~ PERSEVERE

If You are Living in Deep Darkness Now....

2010-12-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

...because God is working strangely and mysteriously, don’t be afraid. I’m speaking from my heart today. Someone needs to be encouraged, and I have a scripture for you...
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Book Review by Julie Arduini

2010-10-10T05:33:00.000-07:00

Book Review by Julie the Surrendered Scribe
I recently had the privilege to read Lori Law's first book, A Blessing in the Storm...MD Messed Up My Life and Made Me Whole.

I write that it's her first book because I'm pretty sure it isn't her last. This may be her story, but she writes in such a way you can plug your name in there and any issue or affliction you have or are dealing with and you will walk away encouraged.
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Are You Overcoming Life or is Life Overcoming You?

2010-08-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

Is life overcoming you… or are you overcoming life? That question seemed like a no brain-er to answer ten years ago.

You see, I used to be one of the most conceited, confident, prideful, self-centered girls walking around. Everything was all about me, me and me.
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The Pit

2010-08-31T21:05:00.001-07:00

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out

A SUBJECTIVE person came along and said "I feel for you down there."

An OBJECTIVE person came along and said

"It's logical that someone would fall, down there."
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What would You Do?

2010-08-31T21:04:00.000-07:00

We all make mistakes. But here's one mistake I learned a lesson from...

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Fingerprints of God

2010-08-31T21:02:00.000-07:00

This is an article titled "Fingerprints of God" that I recently wrote to reveal how God has been with me since I was born. It's longer in length than one of my typical posts, but I think it'll be a great read. I'd love to hear what you think!
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To Believe or Not to Believe... atheist view of suffering

2010-08-31T21:00:00.000-07:00

To Believe or Not to Believe by Lori Laws

Writing this article is definitely stepping out of the comfort zone for this Bible-believing, born again Christian. But over and over, I’ve learned that whenever there’s an uncomfortable task or situation…this is God’s way of stretching and growing me.
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A Few Testimonials of my book...

2010-08-31T20:58:00.000-07:00

Read A Few Book Reviews of My Memoir

2010-08-31T20:56:00.000-07:00

My Life with MD: A Love Story by Michael Laws (this is the Foreword of my memoir)

2010-08-31T20:51:00.001-07:00

My Life with MD: A Love Story

by Michael Laws (husband of Lori Laws, who has Muscular Dystrophy)

There was a time when I thought, like everyone else we would get married and get pregnant as soon as possible. But then life happens and you have to make adjustments. That was the plan unbeknownst to Lori, and I couldn’t wait to get started.
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~ Encourage - my story written by Kent Robson

2010-08-31T20:49:00.001-07:00

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Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)

There is a unique culture, a new medium that someone at some time for some reason named the ‘internet’. It is a new way of communicating; a place where you have a voice and your audience is the world. Those Christians who navigate through its maze of opportunities and understand its place can find that the Lord is alive and well on the world-wide web.

In the world of ‘blogging’, there appears to be a mutual respect and deference to anyone who is a member of this internet sub-culture. There are those who may not be Christian or have any of the same beliefs, who become a ‘follower’ of what you do, loyal to the cause, simply because ‘we are all in this together’. This affords a lot of incredible opportunities that are not presented in today’s church or small group or other places where all are of the same mind. It is an open door for sharing how God can truly be alive and truly change lives, in this world we live in.

Lori Laws is one of those bloggers. She has found a voice, a ministry in the fray, encouraging people day by day. She has garnered a following because she is willing to lay it on the line and share intimately about the trials and struggles that have a hold on her life. She is an accomplished cheerleader, seeking the Lord’s guidance on where she should go and who she should encourage. An unlikely ‘minister’, she is someone who may not have known what the word meant a few years ago; or if she did, it may have been met with apathy or contempt. In her own words, “If someone had told me 10 years ago that I would be working for God, I would have said ‘you’re crazy’”. So she’s “crazy”; crazy for the Lord, living this life of insanity every minute of every day.

It took a drastic change in course, a detour that has brought her to this place in her life. In the year 2000, at the age of 30, Lori Laws thought she had complete control of her life. Muscular Dystrophy (MD) stripped it all away.

“I was a self absorbed, overconfident, super snob,” Lori writes. “Image was everything. I was definitely a high maintenance kind of girl, and looking ‘put together’ at all times consumed me. I was a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant girl – and certainly knew it. Self-sufficiency, gaining money, and striving for material things is what was important to me…Everything was about status, prestige, and feeding my huge ego.”

What was once an idyllic life, filled with order and consistency, and a life totally devoid of God, began to unravel into the chaos of chronic fatigue.

At the time, she was unaware that this Mitochondrial Myopathy (a form of MD) lay dormant in her body; like a time bomb ticking away, ready to explode in its due time. Recently married to a wonderful man, her life seemed to have direction and a purpose. She had life ‘by its tail’ and she was doing it her way. Then, like a cobra ready to strike, MD grabbed her life and would not let it go.

What does a ‘control freak’ do when what you are dealing with takes your control away? Having lost control, Lori had moments when she wanted to take her life. The Lord took it instead.

It was MD that literally and figuratively brought Lori to her knees and to a saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

MD is a neuromuscular disease that affects muscle strength, coordination, and balance. In Lori’s case, it mostly affects the lower body and her mobility is limited; her legs, knees, ankles, and toes are very stiff, which makes walking difficult. “I have the balance of a drunken sailor”, she says.

The telltale signs had been there for years, but it is easy to ignore what you do not see. There had been sporadic bouts with clumsiness, burning sensations in her legs and back, and a weakening of her leg muscles. She usually didn’t think anything of it, however. After all, she was too busy living her life.

Then in June, 2000, things started to escalate. She was having an increasingly difficult time keeping her balance. There was an obvious loss of coordination; her legs became heavy and weak and she began having searing pain that would shoot up and down her spine. All of this deterioration occurred in a short period of time.

She was grappling with an unseen force, something that even the doctors initially could not diagnose. The only thing that was completely apparent was that her physical body was no longer her own.

“When a crisis hits, your world is turned upside down,” she writes. “The blinders are on and you can see only two feet in front of you. An all consuming darkness clouds your view. I will always remember the darkness…the hopelessness…the suicidal thoughts. God rescued me in the nick of time.”

It was order that gave her control. She was meticulous with everything; with her appearance, with her home, with her life. When she lost that sense of control, she could no longer rely on her own resources. She realizes now that there was a purpose to this madness, a reason for the pain.

