Tag: Lessons

Gratitude

Today’s a new day! It saddens me that America has become overrun with so much entitlement. We currently live in a country were we believe we deserve more, more and more. We are disappointed with everything that interferes with this poisonous belief. Some people are upset with their families, neighbors, churches and even the waitress at the local restaurant when they interfere with that person getting more. When the dust settles, some are even disappointed with God. How dare He not give us everything we want.

What craziness. If only we could see our situation clearly. Even for one moment. We deserved death. God gave us life. We deserved judgement. God gave us grace. We should be filled overwhelming gratitude. Nothing less. Because God owes us nothing. Just the opposite. We owe God everything. When we realize we deserve nothing, it puts a tough day in perspective, doesn’t it? ~OC

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Halloween

Halloween:

As I scroll through social media, I see a lot of post about Halloween. Some people love this holiday and some do not based on their faith. So as a Christian, I wanted to share my thoughts on this subject. I believe how people of faith react to Halloween is important.

Please do not judge another person on how they decide to celebrate or not celebrate Halloween. Whatever your beliefs about Halloween, live them out for God’s glory. Yes, Christians may differ in our beliefs about this holiday. Maybe some Christian friends chooses not to do anything at all and their family turns out all the lights and refuses to even say the word Halloween. That is their choice. We do know what life experience might have led them to this point of view. Maybe another friend decorates their entire house and embraces this time of year. Once again, we do not know what experience might have led them to this point of view. I personally do not have a problem with either decision. I also do not have a problem with churches having nothing to do with Halloween or other churches having alternative events at their church. Once again their decision.

I encourage all Christians to show love and grace regardless of your point of view. Let our brothers and sisters freely live out their convictions and keep your own convictions between you, God and your family.

Is there a right or wrong answer about how a person celebrates Halloween? I think the only way to know is to seek the Lord on your own about it. He will show you the way for you and your family. ~OC

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Your Inner Circle

Today’s a new day! We are influenced by the people we spend time with. We also influence those we hang around regularly. Scripture tells us to guard our hearts. Be careful who you bring into your inner circle. Each person will have an impact on who you are, how you live and what you believe. ~OC

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Power of Hope

When we wake up and are still facing the storms of life, we need to reach up to God and grab onto the hand of hope. The bigger the waves, the worries and troubles, the more the stage is set for God to move mightily in calming the waves. God cares about our storms.

One of the lessons God wants to teach us during the storms of life, is to fully trust in Him and not lose hope. Hope is a life changing word. No matter how many tears have filled the boat, how many prayers seemingly unanswered, or how fear grips us there is hope. We can cling into that hope during the worst storms. God will always be by our side as the crashing waves try to take us out. Plant your feet in the beautiful hope of God. ~OC

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Conversation With God

Hello. As I walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, God has been sharing and teaching me a lot. I thought I would share some of the lessons and conversations with God.

*I will not experience healing on this side of heaven. Yes, God clearly shared that with me during one of our morning conversations. I am at such peace. There is no fear, worry or anger. Just the sweet peace of God flowing through my life. Do you have that kind of peace?

*Healing comes in many different forms. We get caught up in the miracles we can see with our eyes. Those are beautiful! But God is performing miracles daily that we cannot see with our eyes. Those healings and miracles are just as real as the ones we can see.

*Keep sharing the story God has given me. The thorn in my side is health issues. Still God is using my health issues to minister to a broken world. A broken world that needs the beautiful light of God. A world that needs encouragement.

*Be bold in sharing the true gospel. A lot of false theology being pushed in the Christian community.

*I did nothing to lose my miracle from 2019. My current health battle is not from sin in my life or an evil spirit living in me. That healing from 2019 was real and from God.

*God shared he owes us nothing. Everything He does in our lives is a beautiful gift. A gift of love, forgiveness and grace.

*God will not always answer our prayers the way we want them to be answered, but He will always walk with us through the journey. We have to learn to be okay with His plans for our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Also every trial will produce lessons. We learn more in the valley than on the mountaintop.

*Then Jesus asked me a question. I did not hear the audible voice of Jesus. He asked me “Who has suffered more than me?” Jesus shared he suffered most of his life. Suffering is part of the journey. But as Christians we never want to walk that journey. But by choosing not to embrace the journey of suffering, we are missing out on some incredible lessons Jesus has for us and others.

I pray these words bring you comfort today. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay Focused. Finish Strong. ~OC

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Stop Gossiping

Have you ever been outside watering your lawn and a neighbor comes rushing a across the street to share the latest neighborhood gossip? Or worse, you are in church and a group of folks call you over to share the latest church gossip. We have all been there. How do you react when someone wants to share the latest 411 on somebody. Here are some tips I hope help in the fight against gossip.

* Confront the person sharing the gossip. This can be difficult, but is necessary to stop hurtful gossip.

