Today’s a new day! The grace of God gives each of us faith, not because we deserve it, but as a result of the everlasting goodness of His works. It is important to know that this gift we have been given is not in exchange for us accomplishing good works. This gift should fill our hearts with humility knowing we’ve been given something we could never achieve on our own. ~OC
Intimacy with God
Today’s a new day! As I have struggled with chronic health issues for 21 years, I have experienced a beautiful and ever deepening relationship with God. He’s constantly pouring out His love over me, and God is continuously speaking to me. Even though my health journey has not been an easy one, God has never felt distant. Even in the toughest moments, He has felt close like a warm blanket on a cold night.
I know for some people that has not always been their experience. They have had moments of feeling distant from God. While we should not let our emotions dictate our faith, if He consistently feels distant, we should question why.
I would like to share one of the greatest gift a person facing chronic health issues can experience during the trying times- intimacy with God. If you’re currently walking through a season of chronic illness, you can experience an ever-growing closeness with God during the toughest and most painful days. Here are some questions I have pondered over the years.
- Are you currently experiencing true intimacy with God?
- During your health battle when have you felt closet to God?
- How often in your journey have you compared your interaction with God to how He interacts with, responds to, or guides someone else?
- What are some ways you can intentionally draw close to God?
- Do you struggle with feeling as if you should do or be more as a Christian?
- Have you unknowingly slipped into a works-based relationship with God?
- In what ways is God using your current struggles to draw you closer to Him?
Precious Peace
Today’s a new day! Do you ever wake up with thoughts already racing through your mind? How in the world does that happen so early in the morning? I find myself laughing about the different ways my brains works. I have to remind myself to slow down and focus.
This morning, I spent time in Philippians 4. How many times have I looked over these verses? Probably hundreds of times. But on days I struggle with focus, these words take on a new meaning. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. God’s amazing peace is so precious, that it is beyond our ability to truly comprehension. Yet on our toughest days we can experience God’s refreshing peace by simply asking for it.
This morning, my eyes kept going back to verse 7 and that peace. Even though I consider myself a pretty strong person, I have moments of feeling vulnerable. I love that in the moments of vulnerability, God surrounds me with His strength. His protection. His peace. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that this peace of God will guard our hearts and minds, but not our bodies, it seems. I find this interesting because it suggests that regardless of what’s happening within our bodies during health struggles, we can still experience the peace of God that passes all understanding.
I live with multiple health issues that brings constant discomfort. The idea that this beautiful peace is available to me despite what’s happening to my body is beyond amazing news. It reminds me that the gospel is good news. Even during the many struggles we face in life, God provides us a way to have peace through Him. Life might be throwing you some haymakers at this moment, but God has this amazing love and grace for each us, and in that, we can find a peace that guards our hearts and our minds. ~OC
Resiliency
Today’s a new day! Nothing is wasted by God and that through all things, God is working for the good of those who love Jesus and for His ultimate glory. If we truly lean into the truth of God’s word, there is not a single circumstance that happens outside of the sovereignty of God’s authority and if it is not outside of His authority, it is being used by Him for our good and for His Glory. Resiliency.
Cancer, Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Gastroparesis, Covid Long Hauler’s all under God’s authority. All the storms of life under His authority. As I have walked through the above health issues, I have chosen to totally put my trust in God. Leaning into the amazing truth, that God has used every health issue I have faced and am currently facing for His glory. I want to be in the middle of everything God is doing in my life. Because if it’s for His Glory, it is inherently for my good. If it is for my good, I can keep persevering through the tough moments. That is resilience. Course correcting through the storms of life, through hardships, through trial after trail … being brought back to the foot of the Cross with the truth that it is all for His Glory and my good. Resiliency. ~OC
Selfless Love on 9/11
Today, we remember that Tuesday morning twenty-two years ago. Hard to believe, it has been twenty-two years since we watched in horror as the tragedies of that day unfolded. There was a lot of hate perpetrated that day. Hate that not only changed the lives of many families, but the life of a nation. But as we reflect back on that Tuesday morning, I hope we will remember there was a lot of love happening that day.
The Man In The Red Bandana: Welles Crowther, a 24-year old equities trader is credited with helping at least a dozen people get out of the South Tower of the World Trade Center. This young man gave his life helping complete strangers.
Let’s Roll: A group of strangers came together to take back United Flight 93, preventing further mass destruction.
Put Back On The Uniform: Retired US Marines, Jason Thomas and David Karnes were complete strangers at the beginning of that Tuesday in September. But as they watched in horror what was transpiring at the World Trade Center, they put their uniforms back on and headed into the chaos. They are credited with saving two survivors.
More Than a Tour Guide: Army Specialist Beau Doboszenski was working as a tour guide at the Pentagon on 9/11. He gave medical aid to the injured outside and rushed into the Pentagon to help others trapped inside.
These are just a few stories of heroism from that Tuesday in September. As we remember and pay respect to all the victims of the 9/11 tragedy, let us not forget there was a lot of selfless love happening on that tragic day. ~OC
Thank You!
Today is World Greatness Day. I want to recognize my medical team that has been taking care of me the last 21 years. I have been blessed by each and everyone of you. Keep making a difference. ~OC
Bottom Line
Today’s a new day! We all need the love, forgiveness and grace of God because:
We fail,
We lie,
We hide things,
We get mad,
We gossip,
We’re impatient,
We’re not thankful,
We’re selfish,
We feel entitled,
We’re unloving,
We hold grudges
We refuse to forgive,
We’re greedy,
We think other peoples sin is worse than ours,
Bottom line: We all need love, forgiveness and grace. ~OC
True Friends
Today’s a new day!
*True friends Encourage you.
*True friends Respect you.
*True friends Support you.
*True friends Stand By you.
*True friends Reach Out to you.
*True friends Listen to you.
*True friends are Honest with you.
*True friends Forgive you.
*True friends Walk the Journey with you.
Dear God, please help me be this type of friend. ~OC
Love
Today’s a new day! Love drove Jesus to the cross. That same love should drive us everyday. ~OC
New Book
Today’s a new day! The new book is out. Thanks for all the love and support. This book is 20 years in the making. The majority of the book was written from my hospital room on 4South at Good Samaritan Medical Center. A fun fact. I have written both of my books on my Apple iPhone. I continue to live a blessed life. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 