Tis the Season...Slave or Free

It's interesting that one day seems to be celebrated for a "season"...

December is filled with shopping, parties, shopping, crafting, SHOPPING, cooking, Shopping, caroling, SHOPPING, eating, Shopping, plays and maybe even a little more SHOPPING (imagine that).

It's no wonder why so many people get depressed right after Christmas. There has to be a bit of a letdown with all of this leading up to one day (not to mention the credit card bills that start to roll in after all of the shopping).

The thought of being a "slave" to something seems to stick out in my mind of late...

The Bible tells us that we should not be a slave to anything (other than Christ). Yet, have you ever realized how much we allow other things to become our masters?

Any SIN that we allow in our lives becomes our master.

ANY SIN!

Pride, Envy, Hate, Lust, etc.

They are the things that we allow to dictate our behavior, our attitudes, our relationships...the reason that we do the things we do.

Ugh! Not a pretty thought, is it?

It may even be the praise of men...

could it be that sometimes we don't give gifts out of genuine love but instead that we may be thought of well by the one receiving the gift. We spend MORE on a gift because we don't want someone to think we're "cheap" or because we want someone to like us.

Generally, I give gifts out of sincerity. Nothing irks me more than the phrase,
"We'll, you know you have to give them something since they got you a gift."

Really?!?!

I think not- I want to be "real" and act out of heartfelt love and sincerity.

I thought we were giving gifts out of sincere love, to show appreciation and as a sign of affection...not DUTY.

Don't get me wrong, I am no Scrooge. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I LOVE to give gifts...I'd be bankrupt if I gave everyone what I would like to...I like to put a lot of thought into what I give. My kids laugh because they never ask for anything (I thank God for children that are not so self-centered and want, want, want) but they always seem to be thrilled with the gifts that they get. I think it's because I don't just get things to shove under the tree but spend a lot of time researching, paying attention to what they like, and then thoughtfully choosing a gift for them.

They don't get tons of gifts either. This year they may get 2 gifts each along with a stocking with some small things and goodies.

But I GUARANTEE they are going to LoVE what they get. (I can hardly wait to see them open them ). For goodness sakes, how awful it would be if they had piles of presents and didn't appreciate anything...unwrapping one thing, tossing it aside and going to the next thing.

I challenge you, dear reader to slow down, think about how you are choosing to celebrate this holiday.

Don't become a slave to the commercialism that seems to have invaded this beautiful season.

Instead find joy in the little things...reflect upon Christ and His ultimate gift.

This time of year is wonderful to stop and REALLY think about the sacrifice Christ made for us so that we can be free from the chains and slavery of sin.

The decorating, the parties, the gift-giving...it's all just fine. But try to think about the reason you do what you...make sure you are living in the freedom Christ has given you if you are HIs Child.

As the Waves of the Ocean

It's so easy to stand on the beach and watch the waves roll against the sand...

how beautiful and relaxing it may be. 

But, when you stand amid the waves, trying to gain a footing, if there for hours, you may find it frustrating at the wrestling with the tide.

This is a good picture of how life has been for me for...hmmm, well ...a good long time.  I feel as if I am out there in the sea, not simply in a boat that's rocking to and fro in the midst of the storm, but rather within the waves, struggling to catch my breath, to gain a footing, to get some respite.

Uhhh, it's a very difficult battle I have been fighting, mostly within.   Each day, there is a battle that rages.  Will I give into this disease or fight? Fight! Ah yes, this is what I want to do but often, I become weary in this battle.  But, really! what other choice do I have but to struggle and fight?  You see, if I were alone on this earth, I could very well, pick a spot on the map, and live as a recluse and just give in. 

BUT, God has given me a family, a purpose on this green planet, and for that simple reason, I have to fight!  I have six children to raise up for the Lord.  I must try, ever so intently, to help them to be what God desires them to be.  I must give them the tools, practically to be a godly wife, a good parent and spiritually to be a strong Christian.  My efforts, truly are flawed but my prayer is that God will give grace and that He will make up for my many short-comings and faults.

What will this result be?  I really can't tell.  Oh, I can imagine these wonderful dreams of my girls being wonderful wives and godly mothers, my boys being strong men that will hold fast in THE faith, loving their wives with delight and valuing their relationships with their children but only God knows what the future holds.  It is up to me and what I do with THIS DAY that is before me.  To hold eternity in view, to die to self and selfish desires, to fight with all of my being, all that would threaten God's best in their lives. 

And so THIS day, I choose to fight, to face these storms with all that I am.  And when there is nothing left in me to fight, then fight some more, to be strong in the Lord and the power of HIS might.

"I Know Who Holds Tomorrow"

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from its sunshine

'Cause the skies might turn to grey.

I don't worry about the future,

'Cause I know what Jesus said,

And today I'll walk beside him

'Cause he's knows what lies ahead.

Many things about tomorrow

 I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

Every step is getting brighter

As the golden stairs I climb.

Every burden is getting lighter

All the clouds are silver lined.

Over there the sun is always shining

And no tears will dim the eye

And the ending of the rainbow

Where the mountains, they touch the sky.