“Ever try to get someone’s attention when they’re preoccupied with something else? What do you do when you have a really important message to convey to someone? What if the message is a matter of life or death? I believe with all my heart that this disease was allowed because it was the only way He could get my attention...

…I was looking for God with all my heart and found Him. I was open to His teaching and He gave me understanding and an abundance of knowledge. The truth of God simply blows me away! That entire time period was such a precious time. My spiritual eyes were beginning to open. I truly understood for the first time, despite what was happening to me, God still loved me! My disease does not change who He is or who I am in Him. I know that He is much greater than my pain.”

And though her body is weak and sick, her soul is alive and well. She understands the needs of others because He is her friend. She can understand others pain because her pain will not end. Because of her struggle, she has taken her eyes off herself and fixed her eyes on Him. And the words of an old hymn rise from the annals of time to resonate and speak to us today:

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on your side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain
Be still, my soul: Thy best, Thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

(written by Katharine von Schlegel (1697-c.1768))

Because of her disease, she has had to be still, and her willingness to bear this pain, and faith that it will somehow lead to a joyful end, has allowed God to be God. And He is neither passive nor silent. He moves, sometimes invisibly, sometimes visibly, to embrace the lives of others, through even the weakest of vessels, like Lori herself, with sometimes astounding clarity.

Before MD, her whole life was about her needs; after MD, the Lord has given her empathy to understand the needs of others.

Four years ago, Lori developed a group called Never Alone, for women who have chronic illness or physical disability. A very intimate group of encouragement and support, this group has provided a much needed spiritual and social avenue for those who are limited like herself.

Though she has been homebound for almost 10 years, she has access to the world. Through her gift of writing and encouragement, she has developed a blog, an internet journal, on the internet. Aptly called ‘Persevere’, its motto is ‘Running the race of Faith’. Her blog has become a forum, a social site, where others can read and respond to the insights that the Lord has given Lori through her writing. Literally, people from all over the globe have read her blog and chosen to ‘run this race’ with her. One reader writes:

“You have proven what a great gift has been given to you, Lori. Sometimes when we suffer the most physically, we are the most blessed spiritually. Thank you for being a blessing and shining the Lord's light through your writing!”

There are still times that she cries because she is still grieving the loss and limitations of this horrible disease. She is experiencing a new normal, with a disease that controls every minute of every hour of every day of her life. It is difficult at best and sometimes seems like a burden that is too heavy to bear.

Yet, for all of us, there is a desire for our life to have meaning, a sense of purpose, a reason why we live the life we live. Even now, Lori’s life is not anything unless she does it to fulfillment. And through it all, the Lord has given her a sense of fulfillment.

Though she has a difficult time walking, let alone running, she holds strong to Acts 20:24, which says, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.”

It’s the burden she carries. It’s the cross she bears. Though pain and strife may haunt us, the Lord is always there.

Be still…when there’s chaos all around you…be still…when you can no longer stand the pain…be still…He’ll run the race beside you…be still…He faithful will remain...He faithful will remain.

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10)

(Knowing Lori’s desire is to encourage others with God’s goodness, I have added some music that hopefully will be encouraging to you. Recently, Lori finished an ebook that is titled ‘A Blessing in the Storm…MD messed up my life and made me whole’. She also has a new blog called Nothing but the Truth. If you would like to communicate with, pray for or support Lori, go to http://lorilaws.com.)

2009©Kent Robson

eSentialz #12

(eSentialz are Inspiring Stories that are posted on jazzed4life eSentialz, a publication of the jazzed4life network, which also includes Christians with Disabilities. If you, a friend or family member have a disability, or you are someone who feels called to encourage those who are overcoming challenges, come and join us @ http://www.christianswithdisabilities.com. We also have a Facebook fan page that shares some amazing stories @ http://www.facebook.com/#/pages/Christians-with-Disabilities-jazzed4life/204863941130?ref=ts.)

A Few Testimonies of My Memoir...

2010-07-26T15:17:00.001-07:00

"Lori, Just finished reading the powerful testimony that God has given you. I read every word from cover to cover and could not put it down. Thank you for your obedience to share- knowing that others will benefit, learn and be drawn to HIM. Being delivered from self is not easy and I cherish you as a Christian mentor and sister in Christ. God has given you much to say and I stand with you in your faithfulness and endurance to run the race. You signed my copy with the scripture Isaiah 26:3. Before I read the book, I meditated on the scripture which turned out to be the theme of your book and so perfect as a signature scripture and reminder to me. You are so right, we take so much for granted in the grind called life that there are times that we are not focused on Him and insensitive. I love your examples of how each time you tried to go off course in your thinking, He was so gracious to draw you back to where you needed to be. Your memoir confirms that God gives us scripture, people, situations, dreams or whatever we need at the moment to keep us plodding along."

"Your book speaks about overcoming obstacles. It speaks about struggles through adversity as well as perseverance, sensitivity as well as insensitivity, pain and suffering, hope and faith. Ultimately, it speaks of your personal affirmations of God’s unconditional love!"

"I just finished reading A Blessing in the Storm The book is amazing!You share your experiences with such honestly and clarity.
The book congers up so many emotions. I smiled many times, both physically and spiritually, while reading. I have also found myself fighting to hold back tears as I have read portions that speak so honestly and specifically to the pain and questions that I am experiencing. While we suffer from very different neuromuscular disorders,. I can relate to so much of what you have written.
I commented previously that this book would be a quick read. I was wrong!I will have to read the book again to truly digest all of its content. I am not one to mark up good books, but with this one I will have to make an exception, or buy another copy for the purpose of highlighting and making notes.
The truths you have shared are not all easy to accept, but they are truly timeless. I thank God for each one. He is clearly working mightily within you. I thank Him for the example that you are setting for the watching world. I desire the same faith and clarity of propose that you exhibit in my own life."

Hi Lori! Through your blog and your book I have realized that a huge factor that's been lacking in my walk with God is finding comfort in His word - I thank you for your insight and encouragement. So far I feel like your book cuts right to the chase with how God feels about things, and that is not something I'm used to. I'm used to stepping around God's truth with our feelings...... and not really relying on Him but on our own perception of Him.

I finished your book last Monday. Wow what a great read!! It was very inspiring and uplifting and so positive. I am praying and giving my worries to God. I am excited as Real Life church is coming to my area. I am jumping on the God wagon AGAIN lol......
I want to read your book again, I need to go back and highlight all the great scripture and positive sayings. I will surely be posting sticky notes of inspiration on my mirors and etc.... I am going to buy two more books to share with family... Thank you so much for writing your book. I feel as though I know you personally because of your personal stories . You are an amazing strong person and I look up to you. Hope we can keep in touch forever.

