Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Humbled by True Gratitude


Some of you know that I have suffered from RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) for the past ten years. You know that I am waiting on my healing, believing that God want's me whole and well, able to do what I need to for my family, to serve Him, to be my best.

I try to give God the glory. I try to fight pain and allow Him to use me, even if I'm stuck in bed.

I try not to complain.
 I try. And I fail.

 I fall miserably short of what He expects of me. I get short with my children. I complain far too often about not feeling well. (As if saying it out loud actually makes it any better)




God appoints people who do disappoint – to point to a God who never disappoints.
                                                                                                                 quote by Ann Voscamp  


I've had some awesome encouragement from many of you. You can't know how much of a blessing your kind words mean to me. You can't know how much hope and joy they give me or how they confirm to me what God is up to in my life. It means more than you can possibly know.

Once in awhile, I come across someone who is walking on faith - so much so - that I become painfully aware of the places in my life that need improving. It becomes clear to me that I've just scratched the surface of what it means to fully trust Him.

You  may have heard of - as there have been so many touched by -
 the life and loss of Sara /aka- Gitzen Girl.
Who's "one little word for 2011 was- PRAISE" 


Even under the grips of the terrible disease known as Ankylosing Spondylitis  - 
Every . Single . Day . 
Sara Chose Joy! 


"I'm more likely to tell you how I am despite my disease, not because of it. 
I am more than that. I'm more than a sick person."
                                                                                         Sara Frankl 


Sara's case was the first I'd read about Ankylosing Spondylitis 

Now, as introduced to me by Rebecca of Moms Mustard Seeds - I'm reading about her
friend Anita Mellott - you may have already been introduced (bloggily speaking) 
because of her fabulous homeschool book - 


(you can purchase your own by clicking the picture) 
Or, before December 16th - you can win a copy from Moms Mustard Seeds!

Sadly, Anita has now come forward with the information that she too, has been diagnosed with AS.
On the subject of Thankfulness and Gratitude, 
This incredible woman speaks to my heart when she says - 

 "Though my sacrifice of thanksgiving doesn’t alter my circumstances, it sparks within me the ability to see God’s hand in the valley, helping me embrace each day and treasure what I do have."

*Please take a moment to click the link below and read Anita's article for yourself- 
You'll be glad you did- I promise!

An excerpt-
 “Choose thankfulness.” The two words that I had sensed should be my motto through this journey of pain and illness lodged themselves in my heart. I shook my head. How do I choose thankfulness when I could hardly see or walk? Several minutes later when I couldn’t shake those two words, I sighed and stood up. With one hand holding my back and the other gripping the dresser and then the wall for support, I hobbled toward the staircase. “Lord, thank you for my family…and for all who lift me up in prayer. Thanks for the many friends who stand ready to help at a moment’s notice. Thank you for good doctors and insurance… And thank you that despite the pain I can still get around.” 




You see? Boy am I am wimp!!! What a wonderful testimony of grace, love and gratitude

. . . . . I humbled as I count to 1000 gifts and beyond  . . . .





#69 for medicine that helps me walk and get around
#70 for access to care when it's needed
#71  a bathtub full of hot water and jets that wash away pain
#72  little boys who care and love with soft touches and tender hearts
#73  a husband who never falters and is always on the ready to help, who doesn't 
complain when I need rest, and jumps right in even after a full day of work
#74  a friend who brings special healing oil and prayers
#75  friends who lift me up in prayer on a regular basis and give support and love
#76  fresh air and sunshine that lifts my spirits and helps me remember to be grateful
#77 that I'm surrounded by loved ones 
#78 for a healing to come - I believe- I believe! 
#79 For examples like Anita who testify to His faithfulness and show me how to walk - how to live
#80 constant reminders from up above that I am loved and I cared for -
#81 I'm a child of the living King




And so, I walk on - in faith knowing that He cares for the tiny sparrow
How much more then must He care for me, His daughter?
How much more does He care for you, my friend?




“Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,

Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches over me.”


*Please join me in praying for Anita 
 
I deeply desire to walk on faith - 
 to be grateful for each and every moment - each and every day -
I want to work towards living a life of true gratitude!

Thank you Lord for providing such  inspiring examples  in women like Sara, and Anita
 for touching my heart and 
my life by their faith & gratitude.
It is truly humbling! 


Linking with -

 Mustard Seeds   
     joy pockets

9 comments:

Jill said...

Beautiful, Kelly. I will check out your friends blog.

Rebecca said...

Kelly, you...my friend...have a heart like Christ...you show his love through your words...and I am blessed to call you friend. Thank you for adding Anita to your prayers!!!

Rebecca said...

Kelly, you...my friend...have a heart like Christ...you show his love through your words...and I am blessed to call you friend. Thank you for adding Anita to your prayers!!!

Unknown said...

You are both precious and sweet encouraging friends- thank you- oh, no- no, heart sometimes (I try to let Him live through me) but unfortunately, so many times my attitude and mouth get in the way! Thank you so much for your sweet words- you make me cry! And really, all I want is for Him to have glory - I'm only alive and functioning because of His grace and love!

Jennifer said...

I'm praying for Anita and for you! I am also working on choosing joy and being thankful!

Unknown said...

Visiting from Ann's...I love #76! Thanks for sharing your list.

My Beautiful World said...

So happy I found your beautiful blog I have enjoyed looking around lovely to meet you. I have just found your lovely blog through the blog on Wednesday walk wonderful to join in. I'm now following you hope you visit me and follow back so nice to find new friends to catch up with. I will also pray for Anita God bless have a great day.
Always Wendy

Theresa said...

I always love your posts. Just beautiful.

MomLaur said...

This is beautiful Kelly. Truly a heart seeking after the truth. It isn't always our successes at doing things "right" which bring us closer to Christ - moreso it is in doing things so completely wrong that we are redirected back into his loving arms, care and forgiveness. Thank you for sharing your struggles, and for letting him live through you. You are an encouragement!