Moving when you are chronically ill is a challenge. Laura shares how she is trying to keep her priorities in the right place. "Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young--a place near your altar, Lord Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising You." (Psalm 84: 3-4). Our house is for sale. We are moving a whopping three miles to the next town. We had hoped to relocate when we were in our late sixties, but my chronic illness sped up our plans twenty years. We’re excited, however, that this move will lessen our home-maintenance load a bit and provide an easier lifestyle. There is apprehension. Our house has only been on the … [Read more...]

Illness can feel like a fire of affliction but Karlton share how we can make it through without even being singed. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:2) Jack Pines grow well after there is a fire. The fires cause the older trees to open their cones and release seeds which can grow in the fire-scorched ground. The forest management service will often set fires on purpose just to help these trees thrive. The fire of affliction may "burn our body" but it cannot harm our soul. Yet our physical afflictions can cause us much pain and misery. What … [Read more...]

Can fear of the future take over your life and cause you to forget that God will take care of each of us? Karlton explains why we don't need to be a top "prepper." "But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'" (Luke 2:10) In the past month I have spoken with two preppers on two different occasions. My understanding is that preppers are people who are preparing for the end. They are people who are storing away guns, food, water, anything they believe essential for survival when civilization ends due to financial collapse, government collapse--whatever it takes to end the world as we know it. I think there are those with afflictions and disabilities who live with a … [Read more...]

How much does fear control your decisions, your emotions? Karlton tackles this emotion and shares how we puts it in its proper place. "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7) I must admit that sometimes it is my fear, rather than my faith that carries me. In my mind I know that the Lord is going to work things out, my reason comprehends that the Lord is with me and helping me. Yet doubt, dread, and fearful emotions try to sweep away that reason, try to remove that comprehension, and replace it with fearful feelings and imaginations. I suspect that our emotions, often because of our afflictions, keep us in a state of susceptibility to fear. Our imaginations can … [Read more...]