"So Encouraging!"

"Praise the Lord for God's infinite Grace! What a wonderful story of God's unchanging and unconditional love. Tears came to my eyes as I read your story Lori and I am proud to be called your sister in the Lord. One day you will DANCE on streets of gold."

"My insights on Lori's testimony and message cannot do them justice. I encourage you to see what God has in it for you."

"Lori is genuine, honest, purposeful and direct with her memoir. It’s filled with day-to-day stories and experiences that have carved her into a beautiful woman of God, one who is still learning how to lean and showing others how to do so right alongside her."

Locusts Invade Like an Army...

2010-03-26T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Lord says, “I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you.” Joel 2: 25

Restoration! Restoration! Who doesn’t love the word restoration? We all long for some type of restoration. But take notice of the last sentence… God says that it was He who sent this destruction… it was HE! I intentionally picked out these verses because today I want to address something some so desperately need to hear, either to help them make sense of what’s happening—especially in times of great adversity, or to just simply proclaim truth…

You’ve tried every way that you possibly can to get yourself out of the situation or circumstance you’re in, and nothing seems to work —nothing! You feel trapped. You may feel lonely, angry, suicidal, depressed, confused, etc. I know that your emotions are all over the map because mine were too! I know I’m talking to somebody… You’re suffering is not in vain! You may be asking “Why me? Why this? Why now?” There are a million questions you could be asking. I can only speak from experience. My illness caused me to start asking questions, and those questions led me straight to Jesus. I wanted to hear what God had to say about what was happening to me. So I read the Bible cover to cover in search of getting answers. Of course only God entirely knows the reason, but the Bible does give us some clues as to why adverse things happen, and I’ll share some of these verses I’ve found that helped me wrap my head around the “Why’s”…

· “But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves by selling me to this place. God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. It was God who sent me here, not you!” Genesis 45: 5, 7-8

· Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.” So Moses put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out again, his hand was white as snow with a severe skin disease. “Now put your hand back in your cloak,” the Lord said. So Moses put his hand back in, and when he took it out again, it was as healthy as the rest of his body. Exodus 4: 6-7

· Then the Lord’s heavy hand struck the people of Ashdod and the nearby villages with a plague of tumors, and there was a great panic. 1 Samuel 5: 6

The book of Job brings me much comfort:

· “For though he wounds, he also bandages. He strikes, but his hands also heal.” Job 5: 18

· “God has blocked my way so I cannot move. He has plunged my path into darkness.” Job 19: 8

· “Be on guard! Turn back from evil, for God sent this suffering to keep you from a life of evil.” Job 36:21

· “But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.” Job 36; 14-15

· “He makes things happen either to punish people or to show his unfailing love.” Job 37: 1

· “My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.” Psalm 119: 71

· “He has sent fire from heaven that burns in my bones. He has placed a trap in my path and turned me back.” Lamentations 1: 13

· “He has destroyed her palaces and demolished her fortresses. He has brought unending sorrow and tears upon beautiful Jerusalem.” Lamentations 2: 5

And these are the words I memorized, meditate upon, and recite back to God:

· “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss. Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The unfailing love of the Lord never ends! Because of his mercies we are kept from complete destruction. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies are new every day. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!” Lamentations 3: 20-24

· “Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow.” Lamentations 3: 32-33

· “Who can command things to happen without the Lord’s permission? Does not the Most High send calamity and good?” Lamentations 3: 37-38

· “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” John 9: 1-3

· “Instead, God chose things the world considers powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important.” 1 Corinthians 1: 27-28

And there are many more… Dear friend, if you’re struggling with the “Why’s,” let me encourage you to read I Believe Many Need to Hear This. When you are at your wit's end, only hanging on by a thread... this is the time God pours out Words of Life. And that's exactly what these words are.

My Memoir... Some Reviews / Read about the book

2010-02-10T11:01:00.000-08:00

4 Book Reviews for “A Blessing in the Storm… Muscular Dystrophy messed up my life and made me whole"

~ Review from Lauralee at SELAH – PAUSE. PONDER. PRAISE

Blessing in the Storm…MD messed up my life and made me whole by Lori Laws has been on my mind to read for quite some time. The moment I saw it had been published as an e-book, I purchased it. Life got in the way, though, and I had not been able to get past the title page.

This weekend, a stormy weekend oddly enough, I had some down time and was determined that this would be my opportunity to start it. Start it? I couldn’t put it down (yes, I printed it out). I finished it. It’s that gripping.

Lori’s memoir, underneath the surface, is not really about her struggle with Muscular Dystrophy, though it is the catalyst for every message in it. It’s mostly about her plight spiritually. She writes in her introduction: “This book is for anyone who is suffering with anything.” I whole-heartedly agree.

Ever wrestled with pride? Self-righteousness? Unbelief? Vanity?

Have you ever enjoyed a destructive lifestyle?

Do you suffer with chronic pain of any kind, whether it be physical or emotional?

Do you have guilt or dysfunction from your past that clutters your heart and mind?

Have you given in to your circumstances or allowed them to identify you?

Are you convinced that God doesn’t listen or doesn’t know what He’s doing?

Do you have a hope unfulfilled?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then Lori’s e-book will encourage you more than you could ever imagine. The instant I read the foreword written by Lori’s husband, I knew that this would not be a book of pat answers for someone struggling with disease. Rather an authentic testimony of hope found amidst the struggle.
And Hope is the paper this story was written on…

Lori is genuine, honest, purposeful and direct with her memoir. It’s filled with day-to-day stories and experiences that have carved her into a beautiful woman of God, one who is still learning how to lean and showing others how to do so right alongside her. Lori writes, “Remember that nothing ahead of you is bigger or stronger than the power of God behind you.” That God-power is what has made her God-strong even with a disease that has the potential to leave her feeling powerless and weak.

My insights on Lori’s testimony and message cannot do them justice. I encourage you to see what God has in it for you. Even if you are not a believer in the God of all hope and comfort, I encourage you to read her story. If you are someone who thinks you have it all together, there could be a jewel in it for you too. If you find yourself not knowing what to say to a friend who is struggling, or if you are a spouse or relative to someone with chronic pain or illness, Lori’s book has the potential to lead your heart to greater insight and perspective regarding these relationships.

Though a Kleenex or two is needed along the way, she will lead you to a place of Hope if you are willing to stop there. She will show you the place where, in her words, “God saw me, and in His great mercy saved me and brought the sweetest peace.”

