It's A Time to Heal

It's a Time to Heal

Karl Stephens

            Is anyone among you in trouble?  Let them pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let them sing songs of praise.  Is anyone among you sick?  Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.  If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.  (James 5: 13-15 New Testament- NIV Version)

            On a Thursday evening in late summer in 2003, I was visiting my cousin's church in Longwood, Florida.  I was invited to attend their Bible study.  I was going through a really rough time in my life, and an impending period of incarceration was just a few short months away.  I was in really bad shape emotionally and spiritually, and most of those present knew this.    

            The small Bible study quickly turned into a prayer service that evening... for me.  I had opened up about my personal struggles and fears, and the church group, being led by the Spirit, began to pray for me.  Present were the pastor and his wife, a friend of mine who at that time was an elder in the church, three or four of the senior members, and myself.  They all gathered around me and laid hands on me. They prayed like I have never heard praying before. This went on for thirty or forty minutes, and I was exhausted.  Tears were flowing from my eyes, but I didn't want to stop because at that very moment I knew that my life would never be the same.

            Most of my adult life has been spent battling drugs and alcohol.  In fact, it was my addictive behavior that had me in the predicament I was in that evening in August of 2003.  A feeling of hopelessness and despair had become the norm for me. As I sat in that church, I felt if God didn't do something for me at this very moment I knew that this night could be the very end for me...so I cried out to Him.  As the church group was singing  the song, "What a Mighty God We Serve," I was praying, "Lord, help me."  It was then that I finally experienced the nearness of his love for me.  And as I continued to keep my eyes closed and cry out, I could feel the group laying hands on me; the elder began to anoint me with oil.  Then we all prayed another prayer that I thought would never end.  The Pastor was speaking in tongues, and my dead and sick spirit began to come alive.  I knew a change had come over me.  I knew then that God had done for me what I could not do for myself. 

            I remember everything that happened to me that night, nearly fourteen years ago.  I remember because it definitely changed me, as well as prepared me for the journey I was about to embark upon.  I could never have loved the person I had become, but God loved me up one side and down the other.

            I've been drug and alcohol free since that night - not once having the desire to go down that path again.   Instead I began thanking God for His mercy and love.  Now while being incarcerated, I have been attending A.A. meetings for the last decade.  I have not done so out of fear of a relapse, but because it is just one of the places where God meets me.  I have also been allowing God to use me, in a way that produces an effect upon my environment. 

            Sometimes it's hard for me to believe that I have come this far.  But I realize that I couldn't have done it without His guidance, and strength.  I am so thankful for those that were present at that Bible study turned prayer service.  They were living the Word as spoken through the Apostle James that I quoted at the beginning.  I am also grateful for every opportunity that God gives me to tell this story because it is not really a story about me, but about His love and mercy...  in spite of me.  Mine was a sickness not of the body, but a sickness of the mind and the spirit.  God reached down into my very being and brought a healing into my life.  So many people ask me how I am doing, and I usually respond, "Better than I deserve."  I say this because it is the truth; no one knows this better than myself. In my remembering, I will never forget the impact God's love had on me!   Without it, my whole life could have turned so very differently! 

In My Distress

In My Distress

Joy Sutton

            The intracoastal waterway runs along the east coast of Florida.  This waterway is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by barrier islands.  In-between these islands are inlets, channels of water that join the waterway to the ocean.  When the ocean tides are changing, the narrow channel ways have very strong, swift currents of water flowing through them.   Knowing this will help you understand what I am about to tell you.