*Shut it down. Do not even let the person get the words out of their mouth. Once again, not easy but necessary.

*Totally surprise the gossiper and say something positive about the person they are sharing dirt on. You may have to pick them off the floor.

*Remind them that somebody is probably gossiping about them. Check out the look on their face with that one.

*Share true facts about the situation if you have been given permission to do so. Sadly, a gossiper really doesn’t want to hear the truth. Where’s the fun in that? I am kidding of course.

*Turn gossip into a time of prayer. Instead of getting caught up in the gossip, take time to pray for the person or situation.

This is just a small list. Take a moment and come up with additional ways to shut down gossip. ~OC

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Lessons Along The Journey

I have been dealing with multiple life threatening health issues for 20 years. I have had ups and downs during this journey. Throughout the years, people have said some crazy things to Laura and I. I am sure most meant well, but that’s not the way it always came across. Here is a list to help you have positive conversations with someone dealing with serious medical issues. I will expound on some and some do not need any explanation.

*Well, Todd lasted this long. Yes, someone said that to Laura. Please do not say that to her or me.

*How are doing/How’s your health? I know people mean well, but I am more than my health. I really do not care to spend the whole visit discussing my health. Some days I am not even sure how I am feeling. I know that sounds strange, but it’s true. (Hear is a free suggestion: Asked how Laura is doing? As a caregiver, her job is much tougher than mine).

*Do not hug me unless I move in for a hug. Let me initiate all physical contact. Not being mean, but my immune system is compromised.

*If I choose to wear a mask that’s my decision. Please do not make it a political or religious issue. It’s my life.

*If I choose to take a flu shot or some other vaccination that’s my business. Once again, do not make it a political or religious issue.

*Do not just show up for a visit. I could be resting or visiting with other guest. Please call first. Also do not stay all day.

*Do not say, I hate seeing you go through this. My current situation is what it is. I know people mean well, but I do not need a reminder I am sick. My body does a good job of reminding me.

*Do not say, Let me know if I can do anything for you if you do not mean it. I know that might sound harsh, but a lot of people say that just to be kind.

*Do not make my health journey about you. I am sorry if you lost a loved one to an illness I am dealing with, but it does not help if that is that’s all you talk about. Sorry.

*Do not tell me my health issues are caused by some spirit or sin in my life. Laura and I will shut you down. We do not need your poor theology in our lives.

*Do not tell me how I should handle my health issues. This journey is not yours. Laura and I will continue to look to God for His guidance and wisdom.

*Do not say how brave I am. Thanks for the compliment, but I do not always feel brave. Also I did not choose my health issues. It’s just life. I will continue to live a life that hopefully encourages others, but there will be days I do not want or feel like an inspiration.

I share these tips to help educate not to criticize. There is not a playbook on how to walk through a health journey. Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or suggestions. ~OC

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Seeds of Hope

When we plant seeds, our hope is that we will one day see a beautiful strong tree. The sprouting of new life. New birth. That seed needs nutrients to grow and experience new life. As human beings we need that same care.

As you continue to water and tend to your needs, you will hopefully begin to see fruit. New Life. Let’s look at some of the fruits we may see as we continue to grow and prosper. As we see the seeds of hope growing.

  1. Hope bears the fruit of love.
  2. Hope bears the fruit of patience.
  3. Hope bears the fruit of love.
  4. Hope bears the fruit of peace.
  5. Hope bears the fruit of joy.

Of course we will not see this fruit overnight. No, it will take patience, care and grace. But if we will put in the work, we will one day see a strong solid tree with deep roots. A tree/life able to withstand the strongest winds and storms. Where will you plant your seeds? ~OC

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My Incurable Walk

I am often asked how I pray and talk with someone dealing with an incurable illness. For me if comes a little easy because I have been dealing with my own incurable diseases for over 15 years.

For some the thought of speaking to someone dealing with a incurable disease can fill us with fear. Whatever your feeling, you can trust that God hears our cries. He hears even our most desperate prayers. I am grateful for all of the prayers offered up for me during my own crazy beautiful health journey.

When we pray with someone going through the worst storms, it can bring hope to that person. I am always strengthened by the prayers of others. And I am always blessed and strengthened by the prayers of others.

So if you are walking through an incurable storm, I encourage you to pray for others and allow others to pray for you. Allow your incurable walk to help you grow into the person God created you to be. Blessings. ~OC

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Music Therapy

For years, I have set in hospitals and treatment rooms based on my medical issues. Some of those hospital stays lasted weeks and those IV treatments lasted hours. Some days my days were spent listening to music.

Music has always been a major part of my life. From my parents playing music in the house to hanging out with friends at many concerts. I love music.

Throughout my health journey, music therapy has helped me through many days alone in the hospital. I have been blessed to love and experience many genres of music.

For anyone going through a storm in life, find some headphones and turn up some good music. ~OC

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