~ Review from Valerie from SIMPLY 4 GOD

God is truly awesome! I was asked by my good friend, Lori Laws author of Persevere, to write a review of her new book entitled, "A Blessing in the Storm-MD Mess Up My Life and Made Me Whole." I love Lori so much as she is such an inspiration to me and I immediately said, "Yes! I would love to!" Then I began thinking, "Valerie you have never in your life written a book review! What in the world were you thinking?" Well, I did the only thing I could do and that was seek the advice of the One on High: GOD. So, I talked to Him about what I should say in this review and how I should write it since I was clueless. What He laid on my heart was simple, write what is on your heart. So, my friends, here is my review of Lori's book. Lori has a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. Before being afflicted with this disease, she was a woman who was on top of the world and enjoyed life to the fullest. Then, she was struck down with this rare disease which drastically affected and changed her life. When I first read the title, I thought "how could MD make some one's life whole?" Of course this got my curiosity peeked. I began to read her book. I could not stop! I could not wait to get to the end of the book! Yes, my friends it is that awesome, amazing, fantastic, inspiring and full, I mean full of hope, love and faith. Of course she goes through the emotional phases of denial, hate, bitterness, anger, fear and loss of hope. But, the more you read the more you see how God truly worked within her life! What was meant to destroy Lori only made her stronger! She says these words,
"through circumstances I had no control over, I have turned to Him. We all have things in lives which are beyond our control or things that seem insurmountable and hopeless. I stand here today only by the grace of God, and can say that I am able to look beyond the pain and see that it was a severe mercy!"

The foreword her husband wrote simply took my breath away. His love for her can be felt through his words. As with all newly married couples, you want to start a family. When they found out about Lori having MD he wrote these words which brought me to tears, "the reality that unfolded now is focused on Lori's survival and not my wishes." He also goes on to say, "Lori is my life, and I am here to stay no matter what." Oh how I cried tears on that! Lord knows I could write and write about Lori's book, but I don't want to give away anymore than I already have. I highly recommend that everyone read this book. Anyone who is suffering from abuse, hardships, pains, disease and those who are not suffering at all should read this inspiring and encouraging book. This book is full of hope. This book is how God can take your mess and turn it into a blessing. This book offers encouragement. This book let's one know that:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Lori's awesome book takes you from not having hope to hope. From not trusting in God to trusting in God. From leaning on your own understanding, to leaning on God's understanding. This book is simply a must read and I don't say this because she is my friend, I say this because her book is simply THAT GOOD! You can read more about Lori and her book here: A Blessing in the Storm. Trust me; you will want to purchase the E-book. It will bring hope back into your life. Grace and Peace

~ Review from Lauren at SEED THOUGHTS

Once again, I am delighted to do a book review for a book that was written by a friend of mine, Lori Laws, author of the blog Persevere. This book of hers, A Blessing in the Storm, is her story. Lori is an amazing woman of God, but like many of us, she didn’t start out that way. When Lori was 30 years old, shortly after getting married, her body started to give her problems. Major problems. In time, she learned that she had a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy. This awful, progressive disease was her greatest curse. And, as it turned out, it was also her greatest blessing.

Lori freely shares what her life was like before this disease struck her. She was beautiful, confident, active, self-reliant, and . . . full of pride. When this disease struck her, all of the things she thought were important were stripped away, and what she found was Jesus, her Lord and Savior. In the midst of the most severe storm of her life, she found her Life-Giver. Through her brokenness, Lori sought out the Lord. In return, she gained her life, patience, empathy, compassion, and yes, also humility. She also found her purpose – to persevere, share God’s Word, encourage, and point others to the cross. She has touched many lives for Christ, and has only just begun.

A Blessing in the Storm is a wonderful book for anyone. Truly it will speak to the heart of the person who is afflicted with disease, or a person who loves someone who is. It will also speak to the heart of the person who doesn’t know exactly how to act or speak around someone with a disability. Lori has experienced the deepest of valleys and the highest of mountains, and she shares her journey with an honesty that is refreshing.

At this point, A Blessing in the Storm is available in ebook form only. It is well worth the read. It will bless you and remind you of two things: First, God is with you always, He will never leave you nor forsake you, and His plan and purpose for you is much bigger and better than what you’ve ever thought of for yourself. Second, the trials you go through, whatever they are, will purify you, make you a better person, and draw you closer to the One who created you, if you allow them to. Please, visit Lori at her blog and purchase her book, either for yourself or for someone else. You will be blessed by it.

~ Review from Diane at STEPPING INTO THE LIGHT

Just before ending her first book with a love letter to God, Lori Laws says, "My advice is to dwell on what you do have instead of stressing out over what you lost or don't have. Dwelling on the former makes blessing comes and life flourish. But dwelling on the latter brings bitterness, disappointment and death."
Although she has a debilitating and painful disease, Lori is flourishing.
Her book A Blessing in the Storm, will bless everyone who reads it, especially those who keep their hearts open to God's good. Those who are struggling with any affliction--physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual--will rejoice upon reading what radical change for the good God has created in Lori's life through and in spite of her illness. Those who are well will realize more than ever just how precious it is to know Christ as both Savior and friend.
God did not give Lori the disease that twists and tightens her body into painful positions, but thankfully God can use any situation to bring about positive change in any one of us.
Lori effectively and joyfully tells the story of how God changed her from a spoiled "princess" into a woman living to serve King Jesus. To read A Blessing in the Storm is like reading letters from a friend.
Once you read A Blessing in the Storm, you'll want to follow Lori's continuing story through her blog, fittingly called Persevere.
You can purchase A Blessing in the Storm as an ebook through Lori's website. Lori explains how sometimes God doesn't calm the storm, but He comforts His child instead.
Even though I knew already, A Blessing in the Storm helped me see once again that God is always in the blessing business, no matter what one's situation appears to be. Read Lori's book and be blessed.

*** Also,an informative site for my memoir... http://www.wix.com/LoriLaws/A-Blessing-in-the-Storm

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Two excerpts: The First from Chapter One, and the Second from Chapter Six

2009-12-10T21:50:00.000-08:00

Chapter 1- A Merciful Awakening

Reflecting on my past, I was figuratively living in the Ancient City of Babylon. I certainly had the Babylonian mentality, which is a mentality saying, “I am the only one, and nothing else matters” - “I am the most exciting thing there is”. Once I explain the kind of person I used to be, I think you’ll be able to understand. So here goes…

I was a self absorbed, overconfident, super snob. Image was everything. I was definitely a high maintenance kind of girl, and looking “put together” at all times consumed me. I was a beautiful, healthy, and vibrant girl – and certainly knew it. Self-sufficiency, gaining money, and striving for material things is what was important to me. I was out to live the glamorous life! Self-esteem or self-confidence problems were never an issue. It was all about being independent; being in charge of my own destiny. People had to live up to my expectations, and anything else was unacceptable. Being self-centered and focusing on my strengths and accomplishments was what my life was all about.

