Where God has My Life

This picture of a sunrise perfectly illustrates where God has my life; emerging from the sea of illness and bursting through the clouds of uncertainty, ready for a new day. 

The post series began over a year ago with the original title being: Where My Life Is.

I have since changed the title because the Lord is graciously showing me over and over again that my life is not mine at all. It’s a constant process of dying to my self again and again. Since practicing this much needed act of dying daily the Lord is opening my eyes to how selfish I am. (Not something I like to readily admit.)

Nevertheless He is guiding me through each day. That’s one (of many) nuggets of truth He is teaching me; to focus on the day ahead, not the next day, week, or even month. Sure I can prepare for the days ahead, but I don’t need to worry about them. The Lord has all that under control and I need not worry. Whatever happens in a day is allowed by Him.

In recent weeks the Lord has been steadily restoring my energy. 

It started with Him healing my voice back in December. From there it turned into a snowball effect of building my body back up. I continue to sing; turns out that the Lord completely healed my voice. 

I am now able to attend church weekly, instead of once a month!

I get up early!! (Insert squeal of excitement here) 

In the past year I've barely been able to manage to get up before seven a.m. I required lots of sleep, especially when I was dealing with Insomnia issues. Before the Lyme I was an early bird and greatly missed being one.

That’s all been eradicated, and I am now able to pop out of bed at five o’clock, when my alarm clock beeps like a monotone bird. And there is no exaggeration on the popping out of bed. Yes, there are a few days when I get up, set the alarm to go off in maybe fifteen more minutes, or even an hour, but almost always I bounce out of bed. It’s exhilarating to have the energy to start my day so early. This is a delight as I am able to literally spend hours immersed in God’s word and presence.

Just this week, well more like yesterday, I resumed exercising. 

Walking in the elements is a favorite activity of mine. I go after I’m finished with my Bible time; the crisp winter morning air heightens my senses and oftentimes keeps my head cleared. Not to mention the fact that I get to see the sun rise! While I’m walking I discuss with God the insights I've learned that morning, or different things I’m struggling with.

 Today I was able to do my assigned house chores. 

This may seem like no big deal, but I haven’t been able to do chores, or even clean, make dinner, or do dishes, for almost a year straight. It wore me out so quickly; very frustrating, yes, but patience won out. It was hilarious to see the shocked expressions on my family’s faces as they saw me sweeping the living room.

In two weeks I will be teaching piano once again! 

This has all of my amazingly patient piano students all excited. I’m not sure who is excited more, me or them. I pray I’ll be able to teach them longer then just months at a time. We’ll see what the Lord has in store for all of us.

This is basically where the Lord has my life! I look back to where I was a year ago and am stricken with awe at the vast difference. Our God is great! Beyond that, He is marvelous and amazing!

If you are discouraged, depressed, or frightened concerning the circumstances in your life, take heart, the Lord has you there for a reason. Whatever that reason(s) may be, you might not ever know until you reach heaven, but as Romans 8:28 says, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.

Everything works together for good, including the bad things. There is a season for everything; this too shall pass.
 Please don’t give up, rely on the Lord for grace and strength to carry you through the day, and if it happens, through the hour. God will supply all your needs. 

All you need to do is ask.

Here are the previous posts following my journey through Lyme disease:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8
Part 9

A Random Update Followed With a Poem of Mine

I haven't really posted anything from what's going in my life. And most of you dear readers are probably wondering what happened to the real Haley! Well here are a few things:

I've been busy with preparing for the World Piano Competition for several months now. But here recently things have been getting a little more hectic due to the fact that the second audition is this Saturday. Exciting,  yet a little terrifying at the same time.

School has been another big thing for me. I'm planning on graduating in May/June and I'm going to take the SAT test in May. That has me busy with tying all of my 'loose ends' up. :)

Another huge thing that has effected my life a bit more than I would like, is health issues. A few little details on that subject....
Ever since December 4th I've been having problems with being able to eat and not feel sick. Most days I just eat enough to get by. I know that is not the smartest or wisest thing to do, but when you have hardly any appetite at all and you are just plain scared to eat...yeah...food just isn't my favorite thing right now.
Turns out after I had a HIDA scan it revealed that my gallbladder is barely working. That's a problem. I've done two gallbladder cleanses and each time I felt awful afterward. I've been laid up for about two months and due to the fact that I'm not eating I've lost some weight. That's OK. I did have weight to lose. Anyway, I'm not complaining and I'll get to that later.
I went to a gastrointestinal (GI) specialist earlier this afternoon. The doctor told me that my gallbladder is more than likely diseased and will need to be surgically removed. He joked with my mom and said we would plan the surgery unless she had another way of removing it. :P The appointment with the surgeon has not been set yet. Anyway, next Friday (February 8th) I have a gallbladder ultrasound in the morning and at 1:15 that afternoon, I will have a scope done. What will happen during the scope is I will be put to sleep and they will slip a small camera type thingy down my throat and into my body and take pictures of my gallbladder. What happens from there I don't know.
So if you wouldn't mind sending up a few prayers for me I would really appreciate it.

Now I don't want to sound like I'm complaining over my current situation/illness. Oh no. Not me. Yes, it does get tiring and old just having to sit a lot because I don't feel good most of the time, but the Lord is teaching me a ton through all of this. I'm learning patience. That's one of the first lessons the Lord brought to my mind when I asked Him what He was doing. A sure funny question to ask the Lord, but I was curious and desperate.
Don't ever underestimate the power of patience. Patience is a wonderous thing, but that's a whole other blog post. But yes, the Lord is teaching me patience, endurance, long-suffering, determination, and joy in suffering. Tracing rainbows through my rain. Yes, the Lord wants us to joy in our suffering. He gives us the strength we need every day to endure it if we only ask Him for it.
My word of encouragement to you is this:
If you are going through a hardship in your life at this time, look to the Lord for the strength you need. He will willingly give it. He wants you to rely on HIM. And Him only. Search the Scriptures. His promises to you are overflowing in that blessed book. Don't give up. Press on! This is for a season and the Lord will get you through it. He has a reason and a plan for everything. He allows things to happen and whether they are good or bad He will turn them for our good. (Romans 8:28)

Now, that I've rambled on long enough....here's a poem, more like a song that I wrote. I was feeling a bit down the other night. Here are a few more of my thoughts for you to read. I hope I haven't been too...long-winded. :)

Safe In Your Arms

When my fears threaten to seize

My heart in a cold clenching grasp

I know You are watching over me

When my mind fills up with doubt

And I can’t seem to take control

I know You are within and without

So please take me in Your arms

Hold me close and don’t let go

Reassure me I’m safe from all harm

Oh, Lord Jesus, You’re my Father

I’ve no reason to doubt You

Safe in Your arms, You love like no other

As I plead and cry to You

Satan tries to discourage me

And convince me I’m not getting through

But through the clouds of my storm

Your loving voice falls on my ear

And tells me, “Come, you’re tired and worn.”

So please take me in Your arms

Hold me close and don’t let go

Your love is greater than the world’s charms

Lord, I trust You completely

My life is safe in Your hands

I bask in the knowledge that You love me

Your love dispels all my fears

And brings me to tears of sheer joy

For I know I’m loved by One who cares

Lord, I can never recount

All the blessings You’ve given me

I can never repay this amount

Oh, Jesus, Friend and Savior

Great and Mighty is Your name

You are the ultimate love giver

You are always here for me

I’ve no cause to doubt at all

I’m safe in Your arms for eternity

Oh, Jesus, I’m safe in Your arms.