       One Sunday, some 35 years ago, I was with my husband, sister and brother-in-law fishing in the Sebastian Inlet.  Our boat was anchored.  My brother-in-law Victor was fishing off the front of the boat.  I don't like to fish so I was just enjoying myself in the back of the boat.  Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Victor drop something in the water.  Shortly after, I saw it go floating in the water by me.  I foolishly decided to jump into the water to retrieve it which was not a smart thing to do as I am not at all the athletic type!  And I am certainly not a good swimmer!  I immediately became aware that the current was extremely strong as I began being pulled away from the boat.  Being such a weak swimmer, I could sense the trouble I was in.  At that same moment a voice within began to coach me, "Don't panic. Stay calm.  You have been taught how to tread water.  Do that and calmly ask them to throw you a life preserver."  I did just as I was instructed.  No one in the boat really thought I was in any real danger since my request was so calm.  Again the voice within said, "Remain calm.  Ask again."   I did as I was told.  Again - no response from those in the boat.  I asked a third time.  This time my brother-in-law realized the situation I was in as I was drifting further and further from the boat.  He told the others, "She is not fooling!  She needs help!"  Tying a rope around his waist and getting a life preserver, he dove in and swam to get me. 

            My husband and sister raised the boat anchor and came to get us both.

            I know it was God's still, quiet voice that kept me from panicking.  Otherwise, I could have so easily gone under.  If I had tried to swim towards the boat, I would have panicked, since as I mentioned before, I cannot swim well at all.  I am so very thankful that my brother-in-law finally sensed my need for help in spite of hearing the calmness in my voice which God had directed me to use.  Had I not heard God's instructions, I have no doubt that I would not be writing this today.  

His Divine Order

His Divine Order

Faye Hobbs

            Recently I suffered from a bad case of the flu and could not seem to recover my energy or my will. My body was depleted; my mind and spirit were depressed. I began to wonder why God was keeping me alive. I felt no value or purpose in my life at this time.  I prayed and asked others to pray for me.  Finally I turned it over to God to show me the path he would have me take.

            Then... came the call from a dear, sweet friend of 50 years asking me to please come visit her. Jean wasn't feeling well and needed my support and love. I really wondered how I would have the energy or the money to honor this request. But as the week went on, I felt more inclined to make the decision to go - even though I was still not totally well.  I found myself looking up "cheap tickets" online and found one available.  I called her daughter and asked if the time of my arrival would work. She said it would so I booked the ticket on my credit card. Another friend offered to take me to the airport at 5:30 in the morning.  God was taking care of all the details.

            I arrived in Atlanta to find that my friend had been in the emergency room all evening and was still there with an obstruction in her intestines. When Jean was finally able to get into a hospital room, we were able to have some privacy.  Knowing so well my background in Hospice, she told me about her wishes with clarity and conviction. I listened, and we prayed for God's guidance.

            With her daughter and me present, my friend also talked with her doctors and informed them that she had decided to stop all dialysis treatments and other interventions that would prolong her life. She had been struggling for 19 years with ailments and pain. She had undergone 11 years of dialysis treatments - three days a week. She was exhausted and ready to let go. That night she had the most peaceful sleep she'd had in years. She stopped struggling to hold on and being brave for everyone. She knew it would not be easy for her or her family.  However, they all agreed it was for the best, as she would only get worse as the interventions continued.

            I spoke with my friend and her family about what needed to be done, and we notified her family to come as soon as possible. I was scheduled to fly out on Friday morning, but when I got to the airport, I realized my backpack containing my wallet and ID was missing. I couldn't get on the plane! I asked the Uber driver to take me back to the hospital to see if someone had turned it in. Although I was given little hope of it being found, I felt it was God's way of letting me know - I was still needed here; it wasn't time to leave yet. So I trusted this was a part of the Divine Appointment that was to unfold. 

            Jean was so relieved to see me return and to be there with her loving family. It lightened my heart to sit there watching her great granddaughters - ages two and four - lovingly curled up with her and her grandson holding her hand.  The tears of joy and sadness flowed from all.

            That night Jean was given a shot of morphine to help with the pain.  An ambulance arrived at 10 pm to transport her to the Hospice facility where she wanted to go.  Since her family had other obligations that evening, I went with her - sitting in the front with my arms full of gorgeous lilies as she rode in the back sound asleep. All during the rest of night I sat vigilantly listening out for any special needs she might have.  At dawn she awoke fully conscious and alert. Alone, the two of us sang very quietly together, "I come to the garden alone while the dew is still on the roses." We knew we would meet again someday. Later that morning her daughter and son-in-law arrived with pots of tulips in bloom which brought a smile to her heart and eyes! It was spring coming in February. Jean was always at peace in a garden.