My physical appearance was what I obsessed about; my hair had to look great, my makeup had to be impeccable, and my nails had to be perfectly manicured and polished at all times. Everything was about Me, Me, and Me. I elevated myself on a pedestal; in my mind, I was better than others. There was so much value put on material things, I was fanatical about buying new clothes; it was nothing to go shopping and drop a couple hundred dollars because I wanted to be seen in a different outfit every time I went out. I had to have nice things. Everything in my life was all about status, prestige, and feeding my huge ego. I was conceited, and appearances meant everything to me.

Do you remember two songs from back in the eighties titled, THE GLAMOROUS LIFE by Sheila E., and MATERIAL GIRL by Madonna? Well, they were my theme songs. If you really listen, the lyrics say it all.

My favorite activity was partying. I thought I was the ultimate party girl, and was a regular at many of the local nightclubs. I loved going out and being seen. I knew I was one of the beautiful people– and made sure everyone else knew it as well. It was all about flirting, and thinking I was the best thing since sliced bread. Dancing was my passion. I was good, but also convinced I was one of the best, like maybe Paula Abdul and I were in the same league! As a matter of fact, I was 100% confident I could have been one of The Fly Girls on the TV show “In Living Color”. “After all, I reasoned, “They were pretty like me and I could dance as good as them.” I used to be the girl who would never pay her own way. Cover charges and drinks were always paid for.

I loved getting drunk - really drunk; drinking to the point of losing my coordination, stumbling, and tripping over my own two feet. Now I understand why I got drunk and goofy so fast; it was because the alcohol intensified the Muscular Dystrophy that was dormant in my body at that time. My friends called me a “lightweight,” and said that I couldn’t handle my liquor. We all just laughed and thought nothing of it. It was just a big joke.

Want to hear something crazy? After the clubs and bars were closed, my friends and I usually went out for breakfast. Turns out, the empty lot across the street where we parked and stumbled out of our cars to go to the diner, is now my church parking lot!

I remember being in one of my first apartments and looking around at all the “stuff” I had. I arrogantly said out loud, “Look at all the great things I’ve been able to get by MY OWN POWER.” (Nice furniture, great apartment, beautiful clothes). After all, “I deserve it, I’m worth it, and I’ve worked hard.” The Bible warns us about pride – thinking we are better than others; thinking we are invincible and not able to fall. God hates pride, and won’t hesitate to let the prideful fall, but He loves to lift up the humble. Here are three scriptures that are relevant to this scenario:

“God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6)

“Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and glorify and honor the King of Heaven. All His acts are just and true, and He is able to humble the proud.” (Daniel 4:37)

“You felt secure in your wickedness, ‘No one sees me’, you said. But your wisdom and knowledge have led you astray, and you said, ‘I am the only one and there is no other.” (Isaiah 47: 10 - God predicted the fall of Babylon)

I was a runner. Let me clarify; one consistent thing in my life was that I always ran from bad situations. If I didn’t like something or if it was problematic, I was out of there. This was true of jobs that I was always quitting, running away from bad relationships…etc. You name it, if it was uncomfortable, I ran from it. It didn’t matter where I ran, it always seemed that the same problems followed me; maybe dressed in a different package, but nevertheless, the same problem. It didn’t matter how far I ran (once moving 3000 miles to California), the same thing I was running from greeted me at the front door of my new destination. But my running days would soon be over… I have since learned that running from your problems doesn’t solve anything.

A few years later in my mid to late twenties, things seemed to be going great. I became more smug and self-satisfied. Life was good. I was making good money, living very comfortably, and had collected a lot of “stuff." Still being very snobby and self absorbed, the world was pretty much revolving around me.

In December 1999, a new chapter opened in my life; I got married! By now I was 30, and life was progressing nicely according to my plans and schedule. Our lives seemed so carefree when my husband and I were dating. We both loved to go dancing. We loved doing almost everything together. Being so wrapped up in my self image, I remember telling my husband that no matter what, I was always going to look good and would always take the necessary time to look my best. I told him that he “had better get used” to waiting. I was living a fairy tale, and expected nothing less than to live happily ever after.

***

Then in June 2000, it happened. Crazy things were happening to my body, things like: not being able to keep my balance, loss of coordination, leg heaviness and weakness, shooting pains up and down my spine. I needed to walk with a cane to prevent myself from walking into things. My knees would lock. My leg muscles, (especially the muscles surrounding my knees) were rigid and wouldn’t bend. I walked like Frankenstein.

Can I express to you how humiliated I was? I was mortified! I was so scared! A simple thing like walking was now almost impossible! The world I knew - my world - was falling apart, and there was absolutely nothing I could do! My physical body used to be beautiful, but now it was broken and ugly. Here I was judging on appearances, and now my own appearance was horrible! I was really depressed - really, really depressed. Things absolutely looked hopeless! I wanted to crawl under a rock, and die. I found myself “trapped,” with no way out. I had to quit my job because I couldn’t physically handle it anymore. I had to go on permanent disability. It seemed like any desires and dreams I had for the future – were now dead. Everything was falling apart at the seams. It was a huge pill, and it was very hard to swallow!

The Muscular Dystrophy I have is hereditary. This disease has been dormant in my body up until about ten years ago. I was able to run, skip, dance - do everything considered physically normal. Looking back, there were red flags (clumsiness, dragging of my feet, burning sensations in my legs and back, and weak leg muscles), but I could still function as if nothing were going on with my body. I was pretending, and was in a major stage of denial. When this disease initially manifested itself in 2000, I had no clue as to what was happening to my body; so you can imagine the stress, fear, and hopelessness gripping my heart. This is a progressive disease, and the way it affects people is different. It’s impossible to medically predict what the future holds. Something I didn’t know, and you probably didn’t either; Muscular Dystrophy is a general name for a myriad of neuromuscular disorders. There are many Muscular Dystrophies, (more than two dozen). Currently, there is no medical cure. MD is rare, but millions are affected.

