Thursday, August 29, 2013

Go the Distance

Go the Distance...
Well...I am at story #4 with the healing, art and music project I am working on. Go the Distance is in another re-write. As songwriters know a song is rarely written but often re-written.  Song to come. Story to share...

One hot July evening, I had the privilege of hearing a young woman's story. She has a spark in her eye that makes you want to get to know her.    Her story began when she was in the 5th grade when her entire family got the stomach flu.  Everyone recovered but her.   She lost weight and had stunted growth.  In sports, she was knocked down easily and was slow to get up.  This is not what a ten year old generally experiences.  Her doctor did some tests and discovered she had both celiacs and crohns disease.  She soon began a gluten free diet along with trying different steroids which made her puff up and break out.  As a result, she was quite embarrassed as a child. She eventually began IV injections and currently gets them every two months for three hours at a time.
 
During her junior year in high school, she switched doctors and he suggested prednisone shots.  One of the not so fun side effects made her hair fall out.  The meds she was taking were no longer working so they tried another drug.  The side effects were such that they could cause a rare form of skin cancer and could suppress her immune system.  After much consideration, she began getting IV injections every two months for three hours at a time. 

When asked about the hardest part of her journey she said, "There was one trial after another and I had to trust in God's plan."  The steroids were consistently hard for her not knowing if they would even work.  Even though her journey has been difficult, she is grateful that her relationship with God has grown.  She gets encouragement from her faith community and one very special teacher/coach of hers from high school.  She knows that people are made to be in community and that support has gotten her through.
When asked what advice she would give to someone who is going through a difficult time, she said, "I suggest strengthening your relationship with God so you can learn to give it all to Him!  It is also important to build a community of support."  In addition, her source of joy comes from taking spiritual retreats, spending time with friends, relaxing, playing soccer and camping with her family.  Her outlook from here on out is..."If I can get through the lowest of times, I can get through anything.  I've never blamed God.  I take up my cross daily and I'm learning acceptance in my journey with Him."  Above, is her journey depicted through a piece of artwork.
 

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Pondering

This song  just came while I was doing some morning writing time.  We all have times that we reflect on...perhaps regrets, mistakes, times we failed and how we grew from them.  I think about times I kept doing the same things over and over expecting different results=insanity.  When we see others going down paths that are harmful it's easy to want to judge or rescue when sometimes people need to hit rock bottom and take personal responsibility...sometimes it is appropriate to intervene...This song speaks to reflecting and having gratitude that God uses everything in our lives for our good and His glory.  I also know that I am just a step away from falling backwards to where I used to be and pondering those places makes me press forward, get counsel, and give much thanks!!

Pondering

Like a square that is trying to fit into a triangle sized hole
Ooo no
Like a foot that is trying to fit into a glove not a shoe
Whoa wrong thing to do
If you try to use a hammer to cut down a tree believe me
You'll stand there for many, many years
If you want to get to shore you will have to ride on a boat not a bike
I am just making observations about choices in life

Chorus:
Pondering
Pondering
I am looking at you but seeing me
I am looking at you and pondering

Even with 20/20 vision things can get blurred
From the messages of this crazy, crazy world
There is a narrow road that leads to life
The path of destruction is right by its side
The path of destruction is right by its side

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
I could have avoided many mistakes
if I would have stopped filling the ache in my heart

Tag:
God still needs to fill my heart
Everyday is a new start