A Good Good Friend

The past couple of months have brought one trial after another physically with a flare-up in my autoimmune disease. It started with swelling in my hands and feet with great fatigue and has led to multiple infections, including hospitalization for mastoiditis last weekend. There is uncertainty what is causing pain in the side of my head. The CT scan shows questionable bone density suggesting possible necrosis or infection. I find myself begging to God for mercy in the form of blood tests being positive-- revealing an answer to this pain. I need understanding and answers.

Through this process God has reminded me that he is the very best friend I could have. HE IS LOVE! What better of a friend to have. He is not against me for he is all goodness. It is knowing his goodness that motivates me to strive to be more like him. It is in knowing he is my friend that as I offer up my prayers, begging for mercy, that I can trust him and learn to surrender. I can trust the end result because I know he is good. He is my friend.

This is a beautiful piece of art that inspires me to overcome my anxieties and fears; to trade these emotions for trust in order to pursue a deeper love with my dearest friend and father God.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIOsIbqpR5s&feature=player_embedded

3:56"You've Got a Friend" 2009 - SandFantasy

"You are not alone. You've got a friend, who will help you through your pains and sorrow and will always be at your side..." Journeying with a good good friend! AT

In His Cradle

The past few weeks have not been easy for me physically. I have dealt with each day but I'm not so sure that's living for today. Every now and again I am able to let out my building emotions; emotions expressing how hard it is to carry my 'cross'. It are those moments, at the depth of the valley, I love because then I can be restored to live for today. These words spoke to the depth of my heart tonight. These words will help me live for today...

"However distant and, desolate or dark. The Lord's infinite reach will endeavor to find us. And upon doing so, will cradle, comfort and console.

Living in His Cradle tonight...

~AT

Be loose- let the load be carried

So yesterday I got a wonderful massage (now that's living for today) and God blessed me with some beautiful imagery.  As my muscles were very tight, I saw myself carrying a cross up a hill.  It felt extremely heavy and rugged.  Then as my muscles loosened up, I saw Jesus take my cross and he started carrying my it for me.  Then I not only saw him carrying it, I saw him take me and put me on his other shoulder- to bring me up the hill with him.

So the question I ponder today, is not just how I can let Jesus carry my cross, but how can I help others in the same process?  What can we do that lighten the load for our neighbors, co-workers, family, and yes--- our dogs (hehe)?  

March in victory ~AT

Hope

It's been a long time since I've written and many have asked for an update. As many of you know, I've started immune suppressant drugs, which has helped me so much. My body feels like it's being repaired from the damage my over active immune system was causing. As I reflect on the year, I see just how much God has carried me and even allowed me to fly with joy.

What carries the human spirit in such times as now? What allows us to fly when our wings are broken? HOPE. Hope is a simple 4-letter word that is endlessly freeing. Christmas is a wonderful time to be reminded of hope. Hope came to us in form of a baby boy. May we see the hope surrounding us during these hard times we face, whether in your own life, your family, or as a nation...HOPE SHALL GUIDE US...Not empty hope- but hope full of faith. "Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see," (Hebrews 11). Journey with Hope ~ AT