Many things about tomorrow

I don't seem to understand

But I know who holds tomorrow

And I know who holds my hand.

Yes I know who holds my hand.

White Coats & High Hopes

White Coats & High Hopes

So, here I sit in one of the best hospitals in the country

(and likely the world) and what is the prevailing thought? 

 "Life is so disposable."        Or better yet... It is but a vapor.

 There are hundreds of people sitting here in the waiting room to get help for whatever ails them and the first stop is blood work.  Walk up to the counter, "Hilton Building, Desk C" and you are greeted by a smiling, cheerful face.  "Wow" I think to myself.  After all, it's 8am, I'm nervous because I don't know what lies before me, I'm probably patient number 473 this morning alone and this is a welcoming stop on my journey.  Perhaps this is just a really sweet lady!

Blood work done.  Onward to my next appointment.  As we tunnel our way through the underground walkways (aka "subways") toward the main lobby, I feel like I'm entering a beautiful hotel lobby with 40 foot ceilings, marble floors, beautiful art and a pleasant grand piano filling the air with lovely music.

 "Shall we just sit here, drink in the atmosphere and lose ourselves in the music?"  Ahh, no- we didn't travel close to a thousand miles for atmosphere!  I mean it could look like a sanitarium and it wouldn't matter if they did what I needed done!

Appointment after appointment, that lady from the "Hilton Building, Desk C" must have sent her sisters to take care of me because they were ALL so sweet and lovely.  I'm not joking, even the men were pleasant.  We must be on another planet!  Are we still in America?  And "Up North" for goodness sakes!  Everybody knows that "all Northerners are rude." (At least that's what our mamas told us)

No, no, we were in the right place but they must have one of those Wal-Mart kind of morning "pep rallies" before the doors open at 6am for patients, to get everyone motivated and happy. 

                          ************

With all of that being said, I hope I have set the atmosphere quite perfectly for you.  I ended up in "The" Liver Specialist's office by Wednesday.  The bulk of tests had been done and it was time for some serious observation.  We sat and talked with him as he sorted files, read records, asked questions and made notes.  He was a pleasant man, relaxed, calculated and very knowledgeable.  After examining me, it was time for us to ask questions.  We had many fears- my doctors at UVA helped us to understand how serious my condition was, no doubt so that we would handle it seriously and follow their treatment plan.  I had Stage 3 Liver Disease.  They wanted to, "save my liver" and avoid the need for a transplant.  Along with this, we had been studying up on this disease and knew allot of the "Ins and outs" from our reading.

So, what did he say?

He did confirm that I have both PBC (Primary Biliary Cirrhosis) and AIH (Autoimmune Hepatitis). 

They have ordered the actual tissue samples from my last two biopsies and will have them looked at by Mayo.  (He didn't see the point in taking another biopsy)  He believes that with a little different approach, as far as my medicine goes, we can get to the place that we can manage these diseases and the damage they are having on my liver. There are no dietary changes that will aid in managing the effects of this disease on my liver.  I don't need to worry about a transplant: 25 years ago PBC was the leading reason for a liver transplant but with the advancement of medicine and treatment options, it is rare for a PBC patient to need a transplant (even at Stage 4).

Long term, things look good for me.  I will still have the difficulty of day-to-day pain and fatigue from the disease. Over the next week, I have a series of appointments with the chronic pain clinic which will help me with managing my pain through medicine and lifestyle management. (like the physical therapy I am currently doing)

All in all, we are so encouraged!  We are truly rejoicing in The Lord and are THANKFUL for the LIFE He has given me.

Why Mayo?

So why can't I just stay in Virginia and get my treatment at UVA?

After much prodding from my husband, I put in a request with the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.  Within four days, they contacted me with an appointment.  My first thought was, "We don't have a dime to do this".  With tears streaming down my face and the phone still by my ear, my husband told me that God would provide...

Well, he was right- God provided!  He has provided the way, a place to stay and a car to drive. 
Without a doubt, I KNOW that God wants me here!

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic is one of the leading treatment centers for primary biliary cirrhosis in the United States. You benefit from the experience of primary biliary cirrhosis specialists who treat hundreds of people each year.
• Research advances. You have access to the latest diagnosis and treatment advances at Mayo Clinic, which has been conducting research on primary biliary cirrhosis for more than 40 years. Mayo Clinic researchers have studied many treatments for primary biliary cirrhosis and have made significant contributions to understanding its cause, including finding two gene variations that seem to predispose people to primary biliary cirrhosis. This discovery is the first step toward developing targeted treatments and a cure.
• Excellence in liver transplants. Mayo Clinic has performed more than 4,500 liver transplants and has some of the highest transplant survival rates in the world. People with primary biliary cirrhosis who receive transplants have particularly high survival rates.
• Team approach. Liver specialists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons work together as a team to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for people with primary biliary cirrhosis.

The Mountain Top by Abigail Miller

True Treasure

Some women find happiness in their work, some in their social status, some find their happiness in the things they own. But for me, I could not ask for anything more than what God has given me. Above all else in this life of mine, I adore my family. They are my greatest blessing and my most valued treasure. If you knew them the way I know them, you would know why! As I think about each of them, a few things come to mind.