            That afternoon I was to catch another plane home. Before leaving, I told my friend how much I have loved her.  Soon after my leaving she went into a coma.  Other family members flew in from different parts of the country as well as many others who came from so many places and from all walks of life! My friend remained in a coma for a week.  During this time her daughter told me that she and her siblings spent time bonding with each other.   This would have made Jean so happy!

                        [Oh, yes, my backpack was found. A lady visiting her sick husband at the hospital had kept it safely for me.  The airline put me on a flight on Saturday at no charge to fly home where another friend came and picked me up!]

            When I returned home, I saw a beautiful single rose blooming on my bush.  I cut it and brought it into the house.  It remained just as beautiful until the day Jean died.

            I am convinced that my part in all this was another Divine Assignment.  God had plans for me - I just had to listen and follow them with trust and gratitude.  I have been entrusted with such assignments many times before in my life. Though I was so very depressed before this all happened, I now felt hopeful and joyful.  My faith reaffirmed!

            Thanks be to God for his Divine Order! 

Expectations

Expectations

Chris Berriman

            Expectations.  I was reminded of them at church and the emotional havoc they cause when they are not met.  The pastor challenged us to identify where we have placed expectations on God and been disappointed.  He told us to write them down and examine them.  This prompted me to consider the many expectations that I have.  Usually I place them on people, places and things. And when they do not pan out, I sometimes become disappointed, hurt, and even angry.

            I certainly did not expect my life to turn out the way it has.  I did not expect to be 49 and on my second marriage with no children.   I did not plan on becoming an alcoholic.   My childhood was normal; my parents were wonderful to me.  I went to church, attended private school, and I wanted for nothing.  I had a college education and a good job.  No trauma or tragedy occurred.  So why did I become an alcoholic?  It has a lot to do with the fact I cannot drink like other people.  And it has to do with control and expectations.  I drank because I wanted to be in control; I wanted people to do as I expected.  When they did not, I drank. 

            During the time when I was an alcoholic, I hated myself and figured God probably did too.  I had long been gone from God and the church.  Then I started attending Celebrate Recovery, an international Christian-based 12-step recovery program.  After that, I started going to AA and also returned to church.  At first I did not expect God to want me back.  It took me about 2 years to really believe that God could and would forgive me.  I thought my sins were the worst.  I can look back now and see how prideful that was.  I am truly grateful that my expectation of God in that time was not met.  He did want me back.  I was 38 when I got sober. 

            However, I still face daily challenges at home.  My husband is a nonbeliever and dually addicted to alcohol and nicotine.  He is a decent man with a deadly disease.  Although he is supportive of my journey, he does not want to stop drinking or smoking. My hopes are that his seeing the changes for good in my life will make him want to change as well.  That has not happened yet.  Perhaps, some day...

                Now when I get angry with God and question why I must endure this hardship, I return to scripture to help me cope.  Jeremiah 29:11 says that God has a plan for me.  Jeremiah 32:17 says that nothing is too hard for God.  He is Sovereign.  He gives me His Word which provides instruction on how to pray (Philippians 4:6, 7) and how to trust in and lean on Him in all things (Proverbs 3:5, 6).  I believe His Word.  I trust Him.  He gave me a new life, and I know that my purpose here is to serve Him in all circumstances.  I am grateful today that I can be reminded of how expectations can affect my life.  I can examine them and know that God is in control.  Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done.

Waiting on the Lord

Waiting on the Lord

Nancy Gardner

            In 2006 my husband and I were making a critical decision about our future.  He had already retired; I was to retire in six more years.  This was the year that my husband proposed a shocking idea for what he would like us to do when I stopped working.  He wanted us to pull up roots - move from Florida where we had been living for 45 years and build a home in North Carolina.  Prior to Rocky discussing this plan with me, he had already been to North Carolina and seen property he'd fallen in love with.  It was high up a mountainside having a panoramic view overlooking three states.

