic drainage.
Eating what I know is best for me…

At least it is one that I can do – I can improve – and I can heal while doing it.
For goodness sake – I have no hip pain because of the movements I learned doing this!
I have turned around lymphatic swelling by movements that I learned in doing this!
Why have I not continued? Well because I have some issues with some layers and thinking that I need to lift heavy things.

I need to love me enough to take care of me! That is HUGE!

I think I am abandoning this challenge – to focus on these areas…which actually is in line with several of my first challenges this year.
And it is in line with finding out who I am – and what I want to be and do.

Actually – if you don’t have a goal for where you are going, isn’t that just called wandering?
My deep digging this last week has put some goals in to focus – some reality into CLEAR focus – and clarified my focus.

On that note –
No eye surgery – A week ago – the blindness disappeared. I I wasn’t looking forward to eye surgery – or being 1/4 blind!
Delayed neck surgery – I found a chiro that works with this stuff – and by God’s grace, chiro and TTapp have strengthened herniated discs in my low back, I want to give this a try! He also does the ART massage, which may help with the fibro issues.

There is another issue that has come up, that could be serious – but I am waiting until I speak with that doctor. Or it could be my body getting used to being forced to actually move!

If you have read this far – thank you.

Thanks for joining me in this journey,
In His hands and under His wings,
~Christi
Ps 63:7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings.

“The Lord does not give me rules, but He makes His standard very clear.
If my relationship to Him is that of love, I will do what He says without hesitation.
If I hesitate, it is because I love someone I have placed in competition with Him, namely, myself.” – from My Utmost for His highest