There are so many reasons why I love them but here are a few.

My husband…

The way his eyes still sparkle sometimes when he looks at me

The way that he keeps me grounded- things are black and white to him and me, well not so much

His playful spirit

The way he takes care of me- there are so many ways, but one that especially warms my heart is the way that he wakes me up every morning. He comes into the bedroom, with a cup of hot coffee and my medicine, gently helping me sit up in the bed with a warm hug and a kiss. Then he gives me my medicine. I can’t think of many better ways to be woken up!

Brittany, my 20 year old…

Her smile and playful spirit.

She has such a friendly personality, a “people person”.

Her creativity- I LOVE reading her blog. She has a wonderful way of writing and makes even the most boring things interesting.

She’s so good with children and they love her. She’s going to make a good mommy, she already understands the principles and ways of training. It warms my heart to see her working with them and guiding them in right.

McKenna, my 16 year old…

Her smile and crazy sense of humor.

Her servant’s heart- she’s a worker.

The sound of her piano playing in the background as I work around the house.

She is very good with children and I notice the way she sets her plans aside so she can read a book, jump on the trampoline or play with them.

Elaina, my 14 year old

Her smile and quick wit.

She has the most gentle spirit & tender heart.

She is such a worker- and if I want it done “right” she can handle it without a problem.

She has a submissive attitude and will do whatever I ask without complaint.

Abigail, my 11 year old…

Her compassionate heart & warm spirit

Her love language is definitely touch & needs lots of hugs and encouragement

She is one who will be sure to make an elderly person in the church feel loved & special

She loves animals and babies. I’m sure she will make a good mommy one day!

Samuel, my 8 year old…

His tender heart, he tells me twenty times a day, “Mommy, I love you.” He always has and I hope he always will

The way he loves his little beagle, Copper.

The way he is so sweet to his little brother & takes care of him.

His sense of humor- he is always trying to come up with something funny to do.

He loves to “organize” things either to make his mommy happy or “just because”

Joshua, my 7 year old

His sunshine personality and dimpled smile. Nothing melts mine and his sister’s hearts more than that little smile

His tenderness, he loves any kind of animal. He loves to bring his little treasures to me. There have been many times he has come in from outside with a handful of something, be it lizards, frogs, grasshoppers, you name it. It’s always interesting, I promise you!

He doesn’t mind being the baby of the family. Only sometimes, he will get on his sisters for calling him, “Baby” other times, he quite enjoys it.

I could go on forever but I won’t. Overall, I love my family, I love being with them, I am overwhelmed at times that God has given me such wonders. There is no one on this rich green earth that I would rather be with. I cannot understand the woman that wants to be anywhere but home. My home is my haven. It is the place where I find peace, joy, love, laughter, acceptance, encouragement and comfort. And for this I am most grateful.

Peace in the Valley

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. He leadeth me beside still waters."


Just imagine...place yourself in this picture.


The grass is cool, the sky, a clear azure blue. Hear the birds flutter their wings.
Now, take a look over at the water. The sky is reflected in the the still, calm water...

Is there turmoil? No, there is a strange calm and peace. This morning, as I read my Bible, savoring The Word, The Lord brought this verse to my mind. You see, my body was full of pain but it didn't matter. No, pain was not my focus. Instead, He made me to "lie down in green pastures" and "led me beside the still waters". There was calm in my spirit and peace in my soul. The world stood still as I spent time in prayer and reading The Word. Although there was much to disturb me, pain, sickness, frustration, worry, none of it mattered because I was there, resting in those green pastures.


Oh, if I could, I would love to simply stay there. THERE, with Him. But, life beckons me on- there are things to be done, appointments, errands, household duties. And yet, my soul can still be at peace, for I have the comfort of the Shepherd along with me, still guiding, still comforting, still loving...and I can rest in Him.



"My soul wait thou only upon God... " Psalm 62:5

I Believe To See...

I Believe To See…

Someone once said that “Satan cannot use the tool of discouragement on the heart of a grateful man.” This world is so full of trails, disappointments and difficulties. If we focus on the problems, we miss the blessings (and there are SO many).

So today, I choose to look at the rays of sunlight…those special rays that God is giving to encourage us as we walk this road of life, if we simply look for them.

                   You know, we can usually find what we look for. :)

I Believe To See

 

This world is a place where we believe what we can see.

The tangible, the visible is what must really be.

But, He who would be wise must see with different eyes,

We live by faith, where miracles will come as no surprise.

I believe to see the goodness of the Lord.

I believe the promises He gave us in His Word.

I don't need to know the outcome of His plan.

I will trust His ways, though I can't see His hand.

We're looking for a city that's not made by human hands.

We're living for a purpose that so far exceeds our plans.

When trials take their toll beyond what we control,

We rest upon the Faithful One, the Keeper of our souls..

I believe to see the goodness of the Lord.

I believe the promises He gave us in His Word.

I don't need to know the outcome of His plan.

I will trust His ways, though I can't see His hand

© 2001-2010 Abigail Miller Ministries