            Making such a move would be very hard for me since I had grown up and raised my family in Winter Park.  It would also require me to leave my family, my friends, and the places I was so familiar with - especially my church.  My church was as much a part of me as breathing!  Not only was it the place where my journey with the Lord began, but also where my children had begun their faith journey. The members of my church family were very dear to me -- having sustained me through some difficult times.  In addition, I had spent years directing the children's choir and singing in a ladies ensemble. Moving would be a real life changer!

            A short time after proposing this plan he took me to see the property.  It definitely had a  breath-taking view!  Now I had to make the very difficult decision. I agreed to go along "on this ride." However, I did have one fervent desire which I made known to my husband.  I was going to have to find a church where God's presence was evident and that had a warm and welcoming congregation.  It also needed to have strong music program where I could continue using my talents for praising the Lord.

            For the next eight years after buying the property and while the house was being built, I kept praying, asking God to help me find the right church.  During this span of time on our visits to check on the progress of the house, we stayed with friends.  My search was on.  We visited many churches, but neither of us felt as though the Holy Spirit was leading us to any of them.

            As our move into our new home approached, doubts flooded into my heart about leaving my family, friends, and a loving church.  However, I quickly learned to say, "Lord, I'm trusting you.  I know you will provide."

            Finally after moving into our home in 2015, I started searching the Internet to look for a church.  I found one that might fit us, but it was a forty minute drive from our house.  However, we did know people who attended there, and it did have a large music ministry.  Then while still online, I found myself looking at another church in a town closer to us.  This church offered a full music program, and there was even an orchestra!  To this day I know God directed me to this site.  My heart was so full.  I knew this was a God experience!

            The next Sunday evening we attended - thinking it would be a more relaxed atmosphere.  As soon as we got out of the car, we were welcomed by people in the parking lot; the pastor's sermon spoke to our seeking hearts.  Two people sitting behind us even asked me to join the choir!  I was so overcome with joy I could hardly speak.  Driving home that night I asked the Lord,“ Is this where you want us?" It certainly was even more than I was expecting. 

            We decided to go again the next Sunday morning just to affirm our feeling that we were in our new church home.  Afterward my husband and I both felt the peace of the Holy Spirit fill our hearts.  As I looked out over the tranquil mountains on our drive home, I was full of praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord had done.  It was another special moment with God.  These Scripture verses came pouring into my heart.     

           

            Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according    to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

                        (Ephesians 3:20-21)

            Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will         find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.

                        (Matthew 7:7)

During the long nine years of waiting, I had kept on asking and seeking his perfect place for us.  Finally, the door opened. 

             Has this journey been easy? No, but I know through this experience that my God really does supply all my needs. And I will do as Psalm 146:1-2 directs:

            Praise the LORD, O my soul.

            I will praise the LORD all my life;

            I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.

The Best Planner

The Best Planner

Esther Taggart

            In 2011, I turned 76.  I was energetic, going to Curves three times a week for exercise.  I was also active in church and enjoyed going out with family and friends.  However, during December I began feeling ill.  I lost my appetite which was unusual for me.               

            After seeing my doctor, my friend Valerie noticed I was not getting any better.  She said, " If you ever feel ill during the night, call me. I live a lot closer to you than your family." 

            I managed to get through Christmas, but on January 6, 2012, to my surprise, I woke up on the bathroom floor.  I was too ill to get up.  I did not even remember getting out of bed and falling.  I lay there for awhile before crawling out of the bathroom and to my night stand.  I phoned my friend Valerie who said, "I'll be right there."  It was 5 o'clock in the morning. 

            Soon I was in an ambulance on my way to the hospital.  The testing started right away.  The hospital staff was so kind to my family and my friend who were so upset.  When the ER doctor came in and told us I had cancer, I remember feeling sorry for the doctor.  He seemed so sad to be telling us that news.  After receiving two units of blood I was transferred to another hospital where I could be treated.

            Valerie called Rev. Tony Clark, who was our former pastor. He came and prayed and anointed me.  I was so glad to see him and I remember thinking "one way or the other I'll be healed."  I knew I was in God's hands.

