Monday, May 28, 2012

Loosely Held Plans


At 2:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning a week a and half ago, I felt like an explosion took place on the right side of my face wrapping around my eye, jaw, and the back of my head.  Thus began nine days of throbbing, excruciating pain.  A major nerve that wraps around my head became inflamed.  I even lost the use of my right eye.  Yes, ice and Advil became my best friends.

Several days later, I was suppose to have a graduation party for my precious daughter Cassi who just finished a semester carrying 30 units, yes, 30 units and graduated from college.  Cancelled.

My dream ministry job was starting that next Sunday at church.  I was asked to be one of three women who pray over and match mentors with mentees.  I was suppose to go to the kick off meeting and listen to all 40 women give a three minute talk about their lives and the next morning, match them all up.  I was going to be given several mentees who wanted help in their marriages.  I was SO excited...Cancelled.

My mom and dad had a big celebration luncheon for their 60 year wedding anniversary at the same location that Alyssa and Jon were married.  Fresh salmon was on the menu and the whole family and some of my parent's closest friends were going...I couldn't go.

I have learned that my plans have to be held very loosely.  The first 40 hours of my pain when I could hardly even sip water or talk, the verse that kept going through my head was ~

We know ALL things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purposes.
Romans 8:28

I love God and I am called according to His purposes so I knew that what I was going through was going to work out for good.  I kept renewing my mind with God's wonderful Truth and was given hope.

Yes, I had to miss out on some wonderful things but I know Who is in control and I trust Him.  I know He loves me and has a wonderful plan for my life.  So far it has involved a lot of pain but I know He is good and will use it for good.

There is no better thing in life than living for Him.  This life is short.  We must live with our plans open wide to Him knowing that His ways are best, even the hard and trying times.  Trust Him.

Domestically Divine, Teach Me Tuesday, Women In The Word, Imperfect Prose, Hearts 4 Home

Comments (19)

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Thanks Lori for that post. I KNOW where you are... I have been living with TMJ for many years. I have tried everything. I now have pain in my neck, ear and down my arm and shoulder. I am left-handed and this is the arm affected. I clean houses part-time to help the elderly ladies in my church. I had to give it up. I no longer work in the kitchen at church helping with the funeral dinners. I have felt so guilty but now I see that I can only do what I can. I am in God's hands and he is in control. I do all that I can on my part to eat healthy, I am very holistic and use vitamins, not drugs, unless I can't take the pain. I will be praying for you. I know you wanted to be with your family for those milestones. God created you and knows what he is doing.
3 replies · active 669 weeks ago
That sounds rough, Diane. Does icing a lot help? It has helped me.
Yes Lori.. The ice is wonderful for a temporary fix. I have also done massage therapy and am considering accupunture. I tell my husband I would drink "pond scum" if it would help me get better. Any suggestions will be considered.
Praying for your eye.
I worked for an orthodontist who treated TMJ with fantastic results. See if you have an orthodontist in your area who works with TMJ patients.
Praying for you Lori
so sorry to hear you are in pain
has the sight come back in your eye?
God Loves you so much I know
that "this too shall pass"
sending you Love
Please let me know if I can help in any way
Pam
1 reply · active 669 weeks ago
Thanks, Pam. My eye is better but not completely normal yet. I will probably be going to an opthamologist in a few days if it isn't completely well. I appreciate your prayers!
Oh my Lori, I'm sorry you have been experiencing that. I hope you are on the mend now! That is such a good lesson to pull away from it though- having your plans held loosely. Sometimes when things don't work out as we planned, our attitudes suffer (I know this firsthand!). Blessings to you!

~Nicole - @ (the new) workingkansashomemaker.com
Melissa M.'s avatar

Melissa M. · 669 weeks ago

I'm so sorry Lori! I hope you feel better soon! Praying for you.
Sorry to hear that you are very unwell. I will pray that the Lord will heal you very soon. I hope that the Drs find out what causes this. Godbless. Perhaps this is a time where some women can minister to you? Thank you for your witness. Cassie
I always try and remember when making *plans* that God often alters my *plans* and I chuckle and think what a great sense of humor He has :) stoppin by from the link up http://simplyhelpinghim.blogspot.com/
QUOTE: "...There is no better thing in life than living for Him. This life is short. We must live with our plans open wide to Him knowing that His ways are best, even the hard and trying times. Trust Him."

Amen

Hope you are feeling much better now Lori
Cynthia Swenson's avatar

Cynthia Swenson · 669 weeks ago

Sorry to hear of your suffering Lori. I am amazed that you kept on posting and think you are pretty strong to keep on! May the Lord give you comfort! Love & prayers, in Jesus, Cynthia
1 reply · active 669 weeks ago
I didn't keep posting. I have a lot of posts written that just get published every day the same time. There was no way I could have written during that time. This was the first post I have written in two weeks! Thank you for the prayers.
Lori, all my prayers are with you. It is amazing that even in the midst of your pain, God can still use your writing to bless others (me).
oy i hope the pain has gone away and yo are doing better...it does stink to have to miss out on those things...but i am glad that you did not let the messed up plans derail you and take away other small joys along the way....
I love how you explain with love and celebration each event that you were not able to attend. I love that you honored them and did not bring in bitterness. I believe in some way you were still able to live them, because of your determination to bless and not curse.
I hope you are feeling better, friend.
Oh my goodness. I've never heard of an inflamed nerve. It sounds awful. I like how you directed us back to the solid rock, the One who never cancels.
This sounds so painful. I know when I had Bell's Palsy I had to miss my brother's wedding. His wife is still a bit resentful, but this is the price paid. God is good. I hope you feel better soon. You write so descriptively. :)
Wow, Lori. Your faith shines through so brightly in these tribulations. Thank you for sharing your faith and your heart. I hope it isn't something you will ever have to go through again, but I know if you do, you will be blessed in the process.
Blessings,
Charlotte

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