Too much of this is hitting home for me as I struggle with this mast cell disorder and I watch my condition continue to deteriorate.
I have just realized that I am now sensitive to the last form of Vitamin A I have found to take to supplement my diet. I can’t eat anything that contains it cause of what amounts to severe food allergies to virtually all veggies and fruits. And to anyone inclined to make suggestions, I have already thought of it, whatever it is.
Believe me. I’ve investigated everything.
I am not taking my furnace of affliction as gracefully as Joni.
I heard someone make a comment about how God gives His biggest trials to those He knows are most able to handle it.
I heard that with mixed feelings.
Keep up the faith Metmom. One thing I have learned in my stage IV cancer at age 41 is that pain, illness, and debilitation are not optional but when we face these things on a scale we never before imagined in our lives we do have a choice to suffer or to endure. I have have chosen to never suffer from my cancer but rather I endure it as God has prepared me and provides for me.
Hello metmom, I can tell you what works best for me.
I focus on myself when it comes to activities pertaining to this life. Such as keeping as fit physically as I have strength. Exercise is good for so many ailments and especially good for those who have PD. I need mental stimulation including challenges. I find working on genealogy fills that bill. When I engage in social activities, I choose carefully who I spend my time with, some friends give to me, some I give myself to.
I focus on God when it comes to spiritual activities. I am more aware now of how much closer I am to heaven. I want to know as much as I can about the God I will spend eternity with. I only listen to teachers that I trust will broaden that knowledge. I read authors that are biblically sound. RC, of course, MacArthur, and currently I am reading Rejoicing in Christ by Michael Reeves. The focus is God, not me.
Some days, I fail to endure quietly. I cry out to God for sleep! Tomorrow is a new day.
Even Joni had to learn this lesson about God. It’s not something that happens overnight but it is a realization that grows stronger as we open up to His will and purpose and understand His unfailing love.
I had a bad dream last night where I was being pursued by demonic “dogs” and I was running as fast as I could. Some of them I could turn around and swat away but even more came at me as I continued running up a mountain. Finally, exhausted, I swung around and but my hands out to push them away...and then I woke up. The very first thing that came to my mind was from Psalm 24, “though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me...” God comforted me with His word and His faithfulness. He promises He will never leave us or forsake us.
I continue to pray for you, dear friend.