            The final diagnosis was: diffused large B cell non-Hodgkins lymphoma over the coronary descending arota.  They could not do surgery or radiation.  Chemo was the only option.  My oncologist ordered 6 rounds of chemo - each one three weeks apart.

            The first chemo treatment was done in the hospital.  They started it in the evening, and my daughter Melanie and granddaughter Hayley stayed with me all night.  When I was discharged a few days later, I went to Winter Park to stay with my granddaughter Courtney and her husband.  She is a stay-at-home mom so I was not alone.  The rest of my chemo treatments were done as an outpatient.  I was blessed to have one of my two daughters take me each time.  

            During my stay with Courtney, my friends came to see me when they could, and we would go out to lunch. I was with Courtney six months. It was then that they sold their house, so my daughter Carolyn asked me live with her in Clermont, a town some distance away.  Fortunately, by this time I was able to stay by myself during the day. I was able to take nice walks around the neighborhood.  I also enjoyed reading my Bible and spending time with the Lord. 

            Sadly, the chemo treatments weakened my immune system. Consequently, I got a bad infection - ending up in hospital three times during 2012 with C. diff.  The third time, they let me stay home, and I was given a special medication which was hard to get. The Lord worked things out, and I was so grateful to be able to stay at home!

            Thankfully, by 2013 I was cancer free.  The good Lord answered each prayer that had been said for me. 

            Now that I was living in Clermont, I didn't get to see my friends often.  But the good Lord took care of that, too.  By chance, I discovered an old friend, Marge, was now living a few streets from me.  We had a nice reunion.  I attended Marge's home Bible study every Wednesday and on Tuesdays we went together to another Bible study.  God is good!

            I have favorite Bible verses that I say every day.

            My grace is sufficient for you for my strength is made perfect in weakness.

                        (2 Corin 12:9)

            With God all things are possible.   

                        (Matt 19: 26)

Reciting these gave me the help and comfort I've needed to sustain me during the challenging times I experienced.

            Now here it is 2016, and I'm now living in Maitland in my own apartment and attending church and a Bible study at the Church of the Good Shepherd.  Though I can no longer drive, I am within walking distance of my new church family.  My daughter Carolyn moved from Clermont and is living ten minutes from me.  And my granddaughter Courtney and her family live only a short distance away.  God is the best planner!

In His Light

In His Light

by Joan Schultz

            Have you ever experienced a moment when you felt you were in a special place at a special time that had a divine impact on you?  That kind of experience recently happened to me. 

            I arrived very early for the noontime Ash Wednesday service.  After my husband dropped me off in the parking area, I made my slow journey to the chapel using my walker.  On this day it was cold and windy - no one else was going in my direction yet.  The sun was being reflected off of the big, old refurbished church bell now mounted on the grounds nearby.  Shadows of leaves moved as though they were dancing - also caught my attention.

            Finally I reached my favorite spot along my walk.  It was at the start of the long, wooden ramp leading up to the chapel entrance.  Here, in between the wooden vertical supports for the railing, are wooden slats with cutouts in them which form a cross.  On this particular day and at this particular time the subdued sunlight coming through the overcast clouds was being projected through this cutout of the cross - forming a shadow on the horizontal floorboards of the ramp.  On this day I was going to have to actually step on the reflection of the cross as I made my ascent up the ramp.   Halfway up the ramp there was another such cutout and another shadow of a cross being cast in my path.  I had never experienced stepping on the crosses in the many other times I had made this walk.  This was a special happening. 

            As I continued up the ramp to the entrance I had to make a turn which made me rise above the part of the ramp I had just been on.  When I looked down on the shadows I had just seen, they now were at such angles that they took on the appearance of arrows.  Suddenly I noticed these arrows were pointing towards the two stations of the cross which were mounted outside the ramp on posts.  I was enthralled with the beauty of my surroundings - enjoying the solitude.

             All these visual images were powerful for me.  Shadows, reflections, glimmers of light - no people - only my sensing the strong presence of God.