Every step I took was and still is a huge effort. The heaviness in my legs feels as if buckets of cement are on my feet. My balance feels like I am walking on stilts. I was a control freak, and I had no control over what was happening! And being out of control is the worst thing that can happen to a control freak!

***

“But then I will win her back once again, I will lead her into the desert and speak tenderly to her and transform the Valley of Trouble into a gateway of hope. She will give herself to me there…” (Hosea 2:14-15)

After the Exodus out of Egypt, God led the Israelites into the wilderness for forty years, where He taught them obedience and dependence on Him. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, I believe that God had planned this transformation for me long ago. The first thing He did, which was not pleasant, was to take me out of my Egypt; my environment, my comfort zone, my perception of the perfect world - a separation from my old life. He took me into the wilderness. I wasn’t kidding before when I told you that my running days would soon be over. There was no way I could run now. I was alone with God, forced entirely to depend on Him, and I learned how to accept help from others. God changes us in the wilderness. He removes things that prevent us from fulfilling our purpose. We can only fulfill our purpose by spending this time of preparation in the desert. This is where our true character is revealed, and we find out what is really in our hearts. He had to erase my way of thinking and replace it with His way of thinking. My spiritual eyes were starting to open. God knows our need for a wilderness experience, and He knows exactly how to produce in us the qualities He desires for us to have. One of the hardest lessons to learn is that God is sovereign and above all things. As our Creator, He knows what will get our attention.

Excerpt from Chapter Six - Hope is Alive!

I would like to make an appeal to anyone who's hurting... it may be your health, a bad relationship, financial heartache, loss of a loved one, emotional turmoil, or whatever tragedy happens to be knocking at your door. This is directly from my heart to yours:

No matter how hopeless your situation appears... It may look like there's no way you are going to make it...Your situation may be screaming at you to give up...There's no logical sense to be made. Your future may look bleak and barren because your present is so bitter. I understand how it is to feel like you've had the wind knocked out of you. I understand what it's like to be depressed. I understand how it feels when life seems awful and hopeless. Just look up! Change begins with making a choice. If you trust God to reshape you and get rid of the things holding you back, you'll discover He will use the very thing getting under your skin to move you from the ordinary to the extraordinary! I'm living proof that you will see His power move in your life like never before! You cannot walk in victory on your own. A friend of mine put it this way... He will take your mess and make it a message! With God's help, I know you can turn your misery into a ministry.

Through years struggling with this disease, I've learned that if you put your hope in this world; there is none. From my story I truly hope that you "get it" and start taking your eyes off your circumstances and put them on God. The intimacy you'll have with the Creator of the Universe is so worth it. It's easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed when all you see are problems. Tell your problems how big God is, not vice versa. When you put your focus on God, a new perspective starts to begin. Any situation can be turned around for good. I can confidently tell you, that turning your face towards God is all the effort He will ever need from you to start moving in your life.

"We know that ALL things work together for the GOOD of those who love God and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

I specifically want to reach out to those of you who are discouraged or deeply grief stricken...hopelessness may be gripping your heart. You may feel that suicide is the only way to get relief. Satan is the father of lies! He wants to kill and destroy you! He's the one whispering those not-so-sweet nothings in your ear.

Also, here is an excerpt from Volume Two... http://www.lorilaws.com/2011/01/volume-two-is-ready-to-download.html

Back to the books website... http://www.wix.com/LoriLaws/Lori-Laws-Memoir

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About the Book

2009-12-10T15:58:00.000-08:00

Everyone has a story. This is mine. Everything in my world was great. It seemed as though the world was at my feet. But there was a merciless invader called Muscular Dystrophy that suddenly took over my life. I initially thought God had forgotten about me, or I thought maybe he was punishing me for the bad things I had done in my life? But I came to realize that what I viewed as a crisis...has actually been a catalyst for an encounter with the Living God... And my life now is a much better place!

This book is a memoir of radical change. You will learn all about the hopeless broken girl I used to be. It's out of that brokenness you will meet the woman I was destined to become.

I was rescued out of emotional bondage! It's incredible to realize I have been prepared for what I need to communicate to others through all of life's good, bad, and ugly experiences. It's a story about learning to make lemonade out of life's lemons. So take a journey with me and discover hope!

2009-12-09T20:53:00.001-08:00

About Me

2009-12-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

Jesus is the love of my life, and I'm all about proclaiming His goodness! Most importantly, I'm here to share the Good News! I am running the race of faith in the midst of my daily struggles with a Muscle Disease. Why don't you run the race with me?

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What Would You do?

2009-12-09T13:17:00.000-08:00

We all make mistakes. But here's one mistake I learned a lesson from...

I was a new born again follower of Jesus Christ, and I made the mistake of thinking everyone in church was like me. Well that sounded really arrogant--I mean, I'm not saying that I'm perfect, but I do know right from wrong. There was a woman I met at one of the first small group Bible studies I attended, affiliated with my church. We quickly became friends; having lunch together, and we even joined a weight loss program together. One day she had opened up, and started telling me things that were going on in her life, very serious things. I found it very hard to believe that she didn't understand how serious things really were. She was so blind to something that was so obviously wrong. Sometimes when we're in the middle of something, we don't see so good. It was crystal clear to me, that she was having an affair on her husband. Of course I knew adultery is a blatant sin. Knowing this about my friend made my spirit uneasy, and I wrestled with what I should do. Should I be silent, and just let it go unnoticed? Should I address this whole situation? I knew something had to be said, but what? I absolutely knew that God had the answer, so I went straight to Him...

I prayed for guidance, even went to the computer and did a search for "exposing adultery." Amazingly, the search resulted in exactly what I needed. I'll explain--I ended up reading about Disorder in the Church, and how Paul condemned spiritual pride in chapter five of 1st Corinthians. Paul told the Church of Corinth that any sins that are left unchecked or ignored can infect and paralyze a church. In other words, poison spreads; one bad apple spoils the whole bunch. The Corinthian believers were ignoring a grave sin. One of the men, who was a member of the church, was having an affair with his father's wife. Paul says it is the church's responsibility to discipline flagrant sin among it's members. "Flagrant" means obvious, outrageous, and disgraceful. Paul instructed the Corinthians to even go as far as excluding him from fellowship, in the hopes of motivating him to repentance. Depending on if he does repents and turns away from his sin, they should then return him to fellowship with the church. Paul isn't saying we're expected to be sinless. However, those who deliberately sin can jeopardize the spiritual health of a church. As followers of Christ, our role in the church is to help exhort or instruct those who are sinning, to repent and turn away from their sin.

