Tuesday, September 20, 2016

THE BREATH OF LIFE



There is nothing like taking a big breath of fresh air.   For the past ten months, this has been difficult for me because of a sickness that overtook my lungs and into my bloodstream.  In the early stages, I had to wear a mask all day and everywhere I went.   

The doctors didn’t have any other antidotes or treatments.  We had to wait for my body to heal itself.  I refused to be defeated or give up without a fight.  I began to stock up my war arsenal with songs.
I diligently sought the Lord who fearfully and wonderfully made this body for answers.  I heard the instruction in my spirit to sing a love song to Him.  I searched in my mind which song carried the sentiment of my heart.

The lyrics to an adored song sung by Lamar Campbell and the Spirit of Praise came to mind titled, “More Than Anything.”   In the first attempt, I sang two words and had a coughing spell that lasted 6 minutes.   I sang each day as long as I could for 5 weeks.   I walked through my home, choking, tissue in hand, with my hands raised toward heaven. 

 In the 6th week, I was able to sing the entire song without interference.  It felt as if the Angels from heaven were surrounding me, clearing the way as I walked singing:  “I lift my hands in total adoration unto you.  You reign on the throne, for you are God and God alone.  Because of you my cloudy days are gone; I can sing to you this song.  I just want to say that I love you more than anything.  I love you Jesus, I worship and adore you”.  I felt a level of anointing that I hadn’t experienced in years. I had reached the throne of God.  My lungs were beginning to working at full capacity. 

 With God’s guidance I began to do research and formulate a plan of how He was going to heal my body.  I discovered the wonderful and powerful world of juicing.  I used juices to help clear the lungs and strengthen the immune system.
I searched the American Lung Foundation’s website for exercises for the lungs and discovered an article discussing the benefits of singing to heal lung disorders in an article in a U.K. medical journal.  

It’s nothing short of a miracle I didn’t die, have permanent lung damage, or a chronic disease.  My only saving grace then and now was God’s love for me.
But look at the wisdom of God, using something as simple as singing a song to help clear and strengthen my lung passageways.

The American Lung Association states that most people breathe 20,000 times per day, but the number of breaths taken daily varies depending on overall health and age.


It takes events like these to remind us that while we waste valuable time waiting on the “big” miracle to occur, there is a more significant miracle that happens each minute of the day; our ability to breathe properly.   

I think of the lyrics to another song in my arsenal, by Michael W. Smith, Breathe: “you are the air I breathe, your holy presence, living inside me…and I’m desperate for you”.   These lyrics reminded me that the spirit of the Almighty God lives inside of me and my very existence rests in Him.  Join me in taking a deep breath in and breathe out praise to God for being able to do it on our own.

Monday, September 5, 2016

BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN




 It’s been awhile since I last posted.  I wish it was because I’ve been on a tropical beach being fed virgin fruit drinks but in reality, I’ve been fighting for my life. 

As God would have it, during this critical health time, He’s been giving me more writing material than I could write down.  I’ve met some new friends, spent time with some dear friends, and made a few new enemies.  I’ve been up, and so down that I thought it was my end. 

I fought financial ruin and emotional breakdowns all with the hand of God on my shoulder to lead me on.  His voice in my ear gave comfort from the pit of death and despair.  His love for me became so apparent and endless that I’m embarrassed as my own shallow impression of it. 

Needless to say, I love Him five times as much as I did last year.  I never believed I could love him more.  My heart hurts when I hear his name and the tears roll when I hear Him call my name.
 I will share more of these experiences and I’m sure He wants with you as the months go by.

I’m reminded of the song Gene Autry sang in one of his famous westerns, back in the saddle again as I write this.  I’ve been off my mark lately but missed the daily routine like a cowboy misses the open range.  It’s good to be back and great to know that God has given me yet another opportunity to write of His glory through my life’s experiences and share them with you, since you are also so special to Him.

So tighten up the reigns of your mind, straighten your back, and put your feet tight in the stirrups of your heart and get ready to ride with me over the plains of my life with Jesus.  I hope you share in the life changing experiences that I’ve had.  I believe you will see God in a different light and your relationship and importance to Him.