Sunday, June 21, 2015

Hidden Years with God {Health Update}


My life is hidden with God. I have missed MANY things in my life: weddings, vacations, eating out, get together, parties, etc. My health problems {brain tumor, neck fusion, and weak gut} have caused me to miss out on life and living. Or have they?

I used to look at Facebook and see all those I know having a wonderful time while I was home in pain. It used to make be envious, but it doesn't anymore. I know, without a doubt, that I am right where God wants me to be. I am hidden with Him. Due to my health, I learned I could write! I learned I could blog and minister to other women right here in my home. I woke up one morning over four years ago and decided I would try blogging. I didn't think I was a good writer at all but I knew I LOVED to teach. I sat at my computer for a minute and thought, "What should be the name of my blog? Always Learning. That's what I'll call it." You know the rest of the story.

Ken has been encouraging me to write a book. One morning last year, I woke up and decided to write a book. I thought, "Mmmm, what should I call it? I thought of a name right then and there. {I don't want to say it in case I ever publish it!}" I spent the next few weeks writing it. It didn't take long. You see the length of my posts. It doesn't take me long to write what I want to write. After writing a bit, I told Ken, "I don't have anything else to say. It's not very long but I'm done. I said all I needed to say!" My sister told me she enjoys books that aren't that long since long books usually say the same thing over and over again. We may or may not publish it. We'll see.

Anyways, God has used me in my hidden years with Him. He's allowed me to minister to many women. During my many sleepless night, He puts a song in my head praising Him that plays over and over again that gets me through the pain-filled nights. Every morning, I teach the Word of God to the chat room and by texting some women who I've mentored over the years. Every morning, I spend time in His Word marking up my Bible with highlighter pens. I love studying the Word of God. It NEVER gets old. I've become a MUCH better wife. Just ask Ken! We rarely argue anymore and if a discussion begins to get a little heated, I back off quickly knowing that arguing is not pleasing to the Lord and in arguing, I'm not respecting him. Ken, more often than not, feels  respected and appreciated by me now. We LOVE being married to each other!

It took Paul over 14 years after his conversion to begin his ministry {Galatians 2:1}. Moses was in the desert MANY years before he led the Israelites out of Egypt. If you are in a hard, painful place, don't be discouraged. You are right where God wants you to be. You may not be a writer or blogger, but every person has a special gift from God and He will give you a ministry right where you are even if it is simply praying for others, which this world desperately needs.

As long as God is on His throne, which is forever, He will use you for His purposes. Rest in this knowledge and allow Him to mold you into the image of His dear Son during your hidden years with Him.

For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:3

***I had my yearly MRI several weeks ago to see if my brain tumor had grown or not. It'll always be nerve wracking during the waiting period between the MRI and the doctor's call. He finally called and said that it was either the same size or a bit smaller. {Cyber Knife doesn't get rid of the tumor; it's purpose is to "control" the tumor from growing.} I am also seeing a naturopath to test my hormones and supplement any that may be fading from damage from the radiation. I'll get the blood results in several weeks to see how my little pituitary is holding up! {It's been smashed several times, manipulated by neurosurgeons as they tried to remove the tumor and radiated, so it's been quite beat upon.} My vision continues to be very good; no change at all. Praise the Lord!
picture source

Comments (20)

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Dear Lori ,

I am praising the Lord for you and the many ways that He has sustained you and used you for the furtherance of His Kingdom. Your teaching has been a great source of encouragement to me.

Thank you for the update on your health. No new growth is indeed good news! I will pray for your "little pituitary!"