Feeling very optimistic, I just knew that if I followed this council...my friend would respond like the loving Christian she portrayed herself to be. I sent my friend what I thought was a loving email confronting her sin. It didn't take her long to respond. I was wrong about the loving, Christian response thing. It wasn't pretty. She went ballistic! She replied back to me with an extremely defensive and hurtful email. She sounded furious! I was sarcastically accused of being a "perfect" Christian, and "How dare I" judge her? I would be judged by the measure I was judging her! Ever talk to someone who takes the Bible out of context, and twists scripture to suit them? She also told me that I needed Christian counseling!

I was taken aback by her accusations, so I went back to the Bible and reread 1 Corinthians chapter five. It just amazes me that when God wants to get a message across, nothing can stop it from coming! I was rethinking this whole thing, and considering that maybe I had no right to say what I said. Maybe she was right. Maybe I was judging her? Upon reading what was in the Bible, verse 12 seemed to put an end to all of the second-guessing going on in my mind; that scripture verse says,

"It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the scriptures say, 'You must remove the evil person from among you."

That was exactly what I needed to hear! I took that scripture to heart, and it made me certain that I did the right thing. Paul says that I have no right to judge people on the street, but people who proclaim to be Christians are a different story. So this supposed "friend" of mine arranged a meeting with the elders of the church. She was certain that I overstepped boundaries. She was convinced that I was in the wrong, and wanted vindication.

So we both showed up at what looked like the church's version of "People's Court." She told her side of the argument, but I was on God's side. The Word of God was applied to the situation, and the elders pointed out that I was following scripture. But she refused to even acknowledge that her actions were in opposition to what God says in His Word. Ultimately, the Word prevailed. It always does! I was exonerated. She stormed out of the building. I don't see her anymore at church. I truly wanted to be her friend. Through this experience, I've learned that speaking the truth in love isn't always easy or convenient, but it's necessary if we want to be followers of Christ.

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My Email

2009-12-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

feel free to contact me at lorilaws1@gmail.com

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Videos and Music

2009-12-08T21:01:00.000-08:00

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Purchase Now!

2009-12-08T18:48:00.000-08:00

Click on Amazon.com to buy

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Testimonials for "A Blessing in the Storm..."

2009-12-08T18:19:00.000-08:00

"Praise the Lord for God's infinite Grace! What a wonderful story of God's unchanging and unconditional love. Tears came to my eyes as I read your story Lori and I am proud to be called your sister in the Lord. One day you will DANCE on streets of gold."

"Wow Lori! What a beautiful, awesome and powerful testimony of your life! You my sister have been destined from birth to be used by God! Continue in the plans God has for you life! Wow, I got chills just reading your testimony which is exactly what it is! I bless the day you were born my friend. I bless the day God allowed our paths to cross. I love you so very much my friend!"

"Encouraging!"

"My insights on Lori's testimony and message cannot do them justice. I encourage you to see what God has in it for you. Even if you are not a believer in the God of all hope and comfort, I encourage you to read her story. If you are someone who thinks you have it all together, there could be a jewel in it for you too."

"Your book speaks about overcoming obstacles. It speaks about struggles through adversity as well as perseverance, sensitivity as well as insensitivity, pain and suffering, hope and faith. Ultimately, it speaks of your personal affirmations of God’s unconditional love!"

"I genuinely believe that regardless of whether ones limitations are in fact, physical, or emotional, everyone should read this AMAZING book, which inspires us to find Gods purpose in our lives."

Lori is genuine, honest, purposeful and direct with her memoir. It’s filled with day-to-day stories and experiences that have carved her into a beautiful woman of God, one who is still learning how to lean and showing others how to do so right alongside her."

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2009-10-14T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Pit...

2009-10-05T20:09:00.000-07:00

A man fell into a pit and couldn't get himself out
a SUBJECTIVE person came along and said "I feel for you down there."

an OBJECTIVE person came along and said
"It's logical that someone would fall, down there."

a Christian Scientist came along: "You only think you are in a pit."

a PHARISEE said "Only bad people fall into a pit."

a MATHEMATICIAN calculated how he fell into the pit.

a NEWS REPORTER wanted an exclusive story on his pit.

a FUNDLEMENTIST said, "you DESERVE your pit."

CONFUCIUS SAID, " if you would have listened to me, you would not be in that pit."

BUDDHA said "Your pit is only a state of mind."

a REALIST said; "That's a pit."

a SCIENTEST calulated the pressure necessary (lbs./per sq inch) to get him
out of the pit.

a GEOLOGIST told him to appreciate the rock strata in the pit. . . .
an EVOLUTIONIST said: "You are a rejected
mutant destined to be removed from the
evolutionary cycle." In other words he is going to DIE in the pit, so that he can not produce any
"pitfalling" offspring.

The COUNTY INSPECTOR asked if he had a permit to dig a pit.

A PROFESSOR gave him a lecture on:
"The Elementary Principles of the pit."

An EVASIVE PERSON came along and avoided
the subject of his pit altogether.

A SELF-PITYING person said:
"You haven't seen anything til you have seen MY PIT."

A CHARISMATIC said: "Just confess that you are not in a pit."

An OPTIMIST said: "Things could be worse."

A PESSIMIST said: "Things will get worse!!"

JESUS seeing the man, took him by the hand, and LIFTED HIM OUT of the pit.

Psalm 40:1-2 I waited patiently for the LORD: He turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

Is life overcoming you…or are you overcoming life? That question seemed like a no brain-er to answer eight years ago.

You see, I used to be one of the most conceited, confident, prideful, self-centered girls walking around. Everything was all about me, me and me. I knew I was one of the "beautiful" people, and was convinced the earth revolved around me. My physical image and the material things I accumulated were the means I used to measure my value and identity. I elevated myself on a pedestal, and just knew I was the best thing since sliced bread. In my warped mind, I was better than most people and just knew everyone was jealous of me. So yes … you can say I thought I was overcoming life with no problems. But I would soon find out how clearly shallow my perspective on life was...

It was a merciful awakening! It was a severe mercy! But it most definitely was not either one of those things to me when the crisis hit. It seemed like everything that was valuable to me was falling apart. It felt like the end, and I can honestly say I hated the world! "What did I do to deserve this?" "Why me?" Again...everything was "me" focused. "God, why are you picking on me?" ... that's ironic, because before all of this happened, God was not a part of My life.

I was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease (Muscular Dystrophy), which severely limits me physically. It's crazy, I used to worship my body ... my self worth was based on physical appearance. Wrapped in the most horrific packaging, was the most precious gift of all. What I viewed as a crisis has been a catalyst for an encounter with the Living God.

