Saturday, October 5, 2013

Health issues galore

It is clear that stress wreaks havoc on our body's systems. Chronic heightened levels of stress have been linked to many health problems, and as I stare at this list, I'm more discouraged than anything. I've dealt with nearly every item on the list since the close of 2012. It's been rough, and my body is taking the beating.

I've had multiple serious health issues, and they seem to be getting worse. While I know some of the health problems stem from how I'm taking care of myself and the fuel I'm burning, I truly believe the greatest source of my growing agony is stress. Do you know how hard it is to not stress about that?

I am taking steps to eliminate stress from my life. This is how:

- I am actively seeking to think more positively every day.
- I am cutting out all forms of negativity that I can. Unfortunately, this has even included avoiding some people I dearly love and losing some clients--and their money!
- I am praying more, and feel closer to Him often. He frequently encourages me with random thoughts and verses. The latest was James 4:2 "You have not because you ask not." More on that later.
- I am reading positive things and I have drastically cut way back on TV time and only watch shows depicting hope and life.
- I am reaching out more in times of need, and allowing people to help me. As I do so, my eyes are opened to how much people care!
- I am re-starting old projects that bring me joy. Take this one for example. There is another one, but as this is an anonymous blog, I dare not share. :)
- I am learning that what I think affects my health, and am practicing II Cor. 10:5 and Phil. 4:8
- I am meditating on God's true and eternal Word, and looking to God for my strength.

Unfortunately, this list does not mean it's all better. In fact, since determining to become more positive, my health has fallen further. This confuses me to the extent that I called a friend to meet with me and pray. You know you have an amazing friend when she's willing to drop everything, drive to meet you, hold your hands and pray. And you know what? That prayer session was powerful! It completely knocked out the worst of my symptoms.

That symptom had been occurring for over a month. For a 2 week period, I was about to run to the ER.  The amazing thing is that it was gone after we prayed, but I am weak and sick. I have a terrible head cold that wraps my brain in pain, and I feel so emaciated, lethargic, and just awful! I ask that you join with me to pray these symptoms away as well. I'm ready to be healthy.

Please join me in prayer for my health and in the continued improvement of my stress levels. I have a long journey ahead of me, though the roughest part seems to be behind me. If you would like to send random happy thoughts my way, that would be a blessing!

God bless!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Obamacare: What to do???

There are certain things you're told to avoid in polite conversation: Finances, Religion, and Politics. I've already discussed the first two, so if I haven't scared you off yet, I'm sure this won't either. You're great for sticking around, by the way. I appreciate you. :)

Ok, so here's the shocking truth: I'm glad we have a government shutdown. I can almost hear the shocked intakes of breath and the bitter rage from those whose families are going without pay. Let me be clear that I feel for you. If you comment below, I'll be sure to pray extra prayers for you. And though this is a tiny offer, I'm also willing to send coupons. Feel free to email me at 4mychildbyhisgrace@gmail.com.

Now let me tell you why I'm glad the government shut down. The alternative sickens me. To accept Obamacare is to force health care down people's throats. I've read a multiplicity of times that Obamacare finally grants health care to everyone. The poor are finally covered! Nothing is ever free, and this health care plan is no exception.

I know several families who have gone without health care so they can put food on the table. Literally, it's a choice of eating or having health care. I may one day be forced with such a decision, and it may be a day sooner than I'd like to really consider. This health care bill would cause us greater heartache. It would force us to pay, even if we have no money. And if we don't pay for our own health care, we get fined.

Some of you are shaking your heads and calling foul. You're right. It's not exactly a fine. It would come out of our taxes. Supposedly, if it comes out of taxes, we won't feel it. But it's our money, and it's money families like yours are counting on to buy their kids clothes that fit, to fix the car, and to call the repair man, because the air conditioning broke last summer.

Another reason I'm against it is that health care costs across the board are rising! So, now these families are forced to pay more for something that they couldn't afford in the first place. This aspect of the dilemma reaches up from the lower class and grabs the ankles of those in the middle class. Many of you have likely received letters or emails describing how Obamacare will be affecting your policies. If you haven't, I encourage you to call your insurance provider and ask! Don't you want to know what's being forced down your throats?

And that's what I'm really nervous about! Despite all my research, I still don't know all the changes that will take place once this health care bill goes into affect. How deeply will it reach into my life? As Pelosi said, "We have to pass the bill to find out what's in it." Doesn't that just make you feel all warm and fuzzy?

Is it any wonder that politicians (including Pelosi) are exempt??? I mean, I don't want this thing to apply to me, either!





So, what can we do about this? Many of us watch helplessly while congress and the senate are locked in a battle of the wills. But now is the time to speak up! I beg you to call your congressmen and senators and tell them that you do not want this! Remind your politicians that they represent you-- that's why they're called representatives, after all.

On a final note: I'm proud of Congress, and I'm tired of them being the dog that gets kicked in all this. Congress is trying to stand for what we as Americans desire, and has brought many proposals to the Senate, all of which have been denied. Before the government was shut down, Congress offered a proposal to table Obamacare for a month so the parties would have ample time to come to a compromise while avoiding a shutdown. The senate shut that proposal down, and the government followed shortly thereafter. Let's put the blame where it belongs!

Don't forget to call your representatives!



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The end is on the horizon

I am at the edge of yesterday, about to finally cross into tomorrow. The divorce papers are being prepared, and as long as my soon to be ex-husband doesn't pop up with any surprises, I should be turning in the completed papers by the end of the month.

I consider the old life I'm leaving behind, and the great fears I had while leaving. I can't help but praise the Lord who's carried me through. So many fears about what could happen, even warnings from people who care about how hard this would be. It's like the Lord lifted me out of a horrible situation and carried me on angel's wings to this safe mountain. Here, I once again feel much like Abraham. From this mountain, I can see the past and the trials I've come through. As I turn, I can also see the new life that awaits me.

I know you've all heard this before, but I found the perfect place! For real this time, I think. It's minutes from the best church in the world (for me, anyway.) It's within my budget and almost 1,000 square feet! I've already mapped out where I want my furniture when I get it. It's home, though I'm not there, and I don't know when I will be.

I am the fourth on a waiting list for a one-bedroom apartment. They say it's estimated that an apartment will open up in 60-90 days. But they have no news of anyone moving out, so your guess is as good as theirs. I'm hoping to have the divorce finalized before I move in.

I must admit that I'm relieved and excited to move on to this new life. I find myself sometimes looking longingly behind me to a marriage that was to last forever, but then I look closer and see the chaos, fear, and devastation. I'm glad to leave that life behind.

Please do continue to pray. There have been some in law enforcement that have told me to expect the unexpected. Essentially, it's not over until it's done. I won't stop praying until that time, and I ask that you do the same. Thank you all for the joy you've shared! I've made it this far due in part to your prayers. Keep them coming!