In His Grace,
Martha
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
Thank you, Martha! I do appreciate it.
I really hope things keep going your way, no one should suffer,
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
I'm thankful that I found your blog and that you allow God to minister through you. You don't know how many times I've gone through your archives to find a particular subject that I needed wisdom and motivation about (everything from health, to dealing with clutter, to blessing my husband and my daughter, financial issues, social issues...). It's really helped me and I appreciate all of your work, thought and prayer that you put into what you write. I will speak up and say that I hope you do publish your book! I'll keep praying for your health. You're a true example of courage and strength while going through something so difficult. Please keep writing =)
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
Thank you, Katie. I plan on writing as long as the Lord allows me to since I never seem to run of out things to write about! I could publish several posts a day but I don't want to overwhelm people. I've always loved learning and sharing what I learn with others; just ask my husband and children!
I think it is so wonderful that you have "kept up with the times" and are using blogging and texting to minister. I know some women in your demographic who refuse to text saying it's "too complicated" or "too impersonal" and think the internet is a horrible place full of only evil. But God is everywhere! And texting is fabulous for mothers with young kids because it allows us to communicate with the "outside world" while not spending time chatting on the phone :)
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
I am so thankful for the Internet and texting, Gina, since it has opened an avenue for me to be able to teach women even while feeling poorly. The Internet and texting aren't evil; they can be used for good or evil. It all depends upon the person who types the words and what is in their heart.
So glad you had a good report from the doctor! God is good!
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
He is so good! Thank you, Vikki.
Thank you so much Lori for ministering to us through your ill health and I'm thankful you have a good report .(It must be nerve wracking knowing that 'it' is always there.)

You have no idea what your words of encouragement meant to me this morning as I often feel discouraged about my undiagnosed 'disability'. Only a couple of years ago that was me briskly and smoothly walking down the footpath to exercise just for fun and fresh air, striding out with my husband on our ritual walk. (No one would know by looking a me or my lifestyle that I have any health issues.) Your words help me to realise I'm not the only one struggling with health problems and that you've coped, grown and helped others while being hidden in Christ.

Yes please Lori, I hope one day your book is published (but I am so grateful for your daily postings!)

THANK YOU again.
1 reply · active 510 weeks ago
You're welcome, Linda! Yes, there are many people out their suffering with illness and pain. Do you have "Streams in the Desert" devotional? It's my favorite and it has encouraged me every day for many years.
I'm very thankful I found your blog. When I first started reading it, I would sometimes think, "She's out to lunch!" but as time went on and the more I learned between our Women's Bible Study at church, my own studying and reading your blog, the less I disagreed - in fact, hardly ever anymore. It's God's amazing grace that has put you in my path.
Wishing you more continued health, and the peace that you have with your health issues is a great gift from God!
1 reply · active 509 weeks ago
Thank you, Maria! There's nothing better in life than to know the Lord is using me for His purposes.
Lori
Thank you for everything you do and the wisdom you share with us every day!. So pleased to hear the Mri showed that things were steady in terms of your health.
God bless you richly :)
Helen UK
Such good news Lori about your health. Praise the Lord.
Dawn E. Brown's avatar

Dawn E. Brown · 509 weeks ago

Lori,you are a real inspiration to me.I am at the same stage of life,empty nest,so much more time and attention is paid to my dear husband of 35 years.We too love being married to each other.I too feel such a responsibility to encourage the younger woman.Sadly,many younger women are working and not interested in being obedient to the Scriptures.I am talking about Christian women.What would you suggest with even your married children,do I share from Scripture and my heart how they should be loving and serving their husbands,or do I pray only?Just wondering as this is where I find myself. I so appreciate your writings, Dawn E. Brown
1 reply · active 509 weeks ago
Yes, Dawn. Share God's Truth with them and hopefully, they will have soft and teachable hearts to listen. If they are not, then pray for them. Whenever I go to a bridal shower, I give them Created to Be His Help Meet.
I have struggled off and on in my adulthood with debilitating pain. I know some of what you have dealt and deal with. But can I say, that through your 'hidden years' you reached me where I needed it and changed my life and my marriage. And I learn every day from you and a few others how to be a better mom. Thank you so much for obeying God and reaching me!
1 reply · active 509 weeks ago
Thank you, Desiree! Yes, God uses our trials and suffering for His purposes if we allow Him.

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