Even though I am ambulatory, I am pretty much confined to being home on Disability. I no longer have to be a part of the rat race we call the workforce. God has given me the gift of time, and has allowed me to draw close to Him, learn from Him, love Him, and be loved by Him. It's as though a veil was lifted from my eyes. Now I can see so much clearer, and I have an entirely new perspective on life. Things have radically changed ... what used to be important to me is now of little significance, and vice versa. I can now emphasize with others who are hurting and suffering, not just pity them like I did before. I can see God work through this illness by giving me the privilege of comforting others, only because of the comfort He has given me. I know now that God isn't a respecter of persons. I guess the overwhelming thing for me is...what really blows my mind...is that God loved me so much, He wouldn't let me continue on the path I was on. He allowed this to happen because He knew it would be the only way to get my attention...the only way I could pass from the world of darkness into glorious light.

It's frustrating beyond belief having this muscle disease, and I feel like I am a prisoner in my own body. It means everything to me to know that I have a Savior who lives. It helps to know that Jesus was a Man of Sorrows, and he understands what it's like to be one of us with all of this craziness happening to our bodies (and the sickness in our souls). He learned obedience from His suffering. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that God has a great plan for us, and we need (I need) to meditate on Romans 8:28..."God works ALL things out for the good of those that love Him and who are called according to His purpose." God says ALL things, not some things.

I'm human, and still struggle, but so confident when I say...yes, it's only because of God I am overcoming life!

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JESUS CHRIST

2009-08-28T12:51:00.001-07:00

jesus

2009-08-28T12:25:00.003-07:00

jgfjgfjg

2009-08-28T12:25:00.001-07:00

fhghgf

2009-08-28T12:24:00.001-07:00

kjhjhuguyg

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

2009-08-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll

Jesus

2009-08-28T12:20:00.001-07:00

Jesus loves you:)

Prophetic Word

2008-05-30T13:14:00.000-07:00

My child, know who you are. Know who I am in your life. Until you are thus armed you will be so vulnerable to temptation and fear. Satan will enslave you with his accusations and lies. He will entrap you into your wants which are never ending and keep you helplessly dependant on worldly things, people, and false security. He will keep you down: keep you anxious and fearful. You will dread early mornings and hate the long nights. You will have no rest from your worries. Tis his stock in trade to keep you so bemused, so fretful that you cannot hear Me when I call to you. He would have you chase around in frenzied circles, too busy seeking worldly comfort for your pain, blinding you to my truth. Listen to Me beloved. HARKEN to what I say: Learn My truth, memorize it. By my cross you have the victory. Death has no power over you, why fear it? By My stripes, by My name you are healed of your infirmities, why suffer them? By My truth and your acceptance of it, you are SAVED. Nothing has power to make you anxious if you believe and accept my promises. Come, turn to Me child Put your trust only in Me. I will show you the way. I will lead you through this life in My perfect peace; though you will have troubles, you will not be defeated. You will be an overcomer. As you call on My name, I will ALWAYS make a way for you. I will care for you as you believe I can. Trust me beloved, my love for you is great. To you who honor Me, to you who acknowledge My name, I will be ever beside you in your distress. I will deliver you from the enemy, all that distracts you from me. Know child that I AM faithfulness. There is no faithfulness like mine, anywhere in the earth. I reward your trust by making you an overcomer of all enemies that would assail you. To you who trust in me, I promise I will never fail you. I will shade you from the hottest noontime sun; I will quench your desert thirst, soothe your tired nerves, comfort your sobbing heart. None other can heal your ills, shield you from your foes, draw you away from all evil, and keep your feet on a sure path to me. None other except ME.

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Is life overcoming you…or are you overcoming life?

2008-05-30T13:09:00.000-07:00

Is life overcoming you…or are you overcoming life? That question seemed like a no brain-er to answer eight years ago.

You see, I used to be one of the most conceited, confident, prideful, self-centered girls walking around. Everything was all about me, me and me. I knew I was one of the "beautiful" people, and was convinced the earth revolved around me. My physical image and the material things I accumulated were the means I used to measure my value and identity. I elevated myself on a pedestal, and just knew I was the best thing since sliced bread. In my warped mind, I was better than most people and just knew everyone was jealous of me. So yes … you can say I thought I was overcoming life with no problems. But I would soon find out how clearly shallow my perspective on life was...

It was a merciful awakening! It was a severe mercy! But it most definitely was not either one of those things to me when the crisis hit. It seemed like everything that was valuable to me was falling apart. It felt like the end, and I can honestly say I hated the world! "What did I do to deserve this?" "Why me?" Again...everything was "me" focused. "God, why are you picking on me?" ... that's ironic, because before all of this happened, God was not a part of My life.

I was diagnosed with a rare muscle disease (Muscular Dystrophy), which severely limits me physically. It's crazy, I used to worship my body ... my self worth was based on physical appearance. Wrapped in the most horrific packaging, was the most precious gift of all. What I viewed as a crisis has been a catalyst for an encounter with the Living God.

Even though I am ambulatory, I am pretty much confined to being home on Disability. I no longer have to be a part of the rat race we call the workforce. God has given me the gift of time, and has allowed me to draw close to Him, learn from Him, love Him, and be loved by Him. It's as though a veil was lifted from my eyes. Now I can see so much clearer, and I have an entirely new perspective on life. Things have radically changed ... what used to be important to me is now of little significance, and vice versa. I can now emphasize with others who are hurting and suffering, not just pity them like I did before. I can see God work through this illness by giving me the privilege of comforting others, only because of the comfort He has given me. I know now that God isn't a respecter of persons. I guess the overwhelming thing for me is...what really blows my mind...is that God loved me so much, He wouldn't let me continue on the path I was on. He allowed this to happen because He knew it would be the only way to get my attention...the only way I could pass from the world of darkness into glorious light.

It's frustrating beyond belief having this muscle disease, and I feel like I am a prisoner in my own body. It means everything to me to know that I have a Savior who lives. It helps to know that Jesus was a Man of Sorrows, and he understands what it's like to be one of us with all of this craziness happening to our bodies (and the sickness in our souls). He learned obedience from His suffering. We just need to keep reminding ourselves that God has a great plan for us, and we need (I need) to meditate on Romans 8:28..."God works ALL things out for the good of those that love Him and who are called according to His purpose." God says ALL things, not some things.

I'm human, and still struggle, but so confident when I say...yes, it's only because of God I am overcoming life!

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